It’s All About Me

This cute little niche boutique is hard to miss with the store name alone. I went inside one afternoon to see if they had any makeup for highly sensitive skin — I have eczema — and not all department stores carry those lines.
This is Ames, Iowa and there aren’t many people of color and those communities are really insular. So I knew that as an African American woman they probably wouldn’t have my shade or know how to apply it. The young lady at the makeup counter was hesitant and did warn me she was unfamiliar with darker shades but she did a nice job.
The store is full of cute nicknacks and feminine items galore. It’s a little pricey for some of the items, but it is a boutique in downtown Ames.
Anyone with a soft and feminine flair will find something sweet to grab in this store. I plan on returning.

I went in for an eyebrow and lip wax with Rachel. She was awesome! Very easy to talk to, very knowledgable and friendly. We chatted the whole time. She was efficient but gentle and very professional. The prices were very reasonable as well. I don’t live in town but if I did I would definitely go back!

The is a fabulous boutique and spa! The staff is very friendly and knowledgable. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing. Their Classic Massage and their Healing Stone Therapy Massage are amazing! The best massage I ever had. I’ve been to several other places and nothing compares!

First off, let me say that I have just started «becoming girly» again. After years of no makeup, wearing t-​shirts and jeans, going back to school, and being a mom/​working in casual jobs, I had neglected myself for so long. This year, for my birthday, I asked my husband for an It’s All About Me gift card, because I wanted to try the Bare Minerals makeup. (I have bad skin, and my dermatologist said it was the «blandest» makeup for skin and therefore great for skin.)
I have used that gift card and then some! Am I telling you this place is expensive? No! I am telling you that you will LOVE this store! And not just for the products and the «me time» while browsing. The employees and the owners are incredible!
First, I had my first makeup consultation. They did my makeup for me and SHOWED me how to do it. Being out of practice and having limited experience with makeup application, this was very helpful! I purchased a kit along with a couple of extras and went on my merry way.
BTW, LOVE the Bare Minerals makeup! You really have to try it! And, they are SO patient and kind — and HONEST — at this store that you really have to go in and experience it!
Now, I have gone in from time to time to pick up a couple of items that I have run out of. I’ve also started to branch out a bit more — slowly, since I’m still fairly new at this. However, on my 4^th or 5^th visit, I decided to try one of their spa services: an eyebrow wax.
I went in and was greeted, and they remembered me (always nice to be remembered!) and talked for a bit. Rachel would be doing my eyebrows.
I was led to a room with a calming ambiance and a comfy table to lie down on. I have been having a LOT of stress lately and basically talked (complained) Rachel’s ear off. Rachel was a great listener and very patient with this stressed-​out woman! I found that as I was leaving the room, I was calmer, less stressed. I actually felt so much better the entire rest of that day. I’m telling everyone I’ve found a new therapy!
During the wax, I noticed that it really didn’t hurt. Rachel attributed it to the high-​quality wax, but I think it also had to do with her technique and experience. She also took her time to ask me how I wanted them done — also new for me. I’m used to my hair stylist doing my eyebrows, asking if they were okay, and then making an adjustment or two — never more than 5 minutes. Rachel, however, talked with me beforehand about the shape, where I wanted the arch, where should the eyebrow end, where to clean up around, etc. She spent about 15 – 20 minutes planning and doing my eyebrows to make sure they were perfect — and they were.
After my wax, I did a little more shopping around the store, because I frankly couldn’t resist. I needed new mascara and another eye shadow brush anyway.
Then, today, I actually received a Thank You card from Rachel, thanking me for stopping in and hoping that I was happy with my eyebrows. She even said she hoped the cause of my stress was better and that she would be there if I ever needed to vent again.
It’s All About Me isn’t just the name of the store — it is how you will feel from the second you walk in! Don’t just window shop. Try a spa service, or get your makeup done. I’ve just touched the tip of the iceberg myself and will try out something new again soon!

It’s All About Me is a «girly» store that features lotions, accessories, and almost anything pink. It’s a great place to shop for that special feminine partner in your life and owned by a woman who really enjoys what she’s doing. I’m particularly impressed on how well this historical building has been preserved and refurbished on the inside.