This week, I’m enjoying my “home-away-from home” — California. I’m trying to stay outdoors as much as possible, and I plan on enjoying the desert and the ocean. Today finds me in Palm Springs, and if all goes as planned, when this review posts, I’ll be on horseback, riding through Murray Canyon in gorgeous weather.
I’ve been heartened recently at fragrance companies who give back to their communities by sharing some of their profits for great causes…
I am so late (sorry!) that Lush has sold out of All The Wild Things in the US and Canada, but you can still find this charity soap bar in the UK for £5: "We can only imagine the horror faced out in the Australian bush by those who are going out searching for animal survivors amongst the estimated billion creatures killed so far in the fires. In recognition of the overwhelming task faced by this informal Animal’s Emergency Service, we have made All The Wild Things soap. Net proceeds from this limited edition eucalyptus and lemongrass soap will go to animal rescue groups providing emergency first aid and rehabilitation as well as restoring the habitat where the wild things were." Charity Navigator also has a page on the fires in Australia if you'd like to donate directly.
I am still lemming that darned Salta candle and here is another limited edition I could live with: the Cire candle. "The Cire scented candle is an olfactory representation of the manufacture: symbolic, it blends emanations of warm wax and perfumes being crafted. Reinterpreting Cire Trudon’s fundamental values - ancient savoir-faire and commitment to excellence - the scented candle reveals a unique perfume: behind the amber-colored glass, a beeswax absolute. Bees and beeswax have always been at the heart of the manufacture’s History: since the 17th century, Cire Trudon’s motto is “Deo regique laborant”, which means: “they (the bees) work for God and the King”. 2019 marks a turning point for the Maison, as Cire Trudon decided to financially help the Orne Dark Bee Conservatory, with the partnership of the Perche Nature Park. 4 percent of all sales of the Maison’s Cire candle will go toward the saving of Orne Dark Bees." $125.
Caswell Massey's Yellowstone collection, in collaboration with Yellowstone Forever, includes a series of five "Fragrance Tonics" (Eau de Toilette splashes) inspired by Yellowstone National Park. "Old Faithful Fragrance Tonic is an unusual fragrance derived from living floral captures near the Old Faithful Geyser, with wonderful base notes of Moss and Pinesmoke combined with a blend of aromatic notes, including Yellowstone Sage, Blue Lupine, & Larkspur. Derived from rare botanicals near the most active thermal features in the Park. Old Faithful is the most unusual and unique scent, with Living Sagebrush, Tree Moss, Birch & a strong scent of Smoky Wood." $48 for 100 ml, or there is a multi-purpose skin and hair oil, $42 for 30 ml, either way, a portion of the proceeds benefits the park. You can read more about the project here.
Aveda's Shampure hand and body wash in a limited edition to benefit charity: water. "100% of your purchase price gives clean water to one person", plus "Gently cleanse your skin with this sulfate-free babassu nut-derived cleanser. Calms the senses with an aroma with 25 pure flower and plant essences including certified organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang ylang." 500 ml for $35.