makeup blogger

MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY FOR UNDER $10 SEND “HAPPY MAIL”!

January 18, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! I got to go on a date with the hubs on Friday which was long overdue and so nice! And on Sunday Hailey had her very first cheerleading competition. Hailey did such an incredible job, it was just her and one other girl for her performance and she ROCKED it! What did you do over the weekend? Let me know in the comments!

Last Wednesday I had what I like to call a “Happy Mail Day”. One of my best friends and sorority sisters surprised me when a package I knew was on the way had a bunch of extra goodies tucked inside! And if you know me, you know that lots of cute little details is completely up my ally! And we also got our first-ever mail from one of our KwapisFamilyTackles subscribers (and friends!) which was so sweet, too! My “Happy Mail Day” made me so happy, and is continuing to make me so giddy happy when I think about it, that I thought it would be fun to share some of my ideas for brightening your friends day by sending them some “Happy Mail”. I plan to start doing this for my friends, slowly but surely, because I think it’s such a nice way to show some love, support, and appreciation for them adding to your life.

My “Happy Mail”:

1. Stuff a Mug

Starbucks has a lot of pricy mugs, but they usually have one or two out at a time that are less than $10. Or, go to TJMaxx or Home Goods to find a super cute mug for less. Then buy some pretty chocolates, stickers, a tube of lipstick, or a fun nail polish to stick inside to make it extra special.

2. Cozy Winter Day

I love the idea of getting a fun pair of fuzzy socks, a packet of nice hot cocoa or coffee, and a magazine that you know they’d enjoy to create a little cozy winter day gift.

3. Pretty Up That Desk

I love having fun stationary, pencils, and cute little decor set up on my desk. I think gathering some fun washi tape, pens, coasters, or other small knick-knacks would be such a cute little gift to get in the mail!

4. Printed Pictures

If you have pictures together consider printing them (if you use a service like Groovebook already this would be super easy to do!) and putting them together in an envelope with fun captions! I know most of us are bad at actually printing off our pictures these days, and I personally would adore a nice gesture like this.

5. Bake It Up

I remember shortly after one of my bridal showers baking some cheesecake bars and I wanted to send them to the person who had gotten us the baking book, but I had zero clue how to do so! I didn’t own a vacuum sealer, but I went to the store and bought a small Ziploc Vacuum Pump kit for a few dollars and it worked beautifully! Now I can send brownies, cookies, or breads easily!

And remember, packaging is everything! Use fun duct tape or washi tape to decorate the box, include a cute note, and make it as fun to open as possible!

What are your favorite ways to show your friends some love? I would love to start some conversation in the comments! Don’t be shy, commenting is super easy, free, and you won’t get spammed! Just try it!! xx

IPSY GLAM BAG | OCTOBER 2015

October 19, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

The middle of the month always means the same thing, IPSY TIME! I was so excited to rip open this months bag and decided to do it as a blog post instead of a video. If you’d like to see my Ipsy videos you can here on my YouTube channel. If there is a subscription service you would like for me to review or share with you, please let me know in the comments!

IPSY GLAM BAG OCTOBER 2015:

Theme:

Alter Ego

Bag:

It isn’t my favorite, but it’ll get the job done and I will use it. I do love these bags, they are handy for so many things when organizing or traveling.

Delectable Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream in Coconut Cream:

I was thrilled when I saw this because I needed a new hand cream now that it is getting to be colder and my hands are extra dry. This smells amazing and is really thick and feels pretty luxurious. I will have to see how it works though, because I’ve only used it once.

Aurora Gel Effect Nail Lacquer in Inky Dinky:

I have been wanting to try more gel formula nail polishes, and I love this deep navy color! And how cute is the name?! I believe this is full size too, which is fantastic. I think that there is also a gel top coat that you are supposed to use as a second step, which I don’t have, but I will test it out with a clear top coat.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion:

I love Dr. Brandt Pores No More primer, and I’ve also tried this Microdermabrasion before and enjoyed it. It’s a decent sample, and I’ll be able to get 5 or more uses out of it.

The Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Committed:

I LOVE The Balm!! It is the makeup that the salon used for my wedding over five years ago, and ever since I’ve been hooked. I also am loving this liquid lipstick trend, and think that this color is a really great nude for fall. I think this is a very wearable color, and has a little bit of that 90’s lip trend going on, which I am a fan of.

Emite Make Up Tweezers:

I tested these out and they seem to work really well! I love that they have a little case, and it’s a lot sturdier than the cases that other tweezers I have are packaged in, but the lid doesn’t seem to stay on : ( I think mine is maybe just broken, but it’s a tiny bummer.

Overall:

I love this month! If you are interested, you can find out more about Ipsy here! I am thinking of canceling my Ipsy bag so that I can get Nature Box to open with Stephan : ) Let me know what you think!! Have a great start to your week! Don’t forget I post every Monday and Wednesday!

DARK LIP STAIN THAT DOESN’T KISS OFF!

October 12, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend! We did some fall activities with the kids, and enjoyed beautiful sunshine all weekend long. I got to wear a new pair of boots (from Just Fab), rocked some dark lips, and enjoyed some cider! Fall perfection. Now, the dark lips I rocked I have to tell you guys about because it doesn’t transfer AT ALL! It’s amazing! I can kiss my babies, kiss my husband, drink my Starbucks, and eat a donut without getting dark lipstick everywhere or without is wearing off.

Stiff Upper Lip Moonstruck Minerals Lip Stain by Younique:

Thoughts Before Trying:

I didn’t even know the Younique made anything but the 3D Fiber Mascara that they’re famous for (P.S Stay tuned for a video on that on my YouTube channel soon! I’ve always disliked Fiber mascara) until a few months ago. Kassie, a Younique distributer, reached out to me on Facebook and asked if I had tried any of the lip products, and hooked me up with a lip stain for consideration and review. Another girl, Megan, makes great YouTube videos showing off Younique products.

Review:

This stuff is AHHH-MAZING! I swatched this on my arm and it didn’t budge, even after rubbing it vigorously, all day long! I tested this out on my lips with chapstick or with nothing on them, and it lasted a very long time with both! I exfoliated my lips the second day before I put it on, and noticed that that really helped so that as it wore it didn’t wear off in patches at all. This stays on and doesn’t transfer off! I avoid dark lipsticks, even though I love them, because I am constantly cuddling and kissing little loves, but I can kiss them with this on without them being covered in lip product.

Swatch Immediately After Being Applied:

Swatch After Drying:

Stiff Upper Lip Lip Stain in Sultry On My Lips:

Check Out Kassie On Facebook!!

Thank you so much for reading! If you have any suggestions for great long wearing fall and winter lip colors that don’t kiss off, please let me know!! See you Wednesday!! Muah!

The Drugstore Foundations You Need to Know About!

September 16, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I love makeup! And I wear makeup most days, so while I *love* some of my high-end foundations, I don’t want to wear them all of the time because it’s costly. I have found 4 drugstore foundations that I consider my favorites, but keep in mind that I haven’t tried every foundation to ever enter the drugstore!

About My Skin:

I have oily/combo skin that is fairly clear from acne, but does have some discoloration and fine lines. My nose gets VERY oily, and my chin and forehead get some shine as well.

L’ORÉAL MAGIC SKIN BEAUTIFIER BB CREAM

This made me so nervous at first because it says “hydrates” but I find that it works beautifully with my oily/combo skin. I love this for days when I want to wear barely anything on my face, or when I’m in a hurry. It comes out white, but blends to a beautiful perfect skintone match. I like to apply this with my finger or with a regular foundation brush like the Sigma F60. This one costs about $10.

REVLON COLORSTAY MAKEUP COMBINATION/OILY

This is the drugstore version of my absolute FAVORITE foundation the Esteé Lauder Double Wear. I do find that this doesn’t wear quite as long, but it’s very very longwearing (not the 24 hours it claims!) and keeps me matte. This one is about $12. Has anyone tried the “Whipped” version of this? I want to! I like to apply this using my Sigma F60.

COVERGIRL OUTLAST STAY FABULOUS 3 in 1 FOUNDATION

People were RAVING about this about 2 years ago when it came out and I just didn’t get it…until I tried using this with my Beauty Blender sponge! This looks gorgeous and has buildable, medium to full coverage. I really love this! I do not use the “3 in 1” claims…I still wear a primer and a concealer with this. This one also costs about $12 at most drugstores.

COVERGIRL READY SET GORGEOUS FRESH COMPLEXION FOUNDATION

When this came out I was unimpressed because I thought the packaging was cheap looking but now I actually love the packaging because you can get every bit out. This foundation is FLAWLESS!! And crazy cheap at $6-8 at Ulta and most drugstores. I find this very easy to blend and it does last all day. I would say it’s a very nautral matte finish, and it is very full coverage.I like to apply this with my hands and then follow up with a foundation brush, usually a stippling one like the Sigma F60.

What foundation do you wear? Let me know in the comments!! Have a wonderful weekend! You can see what we are up to on our Daily Vlog channel.

Five Things You Need To Know About Right Now {Beauty}

August 24, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Today I want to have some good old fashion beauty product lusting! I remember flipping through catologs and fantasizing about what one item I would pick on each page…actually, let’s be real, I STILL do that sometimes! So, here are the 5 beauty items that I think you need right now! But don’t go into the red to get them, babes ; ) But if you had a gift card or some extra cash? Yes! Need!

1. Too Faced Star Dust by Vegas Nay palette

I haven’t ordered this yet but I am OBSESSING over this! I must get my hands on this beauty. I can’t stop looking at swatches! And I watched Sam Schuerman do a review and the highlight for the brow bone is incredible! Love, love, LOVE.

2. Conair Black Touch Control Makeup Mirror

I have this and if you don’t have a lighted makeup mirror, I think this is a fantastic one! I got mine from my in-laws for Christmas in 2013 and it works perfectly. The touch light is so convenient.

3. Tarte Contour Brush

I do not have this exact brush, but I do have a very similar from Tarte that my sweet friend Alyssa got me (hey girl hey!) from QVC. I am usually not a huge fan of double-ended brushes, but I love them for contouring.

4. Hot Tools Curling Iron

I absolutely am obsessed with my Hot Tools 1 1/2 inch curling iron. And how beautiful are these rainbow barrels?! I eventually want to grab a smaller barrel iron.

5. Kate Spade Walk On Air

I love having a couple beautiful perfumes to pick from, and this one seems like the perfect edition to my small perfume collection. And it’s so pretty!

Thank you so much for reading! What items are on your lust list?

6 Lip Colors You Can Apply In A Rush! No Lipliner Required!

August 12, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

First I want to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my husband, Stephan, who is celebrating his 29th birthday today! Thank you for your constant support and positive attitude!! I love you so!

Today I want to share my top 6 picks for lip colors you can apply in a rush. I love gorgeous bold lipsticks as much as the next girl, but I definitely can’t rock those colors every day. For one thing, I am constantly kissing little faces and that can be a pain ; ) But more often than not it is because I need to be able to apply color fast, and often times without a mirror, or in a moving vehicle.

*Note: please don’t try to apply makeup while driving ladies, it’s just not worth an accident! <– yes, I had to be a mom for a second.

From left to right:

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

NYX Butter Lipstick in Hunk

Tarte Lip Surgence Matte Lip Tint in Alluring (*Similar)

L’Oreal Colour Riche in Sunset Angora

Maybelline Color Whisper in Oh La Lilac

Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss in PopSugar Exclusive (*Similar)

I am ALWAYS on the hunt for great new lip products, so let me know YOUR FAVORITE lipstick for when you’re running out the door in the comments : ) I hope you have a beautiful week!

How To Take Advantage of Sephora Beauty Insider Membership Offers! 5 Tips!

August 5, 2015 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

As most of you know, high-end makeup from Sephora is expensive, BUT there are a few very simple ways to reduce your spending without kissing your $50 eye shadow palette goodbye. And PSSSST! Sephora is doing 2x, 3x, and 4x points right now!!! Go ladies go!!!

1. JOIN THE BEAUTY INSIDER MEMBERSHIP!

The first step is of course…JOINING ; ) You know when you’re checking out and they ask if you are a “Beauty Insider”? Instead of brushing them off, take a minute or two to sign up, because it is worth it! At the very least you will get a free birthday gift and be able to redeem your points for products.

2. CHECK THE WEBSITE WEEKLY

This may sound a little bit crazy, but often times Sephora will offer double points, triple, or even quadruple points per purchase! This is a huge advantage as far as getting you more points for free products and moving up to a higher membership level. They also offer promo codes for free deluxe size samples on the website that change weekly. Right now they have a Dr. Brandt primer and an Urban Decay mini lipstick!! Um, yes please!

3. BUY YOUR GIFTS AT SEPHORA

If you have a lady (or hey, they have guy stuff too!) in your life, try to get her gift at Sephora! Even if she isn’t into makeup, they have amazing skincare, bath products, hair tools, and perfumes. If you buy your gifts here, you can add up points faster to become a V.I.B (level 2) or V.I.B ROUGE (level 3) beauty insider which means exlusive 20% off sales, events, makeovers, and even special edition makeup exclusive to you.

4. BUY YOUR ESSENTIALS AT SEPHORA

There are a few items that I will buy on Q.V.C or Amazon because they are far less expensive, but for the most part if it’s avaliable at Sephora I will try to get things like my Clarisonic brush heads, favorite foundations, or my beloved Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz from Sephora so that I can get the points.

5. WAIT FOR A SALE

It’s really hard, but I try to not buy things from Sephora unless I have some sort of promo code from my Beauty Insider membership or a friends and family discount. I make exceptions for limited edition palettes or things that I must replace, but definitely try to save up some money so that during the sales I can stock up so that I end up saving money in the long run. They offer sales of 20% off and with expensive makeup or skincare items, that adds up! I just “love” all of the items that I want, or even add some to my cart, and when a sale pops up I am ready!!

What tricks do you have for taking advantage your membership? If you liked this post please share! I will be doing a similar post for Ulta because I love the ULTAmate rewards points too, but use it a bit differently with a different strategy ; ) Who knew makeup shopping was so strategic?! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @LeahTackles for tweets about sales!! XO

10 Warning Signs That You Might Be A Lip Product Addict

June 3, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Thank you for being here! I was looking at my lip product drawer (don’t worry, picture will be below!…) and thought that it would be fun to talk about lip products and the girls who love them. So, without further ado, let’s get into it…

1. When someone asks you to choose a nude you have to get more information before you answer. Do they mean drugstore or high-end? Matte or glossy? Creamsheen? Lip Gloss? Lipstick? Pink-y Nude? True nude? “GIVE ME MORE INFORMATION because I have like 20…” : D

2. You could wear 3 different lip products every week for a year before repeating a color…and you still “need” more.

3. You have bought an entire collection of a lip product line before. And you’re not sorry about it. <– Insert meme here ; )

4. When you clean out your purse you have more lip products in the bottom than most people have in their vanity.

5. You know that M.A.C lipsticks smell like vanilla, and Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks smell like Play-Doh…if you didn’t know YOU’RE WELCOME!

6. “Pick a red lipstick” is not that simple of a request! Do you mean true red? Orange Red? Blue Toned Red? Matte Red? Holiday Red? Please, specify. #KThanksBye

7. “Your lips but better” is a popular way to describe lip products, and you would use that term in a real life scenario.

8. You’ve gone back and bought a back up of a favorite limited edition color of a lipstick.

9. Lip Smackers may have started your love for lip products, but collecting lip products didn’t end there. (Dr. Pepper is still where it’s at, and do NOT tell me I’m wrong! If I’m wrong, I don’t want to be right!)

10. You lip product drawer (everyone DOES have a lip product drawer, right?) looks something like this (please ignore the clutter! Next post idea: 10 Warning Signs That You Are Type A?! : P ):

So, if you can relate to 6 or more of the above, you may be in the lip product addicts club ; ) It’s not a bad one to be in as far as I’m concerned…a lipstick lasts far longer than an iced non fat no whip #JustSaying : P

Thank you so much for reading!! And don’t forget to check out LeahTackles on Facebook where I am giving away 4 different shirts from LivnFresh! See more information in the LivnFresh blog post here.

Tarte Kiss & Belle Lipsurgence Lip Set! Swatches & Review! Free shipping now!

December 15, 2014 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

About a month ago I got my hands on the “Kiss & Belle Lipsurgence Lip Set” from Tarte Cosmetics and because Sephora is offering FREE shipping on this until Thursday 12/18 with the code “GIFTSHIP” in the U.S, I thought it would be a great time to show you some swatches and give you a short review.

*NOTE: I am in no way affiliated with Sephora or Tarte, I just saw the deal was going on and wanted to share because (review spoiler!) I think it’s absolutely worth the money!

What You Get:

This kit containsn a total of 8 deluxe mini sized lipsurgence lip tints and lip glosses:

4 LipSurgence lip tints in Dreamy (raspberry), Alluring (very pretty mauve), Innocent (a nude), Dainty (pale pink)

2 LipSurgence matte lip tints in Eternal (pink nude), Fancy (berry)

2 LipSurgence lip glosses in Kiss (pale pink), Belle (a raspberry)

My Thoughts:

I absolutely LOVE this set! They are small, but perfect to throw in your purse, and still plenty of product. I love lip products, so it is pretty rare that I go through something completely (unless you’re talking my EOS lipbalms!), so I don’t mind the smaller size. The lipsurgence tints twist up and are like the many other jumbo crayon style balms out on the market. The lipsurgence tints have a very minty smell and a cool feel on the lips, I like this but it is something to be aware of if you aren’t a fan of that in your lip products. The lip glosses in this set have a very nice vanilla scent. The matte tints wore for a long time, and didn’t seem drying on my lips which is really saying something since my lips have been *SO DRY* this pregnancy! It has been a problem because I have had to avoid a lot of my favorite lipsticks, especially my mattes. The regular tints don’t last quite as long as the mattes, and the color is more varied in opacity and pigmentation depending on which of the regular tints I reach for. These glosses are a little bit sticky, which I actually like because it means they’ll have a better staying power! The glosses are not so sticky that they are uncomfortable on the lips. I think that the color and finish variety in this set make it a fabulous gift for any makeup lover out there, and it’s also very affordable compared to other holiday makeup exclusives! You could also split this up and they’d make great stocking stuffers!! I have been reaching for these almost daily lately, and am very pleased!

Swatches:

Thank you for reading my post! Be ready for my review of the Ipsy Glam Bag for December on Wednesday! Also, can you BELIEVE we are only 10 days away from Christmas?!

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