We're Moving!

Hello, Social Beauties! Over the past month, I was blessed with an opportunity to create my own website for my blog. I've been blogging for over 2 years now, even though it might not be as much as other who have blogged for the same amount of time, I wanted to take this wonderful opportunity to expand my brand as a blogger. 2014 has brought so many unexpected changes in my life that it's going to explode with greatness over the next couple of months. I want to thank all my followers for being apart of my journey so far and I'd like to extend an invitation to join me in this new adventure. You can now follow me here, Life of a Social Beauty, it's pretty bare but we'll be adding features within the next  few weeks. See you soon!

Lauren Danielle Boutique Bling Box

I've actually given this a lot of thought the past year with both my businesses but I wanted to test this first with my Paparazzi Accessories business. In June, I'll have been a Paparazzi Accessories Independent Consultant for two years. As Paparazzi Accessories IC, we don't have a website that you can purchase items from as the fashion accessories in the company are constantly changing, think daily-weekly changes. We are, however, able to create our own websites to sell our on-hand inventory. The ways we can sell are endless! So here, I'd like to introduce to you the Lauren Danielle Boutique Bling Box! The pictures below are examples of what the boxes consist of, but not limited to. For more information, visit my Facebook Fan Page, Lauren Danielle Boutique. 

New Love2Love Fragrances: A Fabulous Gift Idea For Mother's Day - #love2lovewalmart

Love2Love; the latest fragrance line to hit exclusively at Walmart: Love2Love, designed for women who love gorgeous fragrances at affordable prices. This private label fragrance collection from Coty Beauty is sold exclusively at Walmart — so you know it’s going to smell good.

Spritzing on the freshest scents is pretty much how we get into the springtime spirit. But sometimes it’s hard to pick just ONE scent. Luckily, the Love2Love fragrance line is composed of 4 uniquely blended scents to lets consumers express their individuality — at an incredibly affordable price. No matter the consumer's mood or personality or preference for floral or musky notes, there’s a Love2Love scent just right for her.

Feeling extra-girly and femme? Try Orange Blossom White Musk. Inspired by a trio of oranges, this perfume has top notes of sparkling Bergamot, bitter Tunisian Orange and sweet Italian Orange. Mid-notes of Orange Blossom and soft Peony compliment the trio of oranges, while a base of smooth Blonde Cedarwood, Orris, creamy Sandlewood and White Musk embrace the citrusy aroma.

Feeling hopelessly romantic? Freesia Violet Petal captures that journey towards true love with top notes of Peach Blossom, Lily Petals and Lavender blooms. Complimenting mid-notes of Turkish Rose, Princess Rose, Violet Blossom and Freesia balance off the light floral scents, while base notes of sheer Musk, Heliotropene and a touch of Crimewood add mystery and passion.

Feeling fun and frisky? Try Jasmine Sparkling Mimosa with shimmering top notes of Peony, Raspberry and sparkling Mimosa flowers for flare, mixed with delicate mid-notes of Honeysuckle, Jasmine and Sweet Pea flowers. Round it all off with base notes of Musk, Rosewood and Almond Blossom for a lasting impression.

Feeling nostalgic and timeless? Fresh Rose Peach is a classic floral scent with top notes of Lychee, Cassis Buds and Peach Nectar, along with mid-notes of Geranium and Bulgarian Rose for substance and base notes of Orris and Musk that linger.

Spring is the perfect season to try new scents and express oneself in an aromatic way. And at the affordable price of $9.98 (for 3.4 oz) and $6.98 (240ml), try all 4 scents without going over one's beauty budget.

Love2Love is offering consumers a chance to Design Their Dream Date to enter for a chance to win a Hawaiian vacation.

Simply visit the Love2Love brand page and choose the location, outfit, time of day and ambience to design a dream date card. Then, share the dream date with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Use the hashtag #love2lovewalmart. Once consumers have created and shared their dream date, they'll be entered to win the grand prize Fantasy Flyaway Date-cation OR 1 of 4 $100 Date Night Packs given out weekly.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

A round-trip to Maui, Hawaii including car rental, 7-night hotel stay at Sheraton Maui Resort and $750 in spending cash (awarded in the form of an American Express Gift Card).

17 WEEKLY PRIZE WINNERS

$100 Fandango Gift Card (to use on movie tickets) and a $75 American Express Gift Card (to spend on a night of dining and entertainment).

Enter NOW for a chance to WIN the gift cards by clicking HERE. And to enter to win the grand prize, click here on >> Walmart.com.

Brought to you by BeautyStat.com

My Oatmeal Review & Recipe

As a Sweat Pink Ambassador, several of us had been given the opportunity to review a product that lets you create your own oatmeal. 

My Oatmeal allows you to build your own oatmeal based on you choice of oats, flavor (I'm talking about 40+ flavors), and added fruits/nuts. You can make your own perfect blend of healthy oatmeal within minutes. I will say that it took me awhile to come up with a blend that my family and I would enjoy. 

My Recipe 

I picked out the small 1 lb. bag in Grain Rolled Oats & Flax, Banana Bread flavor, added banana chips and pecans to the mix. When I cooked the first time (as per instructions), I used 2% milk instead of water and it was enough servings for two. I will say the house smelt like home cooked, fresh out-of-the oven Banana Bread! It was seriously AMAZING and fulfilling. Due to the cost (compared to store bought oatmeal), it can become pricey but if your wanting something different (and healthier), I'd recommend to anyone. I plan on purchasing in the future, maybe as a seasonal breakfast option.

Here's an extra bonus I wanted to share:

1 1/4 c. - MyOatmeal in Banana Bread

1 /4 c. - Old Fashioned Oats (any brand)

2 - eggs

1 c. - Plain Greek Yogurt (if you have one with fruit, it works as well)

1/2 c. - Honey

2 - Ripe Bananas (mashed)

1 tsp. - Baking Soda

2 tsp. - Baking Powder

1 tsp. - Vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line with liners.

2. Before you mix all ingredients together, make sure your bananas are mashed, then mix all ingredients (I used a regular dinner fork to mix). 

3. I took a regular tablespoon (eating utensil) and spooned into the muffin pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

4. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received product via Fit Approach in exchange for my original thoughts and opinions on My Oatmeal.

Life of a Social Beauty UPDATE

I took a little hiatus from blogging for awhile. I've had a lot going on since the new year.

I had originally planned to go back to college in January but I had several things that hadn't been take care of so it got postponed. I do plan on going back to college at the beginning of Summer and will be making a trip this month/early April to register for classes. 

Monday, will mark three weeks since our family cat had to be laid to rest. She was diagnosed early February with Lymphoma (form of Cancer). I had noticed her lack of appetite and sleepiness for a few days and told my mom that we should call the vet to see what was wrong. They gave her some injections to ease her pain and give her back her appetite. She did good for a few weeks but two days before we laid her to rest, we took her back in for additional shots but they said she may only have days left. I was at work on Monday and just gotten out when my parents were waiting in the parking lot. They had explained that she was very fragile and couldn't stand up to walk, te vet suggested they bring her in and lay her to rest. She would have been 15 years old this month but she's in a better place now with our other fur babies. 

We're halfway through the month, it's almost officially Spring, the weather will start to get warmer, and I'm ready to get back to blogging! I'll be bringing beauty, fashion, DIY, and so much more. 

Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend! Do you have any weekend plans? 

Lauren

Review: Lancôme DreamTone

Disclosure: This product, Lancome DreamTone, was received complimentary of  SheSpeaks and Lancome  for review purposes. As always my post is my unbiased opinions.

About Lancome DreamTone:
DreamTone is the next generation in dark spot correction. This customized skin tone correcting serum is so powerful, 72% of women dare to bare their skin.* The new DreamTone is 3 barely-tinted serums formulated to visibly correct dark spots, color imperfections and give you a more even-looking skin tone. It comes in 3 serums customized for your skin tone: 1- Fair, 2 – Medium, 3 – Dark.

The results:

IMMEDIATELY:
• 74% saw glowing skin*

7 DAYS:
• 70% noticed a more even skin tone*

4 WEEKS:
• 69% saw the appearance of dark spots reduced*

8 WEEKS:
• 78% saw color imperfections reduced*
*All results based on global self-assessments of women of multiple ethnicities in an 8-week study. 72% reflects 8 weeks of use.

How to Use: 
For best results, apply the product twice per day, in the morning and evening under your moisturizer.

Purchase Information: 
Lancôme DreamTone retails for $98 for a 1.3 fl oz. bottle and is available for purchase at Lancôme.com and department stores nationwide.
Program Hashtags: #DreamTone, #bareselfie
Lancôme on Twitter: @LancomeUSA 
Lancôme on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancômeUS 
DreamTone website: http://www.Lancôme-usa.com/dreamtone 
Click here for more info on Project #bareselfie.

What are my thoughts on DreamTone by Lancôme?
After 4 weeks of use, I've seen some dark spots lighten and my skin has become more radiant. I've also used less foundation in my makeup routine (let me just say that foundation has ALWAYS been apart of my makeup routine unless I'm sick). I plan on the continued use of this product for even more results (I'll come back in 4 weeks for an extended review). I'm not very fond of the dispenser but it does give you just the right amount of product to be applied to your face.

How many stars will you give Lancôme DreamTone?
4.5 out of 5

Mani Monday: Black & Gold Tutorial

It's Mani Monday (a very late one)! I'm going to show you a quick Chevron Tip Nail Tutorial that was featured in the mark.'s Magalog 11. I, however, did the tips a little different than the one in the brochure. 

Step 1: I primed my nails with the Nail Experts Gel Strength Base Coat by Avon (this stuff is AMAZING). Just apply one coat, it does dry fairly quickly, too.

Step 2: I then applied two separate coats of mark Nailed It Trend Mini Nail Lacquer in Gleam Scene (gold shade) to my nails. The gold tends to dry quicker so it can leave streaks if you try to take your time, so work quickly.

Step 3: Finally, I took mark. Nailed It Trend Mini Nail Lacquer in Tuxedo (black shade) at an angle, brushed from the outside to the middle, and did the same to the opposite site to where they met at a point.

The colors from the mark. Nailed It Trend Mini Nail Lacquers last up to 10 days and you can get 10 manicures out of each mini bottle! You can purchase these at my AVON website (SHOP HERE) for $7. There's also two other duo sets available for purchase.

Blinging Beauty: Beauty Blitz Event

Join Tracey Brown, Editor-in-Chief of Blinging Beauty and her "Bling Team" as they travel to Houston, TX on October 13, 2013, for a hands-on workshop, "Ace Your Face". This workshop will be one of four, with dates in Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.

What you can expect:

3 Hours | 3 Topics

For: Anyone with fear of makeup, needs a boost, or is stuck in a rut

3 Hours | 3 Topics

1. Your Healthiest Skin

Skin care demystified. Result?

Complexion perfection.

2. Your 5 Minute Face

5 steps + 5 Minutes = Flawless Face.

3. Day to Heyyyyy!

Your makeup. Day-to-Date Night.

(includes swag bags, samples, and workbook)

Tickets are available on Eventbrite -----> Register Now! 

Want a discount? Use "Lauren" in Promotional Code at checkout.

Join the Facebook Event Page for updates! ----> Houston,TX FB Event

Want to follow on Twitter? Use #Hashtag ----> #AceYourFace #Houston

Tracey’s Beauty Blitz­­

4 Weekends | 4 Cities |3 Events

Houston: 10/11-10/13

Chicago: 10/25 – 10/27

DC: 11/1 – 11/3

Atlanta: 11/15 – 11/17

Don't forget to follow, Blinging Beauty:

Facebook ----> Like!

Twitter ----> Tweet!

Instagram ----> Follow!

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!



It's not the end but a new beginning...

"Once a mark. girl, always a mark. girl"

I joined mark. 2010, after seeing a commercial on Lifetime. I was so eager to be apart of a company that has started the year I was a Senior in high school. Plus, I already had a love for beauty and fashion products. I want to share with other what I love and I've also been given many wonderful opportunities that the memories will last a lifetime.

On February 2011, the opportunity of being a makeup artist for a day happened. I headed to Austin, TX for the weekend for an Ann Taylor Student Look Book photo shoot. This reignited my passion of doing makeup for others. Later that month, I contact an organization, Project Cinderella, to offer my services to all the girls at no charge for Prom. My mentor, Tiffany, and I worked on at least a dozen of girls on their special night. I'd have to say seeing their expression when we were done...PRICELESS!

In June, I was appointed to Mentor Assistant for the Houston, TX area. This meant assisting my Mentor, Tiffany, with anything she might need with the team. We'd have team meetings, meet and greets, incentives, and more. Of course, I wasn't the only mentor assistant for the team there were five of us. I LOVED bonding with the team and giving any advice needed.

On Thursday, July 11, 2013, thousands of mark. girl lives changed when we were given the information that as of August 9th, 2013 mark. will have transitioned to Avon. What does that mean? There will no longer be mark. girl ONLY reps but we have been given the option to transition into Avon reps. Since the news, I spent all night at work deciding what I was going to do. I must have reread the FAQ a hundred times making sure I understood. I had contemplated joining Avon before the decision (and commercial) to join mark. a long time ago.

While it's the end of an era of mark. girl only reps, I've decided it's not the end for me. I will continue on this journey to becoming an Avon rep, which would include selling mark., too. I look forward to this new journey and seeing where it takes me.

Thank You to all the mark. girls I have meet in-person and online through our forums and social media. Your friendships mean so much to me and I hope to keep in touch with all of you. I also wish everyone the best in their new journeys whatever it might be.

VEET® EasyWax™ Electrical Roll-On Kit

Over a month ago, I received the VEET EasyWax Electrical Roll-on Kit complimentary of Influenster for testing purposes. I received the product the day before my birthday and was excited to test it out. While I've only tested the product once, it's pretty amazing.

 

From Veet's website, here are the claims:

 

Our innovative EasyWax™ Electrical Roll-On Kit is a self-heating wax system that has everything you need for quick and easy salon-quality results at home. Simply heat up, roll on, and wax off hair for incredible smoothness that lasts up to 28 days!

• Salon-quality without the salon prices
• Keeps wax at the perfect temperature
• Ensures a clean and even application

 

Each Pack Contains

• A self-heating device and its cap
• A 50ml roll-on wax refill, specially designed for use on legs & arms
• 12 non-woven strips
• 4 Perfect Finish Wipes
• A base to hold the device and electrical cable

So, what's my take?

The instructions given are to plug in the device and let warm for 30 minutes, then apply to the desired area. I actually took an hour to heat the wax because I found that 30 minutes just didn't seem like enough time. What's the greatest thing about the self-heating device? The temperature is consistent, doesn't get to hot like other waxes. I think I went over one area twice to pick up any residue or hair from the strip. Once I was finished, I used the perfect finishing wipes to make sure all the residue from the wax was gone (the wax cannot be washed with water).

 

Why did I only test the product once?

The claims really do speak for themselves. You get about 28 days of smoothness and no shaving! I've used other waxing products before that claim the same but have never matched to par.

 

Interested in trying the product?

You can find online or any drugstore retailer. I also found a $5 off coupon from Veet's website, click here.

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. All opinions are my own.

The Haute Series: Gilded Matchy Matchy

I'm sorry for the delay in today's posting of "The Haute Series". I've had a few technical difficulties today with uploading pictures. Here's week 3, Gilded Matchy Matchy. These items are from the current mark. Magalog 7, which ends July 11 (this Thursday).


Featured Products:
Exotic Hues, $14, Nailed It Trend Marrakesh (Limited Edition), $7



Prep your face with a moisturizer of your choice, mine was Olay Fresh Effects Long Live Moisture Satin Finish Lotion. Next, I took Olay Fresh Effect BB Cream in Light to Medium with a damp sponge all over my face, except eyes. The BB cream has SPF 15, which is a bonus.
I applied mark. Just Pinched in Cheeky onto the apply of my cheeks, blend with either your fingers or blush brush. Lightly apply, Just Blushing in Afterglow on top. I applied NYX Blush in Espresso in the hollows of my cheeks and along my hairline for my bronzer.
I lined my waterline/tightline  with the L.A. Colors Eyeliner Pencil in Brown-Black, then swept exotic hues gold shade over my lids, into creases and up to brow bones. I then took exotic hues green shade onto the lids and across my waterline. I used mark. Make Me Lash Eyelash Curler to curl my lashes, then applied the Balm "The Body Builder" Mascara in Black to my top and bottom lashes.
For the lips, I lined them with Starlooks Lip Pencil in Bare, applied mark. Lipclick in Bare Hug, then added a little shine with mark.'s Glimmer Shine in Nude Shimmer (no longer available).
 

I had already given myself a manicure over the weekend and I only had applied Pink Armor Nail Gel (yes, the one from infomercials). I had already heard some good reviews, so my mom and I decided to test it out. So left it as a base coat, then applied nailed it shade in mint tea; allow to dry.
Once dried you need to take a clean sponge - tip applicator, paint on shade saffron to the end of the sponge, and dab onto your nails to achieve a foiled effect.
Once dried, I sealed it with Sally Hansen's Insta Dry in Clear to complete my manicure.

Thanks for checking out this weeks Makeup Monday series and don't forget to check back next Monday for the final installment of "The Haute Series".