There's more than natural beauty on Bainbridge Island. Island resident Suzanne Miller opened Ambrosia Beauty, an enticing new beauty spot, on July 25. The well-stocked, bright and airy shop is sure to draw Island residents, saving them a trip to Seattle to buy fancy perfumes and cosmetics. But it's also worth the ferry trip for Seattleites.

Miller's well thought out selections, welcoming staff and abundance of testers (she even has Marvis toothpaste testers) add up to a pleasant shopping experience. Trained by Fred Segal beauty instructors, Miller offers makeup consultations and services, and in-store private parties.

But let's get to the good stuff—things to dab, sprinkle, spray, spritz and play with while you're there. The collection of beauty booty on the white display shelves and counter includes locally designed Anthousa candles and home fragrances; European perfumes such as I Profumi di Firenze; the popular and inexpensive Bella Il Fiore cosmetic, nail and bath line; Fresh Scents by Terri in handy roll-ons; Sundari Ayurvedic skin care products; pricey but gorgeous D.L. & Company candles, the ubiquitous 3-Custom Color cosmetics; the century-plus-old Terme Italian spa line; Tiny Tillia baby care; and Grooming Lounge, a line of products for men.

It's all lovely smelling stuff, but I have some favorites to try and buy. I love the Body Bling by Scott Barnes ($49), a product that's part tanner and part sparkly body lotion—great on bare legs, shoulders and the decollete. The Maui collection of Isola Luce palm oil-based candles is beautifully packaged in brightly colored little boxes and comes in 20 fruity and flowery scents ($20). Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub smells like an island vacation and will leave your body ultra smooth ($38). Stefanie Johnson's sleek cosmetic bags are as gorgeous as they are practical with lots of clear pockets and pretty baubles on the zippers ($52). Scott Barnes' Eye Ice sparkly loose powder eye shadows have the perfect amount of glitter in them ($26). Devour fragrance oil is an interesting mixture of lotus, Himalayan blue pine, French muguet, fig and cashmere musk. It comes in a pretty pink roll-on to tuck in your purse ($38). If you're purchasing gifts, pick up one of Noteriety's adorable letter press cards, which are made locally.

My tip for Seattleites: Make a day of it. Leisurely browse the shop and schedule an appointment with Chris Scoccolo of Stellar Skin. She has a small treatment area in the back of shop and offers facials, spray tans, waxing, sugaring, manicures and pedicures. Touch up your makeup, then treat yourself to lunch at Cafe Nola or ice cream at Mora Iced Creamery—it's divine. Use the time waiting in the ferry line to play with all your new beauty purchases.

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