Transitioning Update

Hello Bellas,

Last week, after cowashing my hair I took of picture of my new growth. If you are new to my blog you may not know that I am transitioning from relaxed hair, to natural hair. If you would like to know how I reached this decision click here. My last relaxer was in March 2009, so that means I'm 10 months post relaxer! I am AMAZED I was able to transition this long, and with the help of half wigs, the rest of my journey should be a breeze!  I'm planning to transition for a total of 2 1/2 years. So, that means I have about 20 more months until I'm 100% natural. However, I may end my transition at 24 months. It really just depends on how long my unstretched natural hair is. So, here are my comparison pictures. The first picture was taken September 2009, and the second picture was taken January 2010. I'm happy with the progress I'm making, and I look forward to the journey ahead.

I know I'm not the only one on a journey towards healthy hair. What journey are you on?

Are you transitioning? Or thinking about transitioning? Or happily relaxed? Or happily natural?

Let me know in the comment section.

Until Next Time,

Southern Bella

Help Haiti Now!

Granted, this is a somewhat superficial blog that centers around makeup, wigs, and products, but when something this catastrophic happens, I feel obligated to do something. And I'm sure you do as well. This morning I participated in Wyclef Jean's charity to aid in the relief for Haiti. (100% of funds go to aid!) All you have to do is:

Text “Yele” to 501501 on your cell phone and it will automatically charge $5 to your phone bill, and will donate to it to this organization that will serve as a relief org for this disaster. If you don't feel comfortable going this route, consider donating to your local The Red Cross. Every little bit helps.

And if nothing else, keep Haiti in your prayers.
-Southern Bella

Wig Review: Outre Quickweave "Yasmine"

Hello Bella's,

Today, I gave my beloved Tammy wig a break, and tried out one of the other wigs I bought during my Hairsisters.com After Christmas Haul. After about 30 minutes of finger combing and fluffing her out, I can finally say that I love her too! She is soft, wavy, and full of body! This is her model photo:

And this is how she looks on Moi (with a black headband):

Your Frequently Asked Questions:

*How Much Was It? Where Did You Buy It?- $14.39 @ Hairsister's after Christmas Sale.

*What Does the Inside of the Cap Look Like?- She has a long comb in the front, a short comb in the back, and two adjustable straps on either side of the back comb (which I cut out).

*Does She Tangle?- A little bit, but nothing excessive. I just spray her with a little water, finger comb the tangles, and she's brand new again!

*Is She Comfortable?- Since I cut the straps out of her she fits very nicely. Snug, but not too tight. For me, adjustable straps in wigs just get in the way. The hair gets tangled around them, and unless the wig is baggy and loose (which none of my wigs are), I really don't see the need for them.

*My Personal Review: I was reluctant to wear this wig at first because I thought she looked too flat. I'm a "Big Hair" kinda chick, and at first this wig was just too.......bashful. But after fluffing, and finger-combing the heck out of her, finally she started looking more like....me. LOL! Now, I love her! She is very natural looking and soft to the touch. This unit is very thick, with soft, yet strong synthetic fibers. I bought her in color 2, and she is a neutral, medium brown. The best part about this wig is how versatile she is. If you take the time to properly blend your hair with this unit, you will be able to rock her in various ways: half up/half down, ponytail, swept to the side, etc.....You can also accessorize the heck out of her with colorful scarves, headbands, clips, and barrettes. I would HIGHLY recommend this wig to anyone who is thinking about getting started wearing half-wigs. She is easy to wear, and very easy to care for. I am very pleased with this purchase, and as far as I'm concerned, Outre is the leader of the pack when it comes to half wigs! Both the Tammy and Yasmine units are BANGERS!!

*Final Thoughts- I don't know what more I can say about Yasmine that I haven't already said. You can dress her up, or you can through her into a pony tail and go to a football game. She’s great! If you are a veteran wig-wearer who loves the big, highly textured styles (like I do), give Yasmine a try, she's tame, but gorgeous nonetheless. And for all of the wig-wearing newbie's, Yasmine would be the perfect starter unit for you!

As always, I hope this review was informative and helpful.

 Stay on the lookout for my very first GIVEAWAY! It starts next week! Information and Rules will be posted soon!

Also, if you have any questions about Yasmine, or anything else for that matter, just leave a comment below.
Until Next Time,
Southern Bella

Product Review: E.L.F Super Glossy Lip Shine

I've gotten a lot of requests for a review of the E.L.F. glosses that I picked up during my Dollar Store Haul. You asked for it, you got it! This is the product review for E.L.F's Super Glossy Lip Shine Set of 5 (in Berry Yummy)

(Colors from Left to Right: Watermelon, Juiced Berry, Honey Do, Pink Kiss, Angel)

Your Frequently Asked Questions:

*How Much Was It? $5 @ Big Lots (I also bought some individuals at Holiday's Fashion's for $1 each)

*What Does it Claim To Do? (from the website) "This Super Glossy SPF 15 formula fights environmental damage while leaving your lips with a healthy glossy glow. The delicious flavor and sweet scent will leave you licking your lips in delight! The perfect on the go tube that is mess proof for anywhere and anytime! "

*Where Can I Find It? On the E.L.F website of course (just click one of links on the right--->), or you can try your luck at your local Dollar General Store, or Big Lots (where I found my set.)

*My Personal Review: I must confess, I am a lip gloss maniac!! It's a weakness. So, to say that I am knowledgeable about lip glosses is an understatement. Therefore, I think that I am fairly competent to review this line of glosses from an educated perspective. LOL Ok, let's get down to business. The smell? Kind of a grape fruit roll up smell, if that helps you. The taste? A very, mild grape taste. The consistency? Thick, smooth, and no stickier than any other lip gloss. Yes, on a breezy day, your hair will get stuck to your lips with this gloss, but it's not stringy or overly sticky at all. For instance, when I press my lips together, I don't get any of that stringy, gross residue happening. Also, even after wearing this gloss for hours, I got NO white, filmy stuff on the inside of my mouth. (I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS!!)Are they true to color? Yes, the matte glosses in the set (Watermelon and Pink Kiss) are glossy but they are not shimmery in the least. These two colors would be great for work because they appear to have more pigment than glitter. However, the remaining colors are all about the glitter!! How long does one application last? In all honesty, no lip gloss I've ever tried has lasted more than 4 hours or so on my lips. Between talking, drinking, and eating, reapplication always is a must. However, my one gripe with these glosses is the design. The size of the hole on the applicator tip is TOO big! Way too much gloss comes out with the slightest amount of pressure on the tube. Therefore, I suggest the use of a lip brush when applying this gloss.

*My Final Thoughts: For a buck a piece, these glosses are totally worth the effort to find or order! They are wonderful! Even the too large applicator tip isn't a deal breaker! You'll find many other lip gloss sets, as well as individual color choices on the E.L.F. website; I just reviewed the set that I purchased since it contained some matte colors as well as some glittery colors. I must confess, I was a lip gloss snob. I would have never dreamed of wearing lip gloss that cost a Buck a tube! My, my, how times have changed! I am putting aside my Lancome glosses ($39.50/for 8 glosses), my Clinique glosses ($25/for 5 glosses), and my beloved MAC Lipglass ($14/ per tube!). I'm an E.L.F. girl from this point on!

If you have any other questions, just ask them in the comments section. As always, I hope this review was informative and helpful.

-Southern Bella

Product Review-Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

Disclaimer: I was sent this lotion to review by a representative for Skin MD Natural. However, this review is not in anyway influenced by the makers of this product or thier representatives.

Bellas, this lotion is very interesting. It works by locking in moisture and keeping out contaminants. It has a white appearance with a somewhat milky consistency. It has a light, baby powdery scent (at least to me) and is very pleasant to my senses. (You all know how I am about strong scents. LOL) Now, let's get on with the review for Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion:

Your Frequently Asked Questions:

*How Much Was It? Where Can I Find It?-  This lotion retails for $18 for 4 oz HERE/ However, it also seems to be available at some Walgreens & Kroger Stores. If you are looking for it at a store near you, visit the Skin MD website. Or, you can stay tuned, because I will be posting a GIVEAWAY for a FREE bottle of this lotion, VERY SOON!!!!

*What Does It Claim To Do? (from the website) "Skin MD Natural uses only the finest natural ingredients, and is focused on urging the skin to be active, and to use its own moisture to effectively heal itself. It is not oily or sticky, doesn't sit on top of your skin leaving a greasy residue on everything you touch, it doesn't rub or wash off easily, is hypoallergenic, fragrance, colorant and paraben free and dermatology tested."

*My Personal Review:

I have to admit, I was skeptical about this lotion, but after trying it out on my constantly dry skin I have no doubts about recommending this lotion to you. I suffer from a mild case of eczema that rears its ugly head on various parts of my body 2 or 3 times a year. Most of the time it flares up in times of extreme stress and leaves after about a month or so of me itching and scratching like a fool. I was right in the middle of an eczema outbreak when this lotion arrived in my mailbox. I've been using it for a few days now, and I can see my rash gradually fading and the itching has completely gone!! However, this lotion isn't just for the sensitive skinned. It's great for everyone! I been sharing it with my family, and they all love how light, yet moisturizing it is. Also, it's not greasy or slimy in any way, and it absorbs into my skin almost instantly. No more rubbing, and rubbing, trying to get a lotion to absorb in my skin (don't you just hate that?) Honestly, this lotion lived up to its word in my case, by locking in the moisture.

*My Final Thoughts:

I am recommending this lotion to anyone who suffers with dry skin, anyone who suffers with sensitive skin or eczema, and anyone who is interested in using natural products on their body. This lotion is for you! I am very pleased with the effects it's having on my skin. Finding a reliable lotion is difficult, I am so happy that I finally found something that works, and leaves my body feeling and looking brand new!

As always I hope you found this review to be informative and helpful.

Stay Tuned for The Black Southern Belle's 1st Giveaway Announcement and Rules!

Until Next Time,

Southern Bella

Makeup Haul- Dollar Store Edition!

Hello Bellas,

If you're looking for some inexpensive makeup, that will allow you to experiment with color without breaking the bank, this post is for you! This week I went to almost every Family Dollar, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Freds, Big Lots, drug store, and beauty supply store within a 30 mile radius.I was on the look-out for ELF and LA Colors products. And this is what I found:

(BTW- As you can see, I don't know how to set the date on my camera! LOL)

Eyeshadows Up-Close

Lip Gloss Up-Close

***Haul Details***

Face Stuff:

-Cover Girl Queen Collection Pressed Powder in "Brown Bronze 2"

-Maybelline Dream Mouse Bronzer in "Dark"

-L.A. Colors Mystic Foundation Concealer Stick in "Warm Beige"

-L.A. Colors Blush in "Toast"

-L.A. Colors Trio with Blush, LipGloss, and Shimmer

L.A. Colors Eyeshadow Palettes:

-Tease

-Darling

-Wine and Roses

-Truffles

-Eye Candy

-Cool Girl

E.L.F. Lip Gloss:

-Honey Do (2 of those)

-Groovy Grape Swirl

-Juiced Berry

-Pink Kiss

-Watermelon

-Fuchsia Swirl

-Angel

OTHER STUFF:

-N.Y.C. Liquid Lip Shine in # 548

-E.L.F. Smoky Eye Series Kit

-Cuticle Nippers

-3 Piece Cotton Swab Set

-Two sets of Kiss Nails

-2 L.A. Colors Eyeliner in Brown

-2 L.A. Colors Eyeliner in Black

-Revlon Fantasy Lengths Eyelashes

-E.L.F. Dramatic Lash Kit

-E.L.F. Eyelash Curlers

-Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer

If you have any questions about my haul, or if you would like me to review one of the products listed above, just let me know in the comments section. So far, of the products that I've used, I like them a lot! But it's gonna take me a while to try them all! By the way, the entire haul came in under $50!! Discount Stores Rock!

How about you? When was the last time you raided the Dollar Store?

Wig Review: Outre "Tammy" Half Wig

Hello Bellas,

This is the wig review for the much talked-about "Tammy" by Outre. I LOVE HER!!! She is soft, light, and utterly lovely!

                                                            

Here are some of your F.A.Q:

*How much was it? Where did you buy it?   $14.39 @ Hairsisters.com after Christmas Sale.

*What's the inside of the cap like?   This half wig has a drawstring, a comb in the front, and a short comb in the back.

*Does it tangle a lot?   No! Not at all! Especially if you finger comb it a few times throughout the day.

*How long do you think it will last?   Since I don't put ANY products on her whatsoever, I believe that she is capable of lasting for months at a time.

*Is it comfortable?   She is very comfortable to wear. Keep in mind that I am a member of the "Big Head Club" and she fits my dome like a glove. The presence of the drawstring allows me to wear her without having to use bobby pins on the sides for extra security.

*My Personal Review:

Since I started wearing this wig 3 days ago I have been overwhelmed with compliments from friends, family, and even more so, strangers! This wig looks so natural....pictures really don't do it justice! I don't even bother to blend my real hair in with her. I just slide her on, and slide on a head band. At night, I take her off, spray her with a little water, finger comb, and put a net cap on her. In the morning, she is wavy, and looks brand new!! I got her in a color 2, and she is a medium brown, with hints of golden highlights in sunlight. She is the perfect length for me as well (bra strap.) She has a few layers framing the face, but they are subtle. As for her thickness.......Bellas, she is BIG, but thankfully I love big hair so I am not overwhelmed by her "divaness." However, some of you more down to earth Bellas may want to thin her out, or just consider a different wig altogether. I'm telling you, she is not for the faint of heart. But in my humble opinion, all ladies need at least one wild wig in their stash. You never know when you might need it! (wink, wink)

In closing, even though I love all of the wigs I purchased during my haul, I like Tammy the best! I am ordering 3 more of her, just in case Hairsisters decides to jack up the prices, or Outre decides to stop making her all together. I think Tammy is going to be my Signature Hair for 2010!

*Pictures:

 

So Bellas, what do you think? Have you been thinking about getting into the wig game? Tell me what you think about "Tammy" and/or half wigs period, in the comment section. As always, I hope this review was informative and helpful.

Until Next Time,
Southern Bella

Hairsisters.com Review & WIG HAUL!!!

Happy New Year, Bellas!

2010 is here, and I started it off by receiving the four half-wigs I ordered from Hairsisters.com's After Christmas sale. Each half wig was $14.36 (I believe.) I ordered the wigs on 12/26/09 (Saturday) and received them this morning, 1/2/10 (Saturday). Even though there was a holiday in between (New Year's Day), it still only took a week for my order to arrive! On top of that, my order was complete and correct. I couldn't be more pleased! 

MY ADVICE--> If you are thinking about ordering from Hairsisters.com, I STRONGLY advise you to call them regularly! Call to make sure your items are in stock, call to make sure your order has shipped with the correct items in the box, call to get your tracking number, CALL, CALL, CALL! Hairsisters has a reputation for having bad customer service, losing orders, and taking FORVER to ship, so since this was my first time ordering from them, I took no chances with this order. I called constantly, and it paid off! Their prices are great, but you have to stay on top of your order.

Now, on to my haul....Here are the demo pics and the unit names:

OUTRE QUICK WEAVE SYNTHETIC HALF WIG YASMINE (color 2)

OUTRE QUICK WEAVE SYNTHETIC HALF WIG TAMMY (color 2)

SENSATIONNEL INSTANT WEAVE SYNTHETIC HALF WIG HZ-7055 (color 2)

SENSATIONNEL INSTANT WEAVE SYNTHETIC HALF WIG HZ-7047 (color 2)

I will be posting pictures and reviews of the half-wigs as I wear them, so keep on the look-out for those! I think I'm going to start off wearing Tammy next week.

Be Blessed Bellas, & Happy New Year!

-Southern Bella