Favorite Finds of 2009! (Part II)

5. Lancome Juicy Tubes Gloss Set ($39.50)

I know what you’re thinking. “40 bucks for some lip gloss?? Hell to the No!” Please, hear me out. Once a year I splurge and buy a lip gloss set. Sometimes it’s by Clinique, sometimes it’s by MAC, it really just depends. However, with that one lip gloss purchase I am set for the next 12 months. I love lip gloss. But it is the one area I have learned that cheaper is not better. To me, cheap lip gloss is sticky, stringy, and just kinda…..gross. So, because of this, once a year, I fork over the cash for the good stuff. I’ve never been disappointed. This Lancome set is by far the best I’ve ever used. The colors are neutral and sexy, and the gloss is super shiny and lasts forever. The 40 bucks was well worth it.

4. Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara ($4.99)

I love this mascara. I use it as a base for my regular mascara. I also use it to set my eyebrows after I apply my makeup. It’s fairly inexpensive, and has many uses. I usually apply one coat of clear mascara to all of my lashes (top and bottom) followed by two coats of LashBlast by Covergirl ( to the top lashes, and outer corners of my bottom lashes.) By using the clear mascara as a base, my black mascara goes on smoother and aids in separating and lengthening my lashes even more.

3. Clean & Clear Touch Oil-Absorbing Sheets ($5.29)

I keep a pack of these sheets in my schoolbag, a pack in my purse, and a pack in my car. They are perfect for absorbing oil from my face without removing my makeup. I never have to reapply powder during the day. I just blot my face with these sheets and my makeup looks brand new again. They are a lifesaver!

2. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($2.99)

I’m the type of person that was born with a stuffy nose. However, even though I suffer from year-round allergies, with the help of this lip balm, I am rarely congested. This lip balm has lanolin, peppermint oil, comfrey root extract, and rosemary extract in it, so when my body heat warms up the balm on my lips, I’m able to breathe in the fumes, and my sinuses instantly open up. This balm is on my lips almost 24 hours a day. I wear it under my lip gloss, and I wear it by itself. I’m addicted.

1. Kiss Everlasting Nails ($5.99 for a full set including the glue & $2.50 for a kit with just the nails)

I know what you’re thinking. “Press on nails? Is she for real?!?” Yep! I’m for real! I’ve been wearing acrylic nails consistently since I was 12 years old. Like clockwork, every two weeks I would go to my local, and sometimes my not-so-local nail shop for a full set or fill in. The words would roll off my tongue so easily, “Full set, solar, American manicure with square-round tips.” It was a mantra. I would spend $30 plus a $2 tip the first week, and then $17 plus a $2 tip two to three weeks later. One day about a month ago, I actually sat down and did the math: my twice a month manicures ran me about $612 a YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pure Madness! So, I immediately started looking for cheaper alternatives for my French/American manicure look that I love so much. After an extensive amount of research I have found and fallen in love with Kiss Everlasting Nails! As you can see from the picture, they have little handles on the nails for easily application. The instructions are easy, and the best part is that they are $2.50 a pack at my local dollar store!!! I have gotten so many compliments on my nails since switching to Kiss. I replace the nails with a new set every Sunday, and after they are applied I paint a clear top-coat on top for added shine. They are THE BEST!! I’ll NEVER go back to acrylics! Oh, BTW- wearing a new set of the Kiss Everlasting Nails every week will run me about $130 a year. That’s a savings of $482! You can’t beat that with a stick!



So, that completes my Top Picks for 2009. I hope you’ve enjoyed my countdown. Merry Christmas, Bellas!

Favorite Finds of 2009!

This year I have been fortunate enough to find many products (both hair and beauty) that have become indispensable to me. So, I thought as this year draws to a close, I should rank them and share them with you. So, now, here is 10-6 of my favorite finds of 2009.

10. Goody’s Ouchless Comfort-Flex Updo Barrettes ($3)

These clips are made of plastic, but are amazingly strong and durable. They are large enough to secure the thickest mane, while still being comfortable. There is absolutely no pulling, snagging, or tension on your hair at all. But, my all-time favorite feature is that it lies completely flat against my head, therefore I can sleep in it and forget that it’s there. I love it!

9. Elf Makeup Brushes ($1-$3)

I discovered these brushes at my local Dollar Store, and I must say, they are amazing!! They are sturdy, durable, and hella inexpensive! I mean they are between 1-3 BUCKS! You can’t beat that with a stick! I searched a 30 mile radius, and managed to find/buy all 12 of the brushes, and a few extras of my favorites! These brushes are well worth the effort to find. They make applying makeup a BREEZE!

8. B&BW “Sleep” Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub ($16)

This scrub is an oldie but a goody. I’ve been using it consistently for about 8 or 9 years now. I use it EVERY Sunday night as a part of my weekly spa routine. I use it to exfoliate my entire body. The sugar smoothes off the dead skin, and the sunflower, safflower, sweet almond and jojoba oils leave my skin silky smooth. I go through a jar a month, so using it can get kinda expensive, however I offset the cost by asking for Bath and Body Works gift cards for Christmas and Birthday presents from friends and family that don’t know what to get me. LOL. I rarely have to buy this scrub for myself.

7. LA Colors 12 Color Eye shadow Palette in Traditional ($1)

Yet another Dollar Store find, this palette is by far the most surprising item I found this year. I bought it as a fluke, but I’ve been raving about it ever since. The colors are neutral enough to wear every day, and even though they are a little shimmery, you don’t end up looking like a disco ball by the end of the day. The pigments are deep and concentrated so a little goes a long way. All the women on my Christmas list will be getting one of these palettes in their stockings!

6. BonneBelle Glimmer Bronze in Gold ‘n Glitz ($3)

Yet another oldie but goodie. I first started using this bronzer about 10 years ago. However, about 2 years ago I couldn’t find it anymore. But this summer I stumbled upon it at Wal-Mart. BonneBelle had changed the packaging but it was thankfully the same beautiful gold shimmer dust inside. I use this bronzer on my body, not my face. I sprinkle a little on a huge, fluffy brush, and dust my neck, chest, and arms in a golden, shimmery, fairy dust. It makes my skin look like it’s glowing, and gives me the appearance of a year round island tan.


Stay tuned for my remaining Top Finds of 2009!

Oh, and let me know what you think of 10-6. What are some of your favorite finds of 09?

Product Review- Chi Keratin Mist

Ok, so after a month of preparing for finals, having the flu (regular, not swine), and basically just losing my mind, I now have the time to devote to one of my favorite pastimes, blogging about my seemingly endless product-junkie-ism. Please don't think just because I haven't been posting reviews, that I haven't been buying products. I have. Therefore, without further ado, here is my product review for Chi Keratin Mist:

Even though I've been using this spray for the past month or so, I still feel indifferent about it. The more I use it, the more it seems to be interchangeable with the Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin Spray that I've used intermittingly for the last year or so. What I mean is, nothing about this solution seemed to be particularly......special.

Your Frequently Asked Questions:

*Girl, How Much Was It?      "Rosewater, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Silk Amino Acids, Acetamide MEA and Lactamide MEA, Lauryl Pyrrolidone, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazoline and Methylisothiazolinone, Nettle, Chamomile Extract, Algae, Aloe Vera, Lavender Extract, Rosemary Extract, Parfum, FD&C Yellow 5, D&C Red 33, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Boron Nitride Powder."

*What Does It Claim To Do?    "CHI Transformation System Keratin Mist is a leave-in strengthening treatment with Cationic Hydration Interlink proteins. Specifically developed to work in conjunction with the CHI line. CHI Keratin Mist is an advanced leave-in spray designed to provide hair with strength, protection and softness, while leaving hair silky and shiny with incredible manageability.
Features and Benefits:
*Leave-in strengthening treatment
*Cationic Hydration Interlink softens and balances hair, locking in moisture
*Reconstructs the inner structure of the hair
*Improves strength
*Adds protection and shine
*Provides incredible manageability "

*Where Can I Find It?    It can be found at any store that sells salon quality hair products, as well as discount stores such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.

*Directions from the Container:   "Spray evenly throughout the hair and leave in, proceed with styling."

*How Much Was It?       $7.99 for 12oz. @ T. J. Maxx ( a regular $14.00), it is also available in 32oz for about $30.

*My Personal Review:      
     The first thing that I must say about this spray is that it has a deathly strong, cologney smell that seems to linger FOREVER! Granted, I am sensitive to strong and aggressive smells, but this product truly offends my senses. On the plus side however, the sprayer on the bottle allows for a very wide area to be covered, therefore, I only have to spray maybe 4-6 pumps to get total coverage. I usually use this spray in two ways. The first way is applying it after I apply my creamy leave in conditioner, and before blow-drying. The second way is applying it before I put my wig on, and again after I take my wig off.

     When I use this spray, I am trusting it to do what it says it will do. Meaning, with every use I expect it to protect my hair from heat damage and provide my hair with a small amount of protein. Is it doing its job? So far, so good. Actually, I use this spray as an insurance policy, more than anything else. Even though I can't see any added benefits when I use it, I just rest easier knowing that it's there. Also, the next time I straighten my hair (which won't be anytime soon) I will definitely use this spray and amend this review. I have read raves about its use before flat-ironing.

*My Final Thoughts:   So Bellas, even though I don't notice any added softness or shine, I will continue to use this product until it's gone. However, after it's gone I doubt that I will repurchase it. Aphogee Keratin Spray seems to do just as well for a quarter of the retail price. So what's my recommendation for you? If you want to splurge, or if you find the spray for a good price, you won't be any worse off having tried it. However, if money is tight, or if you want to curb your inner product junkie, when you see the Chi Keratin Mist, just walk on by.

As always, I hope this review was informative and helpful. Let me know what you think in the comment section.

Until Next Time, Be Well Bellas,
-SouthernBella

"Girl, where have you been??"

Hey Bellas!


Thanks to everyone who emailed, wondering where I've been, and more importantly, where the two other product reviews are. LOL! Bellas, I have been under a stack of books for the last month, trying to get ready for Finals Week.  It's a Man Down, Code 10, Situation! (I say in my best Frankie voice.) Seriously, the library has become my second home.

The good news is, after my last Final (which is Friday), I have a month-long break! During this break I will be sleeping, celebrating my birthday (Dec 18th baby!), and cherishing Christmas with my family. Therefore, updates to the blog will be plentiful. I have some wig looks coming up, as well as the promised product reviews. So….please Bellas, bare with me. Real content is coming soon. LOL

**Taking Care of Business**

• I’ve had to enable comment moderation because of spamming. So, there will be a delay when you comment on a post. Sorry about this hiccup. But please don’t let this deter you from commenting, I love reading what you have to say.
• Also, a Big, Fat, “HEY GIRL," to our newest Bella, Kim, from KimmayTube. (Click, to go to her channel, you will find enlightenment and knowledge. Seriously, your hair will thank you, I promise!)

That is all ( I think…),

Until next time,
SouthernBella