e.l.f. order Haul...

Fresh Coat: Orly La Playa....

I promise myself a moratorium on nail polish over $3. It's getting ridiculous, divas.... Even at drugstores, $8 and up nail polish, that knowing me, myself, and I, will only wear ONCE.

So, I'm in Sally and Orly La Playa catches my iris and cornea and its $5.99. Geezzz......give a beauty addict a break! lol!

I buy it anyway and the color GORGEOUS. A creamy deep azure, not navy, and not a spot of shimmer. I'm digging it:)
Jamie

Dollar Tree "Bumpit" Knockoff: High On Hair.....

I got this lovely Bumpit knockoff set, also known as, "High on Hair" from the Dollar Tree. I must say I've been interested in using a bumpit on my wigs for minute....
Well, it works as you can see. Don't mind me. I was laughing at how Snookie bump my wig looked! lol!
A more civilized photo.....
Laughing again...reminded me of Vanessa Bell Calloway's hair in Coming to America....

Jamie

Review: Fantasia IC Olive Leave In.....

RGB Beauty Flashback....Nair.....

Ah, I do remember this commerical! My mom had some Nair but she didn't use it much. I remember it smelled like a rotten egg!


I love beauty flashbacks....times in beauty that take us. Enjoy! More to come!


Jamie

Fresh Coat: Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine in Flash....

I got Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine in Flash from the CVS 75% off beauty clearance sale. I love the color, I just wish it was a creme and not a shimmer. It wasn't as glossy or "lacquer" as it says it is either. I'm just waiting for those SH Salon Colors to be clearance. I know they will.

Photo above with flash

Photo without flash

As you can see my nails are super short. I've been having alot of breakage with them from wearing those press on Nailene nails. I'm trying my best not give up and get acrylics. I can't afford those fill-ins....

Jamie

Rural Glamour: L'Oreal .H.I.P. Studio Secrets Matte Eye Shadow Duo in Poppy.....

This my first matte duo from the H.I.P shadows, now known as Studio Secrets. Really? What's up with the name change? Was it necessary?.....chime in if necessary. LOL!

This beauty is Poppy. Love her. Didn't need the brown. Got tons of brown mattes but the mustard-y yellow is my hearts desire. I lurv matte shadows.


Jamie

Win Hana Elite Flat Iron from Rural Glamour and Misikko!!!.....

Beauty Mail Haul...Luv Naturals and Cherry Culture...

Review: Hana Elite Professional Flat Iron....

Hi Everyone!

Today I will be giving you the scoop on the Hana Elite Professional Flat Iron. I, first, want to thank the folks over at Misikko for sending this over to review. :)

Here's the description of the iron on www.misikko.com .

Of the hundreds of flat irons available in the market you can categorize them down to Titanium (or other metals), Metal Alloy Coated in Ceramic, 100% Ceramic. 100% Ceramic is the only material that will generate results better than Titanium while also providing the highest level of hair damage protection.

The Hana Elite Flat Iron is 100% true, solid ceramic. This means it will never peel or chip to expose hair to damaging metal - it also means Hana can include large ceramic heaters that cover the entire plates for the best possible heat distribution and retention. As the pros know, the secret to ceramic hair straightening is in the ceramic technology itself - and Hana focuses on bringing you the best flat iron money can buy. (Compare to the other pure ceramic flat irons on the market today.)

The Hana Elite is now available in a new 1.5" model for thicker/longer hair types - the FIRST and ONLY pure ceramic plate flat iron in the world to be available in a wide plate size!

Above: Left side, my natural unprocessed hair/ Right side: Straighten by the Hana Elite....

And all the features:

• 100% Solid Ceramic Plates Never Peel or Degrade
• Tourmaline infused into the heating elements for maximum thermal protection
• Large Integrated Ceramic Heaters with Full Plate Coverage for the Most Consistent, Conditioning Far Infrared Heat Possible
• Ceramic is naturally hygienic, protects color & retards fading
• Unique black ceramic plates won't discolor with use of products or hair dyes
• Adjustable Temperature Dial - 5 Settings from 140-450° F for All Hair Types
• Flash Heats in Seconds with Instant Compensation for Heat Loss
• Safe to use on Damp to Dry Hair
• Beveled Edges mean Easy Curled, Flipped, Spiked or Straight Styles
• Ergonomic Handle Design with No-Slip Grip
• Smooth Grooves Keep Hair Strands Separate and Snag-Free
• Sleek luxury matte finish
• Tangle-Free Salon Quality Cord Swivels 360°; Convenient Hanging Loop
• Energy Efficient at 38 Watts
• Independent On/Off Switch
• Includes Luxe Heat Proof Storage Pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat, & Special Edition Tin Case
• Two Year Warranty

Pros:

-The temperature settings are a plus and it goes up to 450 degrees which my thick hair can take

-included a iron mat and storage pouch

-sleek. I like plain irons, nothing floral or graphic printed

-with the proper products added to my hair, one to two "pulls" over the hair straightened it right out

Cons:

-None! I love it. Ceramic irons give natural hair the freedom to be straighten too!

Stay tuned for a contest to win a you OWN flat iron VERY VERY SOON!!!

Jamie

Review:Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector....Four Week Update

Four weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to try Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. I was very excited, I have a alot of hyperpigmentation from years of acne and current acne....
Week One: I applied the product all over my face but especially on my jaw area where I had a couple of simultaneous breakouts then they cleared up and I have scars....
Week Four: I personally don't see a change in the scars. They are no lighter.

Clinique suggests that you use the product for 12 weeks for maximum results. I'll be back on this series at 8 weeks, then a full review at 12!

Jamie

Review: Creme of Nature Daily Breakage Relief....

Review: Talika Lash Conditioning Cleanser....

Review: Wet N' Wild Mega Length Mascara....

Rural Glamour: Maybelline Eye Shadow Quad in Seashore Frosts....

Hi Everyone!

I bought Maybelline Quad in Seashore Frosts at Big Lots. I think it was $1.50.

Is it just me...or is the name " Seashore Frosts" strange??? LOL!

I love the colors....it goes on sheer but it works. This was my look that I did when I went to see "Just Wright".
Jamie

Rural Glamour: LA Colors 5 Metallic in Wildflowers...

Here's another Dollar General goodie I picked up for $1.50....LA Colors 5 Metallic in Wildflowers....

The color is so pigmented and bright I went for just clear lips to offset....

Jamie

Rural Glamour: My Nude Lip Look/ Recipe....

Hi Everyone!

This how I create my Nude Lip...

1)Moisturize with a lip balm ( I love Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine)

2)Base the lip with NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone.

3) Line the lips with MAC Cork lip liner

4) Fill in lips with Maybelline lipstick in Raisin

5) Top it all off with NK Lip Gloss in Taupe

Here's all the products except the Korres Lip Butter....

Jamie

Rural Glamour Real Talk: Part Two....

And I'm back.Part Two of FAQ and comments to me on Facebook...Enjoy!

3) “I wish I could go natural, but I have this kind of job… my parents won’t like it that… men won’t like me….”

Jamie: I’ve actually have had these kind of conversations.

Being chemical free is a emotional choice. I think its because a lot of women with relaxers literally haven’t seen their natural texture in years and it’s a scary thought. “How does my hair really look?

I got my first relaxer at nine. I wanted a Jheri Curl but my mom had a juicy, fresh one and she said couldn’t afford two Curls. So I got a kiddie perm instead. It wasn’t til I was a sophomore in college in 1996 did I see my natural hair in ten years. Remember, this wasn’t the age of Natural Hair Shows, Carol’s Daughter, Hair Forums, or You Tube Gurus, so it wasn’t super popular. My mother hated it, my sorors thought I was nuts, and my friends were not to into it either.

Reverting back to who we were can be scary. Hair is emotional. I suggest before you make any decisions, pray or meditate on what’s good for your soul and hair. Can you live without the creamy crack? Are ready to embrace the good and the bad reactions to your decision? It is that DEEP. After you have received your answer and if is to go natural, research options to getting there, whether its ‘transitioning’ or going all the way and big chopping it all off. I’ve been natural about four times on and off since 1996, each time for a different reason. This is the only time, right now, I felt like the decision was from my soul and that I love what I did.

As far as parents go, we all have different relationships with them. Some of us care if that they are happy with our appearance and that is okay. I used to be like that but I couldn't’ make them happy if I tried. I was wasting my time and MY life living for my parents’ visual expectations of me. With my mom, the more she hates something I do with my personal look, the more I want to do it! Lol!

Friends, well, if they are so shallow to not support your decision to go natural, they were not your friends in the first place. Womp. As we grow as people, real relationship will true and genuine people will make you life better.

Job? The best answer I have is that if you is USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT. I've always had jobs wear I can wear my hair as a please but some people don't have to that luxury. You are there to get paid and not make a statement no matter where you work, unless its from home. My mother used rant and rave about my hair " You'll never get a job with that 'fro or locks". But she's from a different generation and that's another post. If you like the lifestyle that your job provides you, then do what you gotta do. I'm not a natural hair"nazi", so if staying relaxed because you work at BOA uptown and you are "thousandaire" then do what you got to do to keep your paper, boo-boo.

Last but not least, men. Take it from your girl, I lack of no male attention. I still get male attention with a wig, weave, bald, afro, braids…I guess because I possess a little 'more' than just my hair. There are men, who are gorgeous, who only like women with long hair or real hair. Respectfully, that’s their preference. I prefer straight teeth, no exceptions. That’s ONE of my preferences. But a real man will want you regardless of your last relaxer. When I wear my hair ‘out’, I get WAY more attention from genuine men than when I’m wearing a wig. That’s a good thing. I like real men.

Jamie

My Top Four Red Lip Glosses and How to Pick A Red Lip Gloss...

I got a question on Twitter about picking a red lip gloss. Picking a red lip gloss is just as challenging as picking a red lipstick. At least for me it was. I spent money and time before I found my perfect red.

How I picked my perfect red? My skin undertones. I have cool undertones, I look better in blues, purple, white, so I look for a blue based red with deep tones( a bit dark)....

Here are some of my personal favorites....

tarte Vitamin Infused Lip Gloss Powered by BORBA in Serenity. Serenity was part of a kit. Its very sheer as you can see but casual...

Lola by LOLA. I bought this gloss as Marshalls. Its pigmented and opaque, almost lipstick like but in a gloss form. Its my favorite go to red....

Maybelline Shiny-licious Cherry Berry. Sheer but with a bit more color....

Treat Beauty Sugar Paint in Fruit Punch...Beautiful color and feels good on my lips....

Jamie

Rural Glamour Real Talk: Facebook F.A.Qs and Comments....

Among my family and friends it is a known fact that if you are not ready for the truth don’t ask Jamie.

I get a lot remarks, mostly positive on my Facebook page, the personal one and the RGB Fan Page that I need to address…In my opinion that is. I’m not a cosmetologist (just yetJ) or a medical doctor, I’m just a Diva who loves beauty. I’m in my element when I do the work of Rural Glamour.

Let’s get down the business of answers questions and comments…

1) “Your makeup is Fabulous! I wish I can do that….” Or “You need to teach me how to do that”

Jamie: You can. It’s called practice. Some people have a natural talent for application and some don’t. I really didn’t for awhile, I was just winging till I figured out I didn’t know how to do technical stuff, like shading, blending and contouring. I didn’t own the right brushes or know how to pick my foundation. So I started to do the research. First, beauty books from the library and bookstore, then the internet, and my saving grace of You Tube. You Tube and their makeup gurus literally taught me how to do makeup. You CAN do this. Research and practice will get you there. I don’t do makeup tutorials on looks mainly because I’m still perfecting my craft and learning. Do what I did, go on You Tube.

2) “Why don’t you do makeup professionally”?

Jamie: I’ve had a lot of sour experiences that have turned me off. I’ve had people ask me to do specific events but didn’t want to pay me what I asked to be paid which was WAY below most professionals in larger cities or at a counter. Some didn’t want to pay at all.I still to this day get asked to do makeup but when I quote a price, I don’t get the work. I do good work and I’m not going to downgrade the price because you don’t want to pay what I ask. Most of the requests are family and friends who know me and that’s what hurts. So I don’t do pro work. And don’t think I haven’t paid my dues by doing free work, I have. Plus, I’ve grown in my technique and I do even better work than in the past and deserved to be paid the asking price.

More F.A.Qs and Comment coming up tomorrow:) Later!

Jamie

Rural Glamour: LA Colors Baked Eye Shadow in Nightlife...

I bought LA Colors Baked Eye Shadow in Nightlife at Dollar General for $1.50. The colors can be works wet or dry, but I did this look dry and the color has great pigment to it. This palette is the perfect smokey eye quad for only $1.50...Really, I just want everyone to have one!


Jamie

Diary of Nouveau Nappyhead: Six Month Nappyversary!!!

November 2009...The Big Chop!

May 2010...six months later!!!

The "Golden Ticket": $1off Cover Girl Queen Collection coupon in Essence....

I was flipping thru my mother's June 2010 Essence magazine and came across this...

$1 off Cover Girl Queen Collection product...

That thing is like finding Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket!! I mean, I never seen one before. Now, I know you can use regular Cover Girl coupons on Queen Collection but I've never seen one dedicated to just the Queen Collection. I immediately announced this discovery on my Twitter and everyone wanted to know where it was. I'm not a big fan of Essence, but the coupon is in there.

Jamie

Happy Mother's Day!!

Me and "Grandma" my mom....
Scoop and Doop.....

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!!! Have a blessed day!!

Jamie

Cleared Up...Review: Nubian Heritage Black Soap....

I watched a You Tube video by BlackOnyx77 on black soap one day. She talked about how it helped her little sister's acne clear up. I've always noticed Black Soap in BSS' but never gave it a second look. After the vid, I went a picked up a bar and started to use it...

Literally, two weeks later, I was clear of any acne and haven't had any since, not even during my monthly "hell".

I purchased Nubian Heritage Black Soap and it worked...I got to say it...MIRACLES to my face. I'm 32 and I still break out like a teenager so to finally run up on a product that cleared me up, all can say is good things.:)

I would suggest Black Soap, especially Nubian Heritage Black Soap to anyone with mild to medium acne over 30. Now, ya'll know I'm not a doctor or dermatologist, so if you have cystic and severe acne, please consult a doctor....

Go get a bar now.:)

Jamie

Rural Glamour: L.A.Colors 6 Colors Eye Shadow in Eye Candy....

I picked up LA Colors 6 Eye Shadow in Eye Candy from a Dollar Tree in Spartanburg. Of course, their Dollar Trees have a better selection of EVERYTHING, including makeup. I LOVE the colors in this palette...great for summer, which is all ready here in these parts. The pigmentation of them, I would give it a 8 out of 10. Base your lid good and even play with a shadestick or two for extra "umpt"....
YES!!...I'm wearing pink and green eyeshadow. NO! I didn't "cross" yesterday. LOL ( Inside NPHC joke)

Wearing Freetress Equal Hera in a messy bitch ponytail...:)

Jamie

Diary of Nouveau Nappyhead: New Wig....Urban Beauty F/X1155....

Ah! Another sale wig found at the other BSS in town. This was a $10 wig. Its' the Urban Beauty F/X 1115 in #F4-27.....
As you can see, its a mix of blonds and browns, a huge change for me. I like the curls in it. Its actaully a half wig, which I didn't realize when I bought it but I made it work with a headband and some bobby pins....
Its okay, Its wig that needs some styling, but I love the color:).

Jamie