Shimmer, spice, and lots of things nice!

On the way home from work one day not too long ago, I saw the most adorable new storefront…I slowed down and started reading some of the signs in the window and realized that it was a boutique selling, among other to-die-for accessories, natural make up and beauty products. I couldn’t get it out of my head the rest of the day and, by the time I was leaving work, concluded that because I hadn’t bought new makeup for myself since about 2003 (I’m not lying!) it was high time I treated myself to a little makeover. Luckily, Kristyn the super-sweet, super-knowledgeable, and super-talented owner was happy to oblige!

The coolest thing about Kristyn’s shop is that once she has helped you find the exact look you want, she literally cooks up your customized makeup on the spot! It’s pretty neat to watch it all come together and actually see what is going into the products that you’ll be putting on your face. A little avocado oil here, a few minerals there and voila! A perfect palette all for me. See how pretty?

The make-up brand is GIELLA, and it is some seriously luxurious stuff! I’m sure you can guess that I’m not exactly a connoisseur when it comes to all things beauty-related, but I have in my life made the rounds of free gift bags from the major department store cosmetic companies, and this stuff blows them out of the water! I put it on in the morning and it all just sort of magically illuminates my face while also looking/feeling like I’m seriously not wearing a thing. I just love it and I am VERY glad I decided to treat myself to a little pampering (and just in time before we do our Larms-inspired budget crack-down in September).

Now the problem is how I keep from pampering myself TOO often there…I already want to go back to try some of the Naturopathica facial products she carries (I sampled the Oat Facial Polish and loooooved it). And of course to get her to help me upgrade my all-purpose schlepping bag (currently a cringe-inducing canvas tote) into something a bit more stylish–because naturally her shop is also stocked with adorable and reasonably priced bags and jewelry, too!

(Of course, all the opinions here are my own and Kristyn did not offer me any compensation in return for my rave review. I can’t help but gush–she and her products charmed the pants off me. Also, I just think it’s a great thing to support local businesses owned by real people rather than corporate-bots. And obviously, someday I’ll graduate to making all these things myself out of nothing but baking soda and vinegar, but in the meantime, it was really nice to give myself this rare treat!)

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