Gastown's Picks: Unique Grooming, Apothecary & All Things That Smell Good
Soap on a rope, beard oil, whisky aftershave, tobacco candles, oh my! This week, the Gastown blog team went on a mission to find all things that smell good from unique apothecary to top notch grooming items. Check out our top ten picks!
Nouvelle Nouvelle
209 Abbott Street
Tel: 604-682-2234
www.nouvellenouvelle.com
Dude Beard Oil No. 1
Fresh, spicy, and woody, this fragrance is the new classic manly scent that will make you want to get close. With Virginia cedarwood, green coriander and pink peppercorn. This formula is 100% natural and uses only essential oils, organic hemp seed oil and American jojoba oil.
Tai Fish Soap
This soap is pressed in the shape of a Tai Fish (or sea bream), which in Japanese culture is associated with good fortune. Give this as a unique housewarming gift or hostess gift. Made in Japan.
Whisky Aftershave
This vegan after-shave with sea minerals bathes the skin with the amazing and nourishing properties of the sea. Made without drying alcohol, it’s a natural alternative for the post-shave routine, full of enriching and refreshing ingredients—sea kelp extract, blue-green algae, organic aloe vera juice, and tea tree essential oil. The scent is reminiscent of an ol’ yachtsman relaxing below deck at the end of a long day on the wild ocean, a favorite Scotch in hand. Made in U.S.A.
Old Faithful
320 West Cordova Street
Tel: 778-327-9376
www.oldfaithfulshop.com
Peppermint Shampoo Bar
Hand-crafted using an old New England recipe, these shampoo bars will lather thick and quick to give you a penetrating and thoroughly rejuvenating cleanse. Made purely of natural oils these bars will leave your hair healthy and give it a great shine. Packaging is 100% biodegradable.
D.R. Harris Marlborough Shaving Soap in Mahogany Bowl
D. R. Harris Marlborough shaving soap is a solid white soap of the finest quality: it’s triple-milled to increase the profuseness of the lather, which helps to soften the beard for an easier shave. The bowl is hand-turned in dark wood.
Vetiver & Black Pepper Hair Powder
An all organic, talc-free powder for your hair on days of unwash. This silky powder is perfect for on-the-go styling and will leave your hair smelling fresh and feeling clean. Sprinkle a dime size amount of powder into your hands and rub through the roots of your dry hair. The scents feature a woody vetiver layered with dark black pepper & coriander.
Orling & Wu
28 Water Street
Tel: 604-568-6718
www.orlingandwu.com
Arlington Soap-on-a-Rope
Carried on from a long history of chemists and perfumers, the classic Arlington line is produced with a subtle blend of fern and citrus that is refreshing and stimulating. This white soap includes almond oil to prevent drying of the skin and is triple-milled for a longer lasting lather. The rope makes this a convenient product to hang up for use in the shower. Made by England’s legendary D.R. Harris.
Coconut Oil Cream Shampoo
A cream shampoo made with natural oil suitable for normal to dry hair. The shampoo has a rich lather making it economical in use. Made in U.S.A.
Roden Gray
8 Water Street
Tel: 604-689-7302
www.rodengray.com
Aesop Moroccan Shaving Serum
Low-foaming, maximum-slip shaving serum for all skin types. Enhanced with anti-inflammatory and hydrating aloe vera, sandalwood, and neroli blossom. Manufactured In Australia.
Malin+Goetz Tobacco Candle
This intoxicating tobacco candle synthesizes botanical and medicinal properties of traditional apothecary origin for a smooth, smoky aroma and entheogenic experience. Tobacco candle features earth-friendly, natural blend of beeswax, vegetable and soy waxes and is made in the USA. This blend offers a cleaner and better burn.
Don’t forget to check out the Black Friday in Vancouver event happening tomorrow in Gastown! See you in the neighbourhood!
