Leah Tackles

JUST FAB REVIEW | IS IT WORTH IT? ARE THE SHOES COMFORTABLE?

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I love shoes, and I like to have high quality, investment pairs of winter boots, athletic shoes, a classic heel, and of course my favorite UGG Slippers (priorities, people!). However, I love trying out shoes for different events, or explore a new trend, without clutching my pearls. My favorite places to get inexpensive boots is Target or JustFab, and my favorite place to get inexpensive heels is JustFab, so today I want to share my thoughts on the company JustFab.

 

What Is JustFab?

JustFab is a website that is a part of the ShoeDazzle, Fabletics, and FabKids family, where you join and take a style quiz, have access to exclusive discounts, and receive free shipping and exchanges.

How Does It Work?

Once becoming a VIP member you can opt each month to “skip” the month or pick out a pair of shoes! If you do not “skip” the month by the 5th of every month, you will be charged $39 which can be used as a credit for a new pair of shoes.

My Experience

I joined because I kept seeing ads and thinking the shoes were so adorable for the price! I have been a member for years now, and I overall really enjoy JustFab. In order to not get charged I spend about 10 minutes every six months to put into the calendar on my phone “Skip JustFab” on the first of the month. I have had a few “whoops” months where I don’t skip, but I have just saved the credit for occasions such as birthdays where I want a new pair of shoes.

Why I love It?

I have had so many cute pairs of shoes, and people often compliment my shoes or ask where they are from. I love that I can get cute shoes (see some of my past posts showcasing them here , here, and here) for an affordable price. I have had at least 10 pairs of shoes from JustFab over the past several years, and while some aren’t incredibly comfortable, I have also purchased boots that I wear on a nearly daily basis during the fall and winter months with zero pain. I also find the review on the JustFab site to be very helpful. My latest pair of shoes from just fab, a faux suede black bootie with gorgeous detail embroidery, is shown above.

What I DON’T Love

I haven’t canceled, but I have heard it can be a bit of a hassle, because obviously they don’t want you to cancel. If you have had that experience, definitely let myself and anyone else reading know about it in the comments.

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Have you tried JustFab? What has your experience been like?

 

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The Best Affordable Makeup Sponge? | EcoTools Blending Sponge Review

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

It is the second Monday of 2018 and I can already tell that this year is going to fly by! This past weekend I got to have some much needed girl time with one of my best friends and that included, of course, a trip to Target. We chatted skincare and makeup, and she suggested that I try the EcoTools Blending Sponge, and with a $5 price-point I was happy to test it out.

 

 

About the EcoTools Blending Sponge

The Total Perfecting Blender is designed with EcoFoam Technology to blend primer & foundation for flawless skin. The website description claims that the contoured makeup sponge can be used wet/dry to create the look you want. You can purchase the EcoTools Sponge in a duo with a smaller sponge included, or a single like I purchased. 

First Impressions and My Thoughts

I have used the Beauty Blender for years and really love it, but the price point is high and sometimes that causes me to not reach for it or not replace it when I have one that gets worn out. I love that the EcoTools sponge because the price point is something that I can grab without much thought or guilt on a regular basis. The EcoTools Total Perfecting Blender sponge expanded beautifully, and it felt nice. The large flat side of the sponge worked great for my foundation, and the rounded end worked well as well, though the sponge did feel a bit more stiff compared to the Beauty Blender sponge. The EcoTools sponge doesn’t have a fine point, and so to get the under eye area and the deepest set area of my eyes I had to hold the sponge to create a finer point for it to fit. I thought this sponge gave a beautiful flawless finish. I loved the flat sides of this sponge for getting around the crevices of my nose. The flat edge is also great for cleaning up eye shadow fallout.  I didn’t find that this sponge absorbed too much makeup on the flat edge, but did notice a bit more had absorbed on the bottom, but it wasn’t so much that I was concerned about wasting makeup product.  I will definitely continue to use this sponge, and I love that for those who want to try out a beauty sponge or want a sponge with a more affordable price-point, that they have this option.

My Routine

The sponge can be used wet or dry according to the description, but I wet all my makeup sponges with cool water wringing the sponge out until it is as large as possible. I can’t imagine using this dry, it was too stiff in my opinion to use that way, but using it wet it gets much softer and bounces the product onto the skin well.  After applying my favorite primer I dot the foundation onto my skin with my fingers and then use the sponge in a bouncing motion, similar to stippling. I like to use the large flat side of the brush and the bottom of the brush to apply foundation. I hold the sponge, squeezing to create a small tip to apply concealer to the under eye area. I dry sponge in storage stand after washing it with an antibacterial hand soap or baby shampoo. 

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Have you tried this sponge? Please let me know your favorite makeup sponge in the comments!

 

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WHAT EXACTLY IS HAND SALVE? | HAND SALVE VS. HAND CREAM

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that your 2018 is off to a great start : ) It has been bitterly cold here, -20 with windchill some days, and I have once again been relying heavily on hand creams. My husband also has dry hands in the winter, and he doesn’t like the feeling of lotion, so he has been using a hand salve instead.

 

 

What Is Hand Salve?

Hand salve is thicker than most hand lotion or cream. It uses beeswax to create a thick emollient, which moisturizes the skin. Hand salves are a more natural product, containing natural ingredients, and often has a more herbal smell like an essential oil.

How Is Hand Salve Different From Hand Lotion and Hand Cream?

Hand Salve contains oil and beeswax and no water, which gives it a thicker consistency and longer shelf life. Hand Lotion and Hand Cream contain oil and water, and therefore are thinner in consistency. Hand Cream contains less water than Hand Lotion, so Hand Creams are thicker than Hand Lotions.

The Best Hand Salve?

My husband and I both love the Burts Bees Hand Salve because it is an affordable price point from a brand that I know and trust.

Do You Need It?

If you don’t like rubbing lotion or cream on your hands, a bit of the Burts Bees Hand Salve focused on the backs of your hand goes a long way without making your hands have that covered-in-lotion feel.

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Do you like hand lotion? How cold is it where you live? Let me know! xx

 

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KENNETH COLE UNLISTED | AFFORDABLE MEN’S STYLE BROWN OXFORDS

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Hi there! Happy Monday AND Happy 2018!

I hope that your new year is off to a wonderful start! I love the fresh start of a new day, new week, new months, but a new year? It is really the best! If you have any resolutions or goals for the year, please feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you’re up to! I want to continue to bring you a blog every Monday and Wednesday without missing (regardless of holiday or other occasion!).

 

 

While LeahTackles is a beauty blog, I enjoy occasionally sharing some style favorites, and today I want to share a favorite men’s style piece that will help any guy in your life walk into the new year (see what I did there?!) looking like a gentlemen.

 

Stephan, my husband, loves the look of men’s oxfords, particularly the very on trend brown men’s oxford, but the prices of some of them are simply out-of-reach for us. I bought Stephan a pair of Kennth Cole Unlisted brown men’s oxfords for Christmas, and he has loved them so far! I realize the quality won’t be what a very high end pair of leather shoes may be, but I consider these to be a fun way for him to try different styles, much like my favorite shoes from JustFab or Target.

 

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What men’s style pieces are you loving right now? Tell me about it! xx

 

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DOES THE TEASING COMB YOU USE MATTER?

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate and a fantastic start to your week : )

 

 

I don’t tease my hair very often, and usually, add a few curls with my favorite curling wand before calling it a day, but for special occasions when I want a lot of volume at the root I do a little teasing. I have friends who can tease their hair with any basic fine/rat tooth comb, and I am sure most hairstylists can use any comb to get the roots oomph’d, but with my hair type and lack of teasing skills, I swear by my Phillip Brush Teaze Brush.

About the Brush

Concave bristle design fits the shape of the head nicely. The staggered bristle height gives improved control. This brush has bristles and a polished wood handle

About My Hair

I have naturally straight hair that is very fine but I have a lot of it. I don’t have much volume at the root, and it isn’t easy to tease.

Why I Love the Phillip Brush Teaze Brush

The bristles make it easy to backcomb and tease my fine hair. One of my favorite parts of the brush is the pointed wooden end because it helps me create the perfect part or section of hair super easily! I use it daily for this for both myself and my six-year-old daughter.  I like that doesn’t tear up my hair or make my hair feel damaged like a basic fine tooth comb does with backcombing. I also love this for smoothing out my hair when a ponytail or updo gets a bump or two.

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Have you tried this brush? Do you backcomb your hair? Do you ever need a quick way to smooth out your hairstyle?

 

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! | SHOP MY CHRISTMAS EVE LOOK

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Hi there! Happy Monday, but more importantly, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope that if you celebrate Christmas that you have a wonderful day with those you hold dear.

 

 

 

Shirt: Dottie Couture Boutique * Similar 

Pants: J Crew Factory

Hair: Nume Wand

Lip: Too Faced Matte in Bend & Snap

As always, thank  you for reading! I appreciate you very much! xx

 

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L’OREAL REVITALIFT CICACREAM | ANTI-AGING CREAM AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a fabulous week! Over the past few years I have gotten more and more serious about my skincare routine, and I have been finding myself more willing to invest in quality skincare than a new eye shadow palette (what?! Is this 30?). However, I have found a gem that is super affordable which is fantastic because then it can be used regularly by nearly anyone who is interested in upping their skincare game. I am a member of Influenster and I recieved this L’Oreal Revitalift Cicacream complimentary for review purposes, but as always all opinions are my own.

 

 

 

What It Claims

L’Oreal Revitalift Cicacream helps repair the skin barrier which strengthens your skin and helps resist aging of the skin. This cream is fragrance freee, paraben free, colorant/dye free, allergy testing, and contains no alcohols that can strip the skin. Centella Asiatica is known as tiger grass, and is said to be something “new” to fight wrinkles. See visible results immediately as skin feels healthier, softer, smoother and more supple. Skin feels noticeably more hydrated.  In two weeks fine lines appear visibly reduced. Firmness and elasticity look noticeably improved. In four weeks wrinkles appear less visible. Clarity and tone improves, skin is more luminous.

My Thoughts

The tube packaging is very sanitary which I like, and the fine tip makes it easy to only use a little bit out so that you don’t waste the product. The cream is white and thick, which makes it seem like a luxurious cream which I really enjoy. The L’Oreal Revitalift Cicacream goes on smoothly and it absorbs into my skin quickly. It does have an almost primer like feel once it is applied, but I like that because I think it helps minimize my pores (*Note: I still use a separate makeup primer before applying my makeup). It also has amazing reviews on Amazon, so check those out to see what others have thought as well!

Why I Love It

I noticed an immediate difference with my under eye area and that blew me away! My fine lines and crepe like skin looked so much smoother, and I think it helped my under eye concealer to not settled into those areas. This doesn’t irritate my skin, and while my skin isn’t particularly sensitive my normal/oily combo skin that fights both blemishes and wrinkles can be hard pressed to find a product that works without irritating something. I LOVE that this is a price point that I know I can afford to purchase and keep purchasing so that I can continue to treat my skin with care and help combat the signs of aging.

My Routine

I apply this in the evenings after cleansing my skin. I am still using my Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil so I like to alternate between that and my L’Oreal Revitalift Cicacream which I am enjoying because it helps stretch my more expensive skincare longer. I use this occasionally in the mornings, focusing on my under eye and forehead.

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Have you tried this? Have you tried anything from the Revitalift Line from L’Oreal? What is your favorite anti-aging skincare product? Let me know! xx

 

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CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION BOX | NADINE WEST CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are having a great start to your week : ) I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here and here), and I have been wearing the outfit from my last box a ton later, so I was so excited to receive a new box in the mail from them. Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

 

 

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does It Work?

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Discount Code

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

My Outfit

This month I received an infinity scarf, a top, a necklace, and a pair of earrings with a total value of $70.

 

Did I Keep It?

YES! I was so excited when I opened up my package this month and saw the infinity scarf that I put it on immediately and have worn it nearly every day (zero exaggeration) since then. The shirt is so beautiful on, and I don’t have very much red in my closest, but this shade is perfect for the Christmas season! The shirt has a mock turtle neck and a nice stretchy fabric that looks a bit dressy, but is easy and comfortable to wear. The jeans I styled with this shirt are a mid-rise jean and works well with the v slit styling of the top. The earrings are not earrings I would typically wear, but I styled them with a side braid (think Elsa from Frozen) and loved the way they completed the look. The necklace is right up my alley, but I prefer it with a shirt that isn’t that turtle neck or high neck style.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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HOSTESS AND TEACHER GIFT IDEAS | AFFORDABLE

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Tomorrow my middle Little Love turns FIVE! I can’t believe it! I have been busy preparing for his special day, so I still have some shopping to do, but I am starting to finish up the last of my Christmas shopping.

I have been doing a lot of gift guides lately, and that is because during the months leading up to Christmas most of my Googling and Pinterest-ing is me searching for gift ideas for myself. If you have any last requests for ideas for the holiday shopping season, be sure to comment so I can try to do that for your while we are still in the “ships in time for Christmas” timeframe. *Note: Please check shipping times, but I tried to include items that should arrive before Christmas.

Today I want to share gifts that I like to have on hand for people such as teachers or hostesses who I want to thank for their hard-work and kindness, but I maybe do not know as well or have a big budget for. Most of these gifts are beauty related (of course!), but I threw in a few other options as well.

 

 

TonyMoly I’m Real Single Use Mask Set of 11

I love these masks, and if you added a bottle of nail polish small gift card it would be the perfect pampering gift for any lady one your list!

 

The Body Shop Mango Soft Hands Warm Kisses Set

 

 

Philosophy Holiday Hand Cream Set

 

 

Lush The Night Before Christmas Set

 

 

Christmas Spa Gift Set

 

 

Disney Brushed Stainless Steel Waffle Iron 

I think this would be such a fun gift for a family with young kids (or honestly, a Disney lover of ANY age!) who hosts a holiday party.

 

Wine Glass Markers

 

 

Lenox 2017 Snowflake Candle 

 

Thymes Fragrant Frasier Fir Votive Candle 

I have included this candle in my Leah Tackles Amazon Favorites Store because it is SO GOOD! A new holiday must-have for me!

 

 

The Magnolia Journal 4 Issue Subscription 

If you love the show Fixer Upper and/or Joanna Gains, you will absolutely adore this magazine! I look forward to getting mine in the mail, and devour it when it arrives!

Have you finished your holiday shopping? Have you been shopping only for others, or for yourself too? Let me know : ) I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

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LAURA MERCIER LOOSE SETTING POWDER DUPE? | COTY AIRSPUN POWDER

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend : )

I have spoken many times both here and on my YouTube channel about the Laura Mercier Loose Powder, but the steep price point made me want to find a more affordable option, and I think I have finally found a dupe that is less than a quarter of the price!

 

 

What It Claims

Coty Airspun Powder has powder particles are swirled and smoothed by air to give it a very soft feel on the skin. This powder is designed with tints that are spread finely through the powder lying evenly and flat on your skin for a flawless finish. Coty Airspun loose face powder claims it can be used to set makeup or as a foundation This translucent loose face powder will hide fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. Coty Airspun loose face powder is also dermatologically tested and long-lasting. It claims the packaging can be used at home on your vanity or in your purse on-the-go.

My Thoughts and How It Compares 

This powder is very finely milled and mimics the feel of the Laura Mercier Powder that is my all-time favorite (or maybe Laura Mercier mimics it, as the Coty powder has been around since 1935!) and I love the way it sets my makeup, including my under eye area. This powder can be used to bake your concealer or contour, and it is so inexpensive that this would be a great option for that. The powder has a little bit of a smell that is definitely might make you nostalgic or remind you of your mother or grandmother’s makeup, but it didn’t bother me and doesn’t linger on the skin. I am blown away by how matte this makes my skin, and how well it sets my under eye and forehead area and keeps my makeup from settling into my fine lines. The packaging is definitely old-fashioned, and the powder puff is usable, but would be very messy, and I opt to use a brush. I like to use this brush for setting my under eye and this brush for setting the rest of my face. As far as travel, I would never put this in my purse, because it is messy enough to use on my vanity.

My Routine

I apply my primer, foundation, and then my concealer before using my Coty Airspun Powder. I like to set my under eye concealer and my forehead with a small tapered brush (mentioned above) and then my entire face using a large powder brush (also mentioned above). I then continue to do my entire face makeup before setting my t-zone with a *tiny* bit more powder with the same large powder brush. I don’t typically bake my makeup, but on days where I decide to I will also use this to bake my concealer and cream contour.

 

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Have you tried this powder? What is your favorite loose setting powder? Do you bake your makeup? Let me know in the comments and let’s chat makeup! xx

 

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