Leah Tackles

DIY LACE SHIRT | EASY WARDROBE UPDATES FOR FALL

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

How is your week going? Let us know one thing in the comments that you are looking forward to right now! I’ll start, I am looking forward to autumn because thinking of donuts, cider (the real kind) and cute fall clothes makes me feel cozy and safe. Today I want to share a simple DIY that I recently attempted where I added lace to a plain v-neck white shirt to make it look like a lacy bralet peaking out. I love this look because you can toss a denim jacket or a flannel over it for an effortlessly cute fall look. You can see other wardrobe update DIY projects I have done in the past here.

 

 

What You’ll Need

 

 

  • A white v-neck t-shirt of your choice (I found one on clearance at Walmart!)
  • A needle and white or black thread
  • Black lace ribbon that is about an inch thick
  • Scissors

Directions

First, you need to cut the lace so that it is just a tad longer than the length of the neckline. Then, starting at the shoulder, I sewed the lace into the shirt. I will be honest if a seamstress saw my needlework or lack of? They’d probably have some *suggestions*! But, I was careful not to have any of the sloppy stitches be on the visible neckline of the shirt, so you’d only see my amateur sewing skills if you were doing my laundry and if you want to do that, feel free ; )

My Shirt

 

 

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What do you think? Will you try this DIY? I love mine, but I want to make another one with a lower cut v-neck and a different lace ribbon to have more options! Have a fantastic weekend! xx

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Sleeping Hair Mask | HIP CHIC Hair Mask Review

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

How is your summer going? I can’t believe it is August! I am like a broken record saying that to you (and myself!) each month, but I am amazed at how fast time seems to fly.  Alright, now how is your hair? If you’re like me you may have some dryness from color processing and heat damage. I have been using a HIP CHIC Sleeping Mask a couple of times a month and today I want to share my thoughts with you. HIP CHIC did send me quite a few goodies for my consideration for review, but this is not a sponsored post, and as always all opinions are my own.

 

 

Product Claims

The luxurious benefits of Shea butter protects hair color and boosts radiance while sleeping. This easy to use DIY steam hair mask is a fun and adorable way to improve the look and feel of split ends, stressed out and unruly frizzy hair.

My Thoughts 

Lamb steam masks are popular in Korean beauty and work by heating up upon application and mending split ends. You can read my HIP CHIC Soft Lamb Steam Mask review here.

I have shared several HIP CHIC haircare products on my LeahTacklesBeauty Instagram and I love them because they’re an affordable haircare line with adorable packaging and products that feel like a treat. I especially love the HIP CHIC Ponytail Mask!  I love using the HIP CHIC products because it is fun, and the cuteness factor is an absolute plus for me when I am trying to cram in a little self-care into my packed schedule…anyone else? I also use these as little add-ons to gifts for my girlfriends because again, they’re super cute packaging adds a little something-something to a girly gift. But, does the HIP CHIC Shea Butter Sleep Mask actually do anything for my hair?

I LOVE that this 2 step sleeping hair mask focuses on color care because as someone with color treated hair I am constantly working to keep my hair color shiny and salon fresh instead of fading or turning brassy (Brass is a blondes worst enemy!) I thought I might be bother me to sleep with a disposable shower cap all night, but it wasn’t uncomfortable and it didn’t cause any staining or mess on my pillow. My hair was quite the sight the next morning, but I washed and conditioned my hair as normal, and then my hair felt incredibly soft! I often shower in the evenings (#momlife) but I enjoyed the way my ends felt so much that I have been using this mask every couple of weeks to keep my ends looking and feeling nice. It is amazing how happy it makes me to not have my ends looking dry or split.

Video Demo

 

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HIP CHIC Sleeping Hair Mask Shea Butter 

Do you use hair masks? If you do, please comment your favorites so anyone reading can hear about them. Do you shower  in the morning or at night? Let us know!

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PINK BLUSH CLOTHING | *NOT* JUST MATERNITY WEAR

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! I have seen fellow bloggers and YouTubers share adorable outfits and shopping hauls from Pink Blush Maternity, but because I am done having kids I didn’t consider checking out their website until my friend, Kristen (see her blog here), told me that they have non-maternity clothes, too (shop those here). I am now excited to be a PinkBlush collaborator, and while this post is not sponsored, I was sent this outfits for review purposes, but as always all opinions are my own. Also, I am NOT pregnant! Just throwing that out there ; ) You can definitely shop PinkBlush for before, during, or after pregnancy.

 

 

About PinkBlush Maternity

Versatility is key in the land of motherhood and PinkBlush has made it easier than ever to create a staple wardrobe with styles that can be worn during pregnancy into motherhood and beyond. PinkBlush strives to provide the highest quality of a product as well as service. Enjoy free shipping as well as easy exchanges when you purchase from PinkBlush. Plus when it comes to your order, customer care is there to accommodate you.

Navy Blue Striped Ruffle-Hem Sleeveless Dress

A sleeveless, hi-low midi dress featuring a textured, striped print ruffle trim on the hemline, a cinched elastic waistline, and rounded neckline. The bust is double lined to prevent sheerness. This style was created to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy.

I picked this dress because I love navy blue, and I love the hi-low hemline because it keeps me modest while running around with my Little Loves, but is still stylish. I am a big fan of dresses like this because they can be worn to appointments, playdates, casual date nights, brunches, church, and looks great with heels or flats. I love to toss a jacket over my shoulders in the mornings or evenings when it is cool, and the light blue and white striped hem gives this dress a little something extra, and I love the nautical, summery touch.

Black Sleeveless Hi-Low Ruffle Trim Maxi Dress

A sleeveless maxi dress featuring a hi-low hemline, ruffle trim, a cinched elastic waist, and a waist tie. The top is double lined to prevent sheerness. This style was created to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy.

I am a neutral girl and I didn’t own a black maxi dress, so this option was a great pick. I really love the ruffle hem because it keeps this simple dress from being boring, and makes the dress more breathable. The ruffle hem also shows a bit of skin, and you can show off your shoes. This dress is simple enough that it can be dressed up or down, and it looks really cute with a jean jacket.

 

Have you ever tried PinkBlush Maternity? Did you know PinkBlush has clothing that is not maternity clothing? What do you think of the dresses I picked? What would you pick? Let me know in the comments! xx

 

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EASY CONTOURING TUTORIAL | HOW-TO CONTOUR 2018

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend! A subscriber messaged me on my LeahTacklesBeauty Instagram asking if I would do a blog post and contouring video tutorial. Today I will share my tutorial how-to for beginners with you, and if you ever have blog post requests, please let me know : ) What can I do for you?

 

 

WHAT IS CONTOURING AND WHY DO YOU CONTOUR?

Contouring is when you use a matte powder, liquid, cream, or stick product that’s a few shades darker than your skin tone to shade (contour) the areas you want to chisel out and define or reshape. People most commonly contour their cheekbones, forehead, chin/jaw, and nose.

PRODUCTS USED

For this tutorial, I used the Benefit Hoola Lite Bronzer, which works well for me because it is a matte color that doesn’t look muddy on my very fair skin. The original Hoola Bronzer is also a great choice, or you can use any matte bronzer or even a matte pressed powder that’s a few shades darker than your skin tone. I have a double ended Tarte brush that I like to use for contouring because I use the smaller side to apply the product exactly where I want it, and then the fluffier side to blend the color out. You can also use an angled blush brush to apply and blend the contour.

MY ROUTINE

I contour my face almost daily, but my routine is typically a few quick version and then on days when I want a full face I will do more contouring. I start by contouring my cheekbones and the easiest way to do this is to suck in your cheeks and apply the color just below that cheekbone. I always put the brush down first close to my ear and then go down to just below the apple of my cheek which lines up with the outer corner of my eye. I put the brush down first wherever I want the most pigment to go. I always blend the cheek contour color up to help get the high cheekbone look.  I then contour my forehead, which I don’t spend a lot of time on because my forehead isn’t a problem area for me, but I do a little contouring on the sides into the hairline to help soften the angles of my face. I then contouring my jawline, blending the color down onto my neck. You can contour right below your lower lip to help make your lips look more full and forward.  I also like to contour my nose, which depending on your nose shape and size can vary, but I contour the sides of my nose to help thin it out a bit, and I contour around the tip which helps shorten the appearance of the length of the nose. After contouring, I apply bronzer on the apples of my cheeks and blending up to the hairline and then a little blush concentrated on the apples of my cheeks. You can then apply any other makeup you wish! Ta-Da! Contouring completely! *Note: I know, this sounds like a ton, but on an average day I probably spend 2 minutes doing this ; )

VIDEO TUTORIAL 

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Was this post helpful? What can I do for you? Let me know!  I’ll chat with you soon : ) xx

 

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Track: Elektronomia – Summersong 2018 [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds. Watch: https://youtu.be/HoCw_gaCHXE Free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/SummersongYO

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AFFORDABLE HANDMADE EARRINGS | THE SUMMERFIELD COLLECTION REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I am so glad you’re here! I hope you had a great weekend : )

I was so excited when I was contacted to review some of the Summerfield Collection earrings because the Amazon reviews were good and the styles were beautiful. I was sent these earrings for my consideration for review, but this post is not sponsored. As always, all opinions are my own and I will never accept money in exchange for a positive review.

 

 

The Earrings

My Thoughts

I really love the stud earrings because, at the end of the day, I am a stud earring girl! I love studs, they are my go-to earring style. And the Glittery Confetti pair? I am obsessed! They remind me of a pair of Kate Spade Earrings that I adore but were much more expensive. I also love the Antiqued Gold Blue Glitter pair because I wear a lot of neutrals but blue is in my color palette, so these will go with a lot of things I wear. I really like the silver-tone Robin Egg Blue earrings, though I probably won’t reach for them as much. The Purple Glittery Star earrings are beautiful, but much less my style, and I will probably reach for them mostly during the Halloween season.

*Note: I wasn’t sent any of the Druzy Stone Studs but I am OBSESSED with them! I have a necklace and a pair of earrings (both from Nadine West boxes) in the druzy stone and I reach for them constantly. They remind me of Kendra Scott earrings at a much more affordable price point. They also have Mermaid earrings! LOVE!

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Summerfield Collection Information

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eBay

Facebook

Instagram

Amazon 

 

 

Do you like these earrings? Which pair is your favorite? What is your favorite earring style? Do you like stud earrings? Let me know!

Have a wonderful weekend : ) xx

 

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MY GO-TO SUMMER “NO MAKEUP” MAKEUP LOOK | 7 PRODUCTS 7 MINUTES

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a great week! It has been hot, sunny, and all around glorious here in Michigan the past week or so, and I’ve been going for minimal “no makeup” makeup. Today I want to share the products I grab when I want (or need!) to get out the door quickly and feel light but put together. This look can be done in less than ten minutes, or as I have been saying 7 products in 7 minutes!

 

 

 

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder in Fair

I love this because provides light to medium coverage quickly with a powder light finish. I like that this powder foundation is pressed so it is easy to travel with. It contains SPF 50 which I appreicate, while I don’t rely on it as my only SPF protection (read why here). I apply this foundation with a large powder brush after using a makeup primer.

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer in Fair

I like to conceal my undereye area every day and the Shape Tape is so intense that the tiiiiniest dot is all I really need to lighten up my dark circles.

Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer

I love this bronzer in the summer because I can use it to quickly add some color to my face, focusing on the cheekbone area, and then I pinch my brush to lightly sweep it over my eyes for a little glow on the lids.

Too Faced Brow Envy Kit

I always forget how much I love this kit from Too Faced, but the two colors of brow powder, wax, and highlight really make a big impact quickly! I use a brush similar to this one to quickly fill in my brows, using the lighter powder near my nose and getting darker at the arch and the tail ends of my brows.

Kat Von D Tatoo Liner in Trooper

I love this eyeliner! This liner is fantastic whether you want a quick line or a thicker wing and it is always wet so it is never tugging at the skin.

Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara in Waterproof

This is a great mascara because I like a mascara that is a little on the wet side to really oomph up the lashes with just a couple of quick coats! This does smear a bit because it is a pretty wet formula, but can quickly be cleaned up with a q-tip.

L’Oreal Infallible 8 Hour Pro Gloss in 415 Sunset

I love these L’Oreal Infallible glosses because they definitely last longer than most glosses on the lips, but they aren’t so sticky that they drive me crazy. Does it last eight hours? Nah, but it still has a little something-something even after eating and drinking, which I think is good for a gloss! I like the color sunset because it is a summery peachy shade that is flattering on most skin tones. I want to grab more of these!

 

What are your favorite summer makeup items? I’d love to hear about them : ) Have a wonderful weekend! Almost there! xx

 

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CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION BOX | NADINE WEST OUTFIT 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, here, here, 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!

What Did I Get?

This month I received a gold layered necklace, a pair of gold earrings, a pair of mesh side cropped leggings, a pair of black floral shorts, an orange smock top dress, a lace black shirt,  and a casual red shirt.

My Outfits

 

 

Did I Keep It?

I liked both the necklace and the earrings more on than I initially thought I would at first glace. The leggings aren’t as comfortable as the pair I got last month (and no pockets!) but I do really like the mesh side and lace-up leg details. I will wear the leggings casually, but not for workouts. I love the floral shorts, they are super soft and look cute on! I love neutral colors, even florals!  I wish so badly that the smock dress was a top instead, because it is super cute and I love the smock style in tanks, but I am not crazy about it as a dress and likely won’t be reaching for it. I really like the black lace top as well, but I will pair it with high rise shorts or pants next time. I absolutely LOVE the casual red top, the pictures don’t do it justice (I was dealing with atrocious lighting this day, whoops) but it’s perfect for casual days.

Final Thoughts

I love getting my Nadine West box each month! Each month I get a few things that I love, but I do wish that there was a simple form to update style preferences or check-in each month to see what I’d like to find in my box.

 

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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RENT THE RUNWAY REVIEW | WEDDING GUEST DRESS

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that your week is off to a beautiful start! This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of a dear friend, Sara, and her now-husband, Mike. It was a lovely ceremony and the reception was so much fun and flawlessly done that will stand out from the rest forever. Congratulations to the wonderful couple!  I used the tremendous occasion as an excuse to try out Rent the Way (for the blog, obviously). I had zero experience with Rent the Runway, but I had heard great things and today I wanted to share my thoughts with you.

How It Works

There are three ways to rent: RTR Reserve(pay as you rent),RTR Update (four rentals/month), and RTR Unlimited(unlimited rentals/month). I did RTR reserve which included a free backup size. They also often run promos such as 20% off your first rental or a free backup dress.

My Thoughts

I fell in love with two dresses, a Pink Cut Out Gown by Halston Heritage which was first-choice and the dress I ordered in my regular size and in a long. I also got a free backup dress, so long as it was within a certain price parameter, so I picked a Pink Milbury Gown by Likely.

The Halston Heritage gown didn’t have many reviews when I reserved it, but as more reviews started to go up I realized though beautiful, the color in-real-life wasn’t what it looked like on the website. I had the dresses shipped to my parent’s house because we were traveling there to have our children stay with them while we attended the wedding. I had the dress scheduled to arrive Thursday because I figured that gave just enough buffer to figure out a new plan in case my mom opened the bags to find an issue.

The dresses arrived on-time in like-new condition and were exactly what I ordered. I tried on both dresses and loved both, but the backup dress by Likely ended up beating out the first-choice because I just adored the color. I wish I could have worn both! Don’t you love it when that happens? The stars align and you have too many choices instead of “nothing to wear”?! For sizing, I would say check the stylist notes and reviews, but both dresses were my usual street size, though the backup dress was noted as “runs small” and my girlfriends who helped me zip the dress can attest to that ; )

I opted to do the 4-day rental (they also have an 8-day option) but because the 4th day would land on a Sunday they just needed to be marked shipped by UPS on Monday at 12:30 P.M.

The Dress

The Dress I DIDN’T Wear

Final Thoughts

I had a BLAST wearing this dress and the process was super easy! I love that I got to wear a pricier dress for an affordable price, and certainly less than buying a new dress that I would have only worn once for the wedding would have been. I will 100% be using Rent the Runway again in the future, and I am sure I will have to be careful to not go down the rabbit hole of gorgeous jewelry, casual dresses, sunglasses, and suits that are also available for rent.

Have you ever used Rent the Runway? What was your experience like? Have you ever used a similar website? Which one? I would LOVE to hear about it! Have a wonderful week! I’ll talk to you Wednesday : ) xx

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NAKED BASICS 2 TUTORIAL | EVERYDAY EYE LOOK

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Thank you, as always, for being here! I hope your week is off to a great start : )

 

 

I love the Naked Basics 2 Palette because it is so easy to grab whenever I want a cool-toned look. This palette is great because it is small enough to slip into your makeup bag, easy to travel with, and though it is small it is mighty! The Naked Basics 2 has velvety, pigmented shadows that offer shades that can give me the most basic “no makeup makeup” look or a smokey, sexy eye.

 

Naked Basics 2 Tutorial

Shop Products Used

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 

Too Faced Shadow Insurance 

Sigma Beauty Eye Shadow Brushes

Rimmel Scandaleyes Liner in Nude

L’Oreal Infallible Super Slim Liner in Black 

CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara in Water Resistant Black 

Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara in Waterproof Very Black

 

Have you tried the Naked Basics 2 palette? Have you tried the original Naked Basics palette? Or, what about the Ultimate Basics?

Thank you for reading! I hope you have a beautiful and blessed week! xx

 

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HOW-TO CLEAN YOU MAKEUP BRUSHES AFFORDABLY

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are having a great start to your week : ) I try to clean my makeup brushes once a week, and while I have a few favorite cleansers made specifically for makeup brushes (like the Beauty Blender Cleanser Solid), sometimes I like to keep in low-maintenance and budget friendly. I was sent a tool called the Bump It Off Silicone Cleaning Tool for consideration for review, but this post is not sponsored and as always I would never accept money in exchange for a positive review.

 

 

How I Clean My Brushes Easily and Affordably

I use foaming antibacterial soap and gently rub the brush onto the silicone nubs until it is clean and the water runs clear. I use the large nubs for my bigger brushes and the fine nubs for my eyeshadow brushes. I use a brush tree to dry my makeup brushes upside down which makes them dry a lot faster, but if you don’t have one you can simply roll a hand towel so that the brush head can still dry tiled down.

 

Bump It Off Silicone Cleaning Tool

I have used other small silicone brush cleaners, but I did like the size of this one especially for larger powder brushes. I did find the fit of it a bit odd to get used to, but I still enjoyed having it fit on my hand so I had more freedom to adjust the water, pump the soap, and use my other hand for holding the brush. This tool has awesome views for washing pups on Amazon, but we don’t have a pup in our house so I haven’t been able to test it out. The packaging also brags that it can be used to scrub laundry and pots or pans.

 

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Sometimes keeping it simple makes it actually get done, you know? ; ) What are your affordable or low-maintenance favorites? Let us know in the comments! xx

 

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