Michigan Beauty Blogger

AFFORDABLE CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION | NADINE WEST REVIEW

March 4, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you’re feeling energized and ready for a fresh, new week! I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here). 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 purple cold-shoulder sweater, an olive and white striped cold-shoulder top, a white top with beautiful lace detail, a pair of shiny purple leggings, a pair of plaid pants, a sky blue floral dress, a black pendant necklace, a pair of gold and silver hoops, and a gold bracelet.

Did I Keep It?

This month I only kept a couple of items. I love the material of the purple sweater, and it’s actually the same material and color as a sweater that I received in a Nadine West Box a few months back, but I am not into the cold-shoulder trend much anymore, so I’m not sure how often I’ll wear this. I love olive green and I love stripes, so I wish that it was a plain top and not cold-shoulder, because again I don’t think I’ll reach for it in my closet. The purple leggings are not workout leggings, but I think they’ll be nice to wear hanging around the house. I LOVE the dress so much, it is perfect for brunch or attending my daughters dance recital, but let me be real, real I was too cold to try it on! I love it though! So cute. I love plaid, and I think a neutral plaid pant would be super cute, but the plaid pants that came aren’t in my color palette and I don’t like the way they fit. I don’t care for the earrings or the bracelet this month, but the necklace is very cute and something I’ll wear often. Overall, this wasn’t a great month for me for Nadine West.

Final Thoughts

I love getting my Nadine West box each month! Most months 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. I hope that I will continue to get neutral pieces that fit my style and delicate jewelry that works with my sense of style. I would love to see some simple maxi dresses for spring, too.

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

Have a wonderful rest of your week! I’ll be back here Wednesday, as always : )

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Holographic Face Mask | Freeman Beauty Cosmic Holographic Peel-Off Mask

February 12, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

One of my favorite ways to treat myself to a little self-care a few times a week is masking. If you read this blog regularly, you know that I love masks (read my posts on single-use masks here) and I notice a difference in my skin on weeks when I am skipping this part of my regimen.

About the Freeman Cosmic Holographic Peel-Off Mask

This is a “crystal-inspired” holographic peel-off mask. It is an iridescent mask that is infused with rose quartz and removes impurities. This mask claims to illuminate your skin for a brighter complexion.

My Thoughts

I love trying affordable single-use masks like the 7th Heaven Montagne Jeunesse and Freeman Beauty masks because I can grab them at the drugstore or grocery store for less than $2 each. I was so excited to see several new options by Freeman and a holographic mask sounded so fun. The mask color is a very pale pink, so it wasn’t as in-your-face holographic as I had hoped on my fair skin, but my little loved and hubster still thought it was really fun. It was easy to apply with a foundation brush like this. I enjoy the peel-off masks because they peel-off (imagine that!) quickly and some days I just don’t have the patience to remove a mud mask. My skin felt super soft after using this and I noticed my complexion looked brighter as well.

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I can’t find this ANYWHERE online! Is it not 2019?! What’s happening?! I purchased this at Walmart for $1.37. I would LOVE to link it and will as soon as it is available online. However, I will link some of my other favorite Freeman Beauty masks.

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DRUGSTORE POWDER FOUNDATION | Maybelline Super Stay Powder Foundation Review

February 11, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend and are ready to rock a new week! I mentioned in my last post (read it here) that I have been relying on quick makeup looks a lot lately. I love products that work hard for me when I am only spending a few minutes on my makeup, and powder foundation is a way I like to look pulled together in a hurry.

Would you like a video demo or tutorial showing my Five Minute Makeup look? Leave me a comment to let me know!

One of my favorite drugstore foundations (truly, it may be the G.O.A.T) is the Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Foundation and you can read my post on it here. I was so excited to see a powder foundation come out from this line, because powder foundations, especially those that claim to be full coverage, are rare.

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation Claims

Super Stay® Full Coverage Powder Foundation Makeup Matte Finish features a high-pigment formula that achieves a full-coverage finish that lasts all day. This powder foundation is packed with color-matching pigments, this long-lasting formula delivers full coverage foundation coverage ever in a powder! This full-coverage powder makeup claims to have a creamy texture that is easily blendable and glides onto the skin for a matte finish. Apply with brush or face sponge all over the face, and neck.

My Thoughts

I was happy to see that this powder comes in 12 shades to offer options for most skin tones. I ended up going a shade darker than I wear in the liquid version of this foundation, and I am glad that I did because it definitely is lighter in powder form. I was very impressed with how much coverage this powder foundation gave! I have combo/oily skin and noticed it clinging to my uneven texture and showing my pores when I went too heavy with my application and didn’t use a primer. I think it the summer I won’t have this issue, but if you have dry skin you may want to avoid this powder. I like wearing the Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation in 110 Natural Ivory (I am 110 Porecelain in the liquid foundation in the winter) with a hydrating primer such as the Maybelline Face Studio Prime Hydrate + Smooth Primer. I prefer applying this with a brush like the Real Techniques Powder Brush, but did notice I got slightly more coverage using the sponge that comes with the powder foundation. Does this give me the coverage of my go-to full coverage liquid foundations? No, but when I am grabbing powder foundation I just want quick to apply and an even skin tone and this gives me that.

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THE BEST DRUGSTORE CONTOUR | WET N’ WILD CONTOUR PALETTE

February 6, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a wonderful week! It has been (extra) crazy winter weather here in the midwest and I’ve been relying on quick makeup to get me ready on our off-schedule days which reminded me of a contour that is such a staple but I never talk about it.

About the Wet n’ Wild Contour Palette

The description on the Wet n’ Wild website says that this duo of perfectly complementary contouring powders delivers a flawlessly sculpted face. The deeper color defines while the lighter color highlights your best features. This palette is available in two shades, one is a bit warmer and more yellow toned, and one is cool toned.

My Thoughts

I love that Wet n’ Wild has a product like this because it makes contouring accessible and not intimidating for people who might be interested in it but don’t really know a lot about makeup or want to make a big investment. The contour shade is completely matte, blends easily and isn’t muddy on the skin. I do not use the highlight shade to highlight, but I love using it as an under eye setting powder. The cooler toned version of this is better for me for a contour, but I have used both even on my very fair skin. I do wish they would release a better shade range and a cream version of this powder. The warmer toned palette highlight shade is a banana color, so if you use banana powders it would be worth grabbing this just for that. I love this because it’s a no-nonsense, easy product that delivers results.

My Routine

After applying foundation, concealer, and applying powder to set I use a Sigma E25 Eyeshadow Blending Brush to set quickly contour the sides of my nose and then a Sigma F40 Angled Blush Brush or my Tarte Bronze and Glow Contour Brush to contour my cheekbones, jaw, and forehead. I use the Sigma F25 Tapered Blending Brush to set my undereye concealer with the highlight shade. If you want to see my How-To Contour Videos head to my LeahTacklesBeauty Instagram.

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What is your favorite contour palette or contour powder?

Thank you for reading and have a fabulous weekend! xx

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How-To Store Makeup Sponges |REAL TECHNIQUES Stick & Store Sponge Holder Review

February 4, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Where do you store your Beauty Blender or similar makeup sponge? I found the Real Techniques Stick & Store Sponge Holder on a recent trip to Ulta and knew I had to share it with you!

ABOUT THE REAL TECHNIQUES STICK & STORE SPONGE HOLDER

The product description claims “miracle cling technology” securely clings to glossy bathroom surfaces like glass, marble, flat shiny tiles, and laminate with no residue. This holder lets you store brushes and tools for easy access. It helps organizes bathroom clutter and frees up counter space and is designed to store an assortment of brushes, sponges and cosmetic tools

MY THOUGHTS

I love using makeup sponges like the Real Techniques Blending Sponge, Eco Tools Sponge, and of course the OG Beauty Blender but the ick factor of not having a good place to store them (my go-to spot was the plastic Beauty Blender packaging or a clean paper towel) made me often reach for my brushes instead. I was so excited to see a holder meant for storing makeup sponges! I love that the holder is made out of a rubbery material that is easy to wash out and keep clean. The holder has holes on the bottom so it can drain, which is much more sanitary then it sitting in a dish or small bowl. I do my makeup at my desk which doubles as a vanity, so I haven’t decided where I want to attach this, but even sitting next to my brush holders it works.

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Real Techniques Stick & Store Sponge Holder

How do you store your makeup sponges? Let us know in the comments! Have a wonderful start to your week! xx

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Nadine West Style Box | Affordable Outfit Subscription Box

January 30, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

If you’re in the midwest I hope that this post finds you safe and staying warm! We are on snow day number four in a row (seven this school year) and I am trying to enjoy the time with my kids while simultaneously keeping my sanity ; ) I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here). I wear several of items from my Nadine West boxes quite often, so I am always excited to see what I get and if anything makes it into my frequent wardrobe rotation. 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?

How Does It Work?

My Thoughts

Discount Code

What Did I Get?

This box I received a plaid shirt, a mauve cold shoulder shirt, a floral dress, a floral skirt, a pair of black and white leggings, a gray pom-pom hat, two gold layering necklaces, and a pair of gold dangling earrings.

Did I Keep It?

I absolutely LOVE the gray pom-pom hat! I have a cream colored one, a blush one, and another neutral (neutrals are my clothing love language) but didn’t have the perfect gray, so I was thrilled to get it. The mauve color I like, but I don’t like thin material of the shirt because it’s the kind that wrinkles no matter what you do. The floral skirt is cute but it isn’t my style. I really like the dress, and it will come in handy when I am going to dance recitals and spring performances for the kids, plus it would be super cute for brunch. I didn’t take pictures in it simply because the day I took photos it was -40 fahrenheit. The leggings have a floral lace pattern and they’re super soft, so while I don’t think they’ll work for intense workouts I love them for lounging around and home or layering on super cold days like today. The plaid shirt is really cute, and I think it will look great layered with a graphic tee. The gold necklaces are delicate and very much my style, so I am thrilled with those. The earrings aren’t something I would pick, but they are pretty and I like that they’re lightweight. I need to make it a point to try to wear them and see how I like it.

Final Thoughts

I love getting my Nadine West box each month! Most months 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. I really loved this box and hope that I will continue to get neutral pieces that fit my style and delicate jewelry that works with my sense of style.

Notes to Nadine

I love neutral colors like gray, cream, caramel, black, and blush. I love trouser pants, neutral maxi dresses, and classic styles like sweaters, button downs, and stripes. I like delicate jewelry and stud earrings.

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

Have a wonderful rest of your week! xx

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Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Palette | Physicians Formula Walmart Exclusive

January 23, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

You did it! You are more than halfway to the weekend! The sun seems to be hiding here in the midwest, so today I want to share my current glow-up-go-to that has me infatuated way before Valentine’s Day.

Last spring Physicians Formula released a Walmart exclusive palette containing the beauty community favorite, Butter Bronzer, plus a Butter Blush, two limited edition Butter Highlighters, and a limited edition Butter Paradise Eau de Toilette spray. I was unable to get my hands on it, so imagine when to my joy-filled surprise I randomly found it a couple of weeks ago. *Note: My opinions and review are for the light/medium palette, but this palette also has a medium/dark box as well.

What You Get

The Light/Medium Murumuru Butter Palette includes: Butter Bronzer in Bronzer, Butter Blush in Natural Glow, NEW* Butter Highlighter in Full Moon – exclusive shade, NEW* Butter Highlighter in Galactic – exclusive shade, NEW* Butter Paradise Eau de Toilette *Found on Walmart Website

Butter Bronzer features ultra-refined pearls and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone and deliver a gorgeous bronze finish.
Butter Blush – Moisturizing blush features ultra-refined pearl and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone, and deliver a gorgeous blushing glow.
Butter Highlighter – Multi-dimensional cream-to-powder highlighter. Lightweight, one-swipe, blendable coverage features ultra-refined pearls and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone and deliver a gorgeous highlighted finish.
Butter Paradise – Capturing the iconic Physicians Formula Butter scent, this exclusive blend is enhanced by an Island Coconut blend, with added floral tropical notes surrounded by creamy Sandalwood and warm vanilla.

My Thoughts

SPOILER ALERT! I love it! I have loved Physicians Formula bronzers for years (yes, even back in 2008 when I had zero idea what contouring is and just made my entire face look tan which was regrettably in style at the time) and somehow hadn’t tried the Butter Bronzer until I bought this palette. The smell is lovely (so, so good) and the bronzer is a wonderful shade for both contouring and bronzing the skin. I love the natural, beachy flush that the blush gives. The highlights are definitely both shimmery, and one is straight-up glittery, but I find that even though the glittery one is a bit much for me most days for highlighting, it’s beautiful quickly swiped over the eyelid or as a dab in the center of my eyelid over other shadows. The perfume is a great pick-me-up scent that doesn’t have crazy staying powder, but feels uplifting and makes me happy. I can’t believe this set is $12! A full-size butter bronzer is that price or more.

Butter Bronzer Tutorial and Demo

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Physicians Formula Butter Formula Palette

Physicians Formula Butter Collection X Casey Holmes

Limited Edition Butter Collection Box Limited Edition Butter Collection Box

Have you tried the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer? What is your go-to bronzer? Let us know in the comments! Have a fantastic rest of your week and an even better weekend! xx

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Lululemon Dupes | Affordable Athleisure

January 16, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We are halfway through the work week and I am already excited for Friday (Grace and Frankie Season 5 will be on Netflix on Friday, so you know where to find me on Friday night!)

In college every girl on campus, myself included, wore a consistent uniform of leggings and North Face jackets. We’ve all seen the memes about millennial moms wearing leggings to drink wine instead of hit the elliptical. And now, leggings on the daily has a name; athleisure.

Lululemon Align Legging Dupes

I own one pair of Lululemon leggings, and they are phenomenal, but the price is substantial. I have been on a mission for a Lululemon Align “dupe” for a more affordable price and these are it. They offer the same look, aren’t at all see-through (who else has been there at yoga class? Just me?), and even have pockets! These don’t offer the same sucks-you-in feel, they do it but not as well as Lululemon, but for $25 which is $65 LESS? I’ll take it!

Lululemon Define Jacket Dupe

I have wanted a zip jacket like this that I could wear casually on a school run or on the treadmill for a run run, and I love this! It’s super flattering, well made, and passes my “shoulder test” across the back and shoulders because it has plenty of stretch. I like this so much that I want to grab one in black and try more from Degree.

Affordable 1/4 Shearling Fleece

I love the shearling fleece trend, and I wanted a 1/4 zip but didn’t want to shell out a lot of money for one. I found this one on Amazon and took a gamble. When it came I ripped it open and my fingers touched some of the softest fabric I’ve ever felt. I call it my cozy bear sweatshirt now and my little loves love cuddling with me when I wear it (WIN). It isn’t the highest quality, but it looks really cute and is truly one of the coziest items I own. You have to be careful when ordering because they have other fleece items on the same listing, but for the price, this is a winter must.

Walmart Avia Sweatshirt

Walmart has really upped their game (so many of you went crazy for my Walmart sweater post) and they have some really cute workout or athleisure gear. I first discovered it last summer when I bought a high neck black tank top that I styled by tying at the side and wore constantly and received questions about it regularly. Walmart has winter clearance in January each year, and while you may not be able to find this exact piece, it’s definitely worth checking out. I also peeped their spring stuff? They have a long sleeve lavender top with my name on it and at $12 is a steal even at full price. Oh, this black cowl neck crew? $3!

MarleyLilly Monogrammed Baseball Hat

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Do you wear athleisure? What is your favorite workout brand? What is your favorite website for athletic or lounge apparel? You can help out anyone reading by commenting!

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have a wonderful rest of your week. xx

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HOW-TO STYLE A SCRUNCHIE 2019 | WITH PICTURES

January 9, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a wonderful week so far! I love adding cute details to my outfits even on casual days to make even a basic tee and leggings look put-together, and one of my favorite ways to do this is by using cute hair accessories. I love all of the 90’s trends that have crept back into our lives the past several years like dark lips, velvet, and my new obsession: the scrunchie!

How-To Style A Scrunchie 2019

I love the versatility of the scrunchie because if you purchase cute ones you can wear it as a bracelet, pull your hair back in a loose pony, or top it over a regular hair tie or hair elastic to add a little style to your regular pony, bun, or braid. I LOVE the brand Kitsch and have shared my Kitsch Hair Favorites many times and continue to consider it my favorite hair accessory brand. This is the set of Kitsch Hair Scrunchies I Bought and I love that they are my go-to neutral tones in metallic hues, which give a great bit of style to any outfit. I am also LOVING this Kitsch Velvet Scrunchie Set!

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Have you tried this come-back trend? Let us know in the comments!

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BATH AND BODY WORKS FACE MASK WITH VIDEO DEMO | FACE SHEET MASK REVIEW

January 7, 2019 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend : ) Now that the holiday season is officially behind us, I have been finding myself needing little things to look forward to after a long day, and my go-to easy and affordable option is definitely treating myself face masks. I have shared lots of face mask reviews and today I want to share a quick review of the Bath and Body Works Face Sheet Masks.

About the Bath and Body Works Face Sheet Mask

This line of face masks from Bath and Body Works contain skin-loving ingredients like pumpkin enzyme, and claim that these masks will leave your face feeling radiant & rejuvenated.

My Thoughts

I love the packaging of these masks and think they make very cute add-on items to a gift. My favorite thing about these masks was that it seemed to fit my face very well and absorbed very well into my skin. My skin felt very soft after using this which is one of my favorite things about masking, and I noticed some brightening as well. I will say that when I saw these retail for $4.95 I thought that was pretty expensive, but they are more like $2-3 in stores with the sales and promotions that are usually going on. I would definitely buy these again when they’re on sale (currently on sale online!) or part of a promotion.

Bath and Body Works Mask Tutorial Video Demo

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