Category: NELLIEL Approved

Things that I approve of/like/want to share/am really into. <3

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.

Friday Listen!

ATL, Atlanta, Google, Lupe Fiasco, NELLIEL Approved, Pharrell Williams

I’m sharing Lupe Fiasco’s latest work – Samurai. He now has a deluxe version – hard to find the work as a whole together so I am just linking to the original released in 2024.

Take a look at his insta to see what he has been up to. Loved the images and video captured of him running the 5k through Japan with the ASAP crew. Check it out here.

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.

    Python

    ATL, Data Science, Google, NELLIEL Approved, New Job

    I’m in the thick of learning python and it is really NOT that easy. Lol.

    I’m having some trouble comiting code to memory, so I’m clearly going to have to study, study, study. I do like that the work is challenging and I’m eager to use this in a new position. I’ve done data management for years, however, pulling data is new for me. I have some HTML experience, but I do not see how that will help with learning python.

    Coursera

    Atlanta, Google, NELLIEL Approved, Uncategorized

    The advanced data analytics course is going well. I’m enjoying it thus far. Does anyone have any other programming or data courses to recommend? I am hoping to move into a position within Data Science soon.

    I ain’t eatin without a Michelin, uh – Lupe Fiasco

    Anime, ATL, Atlanta, Dining In, Dining Out, Eateries, Lupe Fiasco, Michael B Jordan, Naruto, NELLIEL Approved, Pharrell Williams

    I am a hardcore Naruto fan – the anime is great – but I do not want to talk about that right now. What I want to talk about is how Naruto used to chow down on that ichiraku ramen (I’m sure those days are long gone as he is now married ?). I didn’t understand it, the Maruchan ramen is good, but not that good. Prior to eating at Okiboru, I’d never had ramen made by a professional chef. Truly it is a treat for the tastebuds. The ramen costs no more than $16.00 a bowl. Such a nice treat. They even have mochi ice cream desserts.

    The ambiance is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the service is truly great. Just so you know I’m also a fan of their rice bowls.

    The Buckhead ATL, Ga location is rarely packed. You can sit and enjoy for a while. Oh and did I mention that this chain of restaurants has received a Michelin star? ?

    Check them out in the Atlanta Georgia area, NYC and LA.

    You will not be disappointed. I thought that it was a great experience for my first time trying true Japanese ramen. ? share what you think about this spot if you’ve been.

    Paint Shop Pro is Gone, Gone, Gone

    ATL, Atlanta, Dining In, Eateries, LifeLine Atlanta, Lupe Fiasco, NELLIEL Approved, Nsync, Pharrell Williams, Recipes, Threads

    Thank you for all the entries.

    I didn’t get any.

    The lucky winner is Lupe Fiasco – I’ve been sending this man items that remind me of his songs. 🙂 I will include this in his latest package.

    Thank you. Sorry I haven’t been updating. I’ve been really busy. I do plan to have some posts on hair soon and I’ll probably share some updates on my threads, I just posted something we made up today – I called it a Kimchi Scramble.

    Pro tip, unless you like warm Kimchi, add it at the end. On top with the goat cheese. Yes!


    Recipe on threads – threads.com/nellielytu

    Btw, Lifeline brought Flow back. 🙁 I love this little beautiful kitty but I don’t think that my cats can tolerate another one indoors, I’m trying to get my sister to adopt Flow and King Louis Vuitton. I need to try to get King Louis to Lifeline for a neuter. It has been hard to do without a car. The older cat that keeps dropping by chases him away but I love his tenacity – I’m clearly someone he loves and trusts.

    Pharrell x Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out

    Apple Music, ATL, Atlanta, NELLIEL Approved, Pharrell Williams

    I’m really into music and art. I lovvveee hearing from the artists about how they crafted their work and the kinds of things they haven taken into consideration as they have created a project.

    Take some time to listen to Pharrell (music producer extraordinaire) and his artists, the Clipse. they are discussing their new work, Let God Sort Em Out. I feel like this rap style is more along the lines of gangsta rap, which isn’t really my favorite, but I do still think that the music is interesting and good. What do you think.

    Btw, why does Pharrell’s skin always look so soft? I tried his skincare brand and my skin looked nothing like that. ? IRL filter.