ONWARD! NO MATTER WHAT!

It's about 1:15 am, Saturday, August 31st. I'm sitting here watching YouTube videos, feeling inspired by what I'm watching, and decided to do a late night post of a personal issue.

Yesterday, I had the biggest change in my life but I knew it was only a matter of time until it happened. I WAS TERMINATED! That's right, I was fired from my job of almost 4 years (October 9th). I won't go into detail of why I was or what sparked it because to be honest I could write a book based on the last 4 years.
On Tuesday, I was called around 3 pm to come sign a paper. I got dressed, hopped in my car, went down the street to my job. I was getting placed on ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE until Friday at 10 am when I'd have to come in for a meeting for the final decision. That moment, I knew exactly what was going to happen. There were only two options: get suspended additional days or get fired. I was leaning more to getting fired because of other surrounding issues. I prepared myself for today because I knew what the end result was going to be. I went in around 10 am, we went into an office, and this was my "lecture":

"I've looked over everything. I have to say, I'm disappointed but I have made the decision to go ahead an terminate you."

I nodded, said okay, signed a paper, and I was on my merry way. 

I wasn't even in that office 5 minutes! I told my supervisor *with some waterworks* as we walked out that I was expecting this and it's actually for the best. I was upset because I truly will miss *some* of the people I worked with in my profession. It was almost the end of lunch, I went back and turned in my uniforms. I walked out of that office with my friend, turned to her and said, "A HUGE WEIGHT HAD BEEN LIFTED"!

I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me because I AM MOVING FORWARD! This will give me a chance to work on my businesses as an AVON Independent Sales Representative & Paparazzi Accessories Independent Consultant (both are separate companies and have no affiliation with each other). I can also focus on getting re-enrolled for college in Spring 2014. 

I hope all of you stay with me on this journey as I focus on the next chapter in my life. I might designate a day for personal postings, as I'm going to restructure my blog to keep consistent. After all, this is the "Life of a Social Beauty". 

What would you like to see? Comment Below. 

*The title reflects an AVON Facebook Group that inspired this post.

nuNAAT Brazilian Keratin Daily Care Review

I'm excited that nuNAAT allowed me the opportunity to receive a complimentary set of the Brazilian Keratin Collection.  This following review is my own opinion and someone with a different hair type may experience different results. I also was not compensated for this review.  For more information about nuNAAT and their other products, please check out their website here.

I can honestly say that I am not only makeup obsessed but hair product obsessed (those are both different postings in itself). Let me give you a brief history about my hair. I was about 3-4 years of age when I got my first perm (THANKS MOM! - she was a licensed cosmetologist). By the way, I did say my FIRST perm! I was a little guinea pig for her. We also found out that perms DO NOT work in my hair, EVER! The curl falls out within days. I was about 12 when I received my first highlights (couldn't tell much, my hair is naturally dark). After that age, it was all over! My hair has been colored, highlighted, cut countless times since age 12. I am now 27 and needless to say my hair is DAMAGED! I've actually gone 3 months without doing anything to my hair so far.

When I was looking at the collections, I knew I wanted to try the Brazilian Keratin Collection. Here are the benefits:

• Works with all hair types
•  Repairs cuticle damage
• Regenerates and strengthens hair fiber
• Restores natural shine and softness
• Seals hair cuticles
• Reduces volume and frizz
• Makes hair resilient and healthy
• Formaldehyde and sodium chloride free

Let me start off by saying, the intensive hair mask is AMAZING and simple to apply. When applying, I brushed my hair taking out all loose, falling strands. Then I took a scoop full in my hand, applied it from my roots to tips, applied a shower cap (or any other covering), waited about 15 min (or more, if you'd like). Then, rinse out, follow with shampoo/conditioner if you choose. I personally use this as is, I don't use shampoo/conditioner. I find that it leaves my hair soft and manageable without having to add additional products.

The deep shampoo and conditioner felt like a hit or miss. The first day, I used the hair mask, then followed with the shampoo and conditioner. My hair felt oily throughout the day and very oily the next morning. I decided to switch things up a little by just using the shampoo on my scalp, conditioner on my tips. This worked a little better. My hair took some time to adjust to the new products, only because the ingredients lacking was actually in my previous products. Tip: Hair has to be trained, it doesn't just work overnight. There were days I'd just use the shampoo or just conditioner. This last week, I went back to my previous shampoo and conditioner - BIG MISTAKE! My hair felt dry, easily tangled, and just a hot mess. Needless to say, I will be sticking to nuNAAT products or those similar.

Ah! The last two items of the collection. These are the styling products best used with a blowdryer followed by a straightener. My hair looked healthy, shiny, and versatile. NOTE TO SELF: Only use a small amount of product, the size of a dime.

So, what's my overall grade: A

I do plan on purchasing more products down the line from nuNAAT. The products are great for everyday use. Also, recommended for those who have professionally relaxed/straightened hair to keep hair at its best between touch-ups.

The nuNAAT line is available in-store at select Walgreens and Walmart stores, Beauty Supply stores and all Navarro Pharmacies.

Follow nuNAAT:
Website: www.nunnat.com (you can also purchase online)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nunaat
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nunaat
YouTube: www.youtube.com/nunaatbeauty

Disclaimer: These products were complimentary of nuNAAT for testing purposes only. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own. 

Blogger Collab Giveaway

Last weekend, I joined Kerrie at Gorgeous Glam Blog in her Blogger Giveaway Collaboration. The contest started Sunday, 8/18 (I know I'm a few days late announcing) and will end on Friday, 9/6. Please share our giveaway with everyone you know to help support us.

Check out the fabulous bloggers below:

Follow me:
Blog: http://laurendanielle86.blogspot.com/
Facebook Fan Page (still new): Life of a Social Beauty
Twitter: Lauren's Twitter
Instagram: @laurendanielle86

Prize:
Mark- Instant Vacation Fragrance Trio (Value $12.99) 
Mark- Beige Summer day Sunglasses (Value $12.99)
Mark- Tech Savvy Clutch (Value $20)
US shipping only (no international at this time)
 

Follow Kerrie:
Blogs: Gorgeous Glam Blog

http://mindsetofateacher.blogspot.com/
http://makeupforacause.blogspot.com/
Facebookwww.facebook.com/makeupartistkerrie
Pinteresthttps://pinterest.com/makeupartistker/
Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MakeupArtistKer
Etsyhttp://tinyurl.com/c53whlk
Gorgeous-Glamour Web pagewww.gorgeous-glamour.com
makeupartistkerrie@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ababytolove
 

If you win my part of this giveaway, I will email you a gift certificate for a free Yon-Ka Cleansing Gel. I have been using it and love it. It's a $39 dollar value and it last such a long time. This product will not ship out of the USA.


Beautybuzzwcarrieb
www.facebook.com/beautybuzzwcarrieb

Will ship International

PRIZE:1. London/SOHO/New York: (4 Piece Quick Fix Travel w/ Pouch) includes- Foundation Brush/Powder Brush/All Over Eyeshadow Brush & w/ a Pouch.
2. Earrings- Costume Jewelry from "JewelMint" w/ Black Velvet Pouch. Description- Gold-toned w/ amber like crystals and Chatreuse Faux Stones in a bright, eye-catching & fun design!
3. Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Body Lotion in Beautiful Day- 3 FL OZ/ 88 mL
4. EOS Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm in Strawberry Sorbet- 100% Natural/ 95% Organic
5. Jordana Color Effects Eyeshadow Powder in Duet - Rose/Deep Purple color

Shelly's Sassy Nails

 Follow Shelly @: 

www.instagram.com/sassyshelly129
Facebook.com/ShellysSassyNails
http://www.sassyshelly.com/
http://www.ninjapolish.com/home.php

 

Prize will be emailed and shop does ship international.

Prize:

$15 dollar gift certificate emailed to winner.

 

 

Makeup Minutes
Brianna Michelle Thompson
Follow Makeup Minutes @: 

http://www.youtube.com/themakeupminutes 
http://www.instagram.com/brianna1beauty

http://www.facebook.com/makeupminutes
http://www.youtube.com/themakeupminutes

  

 

PRIZE:

Will Ship International

 

 

Makeup Artistry by Cindy
http://www.makeupartistrybycindy.com
 

Prize:

1) e.l.f. - 5 piece eyeshadow set , it's a 4 duo eyeshadows and dual ended eyeliner & eyeshadow brush It doesn't have the colors listed but it's a duo of deep purple and lavender, a duo of navy blue and silver, a duo of pewter and black and the other is jade and gold. The eyeliner is black and at the other end of the eyeliner is a flat eyeshadow brush attached to it.
2) Cynthia Rowley - Eyelash Curler with 3 silicone refill pads
3) Ocean Salt - luxurious bath soap , hand made, organic 10 ounce bar
4) London SOHO New York - "All over Eyeshadow brush" basically a fluff brush
Total Value is : $36

            Will Ship International
Follow Misty Ewing:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/BeautiVille
http://www.Beauti-ville.com
twitter- @mistymewing
instagram- @mistymewing

Prize:
Tarte Cosmetics
Your choice of shade- the new mineral foundation and the brush that goes with it.
A $62 value.
U.S.A shipping only

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Powder Foundation

What is it: tarte's first ever full-coverage powder foundation enriched with Amazonian clay and gemstones.

Who is it for: Anyone looking for a powder foundation to achieve total skin balance while providing flawless coverage.

Why is it different: This finely milled powder offers eight hours of full coverage with a skin-balancing formula that delivers a natural-looking finish that won't settle into fine lines or wrinkles. The moisture-rich, weightless foundation buffs on smooth and allows your skin to breathe! Thanks to Amazonian clay and gemstones, the foundation reawakens and invigorates skin tone and texture for a more youthful-looking complexion.

How do I use it: Using the Airbuki Foundation Brush, buff the powder into skin with soft, circular motions


FM Cosmetics Leeds-
Jane Halkier
Www.allaboutfm.co.uk/janeh
International shipping

Prize:

I will be offering a eye liner and lip liner to the winner and a silicone base, total retail £20
Follow Jane @:Www.allaboutfm.co.uk/janeh


This blogger unfortunately had to back out. I will donate the prize.

No international shipping.
Prize:
Stila lip crayon in vivid violet.

Beyond Beauty Lounge
https://www.facebook.com/BeyondBeautyLounge
I will ship international .

 Prize:  

Follow Beyond Beauty Lounge @:

http://www.beyondbeautylounge.com/

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3617811/beyond-beauty-lounge

*taken from Gorgeous Glam Blog

All Natural Style Secrets Feat. Seventh Generation Skin Serum

Seventh Generation Natural Skin Care Boosts will sell at a suggested retail price of $14.99, and will be available exclusively in Walgreens (available now). 

I've recently added a new item to my skincare routine, it's Seventh Generation Natural Serum Boosts in Firming. I received this product complimentary of Lucky Magazine and Seventh Generation for review purposes. For my daily routine, I used Olay Fresh Effects Shine Minimizing Cleanser & Exfoliating Cleanser in the shower. After the shower, I apply two pumps of the serum to my face and neck area daily (it can actually be used for your entire body, too). I've been using this as my only moisturizing method during the last few weeks. However, due to my combination skin type, I have switched up the areas in which I apply the moisturizer to my under eye area, cheeks, lips, and neck. The firming boosts contain carrier oil (apricot, almond, and grapeseed oil), brown algae, baobab, rosemary extract, and peppermint. Let me say, the first time I applied the product, I could instantly smell the peppermint; which felt calming and rejuvenating. I highly recommend trying out the product if you're looking for something new to add to your skincare routine. Also, you can add the serum to your favorite moisturizer for an extra boost. I've added it a couple of times to the Olay Fresh Effects Satin Finish Lotion, if I feel extra dry in certain areas of my face. It's really weird that I can have dry patches during the Summer instead of Winter. 

Here's some information about Seventh Generation Natural Skin Serums - they are customizable, concentrated blends with no added water. The pure, plant-based serums:

• absorb quickly
• are free of parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances
• are clinically proven hypoallergenic
• won't clog pores
• are USDA Certified Biobased

There are also six different types of boosts serums: hydrating, soothing, clearing, firming, revitalizing, and protecting. Be sure to check out their entire line at their website, Seventh Generation, it's not just cleaning supplies anymore. 

Products used to create Natural Look: Buxom Passport Collection: The Day Tripper Edition (used blush and bronzer only), Napoleon Perdis lip gloss in Joy, CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-n-1 in Medium Beige, AVON Mega Effects Mascara in Brown/Black, mark. the Day Eye Palette, AVON Moisture Therapy lip treatment, and mark. Powder Buff. 

My "Natural" Look

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog. All reviews are my own.

Where have I been?

I guess you could say I took a two-week hiatus from blogging and pretty much everything social media (I did stay up-to-date though, just no updates from me). So, what have I been doing?

 

WORK...WORK...WORK

My schedule has been flipped around so much that I haven't been able to plan accordingly to get things done. It's seriously been one major change after another. Now, I have a set schedule that makes working on ideas much easier.

What should you expect?

* Back-to-School Giveaway *

* more tutorials *

* more reviews *

* updated blog site *

* and TOP SECRET IDEAS I can't explain, yet... *

 

I do have some EXCITING news to share with you tomorrow, so stay tuned!