Sometimes I hate that we live in a stare-at-your-phone all day society. No, seriously. It grinds my gears…but truthfully, I’m guilty of the very thing I despise. I walk through daily life staring at my phone, unintentionally avoiding personal connections and missing out — on wonderful landmarks like C. O. Bigelow, the nation’s oldest apothecary.
Now, here’s the kicker — I’ve lived in the NY/ NJ area my entire life. I’ve walked past C. O. Bigelow in Greenwich Village a million times, but yet I’ve never stepped foot inside this rare gem (until recently). And I’m not just saying “rare gem” for effect or editorial flair… Established in 1838, C. O. Bigelow is the oldest apothecary in the United States. Open 365 days a year (yes, 365….was even up and running via generator during Hurricane Sandy), C. O. Bigelow is a truly unique beauty experience. The store is a well-curated mix of rare beauty finds from around the world, cult status recognizable beauty brands (like NARS, Lipstick Queen, Smith & Cult, and more) and the daily things (like over-the-counter cold medicine) that people need from a neighborhood pharmacy.
While visiting, I shopped a range of both C. O. Bigelow brand items and uncommon beauty goods that were 100% new to me (and that’s saying a lot because I. Have. Seen. It. All!).
I wanted to try a mix of off the old (unchanged formulas that have stood the test of time) and the new (new school brands worthy of coveted shelf space at C. O. Bigelow). Here’s what I tried and here are my thoughts:
R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner
I love a good sulfate free cleansing conditioner, so the thought of one in “foam” form and packed with Argan Oil, GreenTea, and Horsetail Extract — well, I’m all ears. I was immediately attracted to the concept of a light as air cleansing foam….this is definitely a new concept for me. So eager to give R+Co Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner a whirl, I used it the very next day after purchasing it! And while this review is based on just one use, I have to say — I was surprised at how well the product detangled and cleansed my coarse curls. Given the weight of the product, I had my doubts….for hair as coarse as mine, I usually require a cleansing conditioner that appears really rich. This foam is deceiving because it looks light but behaves rich. Am I making sense? BOTTOM LINE: It cleanses, detangles and hydrates very well. And while that might seem like a really “basic” review — Uhm, my hair is super coarse and tough to hydrate. So, I actually just said a mouthful.
Kicking it old school, I decided to try to test out C. O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream. The formula, a C. O. Bigelow favorite, is unchanged since 1870. Packed with Lemon Extracts, Shea Butter and Kukui Nut Oil, this formulation is all about hydration and brightening…two things I’m obsessed with from head to toe. Again, much like my review of the aforementioned cleansing foam, I’ve only used C. O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream a few times since buying it last week. And here’s the BOTTOM LINE: Yes, yes, yes to the hydration claim. The fluffy cream immediately absorbs and leaves a soft, matte finish on my skin. Most rich creams and butters require LOTS of rubbing in to penetrate, but not C. O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream. It drenches skin way down deep without a greasy mess. As for the brightening effect, I can’t speak to that, but lemons are a natural brightener and this cream contains 4.5% Lemon Oil and Extracts….so having said that, I definitely don’t doubt the brightening claim…I just haven’t used the product long enough to have a thoughtful opinion.
During my visit to C. O. Bigelow, I picked up a few other items: a C. O. Bigelow candle, Smith & Cult nail polish, MARVIS toothpaste and a few other goodies. Follow my shenanigans on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Periscope and Twitter (all: ThisThatBeauty) to see where my C. O. Bigelow beauty finds will pop up next!
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If in the NY area, I highly advise you to look up from your smart phone and discover (or rediscover) the iconic apothecary that is C. O. Bigelow.
Have you been? Leave a comment. Share your favs!!
