Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 15…
Malin + Goetz offers 24 vegetable-based soaps in a traditional glass apothecary jar (eight soaps each of rum, lime, and peppermint fragrances); $250…
Father’s Day 2013 ~ scented gift suggestions
My father is deceased. My partner and I wouldn’t dream of calling each other “Dad” or “Pa” (nor do either of us qualify as “sugar daddy” to the other). My two cats are treated like children, but neither is smart enough to buy me a present. Father’s Day is pretty meaningless at my house! How’s that for a kick-off to this article? Personal life aside, I hear people all around me complaining about Father’s Day: fathers are often disappointed in the gifts they receive, suspecting the gift is more for the giver, than the receiver (tickets to shows and games, fancy dinners at restaurants); children struggle to buy something original that will still be enjoyed. Since my “beat” is perfume, here are some scented suggestions if you’re still searching for a gift.
Let’s start with the head; the locus of male drudgery — shaving. Classic Shaving offers some cool gift options: its retro, and colorful, Pinaud-Clubman set includes five, 12.5 oz bottles of Lime Sec and Citrus Musk Eaux de Cologne, Lilac Vegetal, Bay Rum and Clubman “Original” aftershave lotions, $50 (or the same set in 6 oz bottles for $30); the Thiers Issard Super Badger 26mm Shaving Brush is beautiful (the bristles are set into a desert ironwood base), $230; present the brush with a tin of Pré de Provence Shaving Cream, 150 g, sage scent, $15. Have a dad with whiskers? Give him some beard soap and beard tonic from Ireland…
Malin + Goetz ~ shopping for perfume in New York City
The Malin + Goetz storefront in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood originally served as the company’s all-inclusive headquarters: boutique, offices, showroom, and e-commerce shipping center. Last year, staff operations relocated to a nearby address, and the shop itself expanded to fill the rear area of the interior. (Malin + Goetz also recently opened a second Manhattan location at 455 Amsterdam Avenue, spreading its influence to the Upper West Side.)
When you enter Malin + Goetz, you may find yourself happily dazed by the gleaming white interior of the company’s “apothecary” area, where precisely arranged rows of products for skin, hair, and body are displayed in open shelves. Testers are available, and a friendly young sales assistant will be able to help you in selecting a few items. You’ll also notice a few imaginative touches placed amongst the merchandise, like antique apothecary jars and dog figurines — as well as the owners’ two real dogs, who often spend time in the shop…
Malin + Goetz Synthesized Geranium Leaf, Petitgrain Tonic ~ new fragrances
Malin + Goetz has introduced two new fragrances, Synthesized Geranium Leaf and Petitgrain Tonic, meant to be worn alone or layered:
Synthesized Geranium Leaf ~ “Our synthesized geranium leaf is scientifically engineered for its green fresheness [sic]”, with notes of green apple, cyclamen, geranium, coriander and musk…
A handful of hand creams: A round-up for winter 2008
Winter is approaching in my part of the world, and it’s time to protect skin — including hands — against the cold, dry air. I expect a good-quality hand cream to moisturize effectively, of course, but it will appeal to me even more if it has natural ingredients, a lush texture, stylish packaging … and a fragrance with aromatherapeutic benefits or pleasant associations. Here are a few choices that include some or all of those features.
The scent of L’Occitane Honey & Lemon Hand Cream is both bright and soothing, tart and sweet; it’s mouth-watering without being too dessert-like. The cream itself is a bit less dense than the original Shea Butter Hand Cream (a L’Occitane classic, with its super-thick consistency and its milky aroma), but it still includes a generous amount of shea butter. Its small tube is perfect for carrying in a purse. ($10 for 1 oz. at loccitane)
Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Hand Treatment is my current pick for a workplace hand cream…