I went into the store to buy foundation. Kaylee was extremely friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed her vibe. I will come back to buy eyeshadow. Thank you. read more

I was in a bind with getting into town in time to pick-up some items. Desiree was a delight and helped me out over the phone. They carry beautiful lines that are hard to find. A treasure in OT. read more

Looking for a particular brand and being disappointed all day, I happened into BellaCara thinking I was honestly thinking that I was going to be met with disappointment once again. Upon entry a lovely young lady asked what I was needing help with, I stated that I needed Some hairspray,she asked what brand I usually purchase and as I uttered "Oribe" I was expecting the same puzzled look I had encountered more than once that afternoon. To my surprise and delight,not only do they carry my hairspray BUT ALMOST THE WHOLE ORIBE LINE! Not only did I walk out with what I initially hoped for but my favorite shampoo and conditioner! It's such a cute little shop that stocks some Of the most amazing beauty brands! I have been back almost weekly since my first visit and even though I am Amazon obsessed for most things, I will always give this little jewel of a shop my business for the purchases of my favorite indulgent obsessions! read more

A great little independent, female opened, buisness (yes that matters) Awesome selection of makeup and other gorgeous little things. Definitely stop by while you're visiting OldTown. read more

Bellacara - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I had seen this place on my many walks down King street and decided to give it a try one weekday morning. I used to be a fan of Sephora but now find it difficult to find a sales person to help me when I walk into the Sephora. My experience at Bellacara was what I expected from a store in Old Town, with friendly service and expertise. I was very impressed with the young woman who helped me and gave me helpful advice on what products to use for my skin. She did not seem bothered when I constantly wanted to try something else because I wasn't entirely pleased with an initial product offering. I told her I'd be back and I will! Have already started to recommend it to friends. My one constructive criticism would be to request more product options for people of color. read more

I have only had great experiences at Bellacara. No issues with pushy sales clerks - they have only been extremely friendly and helpful to me. The store is bright due to natural light and well-placed indoor lights. Bellacara is well-organized and they often keep their door open in nice weather. Some of my favorite brands are sold here - Paula Dorf (am obsessed), Creed, bumble & bumble, and Lippmann Collection, though all brands are great. Next time the Paula Dorf makeup artist is there, I am definitely making an appointment - I do so many makeovers, it will be nice to have someone do my makeup for a change. read more

Um ok, I just died and went to heaven!!!! This store is like a dream. It's a boutique beauty store and it is perfect! Beautiful gold wall, antique apothecaries, perfectly organized shelves loaded with the best skin products. She perfected this space. The tables, the cases! Ugh I love it. I didn't want to leave. Friendly/helpful staff, cute cards, great music playing, perfect location, and 2 rooms of goodness! I mean think little quaint boutique. Loaded with Extremely organized products and offering all the best quality in a fun little stylish spot! The owner didn't miss a detail! She was working Saturday and she too was dressed beautifully, had perfect hair and beautiful skin. Ok girl, way to represent and be a brand ambassador SOLD!!!! I want one of everything you use lol (it's working) So back to the good stuff.... Skinceuticals, butter, bond perfume, kiehls, stila, fresh/sugar lip care, bigelow tooth brushes, tocca, kai, dermalogica, jouer, Moroccan oil, Bumble and bumble, molton brown, Frederic Fekkai, creed perfum, Lafco candles, supersmile, beauty blender(and all their little other products I didn't even know existed) I mean they have so much goodness my heart is about to explode! I just love this place. And want to jump in my car and drive back (6 hours) to be there again today :) it will make you so happy! There's 2 negatives, they don't carry la mer ( I say that selfishly because I can't live without their face cream) and they aren't in charlotte(also selfish because I'd be in their weekly) . Haha and they are hardly negatives, that was just me being silly. This store is incredible love love love read more

Bellacara - Two things I just had to buy - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I went in over 3 weeks ago to ask about their makeup application services and to make an appointment for an initial trial and day of service (likely for my sister too). I was asked to provide my name, contact info and the date and was told I'd be contacted. Haven't heard a peep. I was initially surprised they couldn't just make the appointment for me when I walked in - I can't imagine makeup service is a far out there, unusual request for a makeup shop. I was excited to give Bellacara a try since I am moving to Alexandria and spend quite a lot of money on skincare/makeup, but that type of customer service just doesn't cut it so I'd rather take my business elsewhere. The girl who collected my information also looked like it was such a tiring task to do so - you'd think the staff would at least pretend to be excited to welcome new clients? Lots of other wedding friendly vendors in Old Town that quickly got back to me :) read more

I was very impressed with place. I've recently gotten into thinking more about my skin, especially face, as I am getting older. The staff was very knowledgeable and explained what specifically was needed for a man and the benefits. Thank you and I'll be a regular customer. read more

I stopped in Bella Cara a couple of Sundays ago, was happy to see there were two ladies working, so no waiting. I found the staff to be very knowledgeable about the products in the store which helped me choose the correct products for my needs. I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. Terri read more

"I can't stop smelling my wrists!" was my refrain to Misun, Tina and Eric all day in Old Town Alexandria. I have Courtney to thank for making me huff my wrists for the better part of the afternoon. You see, the four of us decided to stop by Bellacara to visit Courtney while at the same time purchasing some much-needed personal care goodies. In a given week, I color/glaze/blow dry/gel/volumize the hell out of my hair, and I know that just can't be good for it long term. Courtney expertly suggested a Bumble and Bumble hair masque that is absolutely *wonderful* and leaves me with soft, fluffy hair... the perfect antidote to all the chemical crap I put in my hair. I also picked up bottles of Bumble and Bumble's thickening shampoo and conditioner, as well as several samples of Mario Badescu and B. Kamins cleansers and masques. The high point of the visit, however, was their fragrances. Now, if you know me, I cannot, will not, shall not, EVER leave a store without sampling any colognes on offer. While Bellacara's selection of fragrances was quite small, it leaned towards brands I usually don't come across at your typical fragrance counter (in addition to Creed, a mainstay of men's high-end fragrances). Courtney recommended Molton Brown Black Pepper and I was immediately hooked. Smellwise, it's an Oriental, kind of in the Gucci Envy or Zino Davidoff vein. It definitely got richer the longer it mellowed on my skin and had the "big" smell of 70s-era colognes. Courtney also gave me a spritz of Forest Rain by Kiehl's. She swore up and down it was one of their most popular frags, but I was leery. For one thing, I don't like most "green" frags, and in any event, it's unisex, which usually means one of two things: it's either powdery like all getout, or it's a citrusy scent. So I either smell like a foppish 18th Century nobleman, or a box of Tropicana. As luck would have it, I was pleasantly surprised. Have you ever had a smell grow on you? 'Cause that's exactly what happened throughout the day. "*SNIFF*! Hmm... I don't really care for it *SNIFF* that much. It's not *SNIFF* bad, but it's not especially *SNIFF* memorable. Maybe it's *SNIFF* something you've got to *SNIFF* experience during the *SNIFF* drydown. " Time passes... "*SNIFF! Oh, man! You've gotta *SNIFF* sniff my wrists! I just can't stop *SNIFF* smelling my *SNIFF* wrists!" Seriously, the olfactory sensations of both these frags was like watching a car chase scene in a movie, where the guy in the Mustang realizes he's being followed and does a bootleg turn. And then the bongo drums start. And the camera gets a 3/4 view of his car as it roars over a San Francisco hill. And you hear the "fwif fwif fwif" of the hubcaps as they fall off the tire and shoot down the street. And then the camera changes to a rear view where the car unceremoniously smashes onto the asphalt and the rear bumper kicks off sparks. The verdict: Bellacara is a small store, but they keep a good variety of product on hand, and the stock is diversified enough that I guarantee you'll walk out with something you like. read more

My Mister had a skin condition that caused lots of peeling on days he shaved. While the beard look was pretty awesome all winter, the peeling and irritation took their toll in the warmer months. He'd tried a lot of things, but one day I finally dragged him into Bellacara with the expectation that Keihl's could fix this. We got great service from a woman I suspect was the owner. She suggested two products and, a year later, the Mister is still using one of them every day. The Mister still refuses to go in by himself, so I have to go with him to replace it. Our first experience was our best experience. Since then, we've been really annoyed/disappointed by the service. Nope, it's not pushy... it's invisible. We are never offered any help and regularly find our path through the (small) store blocked by employees completely spacially oblivious. It's annoying and rude. We would probably be better off buying the one product we return for online, and at likely 75% the price. (Also? The Mister is really bothered by the fact that every salesperson/employee he's interacted with there has really bad skin. It's not fair, but he keeps commenting that it's hard to take recommendations/advice on skin care from someone who doesn't have much luck with their own. I said it wasn't fair... but he sort of has a point.) read more

My one-stop shop for all things cosmetic. Why? (1) they carry brands unavailable elsewhere (T. LeClerc, Sue Devitt); (2) there is NO pressure to purchase anything; (3) they are generous with make-overs. National make-up artists frequently visit - a great way to learn new tricks; (4) no department store pandemonium On several occasions I've taken friends there who were shopping for a new look - for a wedding, for a new job etc. Each time, Bellacara staff took the time to do a full make-over - selecting what was best for the client, not sticking with or pushing a single brand - and leaving us alone to decide what to purchase. read more

I love this beautiful, friendly shop! They have so many great brands and the sales staff is very educated on what each product can do for you. I have also had my make-up done there on several occasions and have always been thrilled with the result. They also have a great customer loyalty program - 10% off your purchase each visit if you are part of the program. read more

I live in Texas however Bellacara sells the body wash I simply adore! I spoke with the lovely young lady on the phone, Elizabeth, who promptly took my order and shipped it that very same day! Fantastic service and excellent product selection! I suggest stopping into the fabulous store and ask Elizabeth for her excellent advice! read more

I'm new to the skin care world and I've been looking for improvements. Abby was so patient in explaining everything to me. She took her time and gave me tips and pointers for my sensitive skin. She really made my visit worthwhile. This is a great establishment. Much appreciated! read more

Amazing service, only the best products. This boutique is phenomenal. Heavily centered on skin care, and lots of items to choose from. They also have makeup, and hair products. What really impressed me was the service. I have been to quite a few smaller boutiques, and the usual sephora/ulta, and I can say hands down this was the best. Trying to learn as much as possible and experiment with different products is sometimes hard to find/do. Elizabeth had all the answers to my questions, great recommendations, and is obviously a well seasoned cosmologist. I highly recommend going to Bellacara if you are looking for great expertise, and the best products on the market! read more

Hands down the best beauty store in the DC area. Great selection of Oribe, living proof, Laura Mercier, Molton Brown, and so many other favorites. Staff are always super helpful too. read more

My favorite place to shop for cosmetics and personal items in Alexandria. They offer just the right amount of service and avoid hovering over customers. The shop is cute and offers a wide assortment of cosmetics, skin and hair care and accessories. They carry some of my favorite brands including niche brands Jouer, Tocca for scents and candles, Creed fragrances, Mario Badescu and Kevyn Aucoin. Update: I continue to love coming into this store. You are always welcomed, yet the staff never hover over you. I needed a new foundation, and Elizabeth took the time to listen to what I needed and matched me to the Stila "Stay All Day" in Shade # 2. Also picked up a tube of the Rilastil Aqua moisturizer and received several samples of skin care products. Elizabeth recommended that I try a primer, sampled one from Smashbox on me before testing the foundation and gave me a sample to try at home. I will be back! read more

This is the prettiest store I've ever been to. When I walked in, a gal named Abby gave me the warmest welcome. I asked about mascara and she was able to pinpoint exactly what I was looking for. Sharon helped me to apply it and I'm super excited with my purchase. Although I don't live in Alexandria, I will be back the next time I happen to travel to Virginia! read more

Super impressed with this store. I went in to Bellacara in a panic as I was in town for a wedding and left my makeup bag at home. There was a lady there named Abby that took so much time helping me get everything I needed to look amazing! I love the stuff she helped me pick out 10x more than what I have. They will always get my business when I am in town! Thank you Abby for saving the day! read more

The store finally exchanged the faulty product! Thank you. Although there was no genuine attempt to apologize for the insulting comments made on my prior trip to the store - or an apology for the false yelp response claiming that I didn't actually have the product available to return - I was finally able to exchange my Stila liner for a working product. I was not invited to return to the store, and was not asked if there was anything else is like to purchase. But as promised, I've updated my review and increased it from a one to a two star status. The owner may want to invest in some customer service training for the grouchy staff member who first insulted and finally assisted me. read more

As a long-time Alexandria resident, I am not sure what took me so long to become a regular Bellacara customer. I love supporting local businesses, so I am now making more of an effort to buy from them rather than ordering online - especially when I have to pay full price for the products anyhow. They participate in the Black Friday sale, which is great, and they also had a fabulous anniversary sale with a deluxe gift bag as a give away with full size products. I find the staff to be helpful and friendly, but not pushy. When something I am looking for is out of stock, they call me when it arrives and then hold it for me behind the counter. It is really nice to have a store like this in the neighborhood - I hate going to malls and department store make-up counters. They sell a very nice (albeit edited) selection of high quality product lines - many of which I use on a regular basis: Skinceuticals, Fresh, Molton Brown, Kiehl's, Bliss, Lippman, Butter, Stila, Smashbox, etc. read more

I popped into this place to look around after brunch one day. I'm not sure I'll ever go to another make up store. I walked out with a ton of new make up. The sales staff was terrific and knowledgable. I have ridiculously sensitive skin and nothing they recommended has broken me out at all. Great place, great selection, great employees. read more

This place isn't actually that special, other than carrying the full Jouer line ...but their testers are all grody with product leaking out. The poor hygiene was added to by debris from the street blowing in through the door + a little unsupervised girl playing makeup + a dog (which received more attention than I did) in the store. We all know Sephora can be a total germ-fest, but at least they ask if you'd like assistance and don't allow family pets in there! read more

I have been coming here for years and love, love, love this shop. I am convinced that I would look ten years older if not for the products and expertise I get here (Skinceuticals for one). I love that the owner constantly keeps her shop updated and introduces new things all the time. I always know that anytime I go in there, whether for my regular "must haves" or to check out what's new, I will find great stuff, including gifts for my friends such as candles, lotions, lip balm, fragrances, etc. (Did I mention candles, because I LOVE the candles there?) The sales staff are extremely knowledgeable and well trained but they also have times when the reps from the different product lines set up there to do makeovers or just to answer questions. Those are always really fun times to go with a friend so you can both be getting "done up" at the same time. This is especially true when they have their annual parties for their anniversary (March or April) or holidays, with some pretty good discounts. Black Friday!!! One of the best things is that my husband also started using some of the products for men and feels quite comfortable going in there with me to shop. This is a guy that would rather wait outside in the snow than go in most shops so that is saying a lot! read more

I love the boutiques of old town and have always tried to support them over the big department stores, but I have to say I cannot support this place anymore. I am a loyal client there and went in today to discuss a defective issue with an eyeliner I bought. I just wanted an exchange, but was told their policy is 30 days to return items and I should have known that since they have signs saying this. I understand what she said but we are all busy and don't get back as fast as we want but more to the point she did not care that the product was defective. I was told there was nothing they would do for me and that no one else has had this problem with that particular eyeliner. Like just because I am the only one to say there was a problem there must have been no issue and it was my problem. I am sad but will not be taking my business back to them. I warn you that they do not stand by their products ultimately. The customer is always wrong there. read more

I was unimpressed by this shop - I'm not really a girly, product-loving person, so I almost prefer the chaos that is a department store or Sephora because of the sheer variety. Bellacara obviously has a well-edited selection, but nothing jumped out at me as particularly obscure or interesting. Stila cosmetics...okay. Bumble and Bumble hair products...sure. Creed fragrance...yup. It's there, and it's fine. But the lady working the store when my mom and I stopped in really ruined it for me - she was SO pushy and SO clearly looking askance at us, maybe because we weren't properly moisturized? Whatever it was, her pushy, I-know-what's-best-for-you-so-just-stop-talking additude really soured me on what could have been a mini-splurge on some perfume and makeup. My poor mom felt bullied into purchasing an eye shadow, and when I went to pay for a bottle of Mario Badescu drying lotion ($17, same as Amazon.com), she lectured me on how to use it. Umm, yes, I read the label. Thanks. Will probably not stop here again, both because I really don't *need* anything in the store, and because I've met far friendlier cosmetics sales ladies elsewhere (namely, Nordstrom). read more

Love this place! Great products and great service. Only issue I have is the return policy...I have sensitive skin, so often things don't work out for me. I need to know that I can return if I am making a significant investment in a good product -- so unless I'm 100% sure about a product there, I don't buy it. read more

Customer Service is outstanding. I love the owner Kim Putens she has always been so helpful helping me find the products I need to go with my skin type. Now the have moved to different location but it is just right accross the street everyone... and in their old shop is their new Buiness which is florishing as well; BLOOMERS! Everyone should check this place out as well. If you love the care and love you get from Bellacara you will get the same love from Bloomers! It is never everyday you can walk into a boutique and feel like you are getting the best care. I usually feel that I am not important enough to be in their store but here I feel like family! read more

I live in Washington, DC but I always make the trip out to Alexandria when I need to stock up on my favorite products and want to learn more about skin care via their very personalized service. I am a minimalist and naturalist when it comes to make up and skin care, so the staff has always been so helpful in helping me find products that are nurturing and effective. They know their products so well and are always so friendly. One time I brought in a flower petal that I found in the spring time and they helped me look through all the lipsticks to find the exact shade! I always have a wonderful experience in Bellacara and it makes me so happy to support local business and beauty! read more

I love this store; it's so quaint & it carries great products! I love supporting small business, so going to Bellacara is a given. The cosmetic & bath products are top of the line. They offer Alcheime which is another local (DC) brand. It's expensive, but it's not expensive for what is offered. That said, if you already buy Stila makeup at Sephora or Nordstrom, the same prices would apply at Bellacara. read more

Eh, a little lackluster and disorganized on my last visit which made me a little sad. Shocking considering my first review. The sales girl seemed quite confused by the fact that I wanted to know if she could order a product that was not in the store but sold by a line they carry. She took my name but needless to say, they have yet to call me and let me know it's in or that it could not be ordered. I went ahead and ordered it online. I was a little disappointed because I really wanted to love this place! Maybe she was new? Although on my other visits the sales people were also a bit unprofessional so maybe they don't have it quite together yet. Unfortunate, because their product selection is stellar. But, with the amount you drop there you'd think they'd want to do all they could to help you. read more

Love this boutique! I could stay in there for hours looking at all of the products they have masterfully merchandised. Nice staff. Awesome products read more

Great shop with really nice stock. Some of the things in here I've only seen in places like Neimans- such as Creed perfume. I had a question regarding some of the skin care products and the woman who was there was knowledgeable and honest. One of the more unique places in Old Town! read more

I have stopped there twice only for convenience. Both times I purchased makeup that was in my professional opinion low grade quality. I am a cosmetologist and thought it was a higher end business. The first time I never returned it. So again when I stopped a second time and asked for make up that would perform and they assured me it would. I used it twice and both times it would breakdown and seperate. The mascara was horrible. So I wasn't going to take it a second time. When I went to return in within a few days, they informed me they do not take returns or exchanges if it has been used. So I would not know if I had not used it and it did not even come close to doing what they said it would do. Stick to the department store if you expect this business to stand up behind it's brands. And FYI there sales staff lack experience. read more

11/14/2016 This weekend I walked into the shop above to make a purchase.   The price on the product was one $amount but when I went to pay the sales clerk said the product was a higher price.  This morning I found on Nordstrom's and Amazon the selling price is the same $amount as Bellacara had posted.     YIKES.  Guess I will go online and purchase from Nordstroms or Amazon next time. A resident of Old Towne read more

The girl who helped me at Bellacara last weekend was amazing!!! I was distraught because I could no longer find my favorite product ANYWHERE. She not only commiserated with me, but also spent easily half an hour researching the product online. Together we learned that it is discontinued, but she also helped me find the perfect "dupe" replacement for it (at a much lower price point)!! I was very happy and will definitely go there again:) read more

I came to Bellacara about a month ago in search of the Dermalogica Clean Start Spot Treatment. Unfortunately, I have not been successful in finding it at spas or in retail stores. :-( Brittany assisted me in finding something for large blemishes (that actually works) along with a rosemary oil treatment for my flaky scalp. Brittany was very knowledgeable and made my visit to the store worth it. read more

Cute boutique in Old Town chock full of high quality goodies. I've been here a few times, and the employees were friendly and knowledgeable, making suggestions without being too pushy, and also helping me step a bit out of my comfort zone and try new products. Brittany helped me pick out great gifts for my mother around the holidays, and suggested a new lip color that I would have never picked out myself, but that I love! I'll definitely come back next time I want to update my look! read more