Leah Tackles

MY 5 MOST USED EYE BRUSHES | THE EYE BRUSHES YOU REALLY NEED!

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that your day is off to a fantastic start! Thank you for being here and taking time out of your day to read : )

I often get messages from people who are looking for basics to get them started using makeup but understandably feel overwhelmed because of the huge amount of choices and information on products. I get a lot of questions about eyeshadow, and I often find that people own a few palettes, often barely used, so I thought sharing my 5 most used eyeshadow brushes. If you find this post helpful, please use the social media buttons at the bottom of this post to share it!

*Note: You’ll notice I love my Sigma brushes, which I’ve spoken about many times in the past, but that is because I have had some of them for nearly five years and they’re still in my daily rotation!

 

 

 

Sigma E60 Large Shader

I use this brush to put the shadow under the brow bone and all over the lid.

 

Luxie 205 Tapered Blending

I use this brush to put eyeshadow in the crease in a windshield wiper motion. I like this brush because it is soft but not so fluffy and soft that you can’t get the shadow where you want it. I linked a Luxie brush set above, but here is the brush individually.

 

Sigma E70 Medium Angled Shading

I use this brush to put the shadow on the outer v of the eye, where I focus the darker colors.

 

Sigma E25 Blending

This is THE BRUSH I use for all of my blending! This shadow makes blending a breeze. I have several and use it daily. I also have one of these brushes that I use for contouring my nose with bronzer.

 

Sonia Kashuk Tools No. 07

This is a tiny shadow brush that is fantastic for putting color on the lid or under eyelash line. This is a great brush because it is small so you can deposit the color exactly where you want it. Here is the new version (same brush, different look).

 

I love using my e.l.f Daily Brush Cleaner to clean off my eye brushes, especially if I’ve used a dark color or a bright color, between my weekly deep cleaning of my brushes. I spray my brushes and then lightly wipe them on a cloth or paper towel.

 

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What is your favorite eyeshadow brush? I would love to hear what you love! If you comment, others can learn too : )

Have a safe and fun weekend! xx

 

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ALGENIST SUBLIME DEFENSE Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 | THE PERFECT FACE SUNSCREEN?

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! Mine went by in a blink, as they often do, but it included a fresh mani-pedi for spring (I picked OPI’s You’ve Got Nata On Me a beautiful peachy nude) so I am a very happy lady!

Do you have any makeup or skincare products that you are CONSTANTLY on the seemingly neverending quest for the perfect-for-you version of? I do this with certain things, and SPF for my face is a big one! I have very fair skin, and I want to prevent damage, wrinkles, and of course skin cancer, so a fantastic sunscreen that protects my face, neck, and hands without feeling greasy is hugely important to me but hard to find. I love the Supergoop! SPF 50 Refresh Setting Mist Sunscreen which I’ve talked about here but wanted decided to give the Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 (what a mouthful!) a try during the spring VIB sale.

 

Product Claims
The sunscreen is described to be an ultra-sheer, weightless fluid for everyday protection against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB damage. This SPF is fast-absorbing, the ultra-lightweight fluid that provides daily protection against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB damage. Alguronic acid combines with antioxidant-rich botanicals and UVA/UVB protecting actives to delay signs of aging caused by sun and environmental stressors. This oil-free, sheer formula has a silky texture and weightless feel, designed to apply smoothly on top of other skincare products and under makeup for a soft, matte finish. Alguronic acid is a unique and powerful regenerative compound from microalgae. This rare ingredient was discovered unexpectedly by a biotechnology laboratory in San Francisco, CA, focused on researching renewable energy solutions.


My Thoughts

I have been using this sunscreen consistently for about a week and have been very happy, so far, with the results. The temps haven’t climbed over 75 degrees Fahrenheit so I want to keep that in mind for this review, and perhaps do an update in the thick of the (hopefully) hot summer months. I have combo/oily skin and love that this absorbs quickly, wears well under makeup, and doesn’t make my face look shiny at all! It dries to feel like powder, and I honestly forget that I am wearing anything besides my regular skincare. It is very liquidy, and a small amount goes a long way, so I think it will last quite a long time even though it is small.

My Routine

I do my normal skincare routine and then apply a thin layer of the sunscreen all over my face, neck, and the back of my hands. Once the SPF absorbs (which is quick, yay!) into my skin I use the First Aid Beauty Mattifying Gel.

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Do you have a favorite sunscreen for the face? I would love to hear about it in the comments! Have a wonderful day! xx

 

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MUSELY HELLO BEAUTIFUL-COLLAGEN and MULTIVITAMIN POWDER | DO COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS WORK?

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We have made it halfway through the week-yay! I hope your week is going great : ) I chat a lot about skincare both on this blog and on my LeahTacklesBeauty Instagram, and today I want to share a product that helps you achieve great skin from the inside out.

 

 

 

Musely is an online destination and marketplace that is filled with healthy inspiration that combines great tips with natural products. Musely sent me Hello Beautiful Collagen and Multivitamin Powder Unsweetened and Wildberry. I was sent these supplements for my consideration for review but as always all opinions are my own. Musely offers a membership as well as free shipping over $25 and free returns.

About Hello Beautiful Collagen and Multivitamin Powder

Firm, healthy skin isn’t achieved with collagen alone. Hello Beautiful unlocks collagen’s true potential with Beauty Boost, a revolutionary jasmine green tea and black pepper formula that enables collagen to work faster—so you can say hello to firm, bouncy skin sooner. Hello Beautiful is rounded out with skin and body-nourishing vitamins to help you feel on top of your game, inside and out.

 

Key benefits

Visibly younger, firmer skin
Increased skin hydration
Healthy hair & nails

How to use

Add 1 sachet to 10 oz. water and if using the Unsweetened you can also add to coffee, or your drink of choice daily. Shake to mix. Consume within 4 hours.

What else you need to know

Hello Beautiful contains fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A and E, and appear as small white particles. They take more time to dissolve, so make sure to stir or shake to help them dissolve.

My Thoughts

I was skeptical because collagen is such a buzzword in the beauty community, but after reading the reviews I was intrigued enough to try it. Research is still being done but currently, collagen supplements aren’t proven to make a difference in your skin, though many people swear by them. Topical collagen creams also have people on both sides of the fence, with most research only crediting them as great moisturizers but not something that will actually up the collagen in your skin. Women beginning producing less collagen in their 20’s and 30’s, but the best ways to slow this is to stay out of the sun, don’t smoke, and make sure you up your vitamin C intake.  With Musely’s Hello Beautiful I noticed that it did take quite a bit of mixing to get the powder to dissolve completely, but I like the taste of the Wild Berry and the Unsweetened mixes well into my coffee. I also like that the Musely website features recipes using the Unsweetened powder, I think that’s a fun way to incorporate collagen and vitamins into your diet. I love that this has collagen AND vitamins. I think that I’m already noticing a difference in my skin, it certainly feels very soft and hydrated. I am excited to hopefully see longer, stronger nails and healthy hair after continued use, too. Do I think this is a miracle? Probably not, but I do think that it is something I will continue to use to improve my skin, up my vitamin take, and maybe get some killer hair! If you’d like me to update my thoughts after I finish the boxes in a month or so, let me know.

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Do you use any collagen supplements? What vitamins do you take? Do you have a favorite hair and nail vitamin? Let us know in the comments! Have a wonderful weekend! xx

 

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NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN 100% HYDROGEL MASK | REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We are already midway through the week–yay! I hope that your week is going fantastic so far : )

I can’t resist trying new single-use masks and when my mom (a.k.a this blogs most dedicated reader) saw the new hydrogel masks from Neutrogena picked me up a couple to try.

Neutrogena Deep Clear 100% Hydrogel Mask 

This hydrogel mask infused with seaweed extract claims to instantly sooth and refresh skin leaving it healthy looking plus purified. This mask is made from a unique 100% hydrogel material and contours to your skin and seals in the formula for optimal absorbtion to deliver clinically proven results.

My Thoughts

While I  know that it would be ideal for me to be able to relax laying down or in the tub with candles lit and music on while I’m masking, but that is not my usual with three young kids, so I LOVE that this mask has a gel consistency but seals onto my face so I can wear it while I run around with the kids. This mask is different because it comes in two pieces, which is great because it fits your face contours and around your eyes and mouth. My skin has been breaking out lately which I am sure is both hormonal and stress induced, and this felt soothing and my skin looked calmer after I wore this mask for about 25 minutes. I have another Neutrogena mask to try, and I have high hopes because I really liked this mask.

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Have you tried any hydrogel masks? Have you tried any Neutrogena skincare? Let me know!

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THE BEST AFFORDABLE EYEBROW PENCIL | SEPHORA COLLECTION RETRACTABLE EYE BROW PENCIL REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you’re having a great week! The sun is finally shining here, and the last snow piles (yes, we still have snow piles!) are melting. How is the weather where you live? Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? Let me know in the comments : )

 

 

I have my eyebrows done anytime I have any makeup on my face, and brows are one of the most important things for me to feel “ready” for the day. I love the Anatasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (read my thoughts here) and the Benefit Precisely My Brow (read my thoughts here) but I was looking for a comparable affordable option. I saw the fantastic reviews of the Sephora Collection Retractable Eye Brow Pencil and during the VIB sale I decided to give it a try.

Product Claims

A long-wearing brow pencil featuring a wingtip comb. These retractable pencils create fuller-looking, perfectly defined eyebrows. To dispense color, twist the pencil and the always-sharp tip comes up. Easy to hold, it gives you perfect control to create precise hair-like strokes. Use the comb tip to brush brows and blend. Available in 10 natural-looking colors, each long-wearing formula stays put without smudging. This product is made without mineral oil, preservatives, parabens, or animal-derived ingredients. It is not tested on animals.

My Thoughts

I loved the application of this brow pencil, and it wore so well, even on my combo skin in areas where my brow hair is sparse. The color honey-blonde matched beautifully, just a little bit lighter than my natural brow hairs which I how I always go with brow products to avoid a harsh look. Some reviews mentioned that this product runs out quickly, but it is the same product amount as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, so I am curious to see if it runs out quickly for me like other reviewers.

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What is your favorite eyebrow product? Do you fill in your brows regularly?

 

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STYLE SUBSCRIPTION BOX | NADINE WEST CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

 

I hope that you are having a great start to your week : ) I have shared my outfits from Nadine West before on my blog (read the posts here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) and I have been wearing some items from my last several boxes a lot lately, so I was so excited to receive a new box in the mail from them. Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

 

 

 

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does It Work?

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Discount Code

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

My Outfits

This month I received a lot of clothing pieces and accessories. I got a pair of black cropped leggings with side pockets to fit an iPhone, a navy floral henley style top, a gold bracelet, a clay-colored off the shoulder top, an orange floral babydoll tank that reminds me of a Hawaiian luau, a turquoise necklace, and a pair of cat-eye tortoise sunglasses.

 

 

 

Did I Keep It?

I love the cropped length leggings, mostly because the side pockets fit my cell phone perfectly which is great when I want to wear leggings for walks with the kids and I wore them just this past weekend when I took my seven-year-old to a trampoline park. They do have mesh panels which is great when it is hot, but I will say that they aren’t a compression legging, so they might not be the best when you need super hold-in-place gear, but they are great for comfort activewear that looks great. The navy floral henley style shirt is really comfortable, and I like that way it looks on. The gold bracelet doesn’t seem that exciting, but I really loved the way it looked on and in pictures. I don’t care for the fit or color of the clay-colored top. The orange floral babydoll style tunic tank is a really fun color on, but the fit of the shirt isn’t a style that I love which is a bummer because I love wearing orange. My favorite things this month were far and away the turquoise T necklace and the cat-eye sunglasses! I received compliments on the necklace immediately, and I love how it dresses up a plain tee shirt. The sunglasses are comfortable on, and great for when I just want a pair of lightweight plastic frames.

Final Thoughts

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

 

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

 

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BOSCIA LUMINIZING BLACK CHARCOAL PEEL OFF MASK REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are having a wonderful week! You are halfway through the week, which is definitely something to smile about : )

 

 

I was sent the Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask for being a member of Influenseter (you don’t need to be a blogger to join and review products!) and today I want to share my thoughts with you. I was gifted this product for my consideration for review, but as always all opinions are my own.

 

Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask Claims

This is a mineral-rich mask infused with activated charcoal that peels off to reveal a brighter, more clarified complexion. This mask helps minimize pores, help with dullness, and improve uneven skin tone.
The mask claims to be the original black mask and reigning fan favorite. The Luminzing Black Mask is a peel-off mask that unveils a post peel glow. The mask contains antioxidants like activated charcoal and vitamin C, this powerfully detoxifying mask leaves your skin feeling flawlessly fresh and clean while helping to minimize the appearance of pores and enhance radiance.

 

My Thoughts

I absolutely adore masking and I do face masks at least a couple of times a week as part of my skincare routine. I was excited to try this mask because it has great reviews and I love peel off masks. I applied this mask with a cheap foundation brush like this one and love how easily it applied. I didn’t notice a strong fragrance but did notice my eyes watered in slightly so I think I will go a little bit further away from my eyes next time (you can see how I applied it, and apply most masks in the picture below). I left the mask on for about 25 minutes and loved how it was completely smooth and dry to the touch when it was time to peel it off. The mask removed really easily and I just used a warm washcloth to remove any residue before cleansing my skin. My face felt super smooth and had a glow right after I removed the mask, and I did *think* that my skin looked better the next morning…yay! I will definitely continue to use this.

 

 

 

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Have you tried any Boscia skincare? What is your favorite mask? Let us know in the comments! Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful weekend love! xx

 

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ONE LOVE ORGANICS | GARDENIA + TEA ANTIOXIDANT BODY SERUM

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Well, today I was finally able to leave the house after being snowed in since FRIDAY! Is there snow where you live?

 

 

Product Claims

The Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum intensely nourishes, hydrates and promotes firmer, and smoother skin. This formula has Antileukine 6®, an antioxidant, to help defend against environmental stressors and elemental dryness. The One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum can be used alone or layered with sunscreen or lotion for extra hydration.

My Thoughts

I use either a sunless tanning lotion or a regular lotion every time I get out of the shower, but it’s always my least favorite part of the process because I dread waiting for the lotion to dry before getting cozy into my PJs or robe. I was hesitant to try the One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum because I’ve never been a body oil gal, minus using them during my pregnancies, but I couldn’t believe how quickly this absorbed into my skin. I have been using it after every shower and looking forward to it because it smells wonderful and it is a little luxurious treat to look forward to. I have also been mixing this with my favorite drugstore sunless tanner and it has been working very well. This product is pricey, so I haven’t purchased another one, but I definitely would use it again or try to find a similar item.

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Do you have any shower or skincare splurges? Let us know in the comments! Have a wonderful day! xx

 

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ANTIBACTERIAL TOOTHBRUSH | DOCTOR PLOTKA’S MOUTHWATCHERS REVIEW & DEMO

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are having a fantastic start to your week! We had a giant snowstorm and it’s still coming down strong, so we haven’t left the house in days! If you have kids, or even if you don’t, you know that cabin fever can be very real, so feel free to comment suggestions for us below ; )

 

 

I am very into oral hygiene and pride myself in being a twice-a-day flosser, two or three times a day brusher, and avid mouthwash proponent. I’ve always bought only soft or “very-soft” toothbrushes (thanks for the tip, mom!) but other than that I have never been too concerned about what toothbrush I use. I was contacted about trying Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers toothbrushes and because I am a bit of an oral health nerd, I said yes. I was sent the toothbrushes for my consideration for review, but this post is not sponsored and as always, I never will accept money in exchange for a positive review. I still use Smile Brilliant to whiten my teeth.

Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers

These brushes were invented by a dentist with over 40 years in his Boston-based dental practice. The Mouthwatchers toothbrushes have bristles infused with silver to naturally eliminate 99.9% of bacteria that grows on the bristles between uses. These naturally antimicrobial bristles help make your overall dental health better because your mouth is not reintroduced to harmful bacteria. The flossing bristles provide superior cleaning because the outer bristles, which are as thin as human hair, gently brush away food that other brushes miss, and the thicker inner bristles help complete the cleaning of the teeth and gums. The soft polyester bristles will outlast your traditional nylon bristles. Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers toothbrush is available in a traditional toothbrush, a travel toothbrush, and an electric toothbrush.

Watch Me Use the Mouthwatchers Toothbrush

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What is your favorite toothbrush? Do you floss every single day? Do you have a travel toothbrush that is antibacterial? Let us know in the comments! Thank you for reading! xx

 

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PERFUME POD THE REFILLABLE PERFUME ATOMIZER FROM TRAVALO

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We have made it to the middle of the week! Am I the only one who gets excited for Friday on Wednesday? I didn’t think so ; )

When I was a little girl I remember loving smelling the different perfumes at department store beauty counters and spraying as many fragrance cards as my mom would allow. I still love trying different scents and have a few favorites, but after becoming a mother and getting a bit older I started searching for a signature scent that my husband, little loves, and people close to me could associate with me. I knew that I wanted a timeless scent that was elegant, not too strong but lasts all day and several months ago I found Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel which is my new signature scent.

Perfume Pod 

When traveling I typically just take small rollerballs or perfume samples that I happen to have on hand, even if they aren’t a scent I particularly love, or if I am traveling somewhere where I want to have my beloved Coco Mademoiselle I will pack it in my suitcase and hope it doesn’t break or spill. Is this ideal? No, but I was recently sent a Perfume Pod by Travalo to try out and now I can safely take my signature scent with me in my purse or suitcase. *Note Travalo sells both the Perfume Pod and the original Travalo, the original is a bit sleeker and more expensive, but both are an affordable price-point and work the same way.

How It Works

This diagram shows how you can easily put any fragrance easily into the Perfume Pod by inserting the bottom of the pod atomizer onto the atomizer stick of the perfume or cologne bottle and pump until the Perfume Pod is filled up. One thing I realized is that you cannot wash out the Perfume Pod, so you would need to stick to the same fragrance unless you were feeling daring and wanted to mix. You can see it in action on my LeahTacklesBeauty Instagram.

My Thoughts

I think that these are fantastic! I love that they are perfect for traveling, and I love having my fragrance with me for nights out.  It is about the size of a tube of lipstick, but if you fill it up it will get you 50-80 sprays, so perfect for vacations! I like that these come in a ride variety of colors because you could easily identify your different perfumes if you used multiple Perfume Pods. I think this is an absolute win, and I would definitely buy more in the future.

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Have you tried this? Do you have a signature scent?

Thank you, as always, for reading! xx

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