Lather

It's almost shopping season again, and I tell you what. There is nowhere, I mean nowhere, that you will find the fresh, natural beauty you can buy at Lather. This is one of those companies that does not try to be natural and fresh, it simply is. Everything is beautiful - from their product to their simple packaging to the scent of the candles burning in the store.
Lather is a natural beauty store located in Pasadena. I have to list it as a new find, because, although it's been open for a few years, almost nobody in the greater LA area knows about it. And trust me, you need to know what you've been missing.
Lather offers skin care that's light, fluffy and amazingly aromatic. Sweet almond exfoliating cream, ginger wasabi hand lotion and a yuzu (yes, the fruit from Japan that is so sweet and delicate) product called Renew. All of their creams, lotions and washes are so light and refreshing that you'll feel like you're wearing nothing but the air.
Ahhh...
And as for their aromatherapy - that's where those gifts I was talking about come in. The candles at Lather are truly amazing. The cinnamon\orange\clove candle is my favorite, and so popular that the small version is even on back order. You can order a sampler with six tiny candles or go for the larger ones individually... brown sugar, lemongrass, lavendar... and all beautifully decorated.
I understand that getting to Pasadena can be a bother, but if you need to spice up your life, you really should take the trip. Wandering around this store is like taking off for a mini oasis. And if you really do have the time to do more than just wander - head to New York and treat yourself to the whole prize. In New York, Lather has a spa! Maybe that's where heaven is...