Beauty Reviews

Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette Review

December 26, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend, and if you celebrate, a very Merry Christmas! I had a wonderful Christmas with my family, and ate WAY too many cookies ; ) Today I am so excited to be sharing the *highly* anticipated Alchemist Holographic Palette from Kat Von D.

Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette

Without Flash:

With Flash:

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What It Is:

This palette is being called a “transformer” palette because it can be worn as a highlighter, or as a topper for eye shadows and even lipsticks. Each of the four shades are formulated with “Double Dimension Technology” which catches the light from every angle, given a holographic effect.

My Thoughts:

I was intrigued by this palette because I have been watching Kat Von D slowly share sneaks on her Instagram account. Kat Von D has spent years working on these formulas and has called this palette one of her passion projects. Being a beauty lover, I knew that this was something I wanted to try for myself right away! I have worn two of the shades so far as a cheekbone highlight and it is stunning! A little bit goes a LONG way, but I absolutely loved the way it caught the light. I am excited to try this as an eye shadow topper, and think it would be a gorgeous look over a simple look to amp it up to something a lot more special.

Do I Need It?

I think that this is a must have for the makeup junkie who loves to try new things, play with makeup, and collect makeup. I think that this is beautiful for those looking for something new. I have noticed the similarities between this and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild highlighters, and after comparing swatches online they do look similar though not exactly the same. I think that if you have Moonchild you don’t need the Alchemist, but Alchemist seems more holographic and Moonchild seems to be more metallic or duochrome to me.

Do you have this? Are you planning to get it? I was able to pick it up on Sephora.com during the VIB pre-launch, but it is now available to everyone. Thank you, as always, for reading! I hope that you have a fantastic rest of your day : )

STILA STAY ALL DAY SPARKLE ALL NIGHT LIQUID LIPSTICK SET HOLIDAY YAY OR NAY

November 21, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend! With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales approaching, I thought that it would be a great time to mention one of my favorite holiday sets of 2016 which is the Stila Stay All Day Sparkle All Night liquid lipstick set. If you have any holiday sets that you would like to see reviewed here on my blog or on my LeahTackles YouTube channel let me know in the comments : )

Stila Stay All Day Sparkle All Night

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If you also watch my YouTube channel you know that I also uploaded a video (which I will link at the bottom of this post) but wanted to include a blog post to show more detailed product shots with you.

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“Baci” is a beautiful pinky mauve nude. This shade is available in full size.

“Rubino” is a beautiful limited edition shade of rich red that is perfect for the holiday season!

“Fresco” is a more brown-y nude color that is also limited edition.

“Patina” is an absolutely stunning shade! It is similar to the often-sold-out Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in “Lolita”.

“Bacca” is a deep raspberry shade that I think is a great one to have in a liquid lipstick.

“Transcend” is the Glitterati Lip Top Coat and it is so much fun! I am loving it in the center of my lip for a fun full pout that is perfect for a holiday event!

Overall I really love these liquid lipsticks! These are deluxe sample size at .05 fl. oz. which is about half the size of a full size Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick. The Glitterati Lip Top Coat is such a fun addition & perfect for a little extra sparkle! I do worry that it will run out quickly, but we will see! It is .04 fl. oz. but seems to be running out far faster than a liquid lipstick or lipgloss would. That said, this “lip top coat” is so unique and unlike anything I’ve tried before. You can see more details in the video below.

I hope that you have a wonderful week! Talk to you on Wednesday : ) xx

BEAUTY STOCKING STUFFERS $5 AND UNDER!

November 16, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a great week! I am in full on holiday mode now in terms of making my lists and adding to them twice ; ) I absolutely love doing stockings because who doesn’t like little goodies that are personally picked for them?! They are so much fun to make, and I like that it’s a little bit of a puzzle to make it all fit together. You will see aisles dedicated to stocking stuffer goodness in most stores, and while they’re fun they can get really expensive! I decided it would be fun to share a few beauty items that you can find at most drugstores or big box stores for $5 and under each. If you have ideas for affordable beauty stocking stuffers, let me know in the comments : )

Conair Head Wrap

Nivea Creme Travel Size

Sally Hansen Cuticle Rebab

(*Note: less expensive in store!)

Montagne Jeunesse Masks

Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker Tsum Tsum

I also wanted to share my Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Ideas video because this week November 14-21st is collection week! You still have time to put together a gift for a child in need : ) Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read my blog! xx

MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS BEFORE YOU ROCK A NUDE LIP!

November 9, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a wonderful day! In the past I shied away from nude lips because I know that the right shade can be incredibly hard to find! I also thought that my very fair skin couldn’t rock a nude, but this is actually not true AT ALL! Anyone, and I mean anyone, can rock a nude lip but make sure you follow these tips to look your best!

Formula and Shade

I love matte lips, and matte nude lips, but nude lipstick it can make you look pasty or very washed out. If you want a matte nude, it is possible, but be careful! If you have fair skin, try a pinky or mauve nude in a matte color. If you have a darker skin tone, try a nude lip that leans more orange. The biggest hint is do not go lighter for your lips than your skin tone.

Lip Liner

I definitely think that lining your lip is especially pretty with a classic nude lip! You can really define, and even slightly over-line, your cupids bow for a sexy pout. Be sure that the nude liner you choose matches closely to the lipstick or gloss you want to wear, and doesn’t show the line. Another option is to fill your lips in completely with a nude liner, and then go over the liner with a lipstick or lipgloss.

Other Makeup?

A nude lip is often paired with a smokey eye because this draws attention to the eyes and keeps the makeup from being too busy. Nude lipstick is a very classic look, and if you want to forego a smokey eye it also looks great with a winged eyeliner look. I also love a nude lip with a bronze look and a great highlight ; )

A Few Favorites

(*Note: listed left to right)

Kylie Cosmetics in Exposed

Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fresco

NYX Liquid Lingerie Lipstick in Baby Doll

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Blushing Beige

L’Oreal Collection Privee The Perfect Nude Julianne’s Nude

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in 08

Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick in Queen B

Ultimate Favorite Nude Lipstick and Liner

Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in 1

Bobbi Brown Liner in Nude

TOO FACED LIP INSURANCE GLOSSY REVIEW

October 19, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We have been talking a lot about lipsticks and lip products lately, but that is because to me the cooler months and lipsticks go hand-in-hand! Does anyone else feel that way? But one thing I have been using lately is the Too Faced Lip Insurance Glossy, so today I wanted to share it with you!

TOO FACED LIP INSURANCE GLOSSY:

I love this because it makes my lipstick last noticeably longer without making my lips feel crazy dry like other lip primers I have tried. At first when I tried this I had to get used to the way it changed the feeling of some of the lipsticks on my lips, but the lipstick looking better and lasting longer makes it worth it. The feeling on the lips isn’t bad, it’s so thin that you almost feel like you haven’t done anything, but it really works. I like that this also helps so that my lip color doesn’t feather out. If you lips are super chapped or flaked it won’t make your lipstick appear completely smooth on the lips, but it does help to make the lipstick appear smoother. This will not change your lipsticks glossy, but it will have a sheen so keep that in mind if you’re applying a matte color over this primer. I love using this especially with nude lipsticks that can really look bad if they feather out. Overall? I love it!

What do you think? A lot of days I stick to my favorite Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker Tsum Tsum Balms, but this is becoming a g0-to for lipsticks. Have a wonderful weekend and please share to make my whole day : )

MAKEUP SETTING SPRAYS: WHY & HOW TO USE THEM!

August 24, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you’re having a great week so far! One makeup item that I use daily, but up until now have only casually mentioned on my blog or YouTube channel is makeup setting spray! So, today I thought that I would share the basics of why you may want to consider trying a makeup setting spray if you haven’t already, and how to use them. If you like these types of posts, please comment so that I know and can keep it up : ) Your comments always make me smile ; )

WHAT IS A MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY?

Just like a makeup primer (*Note: my favorite is the Benefit Porefessional) is used to help keep your makeup in place, a setting spray is used to help keep you makeup in place. A primer is used before you apply your makeup, and a setting spray is used after you’ve applied your makeup.

WHY YOU SHOULD USE THEM:

Just like you would use a protective coat when painting your nails or Mod Podge on a craft project, you should apply this final step after working hard on your makeup! Makeup setting sprays should not change the look or texture of your makeup. Makeup setting sprays are sold by both drugstore brands and high end brands and also just like foundation they have different formulas for different skin types. Setting sprays can also help if you’ve gone a bit overboard on powder products and help get you back to a more natural look while helping lock your makeup in place.

HOW TO USE THEM:

I like to spray about 8-10 inches away from my face first make a “T” formation and then an “X” formation. If I just have a regular, casual makeup day I will do one “T” and one “X” but if I am getting ready for a big event or a dinner date I will do each one twice for a total of four sprays.

MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY SUGGESTIONS:

FOR OILY SKIN:

Urban Decay All Nighter

(*Note: My holy grail setting spray!)

FOR DRY SKIN:

NYX Setting Spray Dewy Skin

FOR ALL SKIN TYPES:

Laura Geller Spackle Mist

Thank you so much for reading! If you would “Pin” this to your Pinterest you would totally make my week ; ) And don’t forget to susbcribe! xx

HOW TO GET INSTAGRAM WORTHY BROWS! NEW PRODUCTS!

July 20, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I will skip doing any other makeup before I will skip doing my brows! Having your brows filled in, whether you prefer a dramatic look or a soft fiber gel comb through, just makes you look pulled together and chic. Benefit Cosmetics recently launched a bunch of new brow products, and brought back some old standbys in new futuristic looking packaging. I do not have the entire line, but I have a few that I’d like to share with you today!

Goof Proof Brow Pencil in Shade 1:

I love this pencil for when I want the look of a filled in and perfect brow but am trying to do it quickly. I do always fill my brows in a couple of shades lighter that my brows to avoid looking too harsh.

KABrow! in Shade 1:

I got a deluxe sample size of this from Ulta by using a coupon that came in the catalog mailer and I am definitely going to be buying a full size! It comes with a little pot of a cream-gel brow color on one end and an angled brush on the other! So easy to do a put together look with this! This does remind me of my Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow, but it seems slightly a bit more wet in formula. I always start on the bottom of my arch in the middle of my brow and go to the ends before finishing at the start of my brows because I like to avoid having the most color deposited where my brows begin.

Gimme Brow in Shade 1:

This volumizing fiber gel is one that I’ve used before and I think it’s fantastic for super natural or rushed days but where you don’t want to skip doing your brows altogether. I love the little fibers especially for brushing the start of my brows up for a very natural and feminine look. I also like to use this to set my brows after either a gel or pencil.

Browvo! Conditioning Primer:

I just got a deluxe size sample of this and I am very curious! It claims to give your brows a fuller look instantly and prime the brows so that your other brow products last longer and wear better. I will definitely keep you posted if you guys have interest!

As always, please ask any questions that you have in the comments! I am definitely passionate about filling in my brows and experimenting with new innovations in the brow world, so I am very excited for these Benefit Cosmetic goodies! This post is not sponsored and these items were purchased with my own money or received as samples from Ulta Beauty. And please don’t forget to subscribe and check out my social media! It truly means so much to have your support!! xx

HIGHLIGHTER 101: HOW TO HIGHLIGHT SIMPLY IN A HIGHLIGHT HEAVY MAKEUP WORLD! EASY STEPS!

July 11, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Highlighting, contouring, strobing, baking, and color correcting are all makeup terms that you may hear a lot right now because there is a huge trend of strong contours and BAM highlighting. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love to contour and highlight, but I feel like it can be very intimidating to see a YouTube video with 10 steps or a Pinterest picture with tiger stripes all over a face diagram. So, today I want to share the exact products you can use and what you can do to get a subtle, beautiful highlight for summer. If you’d like something similar for color correcting, baking, or contouring please let me know in the comments : )

HIGHLIGHTER 101:

What You’ll Need:

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First you will need a highlighter of your choice, I prefer powder highlight most days and suggest that for when you’re first starting out. I love Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Powder Highlighters like Champagne Pop, but you can also get a beautifully look much cheaper using Reserve Your Cabana from Wet n’ Wild.

You will also need a brush to apply your highlighter! I like to use a tapered highligher brush like the Sigma F35 but any dome or tear dropped shaped similar brush will work just fine. You can also use a fan brush for highlighting, and these often come in brush kits so you may have a few laying around.

What To Do:

After you have applied your blush and bronzer (if you choose to wear them) and set any foundation or concealer that you are wearing you want to put your brush into your powder highlighter and tap off the excess. Then from your cheek bone (usually about an inch below the outer part of your eye) up to the outer edge of your eyebrow you want to *lightly* apply the highlighter in a crescent moon shape. Be sure to blend this in with the brush so that it isn’t a harsh line of product. Ta-da! You are beautifully sun kissed! If you want to get extra fancy, you can apply a bit to the cupids bow above your top lip, or down the center of your nose.

I hope that you enjoyed this post! If you would like a more detailed post on highlighting let me know! I hope that you’ve found this helpful! You can “Pin” this onto your Pinterest (just hover over any picture or use the share buttons on the bottom if this post!) or share if on social media! Have a wonderful start to you week! xx

CURRENT FOUNDATION OBSESSION (DRUGSTORE)

June 29, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope you are having a wonderful week so far! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog : ) If you are new, hi! I am Leah and I hope you’ll subscribe to be notified whenever I post something new!

I have a few favorite drugstore foundations, but I have one that I recently rediscovered and have been wearing almost daily. I told you last week I’ve been shopping my own stash and it really is a great way to use what you already have. You can read that Shop My Own Stash! Makeup Challenge post here : )

About My Skin:

I have combo/oily skin with larger pores (usually large pores and oil go hand-in-hand! woo hoo?!)

Covergirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Oil-Free Foundation in 105 Classic Ivory:

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This is a drugstore foundation that I picked up some time ago when it first came out. I liked this foundation but didn’t use it too much when I first purchased it, but now I am LOVING it and definitely picking up another when this one runs out. This foundation has coverage that you can build up from medium to fuller coverage. I like that it’s oil free and even though it’s fairly full coverage it doesn’t feel cakey on my skin. And probably the biggest pro for me is that it keeps me matte a lot longer than most foundations, so I don’t feel like I have to blot constantly or cake on the powder. I don’t want a foundation that feels heavy or like it will melt off my face if I go outside in the summer, and this one blends into the skin beautiful but still gives me the coverage I want. I also am a big fan of the squeeze tube because you can get every last bit out of it.

What is your go to foundation right now? I am still on the hunt for the perfect summer BB cream for my combo/oily skin! I want to try the Rimmel Matte BB Cream because I’ve heard good things : ) If you have a favorite, let me know that too!

MY FAVORITE CONDITIONER! UNDER $15 AND AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

June 8, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you’re all having a wonderful week! I get A LOT of questions on my hair, especially when people watch my YouTube videos, so I thought I would share one of my favorite hair products that I never hear people talk about. And the best part about this hidden gem is that it’s fairly inexpensive and you can order it on Amazon!

A Little About My Hair:

I have very fine hair, but I have a lot of it! My hair is naturally straight. My hair is color treated. I use heat on my hair most days, but I very rarely blow dry my hair.

Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Mask:

Argan Oil is fantastic for hair because it helps to make it softer, silky, and it gives it a great shine! Who doesn’t want that? I use this in place of a regular conditioner and leave it on for five minutes minutes. It’s easy to wash your hair, then apply this as a conditioner and leave it on while you shave because that takes me about five minutes. I usually will wash my hair every other day, or sometimes every third day.

If you have any questions about my hair care, feel free to ask! Have a great weekend!! Be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already! It really does make my day to see new subscribers : )

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