FOR most people, the stress of the holidays is already kicking in.
Between juggling work and a fully booked social calendar, shopping for presents and decorating, there's hardly a moment to spare. But there is something special that can take the edge off and it comes in a cute little bottle. No, it's not vodka.
21 Drops is offering a fresh and practical take on aromatherapy. A far cry from grandma's potent incense, the line carries 21 blends of pure, essential oils designed to ease headaches, heartbreak and even PMS.
You can apply the oils directly to your skin - on the inside of your wrists and temples or dab them onto a tissue and inhale.
"You want to apply it to pressure points because that's where you have veins that pump to your heart," said Rachel Rossiter, assistant manager at Kiss & Makeup in The Village at Park Royal.
Choose one scent or combine them. Names like "Hangover," and "Decongest," make it easy to tell what each blend does.
"Say you have a headache but you're feeling really stressed, you could use the Headache plus the De-stress," said Rossiter.
Derived from herbs, these essential oils do not double as perfumes. They're meant to help the user feel better and get on with the day.
"You'll notice after a few minutes the scents really disperse and that's done on purpose. Some people don't want to smell like ginger root all day," said Rossiter.
That works well for those who still want to wear their own fragrance and for those who are sensitive to smells.
So, how effective are the remedies?
I rubbed Headache onto my wrists, temples and the back of my head and was surprised at the difference I noticed. The tension in my crown immediately eased up. It may not have as strong of an effect as Advil, but it does provide some relief and I find myself reaching for my bottle several times throughout the day.
In addition to the aforementioned pressure points, Rossiter recommended using the oils wherever there is an issue - on the back to ease stiffness, for example.
"Because they're finely cold pressed, they're very small molecules and they can absorb a lot deeper and easier."
21 Drops is available at Kiss & Makeup. Pick up a bottle for $32 or a gift set for $88.
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While you're at the boutique, check out the host of holiday gifts it recently stocked up on:
Pendleton Woolen Mills offers cosy blankets and accessories in Native American-inspired designs. For the hipster on your list, Eugenia Kim hats are available in luxe fabrics like rabbit hair.
