Leah Tackles

HOW-TO UP YOUR HAIR GAME | HAIR ACCESSORY STYLING TIPS FEATURING ULTA BEAUTY

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Today is my birthday, and it is also the fourth birthday of this blog, LeahTackles.com. I have worked hard and proud that I haven’t missed a post in four years. I have consistently posted every Monday and Wednesday (and for a while, I posted on Friday’s, too). I have worked hard to constantly improve my content. If you have been here from day one, or just joined today, thank you for reading! I appreciate you! If you’d like to do something for me for my birthday, please consider subscribing ; )

 

 

Ulta Hair Accessories 

I’ve been very impressed with hair accessories section lately at Ulta Beauty. I typically spend my money and time looking at skincare or makeup while at Ulta, and if you’re that way too you definitely should pop over to the hair accessory aisles because they have so many chic options for great prices. I’ve grabbed combs that can make my 1-minute ponytail or messy bun look purposeful and stylish, elastics that feel weightless and keep my hair out of my face, and clips or claws that can dress up the half-down look.

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Kitch Marble Round Claw Clips

Hair Comb (*Similar)

Hair Comb (Not pictured)

Invisible Hair Elastics 

 

Do you have any hair accessory secret weapons in your arsenal? I would love it if you’d let us know in the comments! Thank you so much for reading! xx

 

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STYLE SUBSCRIPTION BOX | NADINE WEST CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

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, here, here, here, and here), and I have been wearing some items from my last several boxes a lot lately, 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 a beautiful black floral tunic, fleece lined burgundy leggings, a gray and white striped sweater with elbow patches, a pair of statement earrings, a gold and silver necklace, and a navy leather bracelet with floral beads.

Did I Keep It?

Yes! One of my very best friends had a surprise birthday party, and I completely changed the outfit I had picked out in order to wear the black floral tunic! The floral tunic is almost a dress, but the tie waist opens a bit so I prefer to wear it as a tunic with leggings. I was thrilled that the fleece lined leggings paired perfectly with the flowers on the tunic. I love that the leggings are lined with fleece, and they’re great because I have already been able to dress them up and then again down with a cozy crewneck sweatshirt. I love classic pieces and neutral colors, so the striped sweater with the cute elbow patch detail has already been worn several times, although I do wish it was a bit longer. I am not a fan of the necklace, even though I do think it looks pretty on, but I think that it is something that I can pass on to someone who likes that style. The bracelet also isn’t something I would have picked, but I think it will be super cute in the summer, especially layered with other pieces. I wouldn’t have picked the earrings, I am such a stud earring girl, but I ended up LOVING what a statement these make. My favorite piece is by far the tunic along with the leggings. I think that Nadine West does a good job paying attention to your opinions, so my boxes have been improving and evolving with my feedback.

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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KEY PIECES TO BUILD A STYLISH WARDROBE (AFFORDABLE) | MY BIRTHDAY WISHLIST

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! It is my birthday month, and today I wanted to share a few of the things on my wishlist because I think they are fantastic options for anyone who is working to build a stylish wardrobe.

My Style

In the past couple of years I have been working to only purchase things that bring me happiness, and while I am in no way a minimalist or attempting to be, I think that having a few basic items can ensure that you’re always looking fantastic. I love neutrals because I think that even if a shirt is a more budget-friendly brand, such as Target, H&M, or even Forever 21, you can dress it up with a great necklace, or a nicer handbag. I usually keep my blog beauty-based, but if you’d like to see more of my style picks for shirts, jeans, bras, and shoes please comment to let me know.

My Wishlist

 

 

Kate Spade Cameron Street Lacey Wallet

I love this wallet for its timeless style and functionality. I think this looks fantastic with lots of handbags, and I love that it zips around to keep your cards and cash safe.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette

If you’re a regular reader of my blog then you know that I have plenty of neutral eyeshadow palettes, but this one speaks to me because it combines the incredible quality of Anastasia Beverly Hills (same formula as the Modern Renaissance Palette!) with shades that can go from very natural to full glam.

Steve Madden Daisie Pump 

I recently went through my closet and narrowed down my shoes to ones that I love and classic pieces that I know will always be a wardrobe staple. I have a pair of nude heels with a rounded toe, but I’ve realized that I really need a pair of pointy toe nude heels because they would work with so many looks. I love this pair of Steve Madden Daisie Pumps because they’re affordable but have fantastic reviews, plus I have always historically had luck with Steve Madden shoes.

The Ordinary 100% Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil 

A friend shared her collection of The Ordinary skincare a few months ago and I have picked up a few items since. I love The Ordinary because they offer a ton of different acids, oils, and vitamin products that you can pick and choose based on your needs. The price point is affordable, the brand integrity is backed by fantastic reviews, and the packaging is modern and clean. One of my items on my must-try list is the Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil. I also want to try the Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. If you are interested in hearing more of my thoughts on The Ordinary, please let me know!

Kendra Scott Gold Stud Earrings

I love Kendra Scott jewelry and I am a stud earring girl, so I am completely swooning over these Gold Studs! I love all of the color options, but right now the slate is really speaking to me! What color do you like the best?

Miranda Frye Stephanie Threader

I have become OBSESSED with Miranda Frye lately and a pair of her amazing threader earrings is up high on my current lust-list wish-list! The earrings are said to be very light and you actually thread the string like metal through your ear and they hang so beautifully. Miranda Frye also has gorgeous necklaces that can be layered, as well as incredible rings that are also swoon-worthy.

 

What is on your wishlist? What are your closet and style staples?  I would love it if you commented to let everyone know in the comments! xx

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ANTI-AGING FIRMING MASK | GLAMGLOW GRAVITYMUD FIRMING TREATMENT

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a fantastic week! I get so many questions about masking, probably because I talk about masks a lot (here, here, and here for example) and can often be seen on my InstaStory or Snapchat wearing a mask, so today I wanted to share my thoughts on an anti-aging mask.

Glamglow Gravitymud Firming Treatment

 

 

The Gravitymud Firming Treatment is a mud-based mask that is a white-silver color in the jar that peels off. This mask is designed to firm up the skin and is meant for firming and elasticity. As the mask dries it changes from a white-silver color to a metallic silver color.  This mask is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

My Thoughts

I had a generous sample size, so I did not have the brush that the standard size comes with, but I did use an inexpensive foundation brush to apply it that I use for a lot of my masks. I wear masks around the house all the time, but my kids and even my husband commented on this mask because of the chrome appearance of the mask. I felt that my skin looked great and felt great after using this, as it usually does after masking, but the biggest difference I saw was the fine lines on my forehead seemed less pronounced. Will this give you the same effects as injections or a facelift? No, but I do think it helps make the skin feel youthful and firm.  I think this mask would be a great one to use before a big night out or a special occasion. The price of this mask is high, but if you can get a sample with points from Sephora I definitely suggest trying it out. I also found a sample size on Amazon (linked below!) that I will definitely grab in the future.

My Routine

I removed my makeup and then applied the Glamglow Gravitymud Firming Treatment with a foundation brush. I let the mask dry and wore it for about 20 minutes before peeling it off. I used a warm washcloth to remove any mask that was still remaining on the skin before continuing my nighttime routine.

 

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Have you tried any anti-aging masks? Have you tried this mask? Let me know! xx

 

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HOW TO USE CONTOUR AND HIGHLIGHT STICKS | FENTY BEAUTY MATCH STIX TRIO REVIEW AND DEMO

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are ready to tackle this week!

Contouring has been huge for several years now, and while most days I don’t do a full contour I usually at least do a bit under my cheeks or around my nose with a matte bronzing powder. I was intrigued when I saw the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Trio and wanted to share my thoughts with you.

About the Fenty Match Stix Trio

This trio features magnetized packaging and claims of long-wear, light-as-air makeup sticks to conceal, contour, and highlight the skin. Each set comes with two Match Stix matte “Skinsticks” and one Match Stix shimmer Skinstick which are said to be weightless, easy to blend, and will stay put.  The cream-to-powder leaves skin that looks extremely natural. There are four different shade combinations available.

My Thoughts

I have some cream contour products that I love, but often only reach for when I want a really “full glam” look because they can feel heavy on my skin or aren’t practical for every day. I was nervous about the Fenty Match Stixs because I thought it might tug my skin or move my makeup, but they didn’t! I did find that they dry down quickly, so I worked in sections and blended as I went with a Beauty Blender Blusher sponge. I did opt to apply the highlight to an E.L.F Small Stipple brush instead of directly to my skin because I felt the shimmer formula might tug or move my other makeup. I am OBSESSED with the fact that these truly look like my skin, not makeup, and once they’re on I forget that I’ve carved out my whole face because they really do feel weightless! The color, Amber, is an amazing contour for my fair complexion and doesn’t look muddy like many contour shades and bronzers can. I think I could have passed on the concealer, it’s good but not the best I’ve ever used by any means, but because I love the contour and highlight so much, and the magnetic packaging, the $4 more in price to buy the bundled set was worth it to me.

My Routine

I love using the contour, Amber, to carve out my skin and use the concealer shade, Linen, to highlight the tip of my nose but also have used the concealer to cover up imperfections. After I apply a little bronzer and/or blush I will apply the highlight shade, Starstruck, to highlight my cheekbones and cupids bow above my lip.

See My Instagram Tutorial Featuring the Fenty Match Stix Trio

 

Shop Fenty Match Stix Trio

Shop Fenty Match Stix Contour Skinstick

Shop Fenty Match Stix Concealer Skinstick

Shop Fenty Match Stix Highlight Skinstick

 

Have you tried these? Have you tried any Fenty Beauty products? I would love to hear your thoughts! Have a wonderful day! xx

 

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OH K! EGG WHITE SHEET MASK REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Cheers to reaching mid-week! I hope that you have some fun plans to look forward to this weekend : )

 

 

As you know, I love masking, and trying out different masks is something I tend to do on a weekly basis. My good friend, Gigi (she has a YouTube channel, check it out here!) sent me a Galentine gift, and this OH K! Egg White Sheet Mask instantly caught my masking obsessed eye.

About the Mask

This sheet mask is described to be for dull, tired skin. This egg white mask claims to be perfect for adding a natural glow. Working in less than 20 minutes, it is suggested to use weekly to banish dull skin and create a smooth, radiant complexion.

My Thoughts

I know that egg whites are often used to shrink pores and tone the skin.The OH K! packaging is adorable, but this mask has proved that it is also a quality product inside the precious package. I liked that this mask was plenty big for my face, and the cut outs for the mouth and nose were comfortable. When I was ready to remove the sheet mask, I enjoyed that it didn’t just feel wet but I felt that there was excess serum to rub into my skin. My skin always feels soft right after using a mask, but I definitely noticed that my skin looked fresh and dare I say, glowing, after this mask! I loved the way this made my skin look! I would absolutely use an OH K! Egg White Sheet Mask again, and want to try more OH K! masks.

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Have you tried this mask? Have you tried any OH K! masks or skincare products? What do YOU want to see me review next? Let me know : ) Thank you, as always, for reading! xx

 

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BASIC EYE LOOK | DRUGSTORE EYE SHADOW TUTORIAL FOR BEGINNERS

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend, and if you’re one of the lucky ones maybe you’re enjoying a long weekend and have today off of work!

I have been sharing 1 minute beauty tutorials on my Leah Tackles Beauty Instagram and someone asked if I would share a basic eye shadow look with a drugstore eye shadow quad or trio. If you are interested in seeing quick tutorials and routines, please check out my Instagram! Also, please ask if there is a beauty video you’d like me to film : )

 

 

Eye Shadow Used

I used a quad from Flower Beauty in Foxy Browns that I purchased from Walmart. I have only tried the shadows from Flower Beauty, but I am excited that Flower Beauty is now available at Ulta. I also LOVE the Wet n’ Wild eye shadow quad in Walking On Eggshells.

Brushes Used

I think the three most basic brushes needed for creating eye shadow looks are a shader brush like the Sigma E60, a blending brush like the Sigma E25, and a fluffy brush for the crease like the Sigma E40.

 

Watch the Tutorial

 

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What is your favorite drugstore eye shadow? I would love it if you shared in the comments! Thank you for reading and have a fabulous week! xx

 

 

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

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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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YES TO TOMATOES DETOXIFYING CHARCOAL SLEEPING MASK REVIEW | DRUGSTORE OVERNIGHT SLEEP MASK

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Are you ready to tackle the week? I have been feeling the mid winter slump lately, and have been trying to have perk myself up by treating myself to some new masks. I have noticed sleeping masks (masks that are meant to worn overnight) popping up all over and decided to give a few a try. Today I want to share my thoughts on one from one of my favorite lines, Yes To Tomatoes.

 

 

My Thoughts

I love masking, and the Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Daily Balancing Moisturizer is one of my go-to favorites, so I decided to try out the Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Sleeping Mask. I applied the mask with my fingers to freshly cleansed skin. I decided to apply this mask with my fingers because the directions said that you could massage it into the skin before catching those Z’s while it does its magic. I did use the entire packet, as it is advertised as a single use mask, but I think next time I would have plenty to get two uses out of it. The mask did absorb into the skin, after a bit of time (I did apply quite heavily) and did not transfer onto my pillow. I rinsed the mask off the next morning, and my skin felt very soft just like it does after uses other face masks. My skin did appear less red, and I will definitely be using it again.

 

Watch Me Apply It

*Note: Follow me on my Beauty Instagram to see my beauty video! xx

 

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Have you tried any sleeping masks? What is your favorite single use mask right now? I would love for you to share in the comments : ) Thank you, as always, for reading! xx

 

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

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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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