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Breaking Down D.C. Area Airport Shopping and Beauty Options

Image via Dulles Food &amp; Shops/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=279321885544816&amp;set=pb.186457258164613.-2207520000.1384316006.&amp;type=3&amp;theater">Facebook</a>
Image via Dulles Food & Shops/Facebook

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Hate to break it to you, guys, but we don't have a fantastical 2,200-square-foot Fred Segal boutique in any of our local airports, like LA does. We don't have an eco-friendly spa, like they do in Newark. Dude, we don't even have a MAC.

So what do we have? Lots and lots of America! patriotic-themed boutiques with First Lady-emblazoned mugs and shot glasses and official White House Christmas ornaments. If that's your jam, you're set. There are six! America! stores at Dulles International alone, and multiple locations within Reagan National and BWI.

The good news for airport shopping and layover time-killing is that new options are on the way, thanks to a wide-ranging food and retail redevelopment program through early 2016 at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. A Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority rep tells Racked DC that during that time, 95 percent of all of the airport concessions will be converted or reconstructed. And BWI Marshall is working on concessions upgrades too. But for now, we're calling out three interesting shops or beauty services at each of the three major airports, after the jump. And keep reading for a few of the stores that are coming soon.


Image via Reagan Food and Shops/Facebook

Reagan National Airport
1. Smithsonian Museum Store, Terminal BC: Touristy, yes. But shopping Jackie Kennedy-inspired jewelry and Civil War books at the Smithsonian Museum Store supports the Smithsonian Institution.

2. As Kindred Spirits, Terminal B: The airport is usually all about chain stores, but As Kindred Spirits has local roots. The shop got its start in Rockville, Maryland and has been a tenant since the terminal opened in 1997. Expect to find hippy-ish, artsy home decor, hand-crafted jewelry, and unusual gift items.

3. Brookstone, Terminal C: Travel pillow for the plane, anyone?

Coming in 2014: Lacoste, Spanx, Brighton Collectibles, a remodeled Brooks Brothers, and Vineyard Vines


Image via MWAA

Dulles International Airport
1. Massage Bar, Gate B65: Neck and shoulder massages are available at Massage Bar, part of a national chain of airport chair massage facilities.

2. 10: Minute Manicure, Gate D14 Part of a national chain, this salon promises quick manicures and pedicures. Although the Yelp reviews make it seem like passengers with pressing flights to catch should really think it through, lest they need to board the plane in disposable salon flip flops.

3. Appalachian Spring, Gate B67: This local boutique first opened in Georgetown in 1968 and is still on Wisconsin Avenue. The Dulles Appalachian Spring outpost opened in 2010 and is stocked with American handmade crafts, silver and gold jewelry, art glass, textiles, and gifts.

Coming in 2014: Tumi, Swarovski


Image via BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)/Facebook

BWI Marshall Airport
1. Be Relax, Concourse A and D: For massages, manicures, pedicures, and facial waxing, try airport spa chain Be Relax. And spend a few minutes pondering the syntax of "Be Relax."

2. Kiehl's, B/C Connector: The beloved NYC skincare shop just opened an outlet at BWI last month.

3. Tumi, B/C Connector: This luxury luggage and travel brand opened simultaneously with Kiehl's.

Coming soon: Both Tumi and Kiehl's are part of a $15-million upgrade to the BWI's concessions program that will occur over the next two years.
· Dulles International Airport [Official Site]
· BWI Marshall Airport [Official Site]
· Bored at Newark Airport? Your Four Best Beauty Bets [Racked NY]
· Photos: Inside LAX Tom Bradley's Fantastical Fred Segal Shop [Racked LA]
· All Travel Week 2013 posts [Racked DC]