30 June 2014

Blo Blow Dry Bar comes to Des Moines

Press Sample

Blo Blow Dry Bar - You're not cheating on your hairdresser!

For those of you living in large cities, a blow dry bar opening up near you is probably no big deal.  But when Blo opened up in Des Moines, it rocked my world!  As a girl who loves wearing her hair strait but gave up on it two summers ago, Blo is my new mecca.

Inside Blo Blow Dry Bar Des Moines

When I entered the salon, the space made me feel immediately at home.  It was Zen and comfy all at the same time!  I wouldn’t mind moving in, to be quite honest!

The hair menu at Blo

My stylist Sydney introduced herself and we started chatting immediately.  Two girls who love hair, makeup, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, how could we not?  Sydney took me through the options in the menu and together we decided on a modified version of the Red Carpet (below).


The Red Carpet


She walked me through what she was doing, step-by-step, and explained each of the products she was using (the salon features the Unite lineup of products). 

My fabulous blowout performed by Sydney at Blo Des Moines!

Having never had a blowout before, I was surprised that I didn't leave the salon for over an hour.  But the results were worth it!  I couldn't believe how awesome my hair looked the next day!  The next time I plan on going out of town, I am definitely scheduling an appointment at Blo!  You can too, at one of their 42 Blo locations worldwide!

Blo Blow Dry Bar
Find it: 521 E. Locust St., Suite 100

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. By appointment as early as 7 a.m. or as late as 9 p.m.

Info: 515-282-8282, blomedry.com

Price:  $40 and up* (see price list here)


Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.



28 June 2014

Beauty Room Update (AKA My IKEA Collection)

Nothing to Disclose

My Beauty Room

I like to buy things at IKEA.  That’s the understatement of the year!  I LOVE TO BUY THINGS THAT HOLD THINGS.  I LOVE TO BUY FLAT SURFACES THAT I CAN MAKE PILES ON.  From my nail polish to my computer, from all my makeup to all the stuff I receive to review, it all has to fit in this room and it all has to be organized… HA!  I try to be organized, but this room is in a constant state of evolution.

Since I first shared My Beauty Room in this Makeup Wars post, we have made two more trips to IKEA – once in November, one more recently once in Chicago.  I dragged my friend Carleen their on Saturday, and then went BACK there Sunday morning before I drove back to Iowa!  We have also scored lots of random pieces of IKEA furniture on Craig’s List here is Des Moines – some of it new in the box!  (The closest IKEA is over 4 hours away in Minneapolis, people just don’t want to drive there to return it so they sell it online instead.)  And now that the Expedit has been discontinued, we are even more keen to find them on Craig’s List!

With all that being said, let me show you the latest additions to my “IKEA Collection.”  If you would like to see inside any of my storage, check out this Makeup Wars post.  If you would like to see an updated version of that post, let me know in the comments!

Beauty Room Update (AKA My IKEA Collection)
Above is what you see when you first walk in my room.  There is a walk-in closet directly to the left and a bathroom behind me.

Wall of IKEA EXPEDITS
Here is another view of my shelving unit from the other direction.  This is actually three separate EXPEDITS.  Two 2x2’s on the bottom, with the irregular shaped unit we got in the “As-Is” room on the top.  The EXPEDIT series as a whole is discontinued, but the irregular shaped unit was still in stock (and is on the website here).  The pink boxes and teal bins are also from IKEA.

IKEA BESTA Desk as vanity with ALEX drawer system
I still use my BESTA desk as my vanity, and it is essentially still in the same place, but I have moved my Short Wide ALEX beneath it, with the castors removed.  I have also removed a lot of items from the top, and removed the rail system above it.  Now the only things on the RIBBA picture shelves are some nail polish and two pictures I took and had printed on canvas wraps.  (Thanks again for the idea, Christine!)

LACK Shelf from IKEA
Another new addition to my room is this LACK shelf.  I can’t tell you how many times I tried to buy this in the past, but the package is so long and it took up way to much room in the car!  I actually wanted white, but when two brand new units appeared on Craig’s List for the price of one, we jumped on it.  I love how light and airy it is - it has completely opened up that corner of my room!  I was able to remove a lot of the clutter from my vanity desk and “artfully” arrange it here. *cough, makeup brushes, cough*  And yes, my pink DOKUMENT garbage can is from IKEA too.

Beauty Room Update (AKA My IKEA Collection)
Here you can see that my nail polish storage units have to pull double duty!  My two Tall ALEX units hold my light studio, and my two HELMERS hold my TV.  I want to buy a third to make the TV appear more balanced… and because I have too much nail polish but can’t comprehend buying a third Tall ALEX.  A third HELMER seems like a good compromise!

The flower decals are called SLATTHULT.  For some time I thought they were discontinued, but it appears I was wrong.  YAY!

RASKOG Kitchen Cart from IKEA
Beside the antique chair that by husband refinished for me is my adorable RASKOG kitchen cart that used to hold nail supplies… it currently holds hair products, lotions and potions in an ANTONIUS basket.  I eventually want to get another one because I really liked having my nail supplies in it.  Although you can’t tell in this lighting, the pillow actually matches perfectly.

MALM Desk from IKEA
An overview of my desk area.  I still have the same MALM desk, but we moved the extension from the right side the left side when we rotated the desk to face the window.

Sadly discontinued FIRA Drawers from IKEA
Let’s all take a moment of silence for my white FIRA drawers.  I used to have three sets of FIRA drawers, in different shapes and sizes.  I had no idea how much I would miss them until they were discontinued in 2010.  For some reason the exact style I have has been brought back as the MOPPE… but they are only available in the UK.  Boo!

IKEA MALM desk - I use the extension as my nail polish stationIKEA MALM desk - I use the extension as my nail polish station
My nail polish “station” is now located on the extension of my MALM desk.  How cute is my chandeller, BTW?  All you need is $3.24 at Target and an awesome husband to hang it up perfectly centered!

KALLAX (IKEA EXPEDIT replacement)
The last new addition to my room is a white KALLAX.  As much as I hate them for discontinuing the EXPEDIT, I do like how it looks right here with my acrylic holder on it.  This is where I shove literally stuff the stuff that needs to be reviewed.  I would like to pretend there is a system… but there isn’t!

That’s it!  No more!  Finto! 

But if you do want to see more, check out these posts.  And as always, feel free to ask questions in the comments.  Thanks for visiting My Beauty Room!

Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

I am not affiliated with IKEA in any way.  Though I wish I was.  I applied at IKEA Pittsburgh once.  They never called me for an interview.

27 June 2014

The Perfect Summer Yellow – Barielle Panama Pina Colada

Nothing to Disclose

Barielle Panama Pina Colada
- Keys Collection Summer 2014Barielle Panama Pina Colada - Summer Keys Collection

Barielle Panama Pina Colada is the perfect “mellow yellow” – soft but not pastel.  Something about this kind of yellow just screams Summer to me!  Pair this color with Barielle’s fantastic formula and you get an easy to apply yellow that is smooth in two coats.  There aren’t that many yellows you can say that about!

Panama Pina Colada is part of the Barielle Keys Collection for Summer 2014.  It’s currently available on their site for $8.00.  Barielle often has awesome sales, so be sure to sign up for their newsletter!

Have a Happy Friday!
Be sure to come back tomorrow to check out an updated look at My Beauty Room!!
Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

26 June 2014

Throwback Thursday: China Glaze Groovy Green

Nothing to Disclose

China Glaze Groovy GreenChina Glaze Groovy Green - Old White LabelChina Glaze Groovy Green (2004 Patent Leather Collection)

Welcome to the second edition of Vintage Polish Throwback Thursday!  I have another oldie but goodie China Glaze polish for you!

Groovy Green was released as part of the Spring 2004 Patent Leather II Collection.  Other polishes in the collection were Moody Blue, Go-Go Pink, Aqua Baby, White Out and Lavender Lingo.  All the polishes in this collection were supposed to have a “wet hi-shine” look to them.
Fun fact – there were actually 3 different Patent Leather Collections.  Check them out on the China Glaze Wiki!

Groovy Green is definitely the sheerest green polish I own!   I believe this is a polish only true collectors could appreciate, the formula would infuriate anyone else.  Although this polish has been discontinued for some time, you can still find it on eBay.  I was lucky enough to have received it in a swap!

What’s your favorite vintage nail polish?
Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

25 June 2014

Serenity+Scott Smoky Eyeshadow Palette – One Palette, Two Bloggers, Two Looks!

Purchased by Me

Serenity+Scott Smoky Eyeshadow Palette

At the beginning of June I traveled to from Des Moines to Chicago to attend The Makeup Show with my friend Carleen of Beauty and Fashion Tech.  We spent the day shopping and meeting new brands.  The brand that we both fell in love with was Serenity+Scott Beauty.  Not only did we fall in love with the brand, we fell in love with Serenity and Scott themselves.  I have never met more approachable people in my life!

The Serenity+Scott booth at TMS Chicago

We were drawn to the brand by their gorgeous display of eyeshadow palettes.  The first time we walked past them they had several people in line, but we made note to come back to them.  And I’m glad we did!

Serenity+Scott has the most gorgeous packaging!  I love the simplicity of it.

I love the simplicity of the packaging!

Serenity+Scott Smoky Eyeshadow Palette

Carleen and I were both drawn to the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette. 

Serenity+Scott Smoky Eyeshadow Palette

I was immediately drawn to the shade San Francisco Mist.  For me, it is the most beautiful lid color with a gorgeous sheen.  For others, I can see it as the perfect highlight.  I was also intrigued by the matte white Gardenia shade.

Serenity+Scott Smoky Eyeshadow Palette swatches

The shadows are silky and easy to apply.  Although it doesn’t swatch well, the Midnight shade is a fabulous liner.  For the look at the end of the post I applied it with my Hakuhodo B533 pencil brush, and I had zero fall out.

Serenity+Scott Multi-Dimensional Mascara, Bronzed Sable Brow Gel and Sheer Shine Lipstick in Serenity

While we were looking at the palettes, Serenity offered to try her brown gel on me.  Brows were big topic at the blogger preview night hosted by Vincent St James, so I was feeling open to trying a new brow product.  Suffice it to say Carleen and I also ended up with a brow gel!  She also snuck their mascara in our bags to try as well.  If you notice above, the packaging of the brow gel and mascara have the same clear tubes that allow you to see the product!

I spoke with Scott after I purchased the palette and the brow gel.  I asked him about his favorite product from their line and he immediately showed me the lipsticks.  I told him out of all the beauty products I own, I wear lipstick the least – I am a gloss girl all the way.  Scott decided I needed to change my mind about that and showed me the Sheer Shine Lipsticks.  The shade he applied on me was exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for.  So Carleen and I each made a second Serenity+Scott purchase! 

Serenity+Scott Sheer Shine Lipstick in Serenity

It was a shade I never would have picked out myself, because it appears so dark and red in the tube, but on my lips it was pure magic.  Not only that but it smelled exactly like my favorite Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker!  Unlike my beloved Dr. Pepper, the Sheer Shine Lipsticks are actually GOOD for your lips because it is enriched with Vitamin E and anti-oxidants.  I didn’t even notice until I left that the name of the lipstick I purchased was Serenity!

Face of the day with the Serenity+Scott Smoky Eyeshadow Palette

Carleen and I decided to do a look together with our Serenity+Scott makeup and a blush we both picked up at The Makeup Show, Make Up For Ever HD Blush in 315.  You can check out her look here, and get a breakdown of my look below!

Face of the day with the Serenity+Scott Smoky Eyeshadow Palette

For my eyes I used San Francisco Mist on my lid, London Fog on my outer corners, and Mountain Sunset in the crease.  I used Gardenia as my highlight, and Savannah as a blending shade.  For eyeliner I used Midnight on both my upper and lower lashlines.  I applied one coat of mascara, then moved on to my brows.  I first filled them in lightly with a powder, then followed with the Bronzed Sable Brow Gel.  My brows are very thin so I concentrated the brow get on the wispy baby hairs on the tops of my brows to make them look more full.  For my cheeks I used MUFE HD Blush in 315 and for my lips I used only my Sheer Shine Lipstick in Serenity!

You can find Serenity+Scott products in these retail locations and at www.serenityscottbeauty.com.  The products are very affordable – the eyeshadow pans are only $8 and the mascara, lipstick and brow gels are all $16.00.  A prefilled palette like the one I have is $80, and there are also trios available for $30.00. 

Don’t forget to check out Carleen’s look with the Smoky Eyeshadow Palette on Beauty and Fashion Tech!
Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

PSA: $12.99 Liter Sale at BeautyBrands!

Nothing to Disclose

Liter Sale at BeautyBrands
It’s that time of year to stock up on shampoo and conditioner, because BeautyBrands is having their Liter Sale!  All brands are only $12.99 per bottle!  Sale ends August 2nd.


Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

24 June 2014

Pixi by Petra’s Color of the Month – Peony Pink

Press Sample

Pixi Peony Pink

Something new and different from Pixi by Petra!  Each month they will bring us a color of the month!  June’s color is Peony Pink, a shade inspired by the Peonies in Petra’s Garden!

This shade was easy to apply, smooth in two coats and looked great on my nubbins!

Pixi by Petra Color of the Month Nail Calendar
  • June – Peony Pink
  • July – Fuchsia Dew
  • August – Caliente Coral
  • September – Almond Glow
  • October – Matte Black
  • November – Nude Dazzle
  • December – God Jul! (Happy Holidays in Swedish!)
Peony Pink is available now on www.pixibeauty.com where is retails for $8.00.
Which shade are you most looking forward to?

Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

23 June 2014

Makeup Wars: Favorite Purple Shadows!

Affiliate Link Purchased by Me

Makeup Wars - Favorite Purple Shadows

This week the Makeup Wars bloggers are covering a super fun topic – our Favorite Purple Shadows!  I don’t branch out into purples much, but one palette immediately came to mind – Wet n Wild Flirting at the After Party from the Spring 2014 The Style Award Goes To... Collection!

I have always loved the Wet n Wild Color Icon shadows.  In fact, in our first Makeup Wars post EVER I waxed poetically (ok, not really) about my love for the Silent Treatment trio!  And one of the very first EOTD’s I ever shared on this blog was the Sugar Plum Fairy 6-pan palette.  Truth be told,  I actually own almost all the the Wet n Wild Color Icon shadows.  How can you not, when they are such a great price? 

My favorite purple shadows are all in the Wet n Wild Flirting at the After Party 8 pan palette!Wet n Wild Flirting at the After Party

Because I have very deep set eyes, I wanted to put all the color on my lid and not in my crease.  After applying primer (I used the Fergie primer, also from Wet n Wild) I applied the top right shade all over my lid as a base.  Then I packed on the next shade down all over my lid, but not into my crease.  I applied the next shade down closest to my lash line, and blended it back into the second shade.  I used the browbone shade on the left on my… wait for it… browbone!  I skipped eyeliner and emphasised my lashes with my newest mascara obsession, Dior Addict It-Lash.  I love how the purple makes my eyes look green!



Makeup Wars - Our Favorite Purple Shadows

This palette is/was Limited Edition for Spring, but I have still since it at multiple Walgreen’s locations, so if it’s something that interests you, snap it up!  Do you want to see the entire palette swatched?  Check out these swatches on Nouveau Cheap!
  
Check out the rest of the Makeup War’s Favorite Purple Shadows below,
and don’t forget to tell me what YOUR favorite shade is in the comments!

Makeup Wars logo





Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.