Welcome back to another round of product reviews Beauties. This week is very special because we have our very first brand collaboration! 🥂I was gifted an amazing product from the WOC-owned Sabbatical Beauty. They even provided a discount code that can be applied to the entire store, but you’ll read all about it in the “Face” section. Besides this item, none of the other products are sponsored or gifted, and I don’t receive any compensation if you purchase them.

If you have any product recommendations, or if you try any products shared here, please let me know in the comments or by replying to this email.🖱️✨

P.S. This email is longer than usual, so I recommend you read it in your browser.

Curly Half Wig & Wavy Blonde “Lob”

After January’s bob quick weave, I decided to give my hair a break and wear wigs in February. I chose wigs that would allow me to avoid using heat on my hair, wouldn’t put too much tension on my fragile hairline1, and are dramatic in length and/or color.

I wore this Outre U-Part Wig for about two weeks. I put my leave-out in about 8 twists using the Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam and water. It was an okay curl pattern match, but next time I’ll select the kinkier textured wig.

For about three weeks I wore this Freetress Equal Synthetic Wig in Hi-Honey. I’d planned to wear it longer for my birthday, but it was just too “wiggy.” One of the biggest issues I have with synthetic wigs is that they are often too long (26”+) and have harsh uneven layers. To remedy this I cut the wig into a long bob, or lob, and added a bang.

Tip: If you purchase the Freetress wig, note that it doesn’t have combs. So, you’ll need to wear a wig cap to keep it in place.

Extra Tip: You’ll need to cut your synthetic wigs, no matter the style. It’s unlikely that the unit will look nice or “natural,” if you don’t trim it to frame your face or get rid of those uneven layers.

Sake & Fermented Rice Sleeping Pack from Sabbatical Beauty

I was so excited when

My primary skin concerns are hyperpigmentation and dryness. Dr. Koh gifted me the Sake & Fermented Rice Sleeping Pack and assured me that it would address both issues. While it’s called a sleeping “pack”, it’s a single product that might also be described as a super overnight mask. I’ve been using it every night for 10 days exactly (3/10-3/20) and didn’t mention it sooner because I wanted to provide the same quality review as all the other products here. Ya’ll, this stuff is good.

Remember when I was searching for a moisturizer and landed on the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask? You may also recall my caveat that we acne-prone girls needed to use an acne wash along with it because it was clogging. While the sleeping pack is also deeply moisturizing, it’s non-clogging so I can use any face wash with it. When I wake up my skin isn’t very shiny or clogged, just bright and moisturized. I think it may also be lightening a couple of stubborn post-acne marks, but I’ll need another 10 days before I can say with certainty.

Tip: Use this link to shop Sabbatical Beauty, or use code BLACKBEAUTYPOP at checkout to get 10% off your entire order. Ya’ll know I believe in sampling products before splurging on a full-sized item, and thankfully Sabbatical has travel sizes available for most of their products.

FENTY Skin Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30

I’m trying out a new sunscreen each month, and February was for the Hydra Vizor. I like that it didn’t leave a cast and that it was moisturizing. However, the one I got was scented and it was a bit strong for me. The fact that I had a migraine for several days in a row did not help matters.

Tip: Get the unscented version because the scent is strong.

Saltair Santal Bloom Body Wash

I finally tried the Saltair body wash, and it is good. I love the Santal Bloom scent, although it didn’t feel as long-lasting as I had hoped. I definitely plan on trying out the saltwater vanilla scent next. If you’ve already tried it let us know what other scents you enjoy, please.

Tip: This body wash left me feeling a bit “squeaky clean,” so I used the Naturium Glow Getter Multi Oil Hydrating Body Wash to add a little moisture back into my skin.

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

My girlfriend took me to Jo Malone in January, and I smelled nearly every scent. I fell in love with the Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Fast forward to February, and she got it for my birthday. There’s a scent theme arising here in the sea salt and “fresh” scents. I’m just bored with the dessert scents.

Tip: Pair this scent with the eos Shea Better Body Lotion Fresh & Cozy for a woodsy unisex scent. They are a perfect match. If smelling like a fresh load of warm laundry sounds appealing give this combo a try.

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I’m taking a break from nail extensions and letting my nails breathe. Lori mentioned that my nails would be weak afterward, but not that I would miss looking down at something pretty on my hands all the time. This break won’t last long.

Tip: In all seriousness, if you’re also taking a nail break they will be really weak the first week, so be very careful with them.

BlackBeautyPop was created as a space to think critically about the products, trends, and standards we adhere to. It's important to me that readers know BBP is not here to market or promote hyper-consumption. This is not that. That said, I also think sharing my experiences with great products is important and fun.