Category: Enhancements

Luxury Items Wish List

Anime, Artist Spotlight, ATL, Capsule Wardrobe, Enhancements, Entertainment, Michael B Jordan, NELLIEL Approved, Pharrell Williams, Uncategorized, Wishlist

Trying to keep myself uplifted, so, I’m gonna dream.

Here are some items I’m dreaming of and a full bank account.

Chanel: Mini Classic Handbag

I have not seen this in person, but I think it would be a great addition to my capsule wardrobe. If the leather is like it looks here, I’m sure it can really withstand years of use. I’m sure it is really beautiful – lambskin.

Price: $5,400

Louis Vuitton Pochette

I have seen this purse in person numerous times – the design is timeless, especially with the monogram. I love it and hope to add it to my capsule in the near future. I just read about the details of the bag on the website and it is canvas.

I doubt most people know that. Looks like leather.

Price: $1660.00

Michael Kors: Bromley Over the Knee Boots

I’ve had a few pair of these and I really enjoy them, however, I would prefer that they were still full leather. I lived in these during the Fall and Winter months, however, if they continue to fall apart after a few wears, I will stick with my second hand Frye Boots, for sure (I may need to do a whole post on my Frye Boot collection). I really like the design of these boots, they are very simple and greatly enhance my Capsule Wardrobe, but come on, Michael of Michael Kors. Come on.

Plastic upper?

Price: $Varies

($250 when initially released)

Prius Plug In Hybrid

I am more of a Honda fan, but they keep discontinuing the cars that I like, so I’m moving on to Toyota. I love the new Prius design, but that price tag? It needs to be fully electric in my opinion. If I were rich, I’d buy this car and convert it. This would be an upgraded version of the CRZ for me.

Price: $47,000

I made a wig!

Alibaba, ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Beauty, Cosmetics, Data Science, Enhancements, Hair, NELLIEL Approved, Reviews

I made a wig by hand. Thanks for all the help, A.

For the curious, the black square is my radiant heating. I need to get it set up correctly so that the wiring is hidden. It kind of looks kind of like a TV but it isn’t – I should have just gotten a white one.

Just so you all know, I have no interest in doing this as a professional.

Bundles used: SexyLadyHair – Straight, 24 IN 13×6 closure, this hair is SO Beautiful and SO THICK. I got double drawn bundles.

Styling Tool: Dyson Co-anda 2x

Wig Caps: Small Ventilated Wig Cap – Size down as I need an XS.

Nylon Thread & Needle

Bleach for frontal was used

A more serious image – just imagine this one someone’s head.

In total, took about 5 hours to make but that is with lots of breaks. It is lovely, I’m proud and I’ve been perming hair but had to wait until the perm rods arrived for the curly hair to be upgraded. Now that I am in receipt of them, I’m happy I bought them on TEMU instead of the pack on AMAZON as I’m afraid that those are short and fat instead of “New Curl” like I need.

Anywho. I forgot rubber bands. 🙁

Back to my data science program.

Adventures in Hair Extensions: Indian Curly > Bouncy Curly?

Alibaba, Artist Spotlight, ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Beauty, Enhancements, Entertainment, Etsy, Google, Hair, Hair, NELLIEL Approved

I recently decided to give hair sourcing a try.

Idk what I was doing, but I thought why the heck not? These girls seem to make a grip! Hell, I’m kind of familiar with brand design and I know some good companies to buy hair from. After several WhatsApp message exchanges and a few different purchases…I chose not to pursue it. If you’re looking for a good vendor or two, let me know. It’s on the free.

Honestly, I do not believe that I have the same heart for hair sales as some of my favorite extension brands do, but I do think that it has been a worthwhile pursuit. I bought bundles of Raw Indian Curly, the name of it varies from brand to resale brand, however, it is not the texture I was hoping for. I keep trying to do the spiral curls at the end, and I’ve noticed that it never curls in quite the way that I would like. I made a half wig by hand on a breezy wig cap (I have special needs when it comes to the heat in GA, I can’t be out here sweating because I have approximately 10 bundles of curly hair on my head), and I really know what I am doing now. But, what I really need to figure out is how to get my ends to spiral curl a la Chaneeezy. HOW? Even after the same used products, my curls didn’t come through. I’m gonna have to work on the flick o’ da wrist. Lately I’ve been using water and aloe only to revive the curls and I think it has gone pretty well. I have noticed that the hair dries out very quickly, but somehow the hair on my faux locs extensions stays moist for months on end without needing a refresh. I’m pretty sure it is the same hair, however.

Have any of you seen this beaute? Come through SCZHAIR. I want cha sometime soon and I think I will bid the foray into extensions adieu.

Anyway,

I have decided half perm the RAW (aka VIRGIN) hair. I know this is possible. I’m also going to half perm the curlsqueen half wig that I added a 4/4 closure to to see if I can get a bouncy curly texture going for me. The curls have been falling too flat for ya girl with my hot tools, even when utilizing hair spray.

What did I learn? That basically, all hair is virgin hair. That the price of raw hair is too high. I steam my hair, I style my hair. That the overseas brands are based here in the states – possibly even ATL! No hair really tangles, unless it is very very dry. God made the best moisturizers and stylers and that is what I am using!

I have the hair needed for miracle braids, I have the hair needed for twists, wrapping hair for faux locs, all kinds of faux locs extensions, straight hair so I’m not applying too much heat to my natural hair (now over 22 inches long), and pretty soon the best curly hair extensions in the world, made by me and GOD. That was interesting but it is over. I’m turning into more of a stylist instead.

Tune in soon for updates on how the hair turns out. I’ll share pics soon.

Humanrace Skincare by Pharrell Williams

Artist Spotlight, Atlanta, Beauty, Cosmetics, Enhancements, Ice Cream, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell Williams, Skincare, Youtubers

I think of this brand as a lower budget alternative to La Mer. Not only do the products contain similar ingredients but they are much, much more cost effective. I tried this skincare a little over two years ago, and I’ve watched them as they have updated the line little by little. And let’s be honest, Pharrell has truly great skin. Who would not want skin like his? I do think that I have pretty nice skin, but his is amazing! I hope to see it in person one day.

As I am aging, I thought about getting La Mer, however, the prices for the products are so high that I shopped around for alternatives. I do, truly like the products, however, I truly think that the real secret of La Mer’s efficacy lies in moisture and fermentation.

I think that Pharrell’s products in the Humanrace skincare line are good alternatives to La Mer. (I have tried La Mer, I think that the products are wonderful – just a note, if you decided to spring for La Mer, try the mattifying cream, that is my personal favorite. I do really love the HumanRace moisturizer, it does not make me overly greasy. I was a terrible oil slick during puberty, Niacinamide has changed my life.)

I tried this part of the line when it first launched and I was really pleasantly surprised and quite happy with the results. In fact, I am pretty sure that the moisturizer is meant to be a dupe of the La Mer moisturizer. The cleanser is not drying and I feel as though the products pair very nicely with other products in my skincare regime. I like to use the Retrograde gel cleanser as a full body cleanser as well. Have any of you tried Pharrell’s products line or do you think that he’s just trying to profit from his lovely skin and crazy slow aging?

Here is a video he made during covid speaking about the product launch:

Another of him and Tyler speaking about the products and how they take care of their skin:

Love him – both he and the products are Nelliel Approved!

Gimmick or the real deal? Face Sculpting/Wrapping

Alibaba, Atlanta, Beauty, Cosmetics, Data Science, Enhancements, Entertainment, Etsy, NELLIEL Approved, Reviews, Shein, Uncategorized

I think it is real. I say this from personal experience and use. There are a number of ways to do face sculpting – face yoga, gua sha, lymphatic drainage, which generally includes fingers and oil, and one of my favorites, just because of the ease, face wrapping. I think that this trend started in Korea, but I am not really sure. There is evidence that this is mostly related to post-op care, and Korea is VERY big into plastic surgery, but I’m all for anything that makes taking care of myself (both internally and externally, easy).

Reusable face wraps went so viral when SKIMS released their version earlier this year, but I found mine at Marshalls many years ago. I’m gonna be honest, doesn’t seem like many doctors are in favor of these. I like the one I have, however, the wrap has loosened over the years from hasty application prior to bed. I think that when combined with eating healthy, working out, and lymphatic drainage, it has great benefit.

What do you all think? Trendy accessory or beneficial? I got mine for about 4 dollars – I think it is time for a new one as it has stretched out over the years. I don’t want to spend 50+ dollars on this type of item, so I’ll do more research before a splurge like this one. One thing that I really like about the Kardashians is that they do their best to make parts of their lifestyles more accessible to the public when it comes to the beauty arena. There are similar ones on Alibaba and Shein. I’ll probably give this one a try soon.

I’m going to give this a thumbs up as a Nelliel Approved beauty tool.

Curlsqueen Nightmare

ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Cosmetics, Enhancements, Entertainment, Reviews, Threads, Uncategorized

During the height of the Curlsqueen craze a year or two ago, I bought several curlsqueen products (just for your knowledge – 2c/3a curly half wigs, clipins and some straight halfwigs) When the products arrive, and you pull them out of the packaging, the hair is sooooo gorgeous! Stunning even. I thought to myself – trying to grow my hair back to waist length would be so easy!

Curlsqueen is my first true foray into hair extensions. If I can remodel my home, I can surely learn how to attach hair to my head, and make it seamless.

I was, however, very badly disappointed. After a few months of wear, the hair tangles, it no longer has body or flow, and just does not reflect the amount of money spent. Human hair lasts for forever. I know that there are not many people that feel this way online about Curlsqueen, but I do. What a waste of money. After attempting to coordinate returns or new products with the company, one gets fed up (they did attempt to rectify things a bit by sending me a free halfwig for the points status I possessed, but that one quickly tangled up as well). Is there a brand with curls just as beautiful that does not tangle? I have yet to find them. Most companies charge an arm and a leg for the length I need and the quality. I’m thinking that I’m going to have to go with a no name brand to get my new wigs made – and they will be to my specifications.

Curlsqueen is a big no for me.

Take a look at some of the others online experiencing similar issues with them. Why is this happening only to the looser textures? Very strange. As it is human hair, the hair should not tangle. Let’s be honest, if this is Cambodian/Indian hair, it would tangle on the heads of those selling the hair just as badly. Hair being attached to a weft does not mean that the hair should now tangle.

This user with a similar experience was found on TikTok

As Curlsqueen is China based, it is hard to get returns made without it costing as much as the product did! ah! I do think that the straight textures are nice – they do not tangle or shed. It is really important for products to be and perform at the level advertised and promised.

What did I do with the tangled weave? I’ve chosen to cut the hair off the weft and use the very expensive hair as bulk hair. It will be used in my twists and braids. It has been so costly.

Can you believe that those are the only negative reviews that I can find this AM?Wow. I do not think that the 2c is as popular as the coarser textures and that might be the reason that there are few updates on the loose textures online.

Artist Spotlight – StylesbyNoah, RAW INDIAN BOHO FAUX LOCS – BEST FAUX EVERRRR.

Artist Spotlight, ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Enhancements, Etsy, Hair, NELLIEL Approved, Threads

I recently starting buying things on Etsy. I love the unique pieces and how skilled the artists are. I have found many cool things on this website – aside from anime stickers, my explorations have taken me to the hair side of Etsy. Not only can you find bundles on the site, a la Elfin, Dhair, YGWIGS, UNICE, CURLSQUEEN, etc, you can also find very unique hair pieces like the faux locs I found one day created by StylesbyNoah. I balked a bit at the price and it just shuffled the lust for them to the back of my mind. However, I did one day shortly thereafter see her work again on Instagram and TickTok. Her work was soooooo gorgeous I had to buy a set of them. I have since installed them 3x over the last 6 months and they are still just as beautiful as they were when I first purchased them. I think she is so cute. The locs came smelling soooo, soooo good, soft, and packed in such cute pink packaging. I bought them a while ago, so I do not have any pictures to show you, however, I do plan to buy another, shorter set soon. I’ll update this post with those pictures once I receive the package.

Thank you, Noah. I do wear wigs, but you are right, these faux locs are good replacement. My head has been so cool as summer in Atlanta winds down – AND! My hair is so beautiful that people stare at me all throughout Atlanta. Noah is not stingy with the curls (how many bundles, at least two!) and I think that those of us that have ever gotten the real faux locs installed (no crochet) definitely appreciate someone that has taken the time to make something with such level of care and quality. They are not a soft loc base. I will say that it took about 3 hours for myself to install these. I have approximately 40 locs on my head and the set is 60 in total. What a deal. Before I found Noah I either made them myself, had another talented stylist do them for me, or perused YGWIGS trying to determine if I wanted that style of locs. I wish braids were this easy.

Anywho, if that doesn’t convince you, check her YouTube out. She works in Maryland. I have not met her yet but hope one day to have a set installed by her. In the meantime, I will be a loyal customer and fan of her work.

    Definitely NellielApproved. Thumbs upppppp.

    Check out her socials and tell her I sent ya. 😉

    Fave Grande Cosmetics

    ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Cosmetics, Enhancements, NELLIEL Approved

    Writing out a list for my blog for those interested. I have noticed that Grande Cosmetics has been changing their product lineup – and I just wanted to let my reader base know what I love, just in case it disappears, changes names, etc. The below links are affiliate links, btw.

    GrandePout Cosmetics

    Lash Serum – I buy the 6 month supply. You won’t be disappointed. Just know that they were sued for Prostaglandins use in their cosmetics, but I have not had an issue over the years of use. My eyelashes are so lovely now – I do upkeep with less expensive versions, such as the Ordinary, but I do try to keep a tube on hand. I think that the grande conditioner is also really beneficial in ensuring that my results are lasting.

    GrandeBrow – I used this before they released their brow tints and fillers. I don’t purchase this anymore, but I do think that this was very helpful in terms of ensuring that my brows grew back in nice and full. I no longer get them arched as the salons have a tendency to remove too much hair.

    GrandeBrow 2 in 1 – why buy the serum when you can have a serum and a tint? These two products do the same things, this one just has a preferred tint. I buy the medium as the dark is much too dark for my complexion.

    GrandeLip Plumpers – These are some of the best Plumpers on the market. I LOVE THEM. This company was one of the first to promise long term plumping effects (I.e. after repeated use, the hyaluronic acid ensures that the plump is more permanent) and it delivers. As I’ve aged, I’ve lost collagen, so I’m trying my best to ensure that I’m able to maintain as much elasticity and suppleness that I can.

    Honorable mentions:

    BrowLaminate – They no longer carry this for some reason, however, if it comes back, this is definitely the brow gel to pick. Nyx has a similar one, however, the peptides are a great addition to this brow gel. I know that they also released versions that were tinted in the last year, however, this line seems to have disappeared from stores. So disappointing!

    GrandePout – I love this lip mask. I know that a lot of people swear by Laneige, however, it doesn’t make any sense. I’ve never used them and it is because of this company. I love that this Grande lip mask as it also has the long term plumping benefits.

    Anytime I’m doing something extra to my body, I want to ensure that it has a long term benefit – that is something that I TRULY love about GrandeCosmetics. They are a company after my own heart. Instead of spending thousands on invasive treatments, these products are low cost comparatively and are of great benefit in maintaining beauty naturally.

    Website Attack

    ATL, Atlanta, Enhancements, Entertainment, Google

    I’ve been getting a lot of reports of spambots attacking this domain. I wonder what is going on – I barely get hits, so I’m curious as to how I’m getting so much spam in the comments. I’m well protected by my host, I guess. Over 900 attempted log ins in the last month. Whoa.

    That aside, I have found THE CUTEST Nelliel stickers on Etsy. I’ll link to them once I get them and see how I like them. Other updates? I am trying to prepare for fall, it is fast approaching.

    Starlight – Apple AirPod Max – Light review

    ATL, Atlanta, Enhancements, Lupe Fiasco, Music, Pharrell Williams, Uncategorized

    I’m in love! These headphones are soo good. The sound quality is unmatched, definitely when compared to some of the other kinds I’ve used.

    Oooo! In black!! 🙂

    Back in my HIIT days, I was using the Jaybirds, they were a little over 100.00 then and I loved those, too. (After a quick search on Amazon, I do not believe that they are still in production.) They used to fall out – I must have abnormally small ears, cause this is the norm for me when wearing that style of earbud. Personally, I think that these AirPod max are a really great replacement. I do think that they are a bit heavy, though. I’m not as into HIIT as of late, however, plenty o’ folks wear them to the gym and complain about the weight and how they fall off. Who wants some 500 dollar headphones falling on the floor? Not me. This is a true con.

    The color is lovely, I got Starlight, I look cool wearing them. I’ve taken a few long bus rides with them and I do feel as though they have made a big difference in terms of my enjoyment on the ride. I need to spend a bit more time with them before a final review, but thumbs up. The price is steep but if you’re looking for some headphones on the more luxe side, these are a winner.

    I’m a big fan of their sleek, simplistic and harmonious style. The symmetry is so nice. the usb-c was a nice choice. Wish they were sweat proof/waterproof – I must have bought a silicone cover that doesn’t fit, so I won’t be linking it but the color itself (stone) is a nice compliment to the starlight, goldish tone.

    I think most of us prefer to purchase in store, that Apple shopping experience!, but if the mood so strikes, use my affiliate link:

    https://amzn.to/4eo3cR1