University Village is a favorite shopping mecca in Seattle, and now there's even more reason to take a spin. Located north of downtown, "U Village" (as locals refer to it) is an "open-air lifestyle shopping center, which offers a unique formula of locally-owned boutiques and signature national retailers." Shoppers flock from near and far to this regional destination that has become a hub for home furnishings and hip fashions, not to mention an impressive collection of restaurants and eateries.

Shoppers find their zen in this sleek, airy space — Photo courtesy of Bluemercury

Stores at U Village range from Pottery Barn to Restoration Hardware, Victoria's Secret to Gap, Tiffany & Co. to Tommy Bahama, The North Face to Sephora, Lucky Brand to Athleta, among many other coveted venues.

If shoppers work up an appetite during their stay, culinary choices include Din Tai Fung, JOEY Kitchen, Blue C Sushi, Veggie Grill, Ram Restaurant and Brewery, Delfino's Chicago Style Pizza, Elemental Wood Fired Pizza and a Starbucks.

New additions to the center's lineup include Nike Running, Hot Mama and Sunglass Hut. But perhaps the most recent buzz-worthy addition to this unique mall of sorts is Bluemercury. This shop brings highly sought-after brands, a full-service spa plus honest, friendly expertise to beauty enthusiasts in the Northwest region. At this store, "legendary brands like Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown and Trish McEvoy rub shoulders in a quaint, inviting setting with cult beauty favorites like REN, Fresh, Caudalie and Oribe."

Barry and Marla Beck are the visionaries behind Bluemercury, Inc., today widely recognized by many as the nation’s largest and fastest growing luxury beauty products and spa retail chain. Together, Marla and Barry created the first Bluemercury in D.C.'s neighborhood of Georgetown.

Variety abounds at this store — Photo courtesy of Bluemercury

So why all the buzz about the newest name in the U Village lineup? Bluemercury carries 90 plus brands of highly-esteemed personal care products, and staff members pride themselves on providing personalized, expert advice to newbies and return clients alike.

In addition to lavish skin treatments and indulgent bath products intended to pamper, the shop offers a varied selection of rare perfumes and an array of thoughtful gift ideas. Truth be told, we could all use a bit of pampering and self-care in our lives every now and again, couldn't we? Thanks, Bluemercury, for giving us the excuse to do just that. 

While you're exploring U Village, stick around for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series set to take place on Wednesday evenings from July 9 through August 20. Think live music, a beer garden, a play area for kids and more al fresco fun.