Updated June 9, 2022. If you have plans to spend countless hours in the summer sun, make sure your skin is protected. Before you jump in the car and head to one of the chain stores at the mall, consider shopping at one of these small, independently owned boutiques in the area, where you’ll be welcomed with personalized attention and carefully curated products that are often handmade or hard-to-find.
Bellacara
For 20 years, this shop in Old Town has been the place to snag high-end cosmetic, skin care, and hair care products carefully selected by owner Angela Sitildes, who personally tests everything she sells. Look for lines from brands including RMS Organics, Dr. Dennis Gross, Bumble & Bumble, Skinceuticals, Mario Badescu, and St. Tropez. 1000 King St., Alexandria, bellacara.com
Envy Us Beauty Supply
Aesha Ray’s shop in Alexandria’s West End specializes in hair care, skin care, cosmetics, hair extensions, and accessories, with a large selection of Black-owned beauty brands. Shop for products from Mahogany Zen, Bask and Bloom, Soultanicals, Jamaican Mango & Lime, Mixed Chicks, She is Bomb, and many more. 508-D S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria, envyusbeautysupply.com
Sarah Akram Skincare
Located within this skin care boutique is a shop that specializes in all-natural products that nourish and indulge the skin. Brands include Biologique Recherché, Environ Skin Care, Déesse LED, Knesko Skin, and Vintner’s Daughter. 125 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, sarahakram.com
Rouge Spa
The owner of the spa and boutique in the heart of Historic Leesburg creates custom perfumes, lotions, and body sprays and offers other all natural and organic products that are hard-to-find elsewhere, including those by Avène and Nuxe. 17 S. King St., Leesburg, rougespa.com
Curate
This unique destination in Occoquan takes a multifaceted approach to beauty with a collection of thoughtfully selected offerings from all over the world, like Ducalm Skincare, Earth Harbor, Nash and Jones, and Under Aurora. The inspiration for the shop spawned from the owner being asked the same question for more than a decade: “What do you recommend?” Now that question is answered in a comfortable, welcoming environment. The shop is offering virtual consultations, too. 125 Mill St., Ste. 4, Occoquan, shopcurate.com
Organic Allure Touch of Nature
This small, independent, woman-owned concept in Occoquan offers 100 percent natural, vegan, plant-based, herb-infused, and handmade products crafted with organic ingredients. Owner Zaina Al has a diploma in organic skincare formulation science, and also studies master herbalism and crystal healing. She personally designs, creates, and handmakes everything she sells. 202 Union St., Ste. 102, Occoquan, theorganicallure.com
The Bee Store
A popular destination for both beekeepers and honey lovers, this Lake Ridge store stocks skin care offerings from Sweet Sophia, including body butter, muscle cream, lip balm, bath bombs, and sugar scrubs. 2230 Tacketts Mill Dr., Ste. D, Lake Ridge, yourbeestore.com
Little Goat Farm at the Lake
Best known for its baby goat snuggles and goat yoga, this Nokesville farm offers facial soaks, moisturizers, and other products made from nourishing goat milk that are sure to keep your skin glowing and radiant. 8954 Burwell Rd., Nokesville, littlegoatfarmatthelake.com
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