Fresh and fragrant for the holidays: Soaps

A few years ago I received a bundle of soaps for Christmas. While they were not from a brand I was loyal to, their scents were too inviting not to try. It made me realize that soaps are universal, reasonable and actually useful—they are after all hygiene staples—and giving them out as gifts might be a common thing but still a good idea. So here are three brands (two local, one imported) that you might want to look into when considering gifts for this season.

Philippa

This is a locally produced line of luxury soaps made from Philippine coconut oil with other essential oils added. Born out of a hobby three years ago, Philippa is slowly getting local recognition courtesy of their beautifully wrapped, deliciously scented soaps.

Lavender and rosemary, coffee and orange, cucumber citron, and guava peppermint are just a few of their aromatic scents. The brand’s best seller is Philippa No. 4, or the almond milk and lavender.

But their recommended holiday whiff would be Philippa No. 5, or the cinnamon and orange—which “smells like Christmas,” according to their personnel.

For the holidays, Philippa offers gift bundles in unique packaging such as two 100-gram soaps in crochet pouches that can be used as body scrubs (P350) or hand-painted resin boxes (P900). Soon, the line will also add massage oils and scented candles in their roster.

Philippa is available at select Beauty Bar branches and at Seek The Uniq. Orders can also be made via their social media sites. Nationwide shipment can be arranged.

LUSH

Now who wouldn’t be familiar with UK soap and bath line LUSH, or at least smelled the inviting aroma that wafts out at passersby from their mall outlets?

LUSH has brought back holiday favorites for the Christmas season. The tried and tested Snow Fairy Shower gel in sweet vanilla fragrance returns to shelves, along with newly launched scents like the Snowman Fun, which has a tinge of carrot. Other products have strong cinnamon and nutmeg concoctions popular during this season.

LUSH has adorned its pre-packed gifts with artworks inspired by Nordic pop, German techno, the City of Gold and stories of Hans Christian Andersen, hence some gift sets have gold wrappings, while others look like books or like they're inspired by stories.

These whimsical packs are available in all LUSH branches for the duration of the Christmas season.

Limitless Body Soap

A newcomer in the local beauty industry, Limitless Possibilities sources imported ingredients from reputable companies worldwide and manufactures and packages them in the Philippines. One of their introductory offering is the Limitless Body Soap, which retails for P160.

The body soap comes in one size, 135 grams, with a scent of pink grapefruit. Its active ingredient, Algowhite, is from Codif of France, an internationally recognized cosmetic company manufacturer. It is a natural marine, plant- based skin lightening ingredient.

Skin lightening is admittedly still a Filipino craze. Limitless Body Soap caters to this niche of clients and the company claims it is safe for use. The soap is infused with papaya extract and is coconut-based as well.

Limitless Body Soap can be purchased online. — BM, GMA News