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