Leah Tackles

BEAUTY TREND- THE SILICONE MAKEUP SPONGE! YAY OR NAY?

& Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a great week so far. If you know me, you know that I love trying out hype products (remember my Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino video?! Watch it here)  and as a self-proclaimed marketing nerd, find them fascinating. The Sillisponge by the indie makeup brand Molly Cosmetics, the first well-known silicone makeup sponge, became a sensation in late 2016, and sold out quickly! Now the market has been flooded with lots of versions of this sponge, but is it worth the hype? I finally got my hands on one, and today I will share my thoughts with you.

 

 

What Is It?

A clear silicone makeup sponge use in place of a foundation brush, Beauty Blender or traditional makeup sponge, or your fingers to apply foundation to your face.

First Impressions

It totally looks like a chicken cutlet breast implant only tiny, but I was still eager to try it based on the claims I had heard of a flawless application.

Pros

I love that this thing is SO MUCH MORE SANITARY! It is a breeze to clean, you just wash it off and dry it with a clean washcloth or paper towel…no drying wait time, no deep cleaning needed.  Because it isn’t a porous sponge there isn’t makeup getting left on it after use, which is much better for your skin, and way more sanitary. I also love that you use WAY LESS PRODUCT because, again, the sponge isn’t porous so nothing is sinking into a traditional sponge or brush bristles. I actually used way too much product the first few times using the sponge because I used so much less than normal with this application method. Once I got the hang of it, I really loved the flawless finish this gave me.

Cons

I wouldn’t say this is a huge “con” but it definitely is an odd makeup application method and took some getting used to because you are *basically* slapping a mini silicone implant on your face. When I first applied this I felt like it was just sitting on the surface of my skin, instead of looking like my own skin which I really did not like. I did find this hard to get my under eye area.

My Routine

I prime my skin as normal with my favorite Benefit PoreFessional and then dot my foundation on my face before using the silicone beauty sponge to spread the product on my skin. I have used this with my Tarte B.B Cream, my Urban Decay All-Nighter, and my Revlon ColorStay which all worked but I definitely used way too much the first time with the medium-to- full coverage foundations. I have found that the most important step is pressing and tapping the foundation into the skin to give it that flawless, airbrushed look.

Yay or Nay?

I will continue experimenting with the silicone beauty sponge. I like the airbrush finish that I’ve gotten, but am not sure if this will take the place of my favorite stippling foundation application method (read about the stippling method here).I *doubt* this will be a product I am using for the rest of my life, but I am enjoying playing around with it, let’s put it that way.  I love how easy this is to clean, how sanitary it is, and how perfect it is for travel.

Shop

 

Thank you, as always, for reading! Please subscribe : )

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

DOES THE SPF IN MAKEUP WORK? READ THIS BEFORE YOU HEAD OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER!

& 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Summer is right around the corner and as you’re shopping for your summer essentials SPF should definitely be on that list. Now, I love a great multitasking beauty product as much as the next gal, but what about sunscreens? You see SPF listed on lotions, makeup setting sprays, lip balms, and of course, sunscreen lotions themselves on the shelves but which do you need? Can you get away with using just a foundation with SPF and calling it good? Let’s take a look…

 

 

 

SPF: THE BASICS

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN FOLLOWING SPF (i.e SPF 15 vs. SPF 50)

Say that your skin normally begins to burn after 10 minutes in full sun without any protection (definitely my situation as a very fair skin toned lady) if you use 30 SPF sunscreen that would provide 30 times the protection of using no sunscreen. In other words, 30 times longer before you start to burn, or 300 minutes.

WHAT ARE UVA and UVB RAYS?

UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis which is the skin’s thickest layer. Exposure of unprotected skin to UVA rays can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling, and even suppression of the immune system! UVB rays will usually burn the superficial layers of your skin and plays a major role in the development of skin cancer.

IS SUNSCREEN IN MAKEUP ENOUGH? WHAT SHOULD YOU SLATHER ON BEFORE HEADING OUT?

Sunscreen is added to so many products these days, and in my opinion that is a great thing because we need all the protection we can get from the harmful rays. Foundation with sunscreen is definitely a great added bit of security, but unfortunately you would need to use as much as SEVEN times the regular amount of liquid foundation you normally would to get the SPF protection stated on the package and about 14 times the normal amount of a powder makeup product, so don’t use this as your only shield from Mr. Sun.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REAPPLY? 

I know that reapplying is a huge pain, and applying BEFORE you actually hit the beach is also hard to manage, but here is what you should aim for in a perfect #sunscreengoals world; Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to completely mind with your skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is as important as that initial application, and should be done every two hours!

MY ROUTINE

I use a moisturizer with SPF in it such as the Estée Lauder DayWear SPF 25 after cleansing and toning my face each morning. I then apply my foundation, a recent favorite is the Tarte BB Treatment with SPF 30 (read my thoughts on it here). On days when I am planning to be spending significant time outside I like to finish with a setting spray with SPF like the SuperGoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 50 . Because my skin is combo/oily I do need to touch up quite often anyways, let alone in the summer heat, so I go minimal with my makeup when I will be outside and use Peter Thomas Roth Oily Problem Skin Powder SPF 30 which is MUST-HAVE for me! Both my husband and I used this at Walt Disney World and it’s perfect because it controls oil and adds back some protection as the day goes on. For my body I use an SPF 50 spray or lotion such as the Sun Bum SPF 50 Continuous Spray Sunscreen.

SHOP

 

 

Thank you, as always, for watching this post! Please share this, it helps me out and I think this post is so important with summer coming (hopefully) fast! xx

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

MOTHER’S DAY BEAUTY GIFT GUIDE FOR ANY AGE! | + GIVEAWAY AND GIFT CODE FROM SMILE BRILLIANT!

& 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

May is here and that means Mother’s Day is RIGHT around the corner! Don’t panic- this gift guide has beauty items for the mom in your life! I curated these products because I think they are thoughtful items that show you’ve taken time to select something special instead of grabbing something at the very last minute.

 

 

Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening System 

 

 

This is an item that I personally use and love. I have very sensitive teeth but was able to use the Smile Brilliant kit with no issues! You can read about whitening sensitive teeth here.  I have teamed up with Smile Brilliant again for this blog post, but as always all opinions are my own. I will never accept money or products in exchange for a positive review. I am excited to offer you the opportunity to enter a giveaway and get a gift code. You can read other reviews of Smile Brilliant kits here.

Coupon Code

Save $50 off this amazing kit with the coupon code LeahTackles50 (expires 7/17/17)

Giveaway and Free Gift Code

Use this link to enter the giveaway and you will get a $25 gift code for entering! Visit my LeahTackles Instagram to see a short video, enter my giveaway, and get my gift code link!

Here is my YouTube video sharing my results with Smile Brilliant

Sunday Riley Power Couple

 

 

I shared my review of this set here and I still absolutely adore it! I actually recently re-purchased the Luna Sleeping Night Oil because I love it so much!

Elizabeth and James  Find Your Nirvana Roller Ball Set

 

 

I love the Elizabeth and James fragrances, but they’re pricy, and this is a great way to get to try them at an affordable price. I like having the rollerballs for my purse and travel.

Benefit Cosmetics Sunday My Prince Will Come Easy Weekender Kit

 

 

This packaging is so adorable, and all of the products inside are great makeup basics that can work for any age which makes this a fantastic gift.

If you liked this post, please share it to help out people who may still have some Mother’s Day shopping to do! If you’re a mama, Happy Early Mother’s Day! Don’t forget to subscribe! xx

 


Teeth Whitening

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

NATURAL SUMMER MAKEUP WITH SPF FOR COMBO/OILY SKIN!

& 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! If you read this blog regularly, then you know that I’ve been trying out some makeup items to try to come up with some new favorites for easy, natural, summer makeup that can easily be worn for that “No-Makeup Makeup” look that I like to rock when the weather is warm.

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

 

 

The Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer is a  12-hour prime that also helps hydrate, correct and protect skin while giving light-to-medium coverage. The oil-free formula offers chemical-free sunscreen protection and can be worn as a primer or as a natural, light BB cream. This product contrains Tarte’s  triple-B complex which is a proprietary blend of natural diamonds, plants and lipoamino acids. This product claims to help even the skin tone, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and pores. This product also claims to make the skin more luminous.

Why I Love It

This works beautifully on my combo/oily skin and while it worked well without any primer, I prefer to use a little of my favorite primer (this one) on my nose and then apply this all over my face. I like using this for a very light feeling and looking makeup, and can build this up to a medium coverage.

My Routine

I apply a bit of primer and then apply this with my fingers pushing up gently to blend it into the skin (*Tip: Never tug you skin down when applying skincare or makeup!) I have also used this with a foundation brush (this one) and Beauty Blender. I set my face lightly with a loose setting powder (my favorite is this one) but it can also be worn with a powder foundation for a bit more coverage. Having the broad spectrum SPF is such a great way to ensure that when I’ll be spending a lot of time outside that my face is protected from those rays!

 

Shop

Do you have a favorite BB cream? Let me know in the comments! Thank you, as always, for reading! xx

 

Watch my Sephora VIB Sale Haul to see the Tarte BB Cream from this post and other new goodies!

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

BRONZER FOR ULTRA FAIR SKIN! | BENEFIT COSMETICS HOOLA LIGHT YAY OR NAY?

& 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! And most importantly, HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY to my daughter, Hailey Madison! Be sure to follow me on Snapchat (@LeahTackles) for birthday cuteness!

As someone with fair skin I know that bronzer can be tricky because a lot of them tend to be way too dark or can appear orange on my skin…translation? NOT cute! So, when I saw that Benefit released a “lite” version of their cult favorite Hoola, I was very excited to try it.

 

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Lite:

 

 

Price:

$29

Packaging:

Just like the original Hoola Bronzer and the Benefit boxed blushes this comes in a study cardboard box with adorable details, a nice mirror, and a brush. I personally do not use the brush unless I am in a pinch, but it could be used if that is your preference.

 

First Impression:

This is not too warm and reminds me of a darker shade of a powder foundation instead of a very bronzy shade that you typically see with bronzers. I love that this looks very natural on the skin and blended out very easily. This product is not shimmery or sparkly, and I think it will be beautiful for a very natural look or with a blush with a bit of shimmer like the Benefit Galifornia Blush I blogged about a couple of weeks ago (read that post here).

 

Overall:

This product could be used for people with fair to light skin for bronzing and to do a very light, subtle contour is you have very fair skin like me. I love that this is an easy way to bronze my skin without having the fear of appearing too dark, fake, or orange. I do use other bronzers with a more subtle hand and that works, but this is a no nonsense way for a fair gal like me to lightly add some bronze to the skin. I think this is also a very natural looking color for someone with fair skin like mine as opposed to a warmer bronze.

 

Have you tried this? What is your FAVORITE bronzer? Let me know in the comments! xx

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

Lancome Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick | The Perfect Summer Lip?

& Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! We celebrated our Biggest Little Love, Hailey, by throwing her a pool party with a mermaid as the special guest! You can see pictures on my Instagram accounts here and here.

Sephora is currently having their VIB Spring Sale and I received my order (a haul video is coming soon!) and have already found a stand-out favorite that I think will become my perfect summer lip for summer 2017.

 

Lancome Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick in 272 Energy In Peach

 

 

First, let’s talk color; this stunning peachy nude is highly pigmented and is subtle enough for most people to feel comfortable rocking, and gives a beautiful, youthful color to the lips. The Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick line has seven shades in the range so far, and I am hoping that they continue to add more. If you’re familiar with the Lancome Juicy Shaker Pigment Infused BI-Phased Lip Oil then this applicator foam numb is the same and the packaging looks the same, but on the new matte shaker the cap is matte black instead of metallic silver. The liquid lipstick has a very thin, light feel that feels like you have nothing on your lips, the claims say “second skin” which I would have to agree with! It is pretty impressive to get that color payoff for something that doesn’t feel like lipstick at all. I do find that I have to reapply this more often than other liquid lipsticks, but still get decent wear off of it. The applicator takes a bit of getting used to, but I didn’t have any problems applying it to my lips. You can use multiple shades to create a gradient effect with these, but I haven’t gotten that fancy with them yet. I have worn this without a lip liner and have not had major issues with the color bleeding, but a lip liner would probably be best as with most liquid lipsticks. *Tip: Be sure to shake up the product like the name suggests before applying.

I think this product along with a little concealer and bronzer will be my go-to “no-makeup” summer look! Have you tried this? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments! Please don’t forget to subscribe : ) xx

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

HAVE YOU BEEN CLEANSING YOUR FACE THE WRONG WAY ALL THIS TIME? | TUTORIAL: THE DOUBLE CLEANSE

& 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

A few weeks ago, I hit the big 3-0, and in anticipation of that milestone birthday I started researching a lot of skincare. I did two large skincare hauls (videos included at the bottom of this post) and since then have been testing out a lot of products. One of my favorite discoveries that I think everyone should know about is The Double Cleanse: The double cleanse is a Korean beauty technique that starts out with an oil based cleanser followed  by a foaming cleanser because you need two different formulas to completely and effectively cleanse your face.

What Does Oil Based Cleansing Do?

Gently draws out oil-based debris like makeup, S.P.F, and other pollutants.

Why Can’t I Just Use One Cleanser?

Water-based cleansers aren’t capable of removing oil-based debris because oil and water do not mix.
You are not doing any favors to your skin by not properly removing your makeup and oil-based debris on your skin, and this can cause breakouts. And when you only harsh cleansers they will strip your face of natural oils, and your skin will try to over compensate being dry (yes, even if you’re oily or combo skin and don’t seem dry!) by producing more oil.

My Routine

I use the Skin Fix Oil Based Cleanser and rub it onto my skin in gentle, circular motions before adding water. After I add the water I gentling rub it into my skin again to emulsify the product. Then I rinse the product off. The “oil” part of this made my combo/oily skin self nervous at first, but oil based cleansers are actually gentle and do wonderful things for oily or acne prone skin.

What Does Water Based Cleansing Do?

Gently draws out water-based debris such as sweat and dirt.

My Routine

After the oil cleanser is thoroughly rinsed off,  I use my Skinfood Egg White Pore Foam, with gentle upward circular motions and then rinse it off. I like to pat dry with a Kleenex Hand Towel or a clean washcloth (*Tip: Change out your washcloths daily to ensure that you keep your skin clear!)

Shop

 

 

 

Have you tried any of the Korean beauty products? I would love to hear about them in the comments!

 

 

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

BENEFIT GALIFORNIA BOXED BLUSH | YAY OR NAY?

& 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a fantastic week so far! With summer right around the corner (at least this Michigan gal hopes it is right around the corner!) I thought it would be fun to try the *new* boxed blush from Benefit Cosmetics and share my thoughts with you.

 

Benefit Galifornia 

 

 

First Impression:

How gorgeous is this brush? It is definitely a super cute name and adorable packaging as I’ve come to expect from Benefit. The cardboard box is sturdy, has a nice sized mirror, and does come with a brush but I do not use the brush it comes with unless I’m in a pinch without my other blush brushes. This blush smells amazing, and reminds me of fresh peaches and summer picnic!  The  gorgeous blush with the gold glimmering sun is absolutely Instagram worthy. The glittery sun is stunning, but unfortunately is just an overspray on top so once you’ve swatched it that does go away, however the gold hints are in the actual blush.

 

 

Why I Love It:

This is a super pigmented shade that would work well on even very deep skin tones, is absolutely perfect for spring and summer, and even my very fair skin can wear it but do use a light hand if you’re very fair. I think this gives a healthy glow and just the right bit of shimmer.

Shop:

 

 

Will you be picking up this beauty? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to enter my beauty giveaway on my YouTube channel, too ; )

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

STRETCH MARK CREAM REVIEW | NAVAN SKINCARE

& 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! Today I wanted to share my thoughts on the Stretch Mark Reducing Cream from Navan Skincare. If you follow me on Snapchat (@LeahTackles) you may have seen me speak about this when I was gifted it from Navan Skincare for my consideration for review.

Stretch Mark Reducing Cream from Navan Skincare

 

 

This cream claims to work to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by combining three scientifically back ingredients (Collaxyl™, Elastonyl®, Retinyl) and six natural oils (Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Rosemary leaf oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lavender Oil), that work to diminish the appearance of stretch marks caused by pregnancy or extreme weight gain or loss on the belly, hips, bum, thighs, breasts and arms.

My Initial Thoughts

I was a little unsure of this product because stretch marks aren’t a huge problem area for me and I have tried other creams in the past. I do have three children, so I had one stretch mark on my stomach that I really wanted to fade, as well as on my inner thigh. During all of my pregnancies and in the first few postpartum months I drank a ton of water, and also slathered myself in body oils and lotions to hopefully reduce my chances for stretch marks. I decided to try using the Navan Stretch Mark Reducing Cream twice daily and see if I noticed a difference.

Why I Love It

I really like that this cream has a refreshing and not overpowering smell, sinks into the skin quickly which is important because you are not supposed to get dressed until it has absorbed into the skin, and also comes in a container where I can (and did!) scrape out every last bit. It is a thick, creamy consistency so that it feel substantial not watery or oily, which I enjoy. I definitely noticed a significant difference in the appearance of my stretch marks. I like this because it wasn’t oily, sticky, or a pain to use.

Would I Purchase This Product and Will I Continue Using It?

I really loved this product, and it has peaked my interest in the rest of the Navan Skincare line because I found this to work better than other brands products with similar claims and price points. I do think that this product helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and is worth a try.

Discount Code

Navan Skincare has kindly given me a discount code to share with you. Use the code Leah15 to save 15% off of your order. *Note: I am not paid if you purchase using this code, it is just a discount for you to try the product if you’d like.

Shop

Stretch Mark Reducing Cream

 

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have a beautiful week! xx

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare

HOW TO PRIME AND TREAT OILY SKIN BEFORE MAKEUP | FEATURING BENEFIT COSMETICS

& 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I have combo/oily skin, and my t-zone, my nose especially, tends to get very oily. One product that I’ve spoken about before is Milk of Magnesia which I do still like for special, all-day occasions, but as detailed in this post, the magnesium carbonate effectively break down wax esters which helps to degrease your skin but it has a high PH level. Because I do not use Milk of Magnesia daily, I am always on the hunt for ways to safely combat the oil.

 

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Line

Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional Matte Rescue

This product intrigued me right away when it came out, but it took me a little bit of time to determine if I thought it made a significant different in helping me stay matte. This claims to keep your skin matte and to help minimize your pores. This should be used after cleansing and moisturizing. I have been using this product daily for several months now, and as an experiment skipped a day and definitely noticed that my skin was not only shiny faster, but my makeup didn’t stay as fresh looking for as long.

 

Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional 

This has been a long time favorite product of mine and I always repurchase this primer. This product claims to minimize the appearance of pores, smooth fine lines, and help your makeup stay put, and for me this is absolutely true!

 

 

My Routine

After I cleanse and moisturize my skin I give my moisturizer a couple of minutes to skin in and then I apply Benefit the POREfessional Matte Rescue as the last step in my morning skincare routine. After the POREfessional Matte Rescue has a few minutes to sink into my skin I apply the POREfessional, concentrating on areas where I have large pores, which for me is my nose and the sides of my nose.

Shop

 

 

 

What is your favorite primer? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to follow my Snapchat @LeahTackles to see my makeup, skincare, fashion, food, and family life every day ;  ) xx

FacebookTwitterEmailPinterestShare