Some of the best ideas can come from the smallest of inspirations. Such is the case with Lather, a natural skin and body care company that’s the brainchild of Emilie Davidson Hoyt, a longtime migraine sufferer that found relief with the soothing powers of lavender that propelled her to go deeper into the world of natural care. From a humble beginning producing a line of olive oil-based soaps, over the past fifteen years the brand has since blossomed into an extensive collection of natural products designed to nurture your skin without exposing it to toxins. I’m psyched to be introducing you to Lather and picking out a few of my top gift ideas from the line for your consideration. Trust me, not only will your loved one thank you, their skin will too!
Glow on the Go Gift Set – $35
Lather is really all about helping you keep your skin looking fresh and revitalized – naturally. With winter on its way out, now is the time to start prepping and buffing your skin for exposure in shorts, sleeveless shirts, and (eep) bathing suits. With that in mind, I’d genuinely recommend giving any of their body buffers a go to gently yet effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal healthy new underlayers. Can’t decide between the zesty Cranberry Sugar Rub or the sand-like texture of the Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Scrub? This cute collection of travel-sized scrubbers is the perfect way to sample some of the line’s very best to find the one that works for you, while also always having a tub on hand whilst say, on a beach vacation.
Perfect Canvas Face Kit – $59
After you’ve taken care of your body, the next step is to keep that lovely mug of yours in tip top shape. Lather has a massive collection of soothing moisturizers, makeup removers, masks, and more, suited for multiple skin types. Those in the know (that would be, some of Hollywood’s top makeup artists) will also point you in the direction of this awesome little kit that primes and preps your face to take makeup beautifully, with a moisturizing Cucumber & Ginseng Facial Mist, Shine Control Face Lotion, and Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (to name just a few goods stashed in the sleek travel bag). Looking for a more concentrated collection? Try one of their five-piece travel-sized kits designed for oily, dry, and combination skin for $29 a pop.
Muscle Ease – $18
Regardless of what a doctor ever advises you, everyone’s got a stimulant that helps them ease physical pain. Whether it’s a bag of frozen peas or a hot water bottle or an invigorating cold patch, there’s plenty of pain relievers out there. This Muscle Ease Gel incorporates botanical pain relievers used by ancient Northern Mexican tribes to ease aches. With an icy hot sensation, gift this to someone in your life that’s training for a marathon, struggling with arthritis or old age pains, or has recently had a tumble as a sweet gift to show you care.
Hair Appoint-mint – $45
Not only does Lather take care of your face and body, they’ve got your hair covered (but never in parabens) too! If you ever struggle to get fully awake in the morning, then consider their Mint Thyme and Avocado Mint hair products your saving grace: few things invigorate you more than a soapy cloud with an intense minty tingle. This three-pack of goodies includes a deep moisturizing hair mask, as well as shampoo and conditioner that’s gentle enough for daily use. Bonus points for keeping icky chemicals from seeping into your scalp – a great pick for a friend that’s concerned about the environment while getting clean.
Aromatherapy Candle Sampler – $20
Hello perfect hostess gift. So pleased to meet you. This adorable collection of pint-sized, heavenly-scented, soy wax candles delivers on multiple fronts. Cute, gift-ready packaging? Check. Heady, brain-soothing scents like Cinnamon Orange & Clove or Lavender Lime? Double check. Carcinogen and toxin-free wax that burns clean and won’t stain your walls? Check, check check! Amazing price point? You’ve got it. And when your giftee is done burning her way through these little guys, Lather sells full-sized versions of all their candles for future gifting purposes.
Soap Sampler – $24
Many natural care brands start with soap. After all, it’s probably the most accessible natural product you can make in your own home. Lather was one such brand that started as such, with rich soaps infused with olive oil for an ultra-nourishing scrubbing experience. Today they still have about a dozen different varieties (not including their shower gels and hand soaps), four of which are bundled together in this great houseguest gift. Combining the powers of aromatherapy with a soothing blend of ingredients, you simply can’t go wrong handing this one over (unless of course, you decide to keep it for yourself because it smells so amazing!)
Now you should know that Lather does ship online to Canada, however they’re also carried at the Eternal Skincare Store in Vancouver + their online equivalent. Buying from them means lower shipping fees and avoiding those pesky customs costs…so do some browsing already why don’t ya? (Note: the prices quoted in this post reflect the USD prices on the Lather website and may not be equivalent to what’s on eskincarestore.ca)
Now to polish things off, I’m psyched to tell you that one lucky winner is going to take home a lovely gift set – namely, Lather’s Ultimate Spa collection – valued at $129! Want it to be you? Here’s how to enter:
1) Visit the Lather website and leave a link back to the item you’d most love to try for yourself. You have until April 4 to make your pick!
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 April 5, 2014 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 Entries: 3 ways to gain them. In all cases, you’ve gotta provide proof you’ve done what I’ve asked by leaving a comment below, whether it’s a link to your FB post or what have you.
Facebook – Like Lather. Leave a comment about why you’d like to try the Ultimate Spa set. Share your link here.
Twitter – Follow Lather. Tag them and me (@cdngiftguide) in a Tweet about why you think their brand is awesome + link back to this post. Leave a link to your Tweet here.
Instagram – Follow Lather. Like the photo of your choice + leave a comment, and link back to that photo here (with your instagram username).
IMPORTANT: Please make sure your bonus entries and base entries are all entered as separate comments, or they won’t be counted (i.e. don’t put your base entry, Facebook, and Twitter into one comment).