Renew Elixir is a fragrant essential oil blend created by the company Drops of Nature and designed to promote emotional balance and mental clarity. For me, Renew's effects begin even before I unscrew the cap of its small bottle. This bottle, molded from frosted glass in the leaf shape and ornamented with a green tassel, fits comfortably into the palm of the hand, giving a soothing tactile sensation.
Renew Elixir feels gently emollient, thanks to its use of sweet almond oil; it absorbs easily into the skin, softly diffusing its scent for about fifteen minutes. In addition to the almond oil, Renew's ingredients are essential oils with aromatherapeutic benefits: peppermint for alertness, as well as relief from headaches or nausea; bergamot and sweet orange for their uplifting effects on the mood; and lavender and clary sage for stress reduction. (Renew does not, on the other hand, include any parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, preservatives, etc.)
The mint note is dominant in this mix: it is clear and crisp, with a cleansing effect on the mind (and the sinuses). The citrus notes are short-lived, but they sparkle and mingle with the mint in a way that reminds me of a freshly mixed mojito. The lavender is smoothly blended into the mint, and the clary sage provides a subtle, earthy base that emerges after the oil has begun to sink into the skin.
Since its bottle is durable as well as picturesque, Renew is easy to carry in a handbag or backpack. I like to dab a drop on my wrist and breathe in the fragrance, or just inhale directly from the bottle, when I need a natural (but effective) pick-me-up. I’m finding Renew especially useful to have handy at my desk when mid-afternoon sluggishness hits me, or on a bus, when a long ride gives me slight motion sickness. Sometimes I massage a few drops into my temples or the back of my neck to revive me when I get home at the end of the day; it gives a slight tingling sensation. (Drops of Nature also recommends adding three or four drops of Renew to the bath, or applying it as a body oil after a bathing.)
I've been using Renew almost daily for the past few weeks; a drop or two goes a long way, so I'll be using the same bottle for a long time to come. Its packaging also makes Renew a sweet gift for any friend or family member who needs a gentle reminder to take care of herself.
Renew Elixir sells for $25 for 10 ml, and is available through the Drops of Nature website.
This sounds great for traveling or pregnant ladies!
Dagmar, It’s been traveling well in my purse on my daily commute, so I think it’s ready for some longer trips, too! (And it’s small enough to meet airline regulations.)
If they ever decide to make ginger the top note instead of peppermint, sign me up. I could have used this when I was pregnant and working at Starbucks…ugh. The smell of white chocolate still makes me sick.
Oh no. Some of those Starbucks concoctions *can* be a bit overly sweet…!
It’s so funny how many of those Starbucks things lie on the borderline between good and gross, often crossing the line after a couple of sips.
Too much of a good thing! You expressed that perfectly.
This leaf-shaped bottle I bought for like 2 dollars from a perfume bottle wholesaler… I wonder if drops of nature use the same bottle purchased through that wholesaler. It looks EXACTLY the same. I purchased a bunch of these leaf bottles and made some fragrances myself, and just gave em away to my friends.
that bottle is just adorable….I wouldn’t be surprised if they came from the same wholesaler, very likely from the same manufacturer. What a lovely friend you are to have made those gifts!
I don’t know where this company purchases its bottles, but this one certainly is pretty, and feels nice to the touch, too!
Most probably it is the same wholesaler. I’m shopping for bottles for my fragrances now, and it’s amazing to discover you know where some of them come from. Great taste — those are gorgeous.
Isn’t it pretty? I wonder whether the company will use the same bottle design if it adds other scent blends to its line in the future.
I love mint notes in a fragrance, and this sounds nice and subtle. I always strive to use and support cruelty-free (animal-friendly) products, and recently I’ve been exploring more botanical and natural fragrances, as well. Thanks for this article!
Hi Linda! The mint is definitely dominant, but since the formula is oil-based, the scent stays close to the skin until it fades. Glad you enjoyed the review!
Looks like something I need to check out!!
~T
Since you particularly appreciate natural/botanical products, it’s worth a look! 🙂
Jessica,
I just read that you are an art historian. I love that! I was an art history major in college 🙂 Got side-tracked and am now a midwife….but still long for those days.
~T
Well, I know very little about midwifery, but I think it’s fascinating and very, very important! 🙂
Sounds wonderful and at a great price!
I really prefer it to Aveda’s Blue Oil, for example… It has a richer scent and it’s made by a smaller company, which always appeals to me!
Sounds wonderful but alas, no shipping to Canada….
Oh no, really? Sorry… I think it’s a fairly new company at this point. Let’s hope they eventually expand their shipping options!
hi..jessica..whatz up