THE BEST BEAUTY BAR IN AUSTIN

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to attend an event at Parlor Beauty Bar. Lots of sweet ladies in the blogosphere got together to check out the styling salon - located on Austin’s east side.

Their mission is to build a fun environment to gather with friends, shut off the outside world, and have your beauty needs serviced under one roof. My experience was just that.

I was met with a pink carpet as I walked up to the door situated just off East 6th and Comal.

Every square inch of this beauty bar is Instagram worthy. Charlotte, the owner, traded my bag for a glass of champagne and gave me the cutest kimono to wear while my services were performed.

Isn’t getting your hair shampooed the most relaxing feeling in the world? I wish I always had someone to shampoo my hair. And, well, now I kinda do. Meet Kelsey! She’s a shampoo and blowout queen. We  bonded over the fact I have a Weimaraner and she always had the same breed of dog growing up as a kid.

After we decided on “Victoria Secret” hair, she shampooed my hair and brought me back to the cutest chair. She Went. To. Work. Blowdrying. Applying products. Round brushing. Curling. Pretty sure she infused some magic into my hair too because when I stood up the volume was REAL. I felt like my hair was going to float away. It was so light and bouncy. Charlotte even gave me some great tips on how to get my blowout to last as long as possible. What's the secret? Dry shampoo, of course. Dry shampoo solves all life's problems. 

I got a chance to mingle with some others girls, and honestly, it was great to step outside my comfort zone. I've been in Austin for two and a half years and it's good to meet new people. But, sometimes it can be tough. Parlor Beauty Bar is a great place to meet up with the girls before you hit the town, or maybe before you head out to meet a date. There's lots going on in East Austin. Plenty of bars and restaurants line the streets near Parlor Beauty Bar. I think it would be so much fun to book a girl's night out here to get pampered before heading downtown.

Parlor Beauty Bar not only offers blowouts but lots of other services including:

Brows/Microblading
Lashes
Makeup
Skin Care
Nails
Spray Tanning
Waxing

The next Parlor Beauty I met was Brittany. Her makeup kit was enviable. She knows how to work a makeup brush. I am a makeup junkie, and I am a firm believer that makeup should be fun. So, when Brittany consulted me on what I wanted, I said I was open to anything, and I meant it. Brittany suggested glitter liner, and I was GAME.  After all, I had a B-I-G night planned...movies on the couch with my dog since my boyfriend, Kyle, was in NYC for business.

Y'all. I felt like it was a crime to go home to sit on my couch that night. My confidence was through the roof. The ladies made us all feel so welcome, and it was such a great experience. I'll let you in on a little secret. I've never been to a salon that strictly focuses on styling and general beauty prior to this, but now I'm hooked. We live in a fast world, and I think the importance of pausing to do little things for yourself is extremely crucial to staying balanced.

I really appreciate Charlotte and the staff opening the doors to us that night. They were wonderfully gracious hosts. I'll be back soon.  A final thank you to the sweetest Alicia at Love-Li for organizing this meetup with all the Austin Blogger Babes! 

XO,

Kimberly

MY FALL SKINCARE ROUTINE

Okay, so in the past, I’ve put off truly caring about being consistent with skincare. But, as I’m getting closer to my 30’s, I’m realizing I’ve really got to get on it. With that being said, over the past few months, I’ve really tried to be dedicated to sticking to a routine.

I’ve struggled with my skin
for a really long time.

I was never the girl in high school or college that had flawless skin, and to be completely transparent, I still don’t. There’s always a certain time of the month I can expect to see some breakouts, but I’ve started to own that’s just part of being a human. With age comes wisdom, and I know what society deems as flaws have no measure of my worth (or yours!). 

I want to share what products I use, and how often I use them. I don’t promise perfect skin if you use them, but if you aren’t using anything right now, the sooner you start the better you’ll be in fighting the aging process. I might be okay with my flaws, and one day I’ll be okay with wrinkles too. But, not just yet. :)

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DAILY PRODUCTS

NEUtrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

I absolutely love this daily cleaner. I keep it in my shower and I use it nightly. I’ll sometimes use it in the morning too if I wake up and feel a little oily. It’s inexpensive, and I’ve used Neutrogena since I was a kid. The Naturals line is formulated without a bunch of “bad stuff” like parabens, which I happen to be allergic to.

SHOP THIS PRODUCT: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

Yes To Cucumbers Micellar Cleansing Water

After I get out of the shower, or I’ve washed my face. I use a cotton ball with this to really help remove any leftover makeup or grime. I really love this because it’s soothing, and I’m always surprised by how much dirt comes off even after I’ve washed my face.

SHOP THIS PRODUCT: Yes To Cucumbers Micellar Cleansing Water

Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin nourishing Moisturizer

In the morning, before I apply my makeup, I apply this lotion. It’s really hydrating and it’s full of good-for-your-skin vitamins. I mean it says "multi-vitamin" - sounds healthy! And, again no parabens, a win for this sensitive skin girl. 

SHOP THIS PRODUCT: Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+

Ok, so you’re thinking wait I thought this was about skincare...not makeup!? Well, I’m obsessed with this CC cream because it’s packed full of SUNSCREEN. Growing up under the sunny skies of Florida and spending many days at the beach, I can’t tell you enough how important it is to wear sunscreen EVERY DAY - not just at the beach, lake, pool, etc. Sun damage is real, and I’ve TOO many friends that have required things cut off their bodies to be tested for skin cancer. That’s no joke. Not only do I love the sun protection, this foundation has amazing coverage. I have both formulas - original and Illuminating. When I repurchase, I plan to go back to the original formula because I think it has better coverage. In case you're wondering, I'm in the shade "Light".

SHOP THIS PRODUCT: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream

Skin Laundry Restoring Night Serum

I got this in my FabFitFun box. Sadly, I’m not sure the company is still selling it - which is a total bummer because it was awesome. If you can find it, scoop it up. It sinks into your skin immediately and it’s super hydrating. I'm not going to link this one, so if you have any suggestions for good serums please share with me in the comments below. 

Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream

I’ve always followed the rule of serum before moisturizer. I’m not really sure where I heard that, maybe YouTube? But, I always follow my serum with this cream. I apply it all over my face, neck and eye area. This stuff is AMAZING. It is a bit on the pricier end compared to some of the other products I shared, but you don’t skimp when it comes to night and eye cream.

Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate

I got this product in my Summer FabFitFun box, so I haven't used it for long. But, I needed a night time eye product. So, this is what I've used over the past few weeks. The product's website says it's packed full of things like certified organic grape and carrot juices blended with essential fatty acids and Vitamins B5, C and P. Is it wrong I didn't know Vitamin P existed? 

SHOP THIS PRODUCT: Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate

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WEEKLY PRODUCTS

Origins refreshing eye Cream to brighten and depuff

I don't use this EVERY morning, so I moved it to the weekly category. However, if I'm feeling groggy or if I didn't get enough sleep. I use this to look a little more human. It's perfect for waking up tired eyes. 

SHOP THIS PRODUCT: Origins refreshing eye Cream to brighten and depuff

Dr. Brandt Micodermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator

This stuff is pricey, but that’s why I love FabFitFun. I also got this in one of my boxes. This stuff is great for getting rid of dead skin and making sure all the serums and creams you’re putting on really can soak into your skin. While it’s expensive, a little goes a long way and it lasts for a while since you don’t use it daily. It's great for perking up dull skin.

SHOP THIS PRODUCT: Dr. Brandt Micodermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator

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MISCELLANEOUS

Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer Medium/Tan

This is the easiest, strangest product I’ve ever used for tanning. Once you’re finished showering, you apply the lotion. Yes, while your skin is still wet. Then, you towel off and pat dry. Your skin is left soft and you develop a natural-looking tan over a few days! If you're constantly concerned about your self-tanner staying on you and, not your towel, fear not. This product is not going to rub off on your towel or your clothing. The added bonus is that you have soft skin. What doesn't love to keep their summer glow well into Fall?! 

SHOP THIS PRODUCT: Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer Medium/Tan

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any "holy grail" skincare items, let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from you all. Have an amazing day!

XO,

Kimberly

Disclaimer: All products were purchased on my own, and all opinions are my own. This post is not sponsored, and I do not get paid for any purchases you make from content I've linked. I linked all retailers solely based on where I typically buy these products.