By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
‘Tis the season to be on the lookout for quirky little items that can be popped into Christmas stockings. And funnily enough, your pharmacy can be a goldmine, when it comes to last-minute treats (plus, by shopping locally, you’ll be on Nice List, too).
SCENTSATIONAL GIFTS…
Essential oils are the classic good things that come in small packages – and a little goes a long way. We have a great selection, from Aura Cacia (who do actually stock the original Christmas scent, Frankincense & Myrrh), and also Now – whose offerings include cinnamon cassia oil, spearmint and cloves.
They can be used in diffusers (to make the whole house smell sweet), or even dubbed neat onto the tiles in your shower, to be activated by the steam. Never add undiluted essential oils to your bath – they won’t disperse and could burn your skin. Luckily, simply by adding a few drops to a neutral carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) you can make your own fragrant bespoke bath oil. Ta da!
SOAP OPERA…
Looking for something (else) for the bathing beauty in your life? How about one of our Nesti Dante Bionatura soaps, made from only the finest ingredients…like argan oil and wild hay.
At the other extreme, there’s Surly Soap – for the worker in your midst. Surly’s ‘Mild’ bar is gently exfoliating, so the more you use it, the more dirt and grease you scrub off.
THE WINNER, HANDS DOWN…
Treats for the hands and nails are always welcome. Given how thoroughly we are all washing our hands these days – 20 seconds at the taps, people – who doesn’t need moisturiser? We stock handy (handbag sized) containers, from market leaders like Aveeno, Neutrogena, Cerave and Burt’s Bees, to keep your hands soft and supple. It’s also worth having a look at Nail Tek’s excellent range – like first aid for your nails! One little bottle can help transform damaged, brittle or soft nails into things of beauty. Next stop: the manicurist!
LIP BALM
Get ready to pucker up under the mistletoe with some lip salve. We’ve got some cute products from Blistex, ChapStick and Dr Bronner’s, to name just three. Choose from dinky pots, or the traditional lipstick format (in a range of flavours…like Blistex’s Fruit Smoothies, ChapStick’s Tropical Paradise trio or Dr Bronner’s orange and ginger). There are even some seasonal flavours.
CROWNING GLORIES
You don’t have to have a long-haired lover from Liverpool to appreciate that you can never have too many hair bands, or scrunchies, or barrettes in the house (assuming your house is not Warwick Camp). Check out our selection of hair accessories (from brand leaders Goody) – including soft towelling headbands in bright colours, and handbag sized brushes and combs – for the well-groomed guy or gal on your list.
GOOD FOR THE SOLE…
For the Cinderella in your life – who’s going to be cramming her feet into gorgeous (but pretty darned uncomfortable) shoes over the 12 days of Christmas, how about a pack of Scholl’s Party Feet? These gel inserts slip neatly into footwear, so instead of hobbling you’ll feel like you’re dancing on air.
YOU SCRATCH MY BACK…
In the shower, or the bath, a loofah massager can reach the parts that we mere mortals cannot. Earth Therapeutics’ all-natural back scratcher has a long handle, and comes with a loop, so you can hang it in your bath or shower. Ready to scratch that itch!
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
