Smells Like Christmas

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on November 4, 2013 · 99 Comments

The title of this post comes care of my husband – once he said it, I couldn’t get it out of my mind. You see, the folks at Fig+Yarrow, today’s featured brand, were kind enough to send me a few products to stave off the awful dry winter I know we’re about to be hit with, and I’ve been busy testing them out over the last few weeks. The first time I slathered on their Complexion Waters and Facial Serum, I strolled past the hubs and he commented to me, “How do you smell like Christmas?” I’m not sure that was exactly creator Brandy Monique had in mind, but there’s no doubt that her organic line of apothecary-inspired unisex health and vanity products certainly smell delightful – and work. I’ve picked out a few choice items that I strongly, strongly recommend you add to your holiday wish lists if you too are keen on battling the elements this season.

Hair + Scalp Tonic – $34
Our hair takes a serious walloping in the wintertime – so I was quite eager to try this pseudo-miracle potion for your locks (and facial hair, gents). It promises to do everything from nourish your scalp and strands to stimulate hair growth, improve the texture of your locks, and work as a styling product (both as a deep conditioner and a smoothing serum). That’s a pretty impressive punch in one little glass bottle – in part thanks to the organic horsetail, rosemary, burdock root and nettles that are contained within. You can use it before the shower, after the shower, and even IN the shower. A few experiments on my end all went smoothly – literally. My hair felt more touchable, manageable, and honestly, lovable, no matter how I used it. A genius choice for your unruly-haired mom.

Facial Serum – $38
Working our way down, if it were possible to have a crush on a skincare product, mine would be on Fig+Yarrow’s Facial Serum. This potent formula is made with natural oils and plant essences and miraculously works for just about any skin type. Why? Because it does so gosh dang much. Combined with the brand’s equally awesome Complexion Waters spray, it’s a pretty killer moisturizer that can withstand even the windiest of days. While your skin is soaking up all that moisture, the Facial Serum is also applying its powers to help balance your sebum (acne-causing) levels, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and some deep cellular repair for an overall more refreshed, healthy glow. An equally good choice for your mom as it is for yourself.

Aftershave – $52
I’m featuring this product not because I personally tried it, but because I wanted to highlight that although Fig+Yarrow is totally unisex, their vintage-inspired glass bottles and labeling do have sort of a masculine flavour to ’em, particularly when applied to a made-for-men product like this spicy aftershave. Of course, like all of Fig+Yarrow’s multi-tasking products, it does more than meets the eye: aside from being a skin soother post-shave, it also works anywhere he’s feeling a little dry – meaning he can finally stop stealing your precious lotions. Plus, the intoxicating, rugged scent can easily replace your cologne. Since it comes in a gift-ready box, all you’ve got to do is stick a gift tag on it and hook your favourite father figure or husband up.

Oral Hygiene Rinse – $26
One of the things that excites me the most about Fig+Yarrow is the fact they aren’t just a skincare company. Indeed, creator Brandy Monique takes her role as chief apothecary quite seriously by presenting a full line-up of remedies for maladies of all sorts: including what’s going on in your mouth. This minty Oral Hygiene Rinse is a natural alternative to the slightly scary chemical-laden mouthwashes you’ll find on store shelves. As you swish this zingy concoction around your mouth, you’ll be killing the bacteria that causes bad breath while also nourishing your gums and polishing up your teeth. A slick choice to replace his bargain bottle mouthwash, particularly when paired with a few other Fig+Yarrow products for a fun self-created gift set.

Cardamom + Coffee Body Scrub – $44
I always get psyched when I see products with coffee in them, primarily because from a cutesy perspective, I always like the idea of giving gifts that reflect someone’s interests but in an unexpected way. So for the caffeine addict in your life, validate their obsession because those beans are an essential ingredient to breaking up cellulite and toning up your skin. Despite the scrub’s heavy-duty exfoliating and skin-refreshing powers however, it’s also infused with three super nourishing butters to ultimately polish up your skin and give it a healthy glow.

Yarrow Buttercream – $48
When Fig+Yarrow creator Brandy and I were talking about my need for crazy moisturizing products, she immediately suggested the brand’s signature Yarrow Buttercream. Just a small dollop of this magical, jelly-like lotion provides lasting hydration for your hands and face. If you aren’t a fan of oils or you find your skin just doesn’t gel with them, this facial treatment is one of the few creamy lotions I’ve seen in the natural care market, making it an essential pick for guys and girls that simply want skin that’s smooth as butter as opposed to crusty and worn out. Beyond its nourishing properties, the Yarrow Buttercream also promises to help repair your skin to its natural glory.

So a few notes about this brand before I sign off. First of all, I haven’t written about all of their products – not even close – so be sure to take a browse for yourself as I may have missed that product that’s a must-have for you personally. Second, as Fig+Yarrow builds up a loyal fan base (myself included), their goodies sell out faster and faster. So don’t be discouraged if you spy something is sold out; it will be restocked soon enough. Third, you can buy Fig+Yarrow through their Shopify or Etsy storefronts, but a number of their products are also sold at Toronto’s Drake General Store. While this wraps up my tour du jour of yet another amazing brand, it does not wrap up your chance to indulge in some Fig+Yarrow goodness. The brand sells a number of amazing kits to introduce you to their products: the Bath+Body Kit, the Hygiene Kit, and the Balm+Salve Kit. I’m gifting three of you with one of these kits each. If you want to win one of them, here’s how to enter:

1) Check out the full line of Fig+Yarrow products and leave a link below to the item you’re most in need of as the winter blows in, before November 21st!

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around November 22nd to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Fig+Yarrow is on Facebook and Twitter. Like them. Follow them. Leave a comment on their wall. Tweet at them. Do these things and leave a link back in the comments below to earn yourself one or two entries.