Believe Loves CB's I Hate Perfume

Christopher Brosius is an odd fellow. We admit it. But he is a talented odd fellow. It seems Christopher was born with a natural nose--a rare gift that allows the owner to have a heightened sense of smell that is exactly on target...like a singer with a perfect pitch. He has elevated perfume to an art form. You might say that Believe Beauty Lounge is one of his art galleries, where we showcase his works of art--CB Perfumes.

Christopher considered becoming a scientist when he was a child. We are glad he didn't because we would have missed his innovative scents that have won awards, been featured in museums and are worn by some of the planets most interesting people (which makes his perfumes perfect for Believe customers.)

A natural nose comes in handy if one is a gourmand food taster, a world-class vintner or a legendary perfumer. Christopher Brosius is the latter. His company is named CB I Hate Perfume.

In 1992, Christopher moved back to his parent’s farm in Pennsylvania and, while there, read a life-changing book, “ A Natural History Of The Senses.” The chapter on scent so captivated him; he began making some scents using essential oils. He soon branched out into trying to replicate scents in nature that inspired him…like the smell of freshly turned earth in his garden. He made a perfume that replicated that scent. It was a smash success when it was introduced at a New York department store.

Soon he was creating scents from many things in nature and his next choice, Snow, was also wildly popular.

In 2003, 70 of Christopher’s scents were included in the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum’s Triennial exhibition. It was the first time that a major art museum recognized that scent was designed.  

Christopher relocated his studio to Williamsburg in Brooklyn, opened the CB I Hate Perfume Gallery, and began trying to capture every possible pleasant scent. 

True, some are scents that have never been seen as perfume scents (like the award-winning Snow) but each helps the wearer discover their own unique expression of self.

Asked to sum up his work in only three words, Christopher said,
"Scent is life.” He continues, “ The sense of smell is our first link to the world around us. It reminds us of what (and who) we love. Smell is perhaps the most complex sense we possess and none of the other senses can touch us so profoundly. Not even music can stir the mind & heart so powerfully.”

With his perfumes, Christopher hopes to help each of us achieve the essence of our individuality. “Scent is always individual,” he says. “Your sense of smell is one of the most unique things about you – more individual than your fingerprints, the shape of your ear, the pattern of your retina. Your sense of smell is one of the most important factors that define you as YOU. The way you respond to any scent is unlike anyone else’s – no one remembers what you do, no one feels what you feel. There is a reason you remember certain scents so fondly. Scent is the record of your own special life – it’s your experience."

No animal-derived ingredients are used in Christopher’s perfume, nor is alcohol used, as he believes it evaporates too quickly. Some of Christopher’s perfumes, using lighter ingredients like citrus and jasmine, do wear off sooner than ones with stronger ingredients like sandalwood or leather, but his perfumes are so concentrated, only a little is needed. (Also because natural ingredients are used, if properly stores, the perfumes don’t lose or change their smells even years later.)

CB I Hate Perfume scents can also be used by either men or women and Christopher encourages layering of scents to create the perfect scent for you.

Christopher sums his work as a perfumer up this way:
“Perfume is an art that shows us who we can be if we dare – an invisible portrait of who we are.”

We are proud to support Christopher in his mission to help each of us recognize how we are totally unique and are delighted to carry CB I Hate Perfume scents at Believe Beauty Lounge. Come and discover your scent at Believe

And They're Off!

Congratulations! If you are reading this, you have managed to live through Thanksgiving (and breaking bread with those family members you wouldn't have anything to do with if you weren't related), got a few bargains (and avoided getting trampled) on Black Friday. So far, so good.

But those two events are only the starting gun for the exhausting holiday season. You've got a long race to run, so we at Believe recommend you take this time (before you have none left at all) to take a deep breath and relax. Light one of our Zum Soy Candles and as you breathe in the lovely and long-lasting fragrance (like Frankincese and Myrrh and Pine) and feel your stress slipping away.

Such aromatherapy has been used for centuries and not always just for stress relief. Aromatherapy uses essential oils—the pure essence of plants—to provide psychological and physical benefits, as well as taking care of your general well-being.

Essential oils that are inhaled (like those found in our Zum Candles) not only trigger a reaction in the brain, but the natural “constituents” supply therapeutic benefits (for example, eucalyptus essential oil can help ease congestion—the natural origin of modern remedies like Vicks VapoRub.)

The Greeks, like the Chinese, Indians and Iranians before them, recognized the medicinal and aromatic benefits of plants. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefit and used myrrh (like in Zum's soy candes) for its aroma, anti-inflammatory properties and to heal wounds. An ancient Roman, Discorides wrote a book called De Materia Medica that described the properties of 500 plants.

But it was in the 11th century when essential oils truly began their heyday. A coiled cooling pipe which allowed plant vapor and steam to rise was invented by a Persian named Avicenna. By the 12th century a nun, Hildegard, made lavender famous for its healing properties and when the Black Plague decimated the countryside killing millions, essential oils were used by “the first responders” to stave off the disease. Eventually books were written and knowledge shared (an alchemist named Paracelcus, invented the word “essence”) and during the 16th century, people could buy oils at apothecaries. In fact essential oils and herbal remedies made up most of the medical toolbox until the late 19th century.

In the early part of 20th century, a French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, was working with essential oils, testing their aromatic use, when he burned his arm badly. He plunged it into the nearest liquid available, which was a vat of lavender oil. The burn healed quickly and with no scarring. He began a study of the healing properties of essential oils and named the procedures aromatherapy.

Here are the seven most popular essential oils in aromatherapy and their uses:

Lavender--is used for relaxation, insomnia, and as a disinfectant, for adding fragrance to linens and delicates, and even for use of scalds and burns. Eucalyptus--is used to ease mental exhaustion and depression, add energy, treat colds and flu, and help shorten viral infections. Lemon---is used to relieve stress, anxiety, mental fatigue and tension and also as an astringent and antiseptic. It's good for itchy skin conditions like eczema and also on oily skin. (It even helps cut grease on dishes—just put a drop or two in the dishwater.) Peppermint--is used for stress, depression, tension and upset tummies and as a stimulant. It will also help clear the sinuses. Rosemary--is used to treat stress, help concentration and memory, relieve muscle aches, pains and migraines, ease arthritis, help skin problems (including acne) and even get rid of cellulite. Tea Tree (Australian)--it is used as an antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial oil. It treats acne, sunburn (and other burns) and even helps get rid of warts. Ylang ylang--is used as an anti-depressant, sedative, antiseptic (and even aphrodisiac!) It is also good for acne, and oily or irritated skin. It is also considered a hair tonic (to help hair grow) and is even good on insect bites. There are a few don'ts when it comes to essential oils: They should never be used undiluted on the skin. They should always be applied via a carrier oil like sweet almond, apricot kernel or grapeseed oil, else their powerful concentration can irritate. Don't use the oils if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure (it’s always best to consult your medical practitioner before using anyway) and don't use on kids or pets (essential oils can be toxic to them both.) If you are prone to allergies, it is best to do a patch test first. But, used properly, essential oils can help you relax and Zum soy candles are a perfect way to bring some of the benefits of aromatherapy into your busy life. May we suggest you use them as the light source around a tub filled with fragrant bubbles? The lovely seasonal fragrances of Pine and Frankincense will whisk you away to a forest in Vermont or the palace of a King. Let the holiday rush wait a bit and catch your breath now before the Season gets into its full swing. (After you towel off, we here at Believe will even help you get great gifts for everyone on your list.) Till then, remember to be good to yourself.

Tips for beating holiday stress

Where did the time go? Wasn't it just Labor Day yesterday? It seems like that to us at Believe, but the holidays are upon us...Chanukah has begun, Christmas is hard on its heels, and then the new year beckons. Between now and then, it's rushing, shopping, parties, guests, family, and, of course, food, food and more food.

   All this celebrating is not only fun--but stressful. So...here's some tips to keep you beautiful and balanced through this hectic season and on into the new year:

*Get some sleep: You really don't have to stay up till midnight to get it all done. Take a page for the book of the older ladies you know--they do their shopping and wrapping w-a-a-y before the holidays (ok, make that a note to self for next year), but you can do a little each day now, instead of waiting till the last minute and thinking you will get it all done then. If you get to stay at home, nap! JFK ran the country on 10- minute power naps (though we prefer an hour after lunch). If you have little ones, curl up with them. You'll all be better able to cope.

*Drink more water than usual: Going in and out of heated spaces dries you up and good moist skin and hair begin on the inside. (Also, remember alcohol dehydrates you. Stick to a glass of festive champagne--it will help with the calorie count, too.)

*Hair needs moisture, too: Wash with a moisture giving shampoo and conditioner, then lock in that vital moisture by using a dab of organic butter worked through your hair. Try Aestelance Butter, made from basil, rosemary, sandalwood and all-natural ingredients (It smells wonderful and stands up to the constant on-off action of your cute wool hat.) Another trick to try--rub your hairbrushes with a dryer sheet every now and again. It helps with that static electricity problem. 

*Take off that cape: You aren't really Wonder Woman. Delegate! Your husband can wrap gifts, kids can load the dishwasher, and you don't have to volunteer to organize the gift exchange at work. Stress is hard on you (and is no good for your looks, either.)

*Not only your lips chap: You should always keep a good lip balm, like ZUM KISS, with you and use it often, but don't forget your cheeks, chin, elbows and knees. Winter winds get to the first two and keeping everything else covered constantly rubs and causes rough skin. Try thicker body butters like Zum Body, made with aloe vera, red clover, and essential oils.

*Make one more list: On top of the gift, wish, and to-do lists you are lugging around, make a gratitude list of all the blessings in your life. It is sure to give you the gift of perspective.

*Help others: Make sure to remember to save time and go online to donate to your local food pantry or pet shelter. Then, when you are kicking yourself for losing patience at your kids or spouse, you can remember you are not an evil witch--just over-worked.

*Give yourself more time: Start an hour earlier in the morning. Meditate for 20 minutes to start the day and take one item off your to-do list and move it to another day. You'll actually gain time by not being so frantic.

*Eat a good breakfast: Even if you don't the rest of the year, you need proteins and carbs (always yummy) since you are revving your engine higher now.

*Take a breath break: At around 2 or 3 pm when that slump hits (you know the one), stop everything and breathe deeply--in through your nose and out through your mouth--deeply enough to make your abdomen lift three times. Do a couple of neck rolls, rub your temples as though you are having a facial, and, if your doctor agrees, you might want to start taking a vitamin B tablet for a complex/protein boost.

*Think of those hidden hands and feet: Gloves and socks keep us warm, but wreck havoc with our skin and nails. Keep tea tree oil to rub on those toenails (to prevent fungus growth) and be sure to rub cream in your cuticles to keep them from cracking. We use Zum Rub, a shea butter moisturizer. Naturally, the skin of both hands and feet need extra moisture too. Make sure to run moisturizer all over immediately after a shower (before your skin dries) and remember to keep that shower on the cooler side. Hot water is drying. Keep cream to rub in your hands throughout the day (Zum Minis are great for your purse or briefcase.)

Pre-sleep stress busters: Consider giving up caffeine for the duration.  Explore the wonderful world of herbal teas (visit Annie's Remedies.com to learn the time-tested qualities of each). A cup before bed, a warm bath (throwing a few of the same herbs in some cheesecloth and then in the tub is restful, too) and lavender oil (a dot under your nose and one between and just above your eyebrows) can lead to more restful sleep and sweeter dreams (Maybe you'll actually have some visions of sugarplums dancing in your head!) Try all of these for over-excited little ones too.

*Relatives can be pains in the ***: We know, but you've only got one family --and as our mother's said, you can do anything for a little while--even put up with your mother or mean Aunt Sadie. You can steer the conversation in another direction or leave the room (no, that doesn't mean stomp out). Remember, you don't have to go to every fight you are invited to, life is short, and it is the holidays. Enjoy yourself.

*Treat yourself to an early gift: Have a facial (or even a Vitamin C or Pumpkin Peel Treatment to banish dry flakes) get a massage (cold muscles are stiff muscles and our therapist has magic fingers), stop by Believe for a cup of tea or espresso and a little shopping while you're at it. We've got a holiday special skin treatment Tapas menu--Pick two services for $100.) Buy a scalp/hair treatment for him and some of the world's greatest organic baby products for Junior. (Ask us how you can earn a gift card for yourself too!)

   From our family here at Believe to your family, we wish you happy (and stress-free) next few weeks and hope to see you soon.