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SEPHORA VIB SALE SUGGESTIONS!

November 14, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that your week is off to a wonderful start! Sephora offers a 20% off sale in the spring and again in the fall that is such a great way to get a sale price on makeup and skincare that never goes on sale! I filmed a Sephora VIB Sale Haul in the spring if you’d like to see what I bought. The VIB Rouge sale has already ended, and today is the LAST DAY for VIB members to get 20% off! If you’re a Beauty Insider don’t worry, I’ve *heard* that a 20% off sale for you is coming in December ; ) This sale I opted to get some of my favorite “holy grail” staples that I always repurchase, which might seem a little boring, but it’s a great time to stock up and way to save some money!

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

Urban Decay All-Nighter Foundation

Benefit It’s Potent Eye Cream

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Face Palette

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick

Now is the time to try fun holiday kits and get some shopping done, or stock up on your favorite basics! Get your foundation, eye brow pencil, and go-to lipstick while you can on sale! This is also a great chance to try out some pricy skincare, or treat yourself or a loved one to a fancy perfume! What did YOU buy? Tell me in the comments!

KAT VON D LOCK-IT CONCEALER IN WHITE OUT | CONCEALING FAIR SKIN! PART 2

October 31, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday! And, Happy Halloween!

Today I want to do the follow up to my Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Part 1 first impression review. I have now been wearing this concealer for about a week, and I feel like I’ve worn it enough to give my full (spoiler alert) stamp of approval. I do have to say the fact that I am posting a white concealer review on Halloween is making me a laugh a bit ; ) You could totally use this for a Halloween look too ; ) If you have tried this concealer, or a white concealer let me know in the comments : )

Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer in White Out

undereyeconcealerforfairskin-concealersthatbrightenpaleskin-leahtackles.jpeg

Cost $26

Review

As I talked about in Part 1, I really love how much this can brighten my fair skin! Until trying this white concealer I was never able to conceal my under eyes with a concealer that was lighter than my fair complexion, and I was so surprised to see how much I could brighten the under eye area! That may sound silly, but if you have very fair skin then you may understand! I have now used this over mineral foundation like the Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Powder Matte Foundation, medium to full coverage foundation like Covergirl Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, and lighter BB creams and have found this to work well with all of them. I have used both a Beauty Blender and the Sigma F86 Tapered Kabuki and while both work I prefer to use a damp Beauty Blender sponge. I have not had any issues with dryness, but do keep in mind that I have combo/oily skin. I have not found this to settle into fine lines, but I do set this with a translucent setting powder like the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder. Overall, I really love the Kat Von D Lock-It White Out Concealer! It has become my go-to for my under eye concealing!

Thank you, as always, for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please “Pin” it to your Pinterest, or share! xx

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 : )

REVLON COLORSTAY WHIPPED FOUNDATION YAY OR NAY?

September 21, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I am constantly on the search for “the perfect foundation” and I have several drugstore foundations as well as high-end foundations that I keep in my rotation. One foundation that I have been reaching for lately is my Revlon ColorStay Whipped foundation and I want to share my thoughts with you today.

Revlon ColorStay Whipped:

Why I Love It:

This foundation can be applied with a makeup brush (*Note: I stipple it on with Sigma F50! You can read about stippling on your foundation here), a makeup sponge like the Beauty Blender, or with your fingers! I actually apply this with my fingers A LOT when I want a full-coverage look but need to be out the door in a hurry! I love the unique “whipped” texture of this product, it is almost like a container of Cool Whip whipping cream in that it feels light but if I turn the container upside down it doesn’t fall out. This is definitely a full-coverage foundation that doesn’t feel cake-y and doesn’t settle into my fine lines or pores.

Claims and Cons:

This foundation claims to be 24 hour wear, and I’ve never attempted to wear this for a full 24 hours, but I do often wear it from 6a.m-8p.m or so and it does wear very well! I do not think expecting it to look the same as when freshly applied 24 hours later is realistic for someone like me with combo/oily skin. I do think the packaging is quite bulky, and that may be because of the unique consistency of the whipped product.

How I Wear It:

I apply it in all of the ways mentioned above. I first apply Benefit PoreFessional Primer, then apply the foundation, set lightly with power, and then give myself a spray of the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray and I’m good to go! I wear this in 101 Ivory.

Yay or Nay?

I say “Yay” all the way ; ) If you have very dry skin I would be cautious and make sure that you buy it from somewhere with a good return policy (luckily a lot of drugstores will let you return makeup now if it doesn’t work for you). I think this is an awesome option for those who want a full-coverage look without too much fuss with application. I can slather this on in a minute and it blends very very easily!

If you enjoyed this post, please share! Thank you for reading and don’t forget to subscribe : ) Have a wonderful weekend my loves!

URBAN DECAY ULTIMATE BASICS PALETTE PREVIEW! HOT OR NOT?

September 12, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend! We had a busy but productive weekend, and I woke up feeling ready to tackle this week! There are so many exciting makeup launches happening soon, and I am so excited to share my thoughts on some of the holiday 2016 collections in the very near future, but today I want to dedicate a post to what could be a GAME CHANGER for a lot of you! Urban Decay Cosmetics is known for their neutral eye shadow palettes, and their Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2 have been incredibly popular, and now they are launching Naked Ultimate Basics. Do you need it?

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics:

(*Photo Credit to Bustle.com)

The packaging is really pretty, and I love that it is a rose gold color. This palette features 12 brand new matte shades, a mirror, and a dual ended brush. There is one highlight shade that is slightly shimmery, but the rest is matte. The palette does feature both cool tone and warm tone shades.

When Can I Get It?

This palette launches on UrbanDecay.com on September 18th, online on Sephora.com on September 20th, and September 22nd in-stores at Sephora. I have heard that some stores have already put them out, but *officially* they aren’t out yet ; )

Do I Need It?

I won’t lie, I am *really* tempted to pick this up because I think it looks perfect for traveling and for when I want to create looks from just one palette without having to grab from other shadows or palettes in my collection. I love that these shadows allow you to do a neutral lip all the way to a vampy lip. I also have one of the original Urban Decay Naked Basics palettes before they switched the packaging, and it doesn’t open well so the black got ruined so that could be an excuse for me…right?! However, that said, I think if you have a lot of neutral palettes already, especially matte palettes, then no you probably do not need this. The Naked Ultimate Basics palette will retail for $55, and the Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2 retail for $29 each, so if you don’t have those already then it might be a great option! I think this is a great palette for beginners, too. It is beautiful packaging, and the eye shadows look gorgeous, and I can’t wait until I can get my hands on one in person to see if it’s a “must” for me. I would call this “hot” but I don’t think it is a must for everyone.

Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2:

(*Note: pictured left to right)

urbandecaynakedbasics-urbandecaynakedbasics2-leahtackles.jpeg

What are your thoughts? Is this on your list? Let me know in the comments! And please subscribe and make my day!! xx

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

3 Ways To Get Better Skin In A Week!

August 22, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend! Thank you, as always, for taking time out of your busy day to read my blog! It means a lot to me : ) I can *tend* to be a perfectionist (friends and family may be laughing at this “confession” because to them I’m sure it’s obvious!) and have to watch myself so that I don’t fall into an “all or nothing” mindset, and lately I’ve been doing that with skincare. For example, yes I do have a morning and evening skincare routine, but just because I maybe can’t afford a super fancy eye cream, or can get regular facial treatments, doesn’t mean that I should throw in the towel, so to speak. So, today I want to share three very easy ways to really improve the tone, even-ness, and health of your skin.

1. Drink Water!

I know this is an obvious one, but I drink so much water that I can immediately tell if I haven’t had enough water to drink. I really like using a bottle that is large enough to fit 8 servings of water in it. It also makes my lips much more willing to endure drying liquid lipsticks! Don’t drink anything else until you’ve finished the jug of water! I drink a coffee (or three…) each day, but besides that it is almost exclusively water! I will have the occasional glass of wine, and I’ll have a fountain drink when traveling, but otherwise it is only coffee and water. Plus, water has no calories and I much prefer to eat my calories than drink them ; )

2. Do Face Masks!

I recently did a post called “My Favorite Face Masks & How To Use Them” because this simple change has made my skin tone so much better! My skin truly is much more even now that I’ve been doing face masks a couple of times a week. We Daily Vlog (KwapisFamilyTackles on YouTube) and I’ve always vlogged with a bare face occasionally, but I’ve found myself doing it regularly now that I feel better about my skins appearance.

3. Don’t Touch Your Face!

This is so hard! I didn’t realize how much I did this until I made a real effort not to. Also, if you follow me on Snap Chat you have seen that I tend to touch my face / neck while vlogging or Snapping. But, not touching your face really does help keep your face clean!! Just think of all of the things you touch and all of the oils on your hands…not what you want on your face!

I challenge YOU to do this for one week and report back in the comments section telling me if you noticed any changes in your skin! I hope that you do because I think you’ll love how easy it is to make a big difference : ) Please don’t forget to subscribe! xx

HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOUNDATION WORK BEST FOR YOU!

August 15, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! I was talking to a few friends recently about what foundations we had been loving and which we maybe hadn’t been loving as much. I realized that a lot of people (myself included until I really got into the blog and YouTube scene a few years ago) will try a foundation once or just one way before giving it a yes or no verdict. Buying a foundation, especially one you’re really excited about or you’ve heard others rave about, and not having it work can be frustrating! So, today I thought I would share a few quick tips for what to do if you think a foundation isn’t living up to the hype.

TRY A DIFFERENT APPLICATION METHOD:

This is absolutely my biggest tip! I have some foundations that I apply with a makeup sponge like the Beauty Blender, I have others that I know I prefer the look when applied with a stippling brush like the Sigma F50, and others still that I apply with my fingers or other brushes. I have some foundations that I can apply any way and the look turns out pretty much the same, but a few of them I dislike one way but love the finish I get using another way to apply it.

SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE AND SOMETIMES MORE IS MORE:

For some foundations they will look and feel cakey very quickly, so I apply a very small amount. Other foundations are more buildable, so I will apply a small amount and then go back in any areas that still have redness, blemishes, or inperfections that I want to cover.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER?:

Some foundations I love on myself in the dry winter months I absolutely cannot wear in the summer, so if the foundation is an oil-slick on you, for example, in the summer, there is still a chance it could be dewy perfection on you in the winter!

GET SHADE MATCHED:

I need to follow my own advice here, but I consider myself a fairly easy shade match because I am so fair that I can usually get away with buying the lightest shade in a foundation range, but definitely go to Sephora, Ulta, or a cosmetics counter at a department store to get color matched whenever possible! If you can’t go to be color matched in person, websites like Sephora and Ulta do offer very good return policies. Drugstore makeup is tricky because here in the United States you typically cannot open the makeup, so you have to just take your best guess as far as color goes. I will say that some drugstores do have very friendly return polices as well, but be sure to check them before you purchase just incase!

WATCH FOR OXIDIZING:

Oxidizing happens when oxygen mixes with the air and this can cause you foundation to turn orange, flake off, and dry out! Sometimes, because of oxidizing, you need to be careful about the shade that you pick because it may change.

USE NATURAL LIGHTING:

Always use natural lighting whenever possible when applying your foundation! This can be tricky when being shade matched inside a store like Sephora, but you can walk outside to take a peek ; ) If you don’t have good natural lighting where you apply your makeup, get a nice makeup mirror that mimics sunlight.

I hope that you found these tips helpful! Never be afraid to ask for samples, ask questions, or return products that do not work for you! Makeup is expensive, and as long as you’re kind and follow the return policies you are absolutely fine girl! Let me know your tips for testing out new foundations in the comments! I would love to hear them : )

THE RIGHT WAY TO WEAR LIQUID LIPSTICK! THE BASICS!

August 3, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

On Monday I shared my DIY HONEY ALMOND LIP SCRUB with you and promised that today I would be sharing how to apply liquid lipstick to make it very long wearing and not flaking off the lips.

HOW TO APPLY LIQUID LIPSTICK:

1. Make sure that you have exfoliated your lips before you get started using a lip scrub like this DIY LIP SCRUB. Liquid lipstick is very drying, so you need to be sure to do this step!

2. I like to put a *little* bit of a lip balm like the Tsum Tsum Lip Smackers or the EOS Lip Balms on before applying even matte liquid lipsticks. Don’t slather it on.

3. I suggest lining your lips with a liner that goes with your liquid lipstick, or an anti feathering clear lip liner like Too Faced Borderline or Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in OZone. If you choose to use a color that goes with your liquid lipstick, you can also fill in your entire lip lightly to help the liquid lipstick have a nice color base.

4. Make sure to get any excess lipstick off of the applicator by wiping it against the top of the tube before you begin applying it on your lips.

5. Apply a THIN layer, I’m talking as thin as possible, of liquid lipstick onto your lips. For most matte liquid lipsticks one thin layer is all you need, but if using a metallic shade you may need to do a second layer once the first layer has dried. Do not put on a thick layer or layer after layer thinking that this will help you lipstick to stay on or last longer because it will not! Putting on too much liquid lipstick will make it begin to flake off and therefore look patchy!!

6. I try to wear my liquid lipstick until about lunchtime and then reapply after lunch and that second application usually lasts the rest of the day. Certain foods or drinks, like an oily salad dressing, can break down the liquid lipstick and cause it to come off faster.

7. If you like use a gloss that can be put over the liquid lipstick to make it look nice when it does start to go south after several hours of wear! I have some liquid lipsticks that I can truly wear most of the day, and others that aren’t as long wearing but still wear longer than traditional lipsticks.

LIQUID LIPSTICKS I LOVE (a few of many!):

(*Note: left to right)

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Como

Kylie Cosmetics Metal Matte Liquid Lipstick in Heir

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in Feelin’ Myself

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Sarafine

LIQUID LIPSTICK SWATCHES WET:

LIQUID LIPSTICK SWATCHES DRY:

I hope that you enjoyed this post! If you did please share it using my social media links at the bottom of this post! Have a wonderful day!! xx

HOW TO GET FREE DELUXE SIZE SAMPLES FROM SEPHORA WITH EVERY ORDER!

July 27, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

On SnapChat (I’m LeahTackles on all social media!) a couple of days ago I mentioned that I used a promo code to get a free deluxe size sample of a Christophe Robin hair mask when I was ordering online from Sephora and several people told me that they had no idea these codes existed, so I thought I would share how I get a free deluxe size sample item with every order from Sephora.com that I make!

When you go to Sephora.com there is a quick link that says “Weekly Specials” and if you click on that you can view all of the freebies that you can get with an order from Sephora.com that week. You can also do a google search for Sephora promo codes or look on a site like RetailMeNot but the codes are the same as the ones shown on Sephora. Sometimes the code will only work if you buy certain items or brands, or if you spend a certain amount, but often times they are free with a purchase. The catch is that you can only use one coupon code for each transaction, so choose wisely ; )

I did not know that you could use these promo codes for a long time! I also didn’t use Ebates until a couple of months ago, but now I always do both when I shop on Sephora.com! I first go to EBates so I can get cash back for my Sephora purchase and then I go to Sephora.com and figure out what promo code I want to use first before doing my actual shopping so that I don’t forget. I also check the point perks incase I want to cash in on any of those.

What is the best freebie you have gotten from Sephora? Let me know in the comments! Or, if you didn’t know about this I hope it was helpful and that you get some fun things to try as a result : )

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