Michigan Beauty Blogger

PINK BLUSH CLOTHING | NOT JUST MATERNITY WEAR

July 16, 2018 & Leave a Comment

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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FORMULATE CO LAUNCH | CUSTOMIZED HAIRCARE | GIVEAWAY!

July 11, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I have been SO EXCITED to share with you Formulate Co, personal haircare products perfectly engineered just for you! You fill out a form that asks questions such as your hair type, hair struggles, hair goals, geographical location/climate, heat usage, scalp health, scent preferences and sensitivities, and more! Does your shampoo or conditioner do that? Formulate Co is made in the lab JUST. FOR. YOU! It is so cool, and I am thrilled to share it with you!

I have EARLY ACCESS CODES available (but only a couple, so PM me on my @LeahTacklesBeauty Instagram or Facebook quick!) to use before the launch is available to the masses. Also, you can ENTER THE GIVEAWAY to win some Formulate Co for yourself, made just for you in the lab!

Do you have more questions? Let me know in the comments and STAY TUNED for more information once I receive my very own lab created personalized customized shampoo and conditioner! You can also find more info here.

Have a fab weekend! xx

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REDKEN COLOR EXTEND BLONDADE SHAMPOO REVIEW

July 9, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend : )

I have been using, and loving my favorite, the Joico Color Endure Shampoo, but recently I picked up the Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo. Right now Ulta is having their liter sale (also called their jumbo sale) where you can get the huge sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner, for up to 50% off, so I thought it was the perfect time to share this shampoo with you. You can also grab the pumps to put in the top for only $1.

Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo

Color Extend Blondage Shampoo is a color-depositing and protecting shampoo for blonde hair. This shampoo features citric acid to repair each hair from the core and pure violet pigments to remove unwanted brassiness to leave your blonde hair color cool and bright. This is a purple color protecting shampoo for blondes. Gently cleanses and adds softness. Repairs and strengthens hair from the core and features pure Violet Pigment to eliminate brassiness. It includes citric acid to repair hair from the core.

Why I Love It

I have color treated blonde hair and despite owning a water softener that I diligently refill, and doing regular Malibu Treatments, but hair goes copper (a.k.a orange, yuck!) super fast and using a purple shampoo makes a world of difference! I love how this one smells, and Redkin always makes my hair incredibly soft. I feel like I have “salon hair” when I use this and it’s now rivaling my grail shampoo, the Joico purple shampoo listed above.

Shop

*Note: The links above to Ulta will get you the BEST deal! If you are reading this article after the Ulta Liter Sale has ended and want to order on prime, use the picture links below for Amazon : )

What is your favorite shampoo? Do you stock up during the Ulta liter sale? If you’re blonde, what is your favorite purple shampoo? Let me know! Have a great rest of your week! xx

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NADINE WEST | AFFORDABLE OUTFIT STYLING BOX

July 4, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! And, if you’re in the U.S.A, Happy 4th of July!

I hope that you are having a great week : ) I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here) 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 bar necklace with raw crystals in white and turquoise, a pair of large diamond-shaped gold earrings, a navy skater dress, a long pink maxi skirt, and a burgundy open faced cardigan.

My Outfits

Did I Keep It?

THANK YOU Nadine West! I absolutely loved this box and feel like my opinions on past boxes was heard. I loved this box! The necklace with raw crystals is gorgeous and very much my style! I love how it has the layered necklace look, the bar necklace style, and the raw crystal style all in one gorgeous piece. The earrings look beautiful, but as soon as I put them on I realized they were very heavy and I could hear my mother in my head warning me against wearing heavy dangly earrings, so I will wear these for videos and pictures only. The navy skater dress is super comfortable and flattering on but is very short! I will wear the dress with a pair of bike shorts under it. The pink maxi skirt is really long, but you can wear it high waisted and/or fold the top over so it would suit a variety of heights. The one complaint I have about the maxi skirt is that it is VERY thin material, so I will need to wear a seamless thong with it or no-show undies. The burgundy cardigan is long, soft, stretchy, and comfortable! I love this now when I am chilly in the summer, and I know I will be wearing this all the time in the fall and winter as a perfect third piece.

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. I have been liking my boxes more and more lately, which I am pleased with.

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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TOPSY PIGTAIL HAIR TUTORIAL | EASY SUMMER HAIR 2018

July 2, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend : ) It has been HOT HOT HOT here and for me, that means I have been rocking a lot of buns, braids, and ponytails. I love the “topsy pigtail” that both my seven-year-old and I rock and today I want to show you how easy it is!

TOPSY PIGTAIL HAIR TUTORIAL

WHAT YOU NEED

A brush (shop my favorite brush here)

A comb (shop my favorite comb here)

Tiny hair elastics

HOW-TO

Part your hair down the back, following the part line from the top of your head down so that your hair ends up in two sections. Secure a small hair elastic on each side so that your hair ends up in pigtails. Once you have pigtails, go a couple inches down and fasten with another elastic and then separate the hair between the two elastics to create a hole in the center with hair on either side, then tuck the ponytail through the hole. I like to tighten the topsy tails by pulling at the hair in the remaining part of the ponytail before going a couple of more inches down and repeating until you reach the bottom of your hair. You can pull at the sections to make them messier and give them for volume.

TOPSY PIGTAIL HAIR DEMO

SHOP

Will you be trying this hairstyle? If you do, please let me know on social media or in the comments! Have a wonderful week!! xx

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DOVE INVISIBLE DRY SPRAY CLEAR FINISH ANTIPERSPIRANT | NO WHITE MARK DEODORANT

June 27, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a beautiful day and your week is going great! In the comments, tell me something fun that you have planned for this weekend : )

Summer is here and I thought it would be a great time to share my thoughts on a new antiperspirant and deodorant I have been using.

My Thoughts

When prescription/clinical strength deodorants became increasingly available over-the-counter I began using Dove Clinical Protection Clear Tone.I love the Dove Clinical Strength because I know that I don’t have to worry when it is on, it truly lasts all day long for me. I do have to be careful because the cream consistency does leave marks if I am trying to get dressed quickly. I have been loving the Dove Invisible Dry Spray Clear Finish because I truly can get dressed immediately, in even dark colors, without any deodorant marks on my clothing. The Dove Invisible Dry Spray Clear Finish claims to be proven to not transfer on 100 colors, and while I don’t know if I’ve tested it on that many colors, but so far for me it doesn’t transfer or stain. I do find that if I’ve been outside or active I do like to apply again mid-day, but that doesn’t bother me because it is so quick and gives a nice refreshing feeling. Bottom line? I will stick with a clinical strength deodorant on days when I need it to last through the most sweaty circumstances, but I do think the Invisible Dry Spray is fantastic for getting out the door quickly and dark colored clothing.

Shop

Have you tried the Dove Invisible Dry Spray Clear Finish Antiperspirant? What do you think? What is your go-to summer deodorant? Let me know! xx

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NADINE WEST SUBSCRIPTION REVIEW | CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION BOX

June 20, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a great week : ) I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here, 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?

How Does It Work?

My Thoughts

Discount Code

What Did I Get?

This month I received a long rose gold leaf necklace, gold bangles that are all connected, a dark red tee with a choker cut, black lace shorts, an olive green open cardigan, a peach floral colored shirt with cutout sleeves, and floral athletic shorts.

My Outfits

Did I Keep It?

Yes, everything! I instantly put on the bracelet because I love it so much and goes with everything! It is so pretty and I’ve received compliments on it already. The leaf necklace is very delicate and the leaf seems like it could break easily, but I really did like the way it looks on. The dark red tea is a great basic that looks really cute tucked in or knotted. I love neutral colors, and lace is so in style for 2018, so the black lace shorts are going to get a lot of wear! I really like that the lace shorts are pretty short, but the lace part goes longer than the lining, so they don’t seem too revealing. The olive cardigan is very similar to one I received from Nadine West before, but it’s actually one of my favorite ever Nadine West items so I don’t mind. The peach floral colored shirt is really pretty, but it is probably my least favorite item in this box only because I’ve been gravitating to neutrals lately. The floral athletic shorts are super soft and perfect for doing yard work, bumming around the house, or wearing with a white or black tank on casual days.

Final Thoughts

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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EASY CONTOURING TUTORIAL | HOW-TO CONTOUR 2018

June 18, 2018 & Leave a Comment

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

SHOP

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

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7 THINGS YOU CAN DO EVERY DAY (FOR FREE) TO BE MORE BEAUTIFUL!

June 13, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Whew! We have made it to the middle of the week! I am so excited for the weekend, as always! Do you have any special plans for this weekend? Are you doing anything special for Father’s Day? Let me know in the comments!

This is a beauty blog, and I share lots of product reviews and beauty tips, but today I wanted to share something a little different. I have certain habits that I have created for myself that cost no money and I believe make myself, and anyone who chooses to apply them, and beautiful!

#1 No Screen Morning Routine

When I wake up (always on the first alarm, a life-changing habit I started thanks to The 5 Second Rule) I turn off my alarm and check the weather but then I do not check any news, emails, texts, or social media until I’ve been awake for at least 30 minutes. I like to listen to affirmations for peace, calming anxiety, and confidence on YouTube. If you’d like my picks for these, please let me know in the comments. Having this no screen rule when I first wake up helps me decide how my day starts instead of news or things others are doing, and I believe this helps my attitude for the duration of the day to be happier, and more beautiful.

#2 Get Ready

I get ready every single day which to me means I apply some makeup and do my hair every day. For some of you this may mean just some mascara or lipstick, and for others it may mean a full face, but some amount of makeup makes me feel “ready” for anything. I also do my hair, always, which is sometimes just a braid of a messy bun, and sometimes a full curl styling or straightening. I feel more confident, social, and happy when I take a few minutes to get myself ready.

#3 The Rule of Three

When I get dressed I always try to remember the Rule of Three even on my most casual day. A tee shirt and a pair of jeans is just clothes, but if you tuck in or knot your tee, cuff your jeans, and throw on an amazing hat, necklace, or pair of shoes? It is an outfit. I try to stick to the “rule” that you need three pieces for it to be an outfit. If you’d like me to go into more detail with this, I would be happy to do so!

#4 Journal

I am a writer and have been a writer since I was a young child, but I’ve never been good at keeping a diary or journaling. I have started many but never created habits. In the beginning of 2018 I decided to begin a gratitude journal and started writing down three things I was grateful for (ranging from simple things like coffee to major things like my marriage and my children). You can do this in any old notebook you have lying around, but a pretty journal may be more fun to keep on your person daily. I have now switched over to The 5 Second Journal adore it so much! I highly recommend it for those of you who don’t have the time or patience for traditional journaling. By taking a few minutes to set my goals and remember what I am grateful for, I am able to give the best of myself to those around me and let go of what doesn’t matter. Being calm and less anxious helps me to feel happy and in turn, more beautiful inside and out.

#5 Eye Contact and Smile

Alright, I get it, everyone *knows* eye contact is important and smiling makes anyone more beautiful. However, until I made it a little game I play where I try to hold eye contact until the other person looks away (all of the people I know in real life reading this are going to look for it now…oh well!), I never realized how, frankly, bad most people are at eye contact. I also am a big proponent of smiling because it makes you look so confident, approachable, and if you keep smiling you actually become more positive and happy. You know when you see or meet someone with a fantastic smile? Be that person!

#6 Workout

I am a naturally slim person, but over the past two almost three years I have really focused on my strength and toning by working out five days a week. People ask me a lot what workouts I use and how I do it, but really it isn’t all that fancy. I use this mat on the floor of my bedroom and simple hand weights (5, 8, and 12lb) like these. I have an easy curl bar and these resistance bands. Some days I workout for an hour and have a fantastic workout! Other days I have a full face of makeup on and don’t even change into workout clothes, but still do an upper or lower body workout because some is better than none. I think with working out you just need to start! You’ll never regret a workout (unless you get injured!). I also do simple cardio like walking on a high incline on our treadmill and doing some jogging. I also love to chase around the yard with our Little Loves. Working out is something I do for me as a stress release and something that makes me feel good about myself. I LOVE the way it feels to get stronger and notice muscles developing. I also do it for those around me because I am a much better wife/mother/human when I get my workouts in. Plus, working out is so good for my short and long-term health.

#7 Evening Routine

I think everyone should have an evening routine that they can look forward to throughout the day. It could be something like a hot bath, meditation or yoga, or journaling. My nighttime routine is a small snack like my favorite popcorn, a cup of tea, and watching a show on Netflix or YouTube. I think about this time when I feel anxious or stressed during the day, and it helps me to calm myself. I feel like a much happier person knowing I have quiet me time to look forward to and being happier makes me more beautiful.

What are some of your ways to make yourself feel beautiful? Do you have any tricks you could share with others?

Thank you for reading and have a great weekend! xx

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SUNGLASS WAREHOUSE REVIEW | PRICES TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

June 11, 2018 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that your week is off to a fantastic start so far! Today is my daughters last day of school (HOW is she going to be in second grade next year? How?!) and that means in a few short hours we will officially be on summer vacation! I know they’ll drive me crazy, but I love having my Little Loves home with me!

I was contacted by someone who works with SW Sunglass Warehouse and asked if I’d like to pick out a few pairs of sunglasses for my consideration for review. I was excited to try out some different styles, and because I tend to prefer more expensive sunglasses, I thought the affordable price point of SW Sunglass Warehouse would be a great way to test them out.

My Thoughts

I pride myself on always being 100% honest with you, because without your trust what would this blog be? A whole lot of nothing! So, I am going to remain 100% honest and say that overall I am not impressed. My first impression was that they seemed flimsy and cheaply made. I will say the plastic frame pair is nice and will probably survive far after the others have hit the wastebasket. I do think that if you are interested in a specific look or style of frame this *could* be a way to try it out before splurging on a more expensive pair. I honestly have seen sunglasses at gas stations and Walmart that are the same price but seem of better quality. I will list some of my other sunglass suggestions below.

SW Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses