Leah Tackles

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The Best Affordable Makeup Sponge? | EcoTools Blending Sponge Review

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

It is the second Monday of 2018 and I can already tell that this year is going to fly by! This past weekend I got to have some much needed girl time with one of my best friends and that included, of course, a trip to Target. We chatted skincare and makeup, and she suggested that I try the EcoTools Blending Sponge, and with a $5 price-point I was happy to test it out.

 

 

About the EcoTools Blending Sponge

The Total Perfecting Blender is designed with EcoFoam Technology to blend primer & foundation for flawless skin. The website description claims that the contoured makeup sponge can be used wet/dry to create the look you want. You can purchase the EcoTools Sponge in a duo with a smaller sponge included, or a single like I purchased. 

First Impressions and My Thoughts

I have used the Beauty Blender for years and really love it, but the price point is high and sometimes that causes me to not reach for it or not replace it when I have one that gets worn out. I love that the EcoTools sponge because the price point is something that I can grab without much thought or guilt on a regular basis. The EcoTools Total Perfecting Blender sponge expanded beautifully, and it felt nice. The large flat side of the sponge worked great for my foundation, and the rounded end worked well as well, though the sponge did feel a bit more stiff compared to the Beauty Blender sponge. The EcoTools sponge doesn’t have a fine point, and so to get the under eye area and the deepest set area of my eyes I had to hold the sponge to create a finer point for it to fit. I thought this sponge gave a beautiful flawless finish. I loved the flat sides of this sponge for getting around the crevices of my nose. The flat edge is also great for cleaning up eye shadow fallout.  I didn’t find that this sponge absorbed too much makeup on the flat edge, but did notice a bit more had absorbed on the bottom, but it wasn’t so much that I was concerned about wasting makeup product.  I will definitely continue to use this sponge, and I love that for those who want to try out a beauty sponge or want a sponge with a more affordable price-point, that they have this option.

My Routine

The sponge can be used wet or dry according to the description, but I wet all my makeup sponges with cool water wringing the sponge out until it is as large as possible. I can’t imagine using this dry, it was too stiff in my opinion to use that way, but using it wet it gets much softer and bounces the product onto the skin well.  After applying my favorite primer I dot the foundation onto my skin with my fingers and then use the sponge in a bouncing motion, similar to stippling. I like to use the large flat side of the brush and the bottom of the brush to apply foundation. I hold the sponge, squeezing to create a small tip to apply concealer to the under eye area. I dry sponge in storage stand after washing it with an antibacterial hand soap or baby shampoo. 

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Have you tried this sponge? Please let me know your favorite makeup sponge in the comments!

 

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LAURA MERCIER LOOSE SETTING POWDER DUPE? | COTY AIRSPUN POWDER

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend : )

I have spoken many times both here and on my YouTube channel about the Laura Mercier Loose Powder, but the steep price point made me want to find a more affordable option, and I think I have finally found a dupe that is less than a quarter of the price!

 

 

What It Claims

Coty Airspun Powder has powder particles are swirled and smoothed by air to give it a very soft feel on the skin. This powder is designed with tints that are spread finely through the powder lying evenly and flat on your skin for a flawless finish. Coty Airspun loose face powder claims it can be used to set makeup or as a foundation This translucent loose face powder will hide fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. Coty Airspun loose face powder is also dermatologically tested and long-lasting. It claims the packaging can be used at home on your vanity or in your purse on-the-go.

My Thoughts and How It Compares 

This powder is very finely milled and mimics the feel of the Laura Mercier Powder that is my all-time favorite (or maybe Laura Mercier mimics it, as the Coty powder has been around since 1935!) and I love the way it sets my makeup, including my under eye area. This powder can be used to bake your concealer or contour, and it is so inexpensive that this would be a great option for that. The powder has a little bit of a smell that is definitely might make you nostalgic or remind you of your mother or grandmother’s makeup, but it didn’t bother me and doesn’t linger on the skin. I am blown away by how matte this makes my skin, and how well it sets my under eye and forehead area and keeps my makeup from settling into my fine lines. The packaging is definitely old-fashioned, and the powder puff is usable, but would be very messy, and I opt to use a brush. I like to use this brush for setting my under eye and this brush for setting the rest of my face. As far as travel, I would never put this in my purse, because it is messy enough to use on my vanity.

My Routine

I apply my primer, foundation, and then my concealer before using my Coty Airspun Powder. I like to set my under eye concealer and my forehead with a small tapered brush (mentioned above) and then my entire face using a large powder brush (also mentioned above). I then continue to do my entire face makeup before setting my t-zone with a *tiny* bit more powder with the same large powder brush. I don’t typically bake my makeup, but on days where I decide to I will also use this to bake my concealer and cream contour.

 

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Have you tried this powder? What is your favorite loose setting powder? Do you bake your makeup? Let me know in the comments and let’s chat makeup! xx

 

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AFFORDABLE STOCKING STUFFER GIFTS FOR HER | $30 & UNDER

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are ready to spend tomorrow with your loved ones this weekend! After Thursday, we will all be in full-on shopping mode before the holidays, and so today I wanted to share affordable stocking stuffer ideas for yourself or any lady on your list. I, of course, picked beauty items but also included some other things that I think will be fantastic in a stocking. I think stockings are such a fun thing to shop for, because who doesn’t love opening up little goodies hand selected just for you? I think everyone should get a stocking, or two, each year! I also love these ideas because you can purchase them all in your pajamas from your laptop.

 

 

 

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip Set

 

I love Bit Beauty lipsticks, and this set of four of their liquid lipsticks is so tiny it can rest in the palm of your hand, and is oh-so adorable! These liquid lipsticks are a satin finish that gives the lips a pretty fullness. These do not dry down completely. This is a fantastic way to try out the formula and several shades.

 

Naked Basics Palette

The Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2 are both palettes that I reach for a lot and think are perfect are a very giftable makeup item because these neutral matte shades flatter any age and most skin tones.

 

e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush

This brush is a MUST-HAVE for me! This is perfect for liquid or cream bronzer, highlighters, or blushes. I like this inexpensive brush more than higher end stipple brushes for cream face products because it is the perfect size and doesn’t shed.

 

Roller Ball Fragrance

I love having roller ball perfumes for tossing into my handbag and for traveling.

 

Hask Monoi Oil Nourishing Deep Conditioner Packs

Haircare is so important but splurging on deep conditioners is something that people skip because it isn’t a “need”, so getting a high-quality deep conditioner is a great idea for a stocking stuffer that any woman would love.

 

Glass Nail File

After using a glass nail file I will NEVER go back to a regular nail file! Glass nail files are wonderful because the grit is perfect for getting super smooth nails, and you can use them in a back and forth motion for faster nail care. I also love that these are sanitary, easy to clean, and I have used the same one for years without needing to replace it.

 

Pop Socket

This is such a handy thing to have, and it makes it so much easier to film with your phone, take selfies, and watch videos without having to awkwardly prop up your phone.

Tempered Glass Screen Protector

I swear by these! I have cracked these because of dropping my phone (don’t tell my husband, but I drop my phone a lot…) but have  avoided cracking the phone glass because I use these.

Tech Gloves

Have you ever been standing outside and wanted to check your email or wanted to snap a picture but had to pull off your glove? Me too, and these gloves make it so much easier because you can keep you glove on. No gloves will be as easy as using your phone or device without gloves, but these make it possible to do a few things on your touch-screen without having your hand bare in the elements.

 

Viva Sol Mini Bean Bag Game

I can’t resist a great novelty item at Christmas time, and I just picture this being great for laughs with family and friends at Christmastime.

 

Christmas Novelty Socks

I think Christmas socks are a fun thing to tuck inside stockings, and something that even the most straight-laced gal can enjoy at least at home on Christmas morning. I LOVE fun socks!

 

Fine Chocolates

I love good chocolate, and a stocking isn’t complete without a treat! I don’t think I would share these chocolate covered oreos 😉

Gourmet Gummies

I got the idea to include gourmet or “adult gummies” if you will from the YouTube channel Pretty Neat Living and I think it is genius! Champagne flavored candy? Sign me up!

 

Do you get a stocking every year? Have you put together stockings for your loved ones? Stockings shouldn’t be just for little ones, I think everyone deserves a little Christmas wonder!

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a successful start to your holiday shopping! xx

 

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EOS CRYSTAL LIP BALM REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend!

The cold weather months are here and for many of us, that means dry lips. I am a huge fan of EOS lip balms, so when I saw the EOS Crystal Lip Balm I was excited to try it out.

 

 

What It Claims

EOS Crystal Lip Balm is described to feel like weightless hydration. EOS Crystal is formulated with a blend of five nourishing natural oils to hydrate lips without a waxy feel. This balm contains shea, coconut, avocado, and other natural oils. EOS Crystal Lip Balm is 100% wax free, vegan, and hypoallergenic. EOS Crystal Lip Balm is also paraben and petrolatum-free and not tested on animals.

My Thoughts

Right off the bat, I LOVE the packaging! It is a rounded triangle shape, but the same general ball shape as the original EOS Balms. The EOS Crystal balm is completely see-through and really cute! I happened to purchase this lip balm when my lips were very dry and dehydrated, so it was the perfect time to give it a true effectiveness test. At first, because my lips felt so quenched I didn’t like that the EOS Crystal didn’t have that waxy, thick feeling that I connected with moisture, and I didn’t like this. After using it for several days I decided that sure, it worked, but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the original EOS Lip Balm. The feel is pretty oily, the look on the lips is pretty like a clear oil or gloss. I do think that these smell very nice and don’t taste bad.  I often use EOS Balm as a thin layer before applying lipsticks, but this one has so much oil which is great for moisturizing the lips but not great for keeping lipstick on the lips. I will continue to use this for moisture but will stick with purchasing regular good ole EOS Balms in the future.

My Routine

I have been using this in the evenings, or on days when I don’t want anything on my lips but a lip balm product.

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Have you tried this? Do you love it? Hate it? If you haven’t tried it, will you skip it? Try it? Let me know in the comments : ) xx

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Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Shampoo Coconut Water & Vanilla Milk Review

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a wonderful week!

 

 

I love having a few different shampoos on hand at any given time so that depending on my hair needs I can have a selection to choose from. I love anything coconut scented, so I was drawn to this shampoo from Garnier.

What It Claims

This shampoo gives moisture to dry or damaged hair without being heavy or weighing your hair down. The Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Shampoo is paraben-free and gentle enough for regular use.

My Thoughts

I LOVE the way this smells, it is a subtle coconut and vanilla smell, but I found it very pleasant. My husband also loves coconut and likes using this shampoo as well. I like that this shampoo is inexpensive and I didn’t have to use too much to get a nice lather. I will definitely keep this on hand because it is affordable and effective. I haven’t used it long enough to see if it makes a big impact on my color-treated hair that has some damage, but my hair feels very soft and clean after using this.

My Routine

I use this shampoo a couple of times a week and I have been following up with the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner, which is another fantastic and great smelling drugstore hair product.

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What is your favorite shampoo? What is your favorite drugstore shampoo?

Have a wonderful weekend! xx

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COVERGIRL TOTAL TEASE MASCARA REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you’re having a wonderful Monday so far : ) I am feeling WIDE AWAKE thanks to the time change and loving it.

 

 

Covergirl Clump Crusher Water Resistant Mascara is my always repurchase, “first layer” mascara that I use nearly every day. I am also a huge fan of Covergirl Super Sizer as a second layer mascara for amazing volume. I was interested in trying out the newish Covergirl Total Tease.

 

What It Claims

Total Tease mascara claims teased, long, refined, and full lashes. Use the lash teasing mascara comb to tease the hard to reach corners.
Polymer-enriched thickening complex claims to boosts volume and defines your lashes. Get perfect separation with the small comb. 500% more volume (do these claims make anyone else think hmmmm, really!?).

 

 

My Thoughts

I like my mascara to be on the wetter side because I feel like it is easier to glide it onto your lash, but wet mascara can equal smudging so I really like the concept of the small nub-like end of the brush so I can get those hard to reach corners. Because I like wetter mascara, I prefer to use waterproof to help control smudging.  At first, I wasn’t crazy about the more “regular” side of the wand because the bristles aren’t very long, but the mascara is very buildable, so I don’t mind as much. The final look is beautiful and I love the way my eyes look with it on, even without any other eye makeup on. Is it the best mascara I’ve ever used? I don’t think so, but I definitely am enjoying it.

My Routine

I have used this mascara with curling my lashes with my favorite lash curler and L’Oreal Voluminous Primer and also with just the mascara straight on the lashes with no extra fluff. I start by using the “normal” or what I consider to be a typical looking mascara brush side to coat my lashes. I like doing two or three coats of this mascara, and I love how buildable it is. I then use the “nub” side and use it to get the inner corner lashes and fluff out the outer lashes to make them very sexy and dramatic.

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Have you tried this mascara? What is your favorite mascara? Do you like waterproof mascara?

Thank you, as always, for reading! xx

 

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YES TO TOMATOES FACIAL HYDRATING LOTION REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday! And Happy NOVEMBER?! I am not quite sure how that is possible, but we took the Little Loves Trick-or-Treating last night, so I  know it’s true ; )

 

Sometimes when picking items to share with you or review I am looking at newly released items, hyped items, or “shiny” items that seem special or fun. Yes To Tomatoes is part of the Yes To line and an item that I always have on hand, use regularly, and yet somehow haven’t dedicated a post to is the Yes To Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion.

 

 

What It Claims

This facial moisturizer in antioxidants and powerful sebum (oil that causes Monday, check out Monday’s post for more on that) absorbers. The Yes To Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion moisturizes and balances your skin.

Why I Love It

I have oily/combo skin and get occasional breakouts, but I also deal with some dryness and fine lines, so having a lotion that isn’t specifically targeted as an acne product but helps combat that AND help my dryness is amazing! I have been using this product for at least four years and will continue to do so.  I also love that this is about $10 at the drugstore, so it is a product I can repurchase when I need to without waiting for a sale or having anxiety. My only complaint is that it does not have SPF, so do keep that in mind.

 My Routine

I use this on my face and neck after cleansing and toning my face. I sometimes follow up with the First Aid Beauty Oil-Free Mattifying Gel 

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Do you have a favorite moisturizer? Let me know in the comments! Have a great day! xx

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DO PORE STRIPS REALLY WORK?

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Did you have a good weekend? Did you celebrate Halloween? Carve a pumpkin? Let me know!

 

 

 

I remember being fascinating when pore strips first released but always being disappointed because they didn’t seem to work for me (if you’re thinking it is because I had perfect skin, think again). However, after the pore strip wizards had more time to perfect the strips (or so it seemed), I started using them on a semi-regular basis because peeling them off is just oh-so-satisfying.

How Do Pore Strips Work?

The strip paper almost fabric like strip is made of a non-soluble woven substrate  On the side that you put against your wet nose there is a polymer that is supposed to attach to the oil plugs in your pores. The water actives the oil-grabbing polymers and while drying the polymers work to attach to the outer most layer of the skin.

Do Pore Strips Really Remove Blackheads?

I am sorry to have to burst your blackhead, but unfortunately, that glorious, disgusting gunk you’re peeling off is not what you think it is. The name for the little dots on your nose you’re trying to get rid of is keritotic plugs. Keritotic plugs are dead skin cells, dirt, hair, and oil. Blackheads are a type of keratotic plug that is oxidized sebum blocked in your pores, but they live deep down on your skin. Have you ever done a pore strip and seen a ton of gunk on the strip, but also seen a lot of blackheads remaining on your nose? Yeah, me too.  Pore strips can remove the upper portions of dirt and oil, but they’re not going deep enough to de-clog blackheads a.k.a oxidized sebum.

But Will It Hurt To Continue Using Them?

If you do these occasionally because they make your skin feel smoother or you love the satisfying feeling that is fine. Should you do them often? Probably not because your skin actually NEEDS oil to maintain a healthy lipid barrier (that is why I love face oils like this one) and block out external influences that can lead to breakouts, wrinkles, and other skin issues.

What Should I Use Instead?

Getting microdermabrasion done at a medical spa, or at home using a PMD (my personal FAVORITE!) can help to keep your pores clear and can also help minimize your pores. I also like using an exfoliator (I mentioned the Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion exfoliator here) to help keep my pores clear of gunk and to stop new blackheads from forming. You can also get a professional extraction done, but please don’t do that yourself!

Final Thoughts

So, will you quit using these? I, possibly surprisingly, will not stop buying them, but I will limit the use and be sure to continue to use my favorite facial oils to keep my skin at a healthy oil balance.

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Are you surprised by this? Did I ruin your skin ritual? If you found it helpful, please use one of the social media sharing buttons on the bottom of this post! xx

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IS IT BAD TO SLEEP IN MAKEUP?

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

How are you doing today? Let me know in the comments and tell me one thing you’re excited or happy about right now! It can be anything, I am happy because my middle little love, Connor, had an amazing time on his first ever field trip and I got to tag along : )

Now, today I want to chat with you about something that I am sure we all can agree we know is probably not very good for our skin, but we have all been guilty of doing. Is sleeping in your makeup really bad? Why is sleeping in your makeup bad?

 

 

It Causes More Free Radical Exposure 

Sleeping in your makeup can leave your skin vulnerable to unnecessary free radical exposure. What are free radicals? We have all heard of them, but what ARE they? Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons (which means they have no pair) and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals could start a chain reaction. You know how antioxidants are so good for you and “antioxidant” is a hyped up word on foods and skincare? That is because antioxidants can help combat these free radicals. Phew, you didn’t think this would be a science class, huh?

 

What About Sleeping In Eye Makeup Only? 

Sleeping in your eye makeup wouldn’t hurt though, right? Sleeping in mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow can irritate your eyes and cause itchy, watery, or red eyes.  Sleeping in your eye makeup probably wouldn’t cause issues if you did it once or twice, but if it becomes a habit it could lead to infections called styes because the oil glands and hair follicles could clog.

 

Breakouts?

Sleeping in makeup, especially foundation and primers, can also clog your pores which can lead to bacteria that causes acne.

 

Wrinkles? 

This is the biggy for me now that I’m in what I affectionately call “The 30 Club”. Sleeping in your makeup causes free radicals to remain on your skin, and this can cause collagen breakdown…seriously, I need to put that in caps, COLLAGEN BREAKDOWN, which causes premature fine lines, wrinkles, and aging skin. If that isn’t enough to get your to give your skin a chance to breathe, I don’t know what is.

 

 

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So, do you sleep in makeup? Full disclosure, in college I slept in my makeup a ton, basically anytime I went out (which was a fair amount, sorry mom) and my skin was never better…but now that I’m in my new age demo, I am all about the makeup remover life, and never skip my nighttime skincare routine.

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful weekend!! xx

 

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HOW-TO STYLE MENS HAIR | CLASSIC COMB OVER SIDE PART 2017

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

 

We made it to the middle of the week! Thank you for being here : )

 

 

 

American Crew Fiber

My husband has had several hairstyles since we have been together, but my favorite is his current look which you can see different variations of on men everywhere (including basically the entire cast of The Bachelor franchise). Comb-Over makes me think of a balding man trying to hide it, but in fact the comb-over style is such a handsome look. When he first got his haircut with side part comb-over look we realized we needed a new hair product and his barber suggest Fiber by American Crew. My husband, Stephan, loves the way a little goes a long way, his hair never looks wet or feels sticky, and it stays all day long. I love the way it smells, it isn’t an overpowering fragrance but has that straight from the barber or salon scent that I love.

The Look

 

 

How-To Archive the Side-Part Comb Over Style

Begin with clean hair and use a blow dryer to add volume if you’re doing this look with wet hair. Use a pea size amount of Fiber by American Crew and focus the product at the root and work your way from the back of the head front. To get the perfect side part use a comb starting at the back of your head working front to your forehead. Depending on your hair and preferences, sometimes a less “done” part can look better, so in that case, simply find your natural part with a comb and rock that.

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Thank you so much for reading! I hope that you found this helpful, and if you did please use my buttons to share on social!! xx

 

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