So you’re headed to Seattle? Great—no need to grab an umbrella, it’s far from the rainiest city in the U.S. Instead you should grab an extra suitcase—turns out that the Emerald City is a shopper’s playground! For your avant-garde fix, there’s Totokaeolo to explore, which, like its New York copy, offers a healthy dose of Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens, and the like. At Lucky Vintage you’ll find the Pacific Northwest’s pick of the litter in secondhand wear, and Glasswing is a good bet for some indoor garden inspiration, as well as the stuff you’ll wear while appreciating it.
But you came here for the beauty guide, and we’re happy to deliver on that promise—along with a special guest writer! Seattleite Jordan Samuel Pacitti of Jordan Samuel Skin. He walked Into The Gloss through a dream beauty-centric three-day weekend in Seattle, just in time for the opening of Glossier's pop-up store in the city. So grab your bag—it's time to go shopping.
Friday
1PM: Get started in the SODO neighborhood with the one spot you must go to on Friday, because it’s closed the rest of the weekend. It’s called Bio-therapeutic (act like a local and just say BT) and it’s the Disney World of face gadgets. I use a lot of BT’s pro equipment in my facial treatments and recommend their at-home equipment all the time. A personal favorite is their bt-micro. It’s a great ultra-sonic exfoliator to keep pores clean and targets dead skin cells like no other.
3PM: With your new gizmo in tow, head north to the lower Queen Anne neighborhood and sit in a chair at Sarah Kahn Hair Salon. It’s a stones throw from my private facial studio, and it doubles as a one stop shop for an edited but comprehensive selection of the best in green beauty. Get your hair done and walk out with Vintner’s Daughter.
5PM: Literally two feet away from Sarah Kahn is Jill Bucy, your Seattle location for everything Biologique Recherche. Owned by a fellow esthetician and friend, Svetlana Ponomareva, this boutique skin spa also offers a full list of treatments utilizing the entire Biologique Recherche line. Once you’ve picked up your P50, walk over to the space needle—you know you want to see it—and then load up on oysters and comfort food at Palace Kitchen, which is only a few minutes away.
Saturday
11AM: Start out your first full day downtown at Watson Kennedy, a gem of a store. Featuring everything from quirky books, to beautiful fragrances, skincare, soaps, and everything in between. They have two locations, one in the heart of Pike Place market and one closer to Pioneer Square. My personal faves include “Fine” Italian Citrus Shave Soap and Jacobsen Salty Black Licorice. (If you know, you know. It’s so good.)
1 PM: On the opposite end of the spectrum is the OG of spas in Seattle, and where I got my start as a facialist. Ummelina is a true hidden treasure, offering facials, massages, waxing, nail care and the most indulgent body treatments. Whenever I need a true "Calgon moment" I go for their Equator or Pacific Rim treatments. I leave in a state of pure bliss. Make sure to check out their aromatherapy line, too!
3PM: A day of beauty in Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the iconic Pike Place market. Walk on by for a grab-and-go lunch. And then, explore. Whether you are looking for beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers, a tasting room with all Washington State wines, or my favorite Italian food and wine store, DeLaurenti, this market will make you happy. If you have time and patience, make sure to check out the original Starbucks located there as well!
5PM: After a full day of shopping, you must make your way over to the Amazon Spheres. Once there, enter Deep Dive for the best cocktails and the ritziest bar in town. Owned by Renee Erickson, this spot also has the most delicious bar menu. Get there early as the wait can sometimes be long!
Sunday
11AM: Wrap up the start of your last day with a trip to the super cute Fremont neighborhood, and stop by my favorite perfume shop, Essenza. Italian beauty lovers will feel right at home with my favorite Capri-based perfume line, Carthusia (Mediterraneo is to die for), as well as a great selection of goodies from Santa Maria Novella. Looking for a fragrance that makes you stand out in a crowd? Essenza specializes in hard to find, one of a kind fragrances. And before you go, make sure to swing by their jewelry and home collections as well.
1PM: Before you hit the airport, you have to make one last beauty excursion—to Follain! It’s new to the Seattle beauty scene, but certainly not to the beauty world (there are a handful of storefronts across the country). It’s a natural beauty haven. One of my favorite things about Follain is their Refillable Everything Soap. It comes in two scents, lavender and lemongrass. It’s lovely to use and great for the environment. Use it on your hands, body or even dishes! Just make sure to pack it in your checked bag before you head home.
Photos via Instagram
