Guelph: Natural selection

The transition from winter to summer can be an awkward one.  Suddenly the weather calls for sandals, skirts and dresses (sans tights).  And so, the first order of business is to repair and ready the winter-skin that has been abused and hidden for the past six months.

I headed downtown to Saffron Rouge (55 Wyndham St. N., 519-780-0467 x102, saffronrouge.com), Guelph’s organic skin care and aromatherapy boutique.   Saffron Rouge only carries products made with certified organic ingredients. (The same is true for their extensive online shop.)  Products range from hair and skin care items, to makeup and essential oils.

After some serious browsing, Balm Balm Rose Geranium Hand Balm ($15) caught my eye, thanks in part to the simple and cute pink packaging (which, as I learned, is recyclable and sourced from sustainable forests).  It’s 100 per cent organic and natural, is not tested on animals and unlike many environmentally friendly products I’ve tried, it actually works.  My wind-chapped hands are relieved and ready for bocce.

If you are a shopper that appreciates thoughtful packaging, then Pangea Organics Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime Facial Toner ($34) is sure to impress.  The box is glue and dye free, made with 100 per cent post-consumer newsprint and is actually impregnated with seeds.  If you soak the box in water then plant it in the ground, you can grow medicinal herbs all summer.  No fooling.  And lets not forget about the toner –one spritz, and the moisture that was stolen away this winter by harsh, forced-air heating is back and ready for the new season.

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