beauty review

HOW-TO FILL IN YOUR BROWS WITH A BROW PENCIL | BENEFIT COSMETICS PRECISELY MY BROW PENCIL

February 14, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! And, HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

I hope that you are having a wonderful Valentine’s Day! I truly believe that Valentine’s Day is for everyone, parents, kids, romantic partners, and friends. I hope that you are spending this day with people that you love : )

I absolutely love filling in my brows, and do so nearly every day even when I am not wearing other makeup. I use all different brow products, pomades, gels, waxes, powders, and of course pencils. Today I want to share my current go-to pencil from Benefit Cosmetics.

About the Precisely, My Brow Pencil

This ulta-fine pencil pencil claims 12 hour wear, waterproof, smudge-proof color, custom control grip, a twist-up tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened, and a spoolie brush for blending.

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of the Brow Wiz from Anastasia Beverly Hills, and I decided to give this Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil a try because it has a very fine point similar to the Brow Wiz. I love Benefit Cosmetics brow products, and this is now my new favorite! I was amazed and how easily I could get hair like strokes and how well the pencil blended with the spoolie brush when I combed through them.

My Routine

My favorite trick with brows is to hold the pencil straight up and down against my nose to see where to start my brows, then against the tip of my nose at an angle to see where my arch should be, and then at the tip of my nose to the edge of my eye to see where the tail of my brow should end. I show this on my Leah Tackles Beauty Instagram, so check that out if that was confusing ; ) I start making strokes upwards on the inner part of my brow, mimicking real brow hairs. I then fill in the rest of my brow following the natural shape of my brows. I like doing my brows darker in the middle and tail of my brow, but lighter on the inside. Once my brows are filled in, I use the spoolie brush to brush my brow hairs up on the inner part of my brows, and then comb any stray hairs in place and blending any harsh lines.

Watch Me Use It

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THE BEST FULL COVERAGE DRUGSTORE FOUNDATION | MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY 24 HOUR FOUNDATION

February 7, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

How is your week going so far? I hope that you’re as happy to be closer to the weekend than Monday as I am ; )

I love having an array of foundations for all different occasions, and one foundation type I always need in my stash is a super full coverage and matte foundation that I know can cover all my imperfections while lasting all day long. I have been testing out the Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hour Foundation and want to share my thoughts with you.

My Thoughts

Right off the bat I love that this has a pump bottle instead of plain glass because I find it much easier to get the right amount without waste as opposed to bottled foundation without a pump (I love tube foundations in terms of packaging, too). As with most very full coverage foundations I use a primer (this is my favorite primer) to avoid settling into my pores. I was blown away with how full coverage this really was, and I found it to set very quickly so I had to move fast. When applying this I would suggest dotting a bit of foundation on one area of your face, blend it in with a brush, sponge, or your fingers, and then dot some foundation on another area of your face and repeat so it doesn’t start drying down on you before you’ve blended it into your skin. You can see my apply it with the Eco Tools Sponge on my LeahTacklesBeauty Instagram. When using this foundation I only needed concealer for my dark circles under my eyes (I blame my three Little Loves as well as genetics, love ya mom and dad!).

My Routine

I use my fingers to apply my favorite makeup primer, focusing on my t-zone, before applying the Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hour Foundation in Classic Ivory (*Note: I have noticed that even though I am typically the lightest shade in most foundation ranges, this is even a bit light for me and I will need to mix or go a shade darker in the summer). I enjoy applying this with my favorite Sigma F50 stippling brush or a beauty sponge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a full coverage foundation that stays in place all day long (I didn’t test it for 24 hours, but it wore beautifully for at least 12!) this is a fantastic option at a great price point of about $11. The line has 16 shades in the range, which is a fair amount but I would love to see even more shades available. I love that this foundation doesn’t feel heavy, but gives a ton of coverage.

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Have you tried this foundation? What is your favorite drugstore foundation? Let me know in the comments : ) Have a fantastic weekend! xx

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YES TO TOMATOES FACIAL HYDRATING LOTION REVIEW

November 1, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! And Happy NOVEMBER?! I am not quite sure how that is possible, but we took the Little Loves Trick-or-Treating last night, so I know it’s true ; )

Sometimes when picking items to share with you or review I am looking at newly released items, hyped items, or “shiny” items that seem special or fun. Yes To Tomatoes is part of the Yes To line and an item that I always have on hand, use regularly, and yet somehow haven’t dedicated a post to is the Yes To Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion.

What It Claims

This facial moisturizer in antioxidants and powerful sebum (oil that causes Monday, check out Monday’s post for more on that) absorbers. The Yes To Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion moisturizes and balances your skin.

Why I Love It

I have oily/combo skin and get occasional breakouts, but I also deal with some dryness and fine lines, so having a lotion that isn’t specifically targeted as an acne product but helps combat that AND help my dryness is amazing! I have been using this product for at least four years and will continue to do so. I also love that this is about $10 at the drugstore, so it is a product I can repurchase when I need to without waiting for a sale or having anxiety. My only complaint is that it does not have SPF, so do keep that in mind.

My Routine

I use this on my face and neck after cleansing and toning my face. I sometimes follow up with the First Aid Beauty Oil-Free Mattifying Gel

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Do you have a favorite moisturizer? Let me know in the comments! Have a great day! xx

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PRIMED & PEACHY COOLING MATTE PERFECTING PRIMER REVIEW

September 18, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are ready to have a fantastic week! The Too Faced Peaches & Cream Collection launch features adorable packaging but I resisted purchasing because I have so many palettes from Too Faced that I wasn’t too intrigued. However, I recently received a deluxe size sample of the Primed & Peachy Cooling Matte Perfecting Primer and wanted to share my thoughts with you.

What It Claims

This Sephora website (the Peaches & Cream Collection from Too Faced Cosmetics is exclusive to Sephora) says this primer is cooling, mattifying, it blurs, smooths, and brightens the complexion. This primer has a comfort matte technology, this Primed & Peachy formula delivers a mattifying, soft-focused finish with light and comfortable feel. This says it will control shine for up to 12 hours and will last on the skin for up to sixteen hours.

My Thoughts

This primer has a nice but a bit artificial peachy smell that reminds me of peach rings and I definitely noticed a cooling feel that was refreshing when I applied it to my skin. I like the way this kept my oily skin matte, but I didn’t find it to fill and blur my pores as well as the Benefit Porefessional with certain foundations that tend to settle into my pores. I do think this is very lightweight and refreshing to wear, and it is now high up on my list of favorite primers, but it can’t touch my “holy grail” Benefit Porefessional.

My Routine

I cleanse my face with Purity by Philosophy, tone with my Sea Breeze Astringent, use my Esteé Lauder SPF 25 DayWear, and apply First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Mattifying Gel Moisturizer.

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A MAKEUP BAG THAT FITS EVERYTHING | TARTAN + TWINE WEEKENDER

August 14, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! We celebrated Stephan’s birthday with a big family gathering that was a ton of fun : )

TARTAN + TWINE WEEKENDER

This week we are heading to my family lake cottage and I CAN’T WAIT to get away! Last week I shared a Travel Makeup Bag from Henri Bendel that I use for any trip. My Henri Bendel Cosmetics Bag will be coming in my diaper bag on this trip as well with my daily essentials and sunscreen. Even though I will probably be the days mostly makeup free for swimming and boating, I am of course taking a ton of makeup and skincare because when it is more than a couple days away I really like to have all of my essentials with me. I can take everything I need, and a lot more, easily thanks to my Tartan + Twine Weekender Bag.

THIS BAG FITS EVERYTHING WITH ROOM TO SPARE

SHOP

What bag do you use when traveling? What makeup products do you travel with? What is your favorite skincare item for vacations? Let me know in the comments! xx

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TRAVEL MAKEUP BAG | EXPANDABLE, DURABLE, AND CLASSIC

August 9, 2017 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

In Monday’s post I spoke about what I *actually* have in my makeup bag in my purse, and it got me thinking about my favorite makeup bags for travel. I have two makeup bags that I use regularly for travel, and today I will be sharing the one that I take no matter how long of a trip I’m going on.

This Henri Bendel Canvas Cosmetics Bag is definitely a bit of a splurge in the world of makeup bags, it has a higher price point than ones you would find at a drugstore or Target, but it also still looks stunning & works perfectly after years of regular use. I love how this bag can store flat, but expands to be deeper, and wider than other makeup bags. Also, can we appreciate the beauty of this bag? Henri Bendel can do no wrong!

Stay tuned for next week when I share another makeup bag that I use for travel for both my makeup AND skincare!

SHOP

I have had my cosmetics bag for a couple of years, so I couldn’t find the exact one, but this one is very similar.

What is your favorite makeup bag? What is one item you can’t travel without? Let me know!

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TOP HAIR PRODUCT PICKS FOR LONG HAIR | 2017

July 24, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you guys had a fun weekend! I had a very productive weekend, which always makes me feel good, and still managed to fit in some fun with friends.

I have had this blog for over three years now, and My YouTube Channel for over two years, and I now get questions from a lot of you about some of my beauty, skincare, and haircare products picks via email or messages on social media. I want to say that I am flattered to be asked for my recommendations, and keep them coming : ) I recently found Kit.com, a site where I can create shoppable lists of products from Amazon. I am thrilled to have an easy way to share all of my favorites with you.

Shop My Kit

What do you think of Kit.com? If you enjoy shopping this way, let me know in the comments : )

ARE YOU USING DRY SHAMPOO THE WRONG WAY?

July 19, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Thank you for spending some time to read my blog! If you’re ever watched My YouTube Product Empties, you know I am a dry shampoo addict! I use dry shampoo nearly every day, but to be more specific, I more often use it at *night*…if you want to know why, keep reading!

When To Use Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo must be used only when your hair is completely dry. Dry shampoo absorbs the oil produced by your scalp, and it cannot do that if your hair is wet. The best time to use dry shampoo is before bedtime because it will absorb the oil in your hair while you are sleeping. Using your hair in the morning is fine, but not as effective. You can also use dry shampoo to add texture and volume to your scalp! I like to add a little dry shampoo when my hair is very clean and slippery when drying to curl it to give it a little extra body.

My Routine

I shower every night but only wash my hair every other day, or every couple of days, so on days when I do not wash it I wear a shower cap (this one works great for long hair) and then apply this dry shampoo to the roots. If it has been a couple of days since my last shampoo, I go really heavy to the point where my hair looks like it is gray at the roots, because I do tend to get oily on my scalp. I will touch up with dry shampoo in the morning, but typically use it at night before bed. Be sure to not miss the nape of you neck!

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Are you a dry shampoo addict like me? Were you using dry shampoo the right way? Will you start using it at night now? Let me know! xx

URBAN DECAY ALL-NIGHTER WATERPROOF LONGWEAR FOUNDATION

July 10, 2017 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that your week is off to an amazing start!

I like to go lighter with my makeup in the summer months, opting for concealer and maybe a powder foundation most days, but when I do want a full coverage look I need something that won’t melt off my face in the heat ; ) If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know that I like to make it a point to “shop my own stash” (read about that here) and that is what I did when I pulled this foundation back out.

All Nighter Liquid Foundation by Urban Decay provides full coverage with a matte finish. This foundation is also oil-free. Urban Decay loaded this formula with an higher amount of pigment so a little goes a long way, using too much is easy to do and doesn’t look good! This waterproof formula claims to diffuse light to blur flaws and also mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce shine.

Packaging

The gun metal packaging is very sleek, and I like that you can see the packaging through the window like cut-outs. The bottle has an airless pump, so you can get every bit of foundation out (though I have yet to finish a bottle to test this out).

Shade Range and Cost

$40 for 1 oz.

There are 24 shades in the range, which is wonderful, but because this foundation is so pigmented, finding your perfect match can be very tricky. I suggest going to Ulta or Sephora and asking for a sample, if possible, and keeping in mind that this does oxidize on most people. I purchased a shade that looked too light (which is tricky for me, I am often the lightest shade of foundation ranges) but ended up working perfectly on my fair skin with pink undertones.

Why I Love It

I like that I can get a full coverage look that lasts! I haven’t completely tested it out to see if it is truly waterproof, but I have splashed water on my face, cried, and been very sweaty while wearing this foundation and it doesn’t budge! I think this foundation works beautifully on my oily/combo skin, so long as I use only the tiniest pump.

Wear

This lasts ALL day! It is remarkable.

My Routine

I make sure to moisturize my face well because a matte foundation like this would cling to dry patches. I use a makeup primer (this one is my favorite). I put one small pump onto my hand and then dab dots of the foundation onto one area at a time (forehead, chin, nose, etc) before stippling it in with a stippling brush (I like the Sigma F50).

Watch My Demo

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You can find this foundation at Ulta, Sephora, UrbanDecay.com, or department store Urban Decay makeup counters.

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THE BEST LIQUID LIPSTICK? | NOW EASILY ACCESSIBLE!

July 5, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

It’s hump day already, yay! I hope that if you’re here in the U.S.A, that you had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July.

I LOVE liquid lipstick, and have tried a *lot* of them. I had heard really great things from fellow bloggers, my YouTube friends, and “real-life” friends about Dose of Colors liquid lipsticks, but because they weren’t widely available at mass retailers I typically shop at, I hadn’t taken the plunge to order them. Now, however, they’re available at Ulta.com, so I ordered my first one to try out…and as you may have guessed by the spoiler alert title of this post, I am OBSESSED.

About the Brand

In May of 2013 Dose of Colors was launched by freelance makeup artist Anna Petrosian. Dose of Colors is cruelty-free company (that means they don’t test on animals) and is also vegan. The liquid lipsticks are also gluten free and paraben free.

Shade Range and Cost

This liquid lipstick cost $18 which is comparable to other high-end liquid lipsticks. There are 25 shades in the range, and I picked up the color “Stone” which is a pinky-nude, a go to for me on a daily basis.

First Impressions and Packaging

The liquid lipstick is in a frosted bottle with the color of the lipstick showing through. The bottle is the same size and shape as a Jeffree Star Cosmetics liquid lipstick if you are familiar with those, just about half an inch longer than a regular tube of lipstick. The applicator is awesome, it fits onto the lips perfectly and I like how it’s easy to stay on the lips.

Wear

This lipstick feels incredible on the lips! The website states a velvet matte finish, which I do agree is accurate. It is matte, but it doesn’t dry down completely, which I liked because it didn’t settle into every single line on my lips, or looked dry and cracked. I was able to wear this lipstick for an entire day without touching up! My preference is still to touch up midday, especially if I’ve eating salad because salad dressing or other oily foods can breakdown even the best liquid lipsticks, but I love that I can put this on and not think about it or worry about touching up.

My Routine

I use a little EOS lip balm, line my lips with a lip liner, and then apply one coat of my Dose of Color liquid lipstick. I love that this lipstick gives me full opacity in one coat, because I do not like having to layer on liquid lipsticks because I find that always makes my lips appear and feel very dry. I re-apply midday and then remove when I take off all of my makeup for my night routine.

Final Thoughts

I hope that Ulta.com gets a high volume of sales so that they begin testing Dose of Color in stores! I cannot wait to pick up more of these, and it has sky-rocketed to the top of my liquid lipstick favorites list in just a couple of weeks.

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You can now shop some of the Dose of Colors collection at Ulta.com or you can view the entire collection at DoseofColors.com

Have you tried these lipsticks? Let me know! Thank you for reading, and please subscribe!