Church Street Apothecary

Aftelier perfumes

July 20th, 2008

Hey there - my name is Sarah, and I am pleased to announce the arrival of Aftelier Perfumes to 1767 Church Street.

It is not uncommon to discover that companies claiming to create 100% natural products are telling a little white lie. Creating a product with only natural ingredients requires considerable research and a higher price tag. That has not served as a deterrent for Mandy Aftel, and we are thrilled to stock her products, Aftelier Perfumes, in our brick-and-mortar store!

Aftelier Perfumes are made entirely by hand and unlike anything you have smelled before.

Kati and I were lucky enough to visit Mandy’s workspace in Berkeley a few weeks ago. Her workshop is full of neatly arrayed glass containers containing essences both modern and 100 years old; small drawers contain the last of limited-edition creations.

Mandy hand-crafts every perfume before placing it in its own tiny bottle or sterling silver case. Her passion is evident in the care she takes in creating each one. She uses ingredients as diverse as the Tazmanian flower boronia (contained in her Boronia perfume), the Canadian fir in Fig, and the roasted seashells of Tango.

Her scents are just one facet of her body care products. In the Body Oils, jojoba oil and fragrance meld to create what Mandy calls “a subtle veil on the skin.” Mandy hand-grinds the imported cocoa beans that are the focal point of her Chocolate Sugar Body Scrub. Her Face Elixers are perfect for use prior to sleep - the scents relax while the ingredients promote cell regeneration.

The complexity of Aftelier fragrances really do require an in-person experience. I hope that you will come visit our shop and let us help you experience them yourself!

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Poudre T. LeClerc pt. 3

April 10th, 2008

T. LeClerc

Application Tips

Because of the uniqueness of Poudre T. LeClerc, the traditional rules of powder application do not apply. The following tips will assist you in achieving the most flattering results:

• T. LeClerc powders should be ‘fixed’ by lightly pressing onto the surface of the skin. Use a cotton pad or velour puff to apply small amounts of powder. When the full face is applied, excess should be buffed off with a T. LeClerc Half Moon Brush to ensure an invisible and blended coverage.

• The powders may also be ’stippled’ or ‘dappled’ onto the face using a T.LeClerc Powder Brush. After this application technique, buff away excess for sheer and natural coverage.

• When applying powder on top of liquid foundation, it is best to apply in a conservative manner, and not in the generous amounts which you may be accustomed to.

• When T. LeClerc powder is worn as foundation, it should be applied to a moisturized face. The goal of application is uniformity, and excess or uneven cream or lotion can lead to caking.

Banane, Abricot & Bronze

Banane may be applied alone or in combination to give a skin a ‘glow’. Used near the eye area, it has a lifting quality. Abricot for medium complexions and Bronze for women of color.

Tips for Shade Selection:

• Because of the intensity of the pure pigment, some shades may appear jarring at first sight. However, upon application they harmonize with and enhance the skin. They will appear virtually invisible if the shade is selected properly.

• Selection of a shade by simply looking at the tester palette without trying is not advised. It will often appear different than it does in the tester. Because of the rice starch content, most shades will appear between 1/2 to 1 shade lighter when applied to the face.

• Test the powder on a portion of cleansed and moisturized skin to make an accurate selection.

• When selecting powder to use over foundation, select the closest to your complexion or one slightly paler. Never select a darker shade than the foundation as this may result in a mask-like appearance.

• If the shade that you are testing is close but slightly ‘off’, try the pressed version. This slight variation may result in a perfect match.

The uniqueness and variety of T. LeClerc powders create limitless possibilities for use:

• As a matte to semi-matte foundation that evens and enhances the complexion without compromising its natural beauty.

• As a finishing powder upon liquid foundation to insure a long-lasting matte finish.

• As a corrector to hide flaws and reduce the appearance of undesirable qualities in the complexion, such as excessive ruddiness or sallowness.

• To enhance a dull complexion.

• As a blush or contour powder to highlight, shape and sculpt face.

• As a modern sheer eyeshadow, as these formulas are safe for the delicate eye area.

• As a bronzer to extend the tan of summer or holiday, or as a healthier alternative to sun exposure.

• On the décolleté, back or shoulders to give subtle shimmer, shine and refinement.

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Poudre T. LeClerc pt. 2

March 20th, 2008

T. LeClerc powder was originally meant for use as a foundation, and is often worn this way for a semi-matte or natural matte finish. The powders may also be used to finish the face after an application of the liquid foundation, which would create a ‘complete coverage’.

Some notes about color…

clear
‘Clear’ beiges are expert at blending and concealing. True beige contains both yellow and pink pigments. The right beige evens the skin tone can smoothen the appearance of your complexion. Try: Nacre, Camelia & Cannelle.

yellow & gold
One of the best kept secrets of make-up artists has been the fact that the skin has more yellow than pink. As a result, golden or yellow based foundations are better at blending into the skin’s natural color giving a more uniform and natural appearance. Try: Banane, Chair Ocre & Ocre Rose.

yellow
Yellow also works as a mirror on the skin, reflecting and diffusing light. It literally gives the skin an uplifting glow. Try: Bronze & Banane.

pink
Pink is radiant on the skin. It enhances the vitality and gives your skin a ‘flush of life’. This is the reason that the best blush colors are always pink tones. However, pink should be avoided whenever ruddiness is present as it will accentuate it and lead to a blotchy appearance. Try: Orchidee, Lillium, Bistre & Chair Rosee.

white & blue
White, contrary to general opinion, does not whiten complexions. It ‘enlightens’ it. Apply white near the eye will open your eyes. On Pale or porcelain skin, nothing is better at reflecting light than a hint of blue. Try: Blanche to enlighten, and Parme to reflect light with a bit of blue.

brown
Brown is the natural choice for sculpting the face and defining its shape as it creates the interplay of light that results in natural appearing shadows and absorption of light. Try: Cannelle & Bronze.

peachy
Peach and orange based shades are great for awaking a tired, devitalized and dull complexion. The skin looks healthier when enhanced with a yellow and pink pigment. Try: Chair Rosee & Bronze.

violet & green
Violet is used to reduce sallowness. Green is an expert at completely neutralizing redness or ruddiness. Try: Parme for sallowness & Tilluel for ruddiness.

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Poudre T. LeClerc

March 13th, 2008

Being one of only few shops in San Francisco to carry luxe French brand T. LeClerc, we felt obligated to create a space to illustrate the incomparable quality of the multi-tasking powders which:

-Master light while hiding flaws
-Are ultra fine and light
-Provide a smooth matte finish
-Are well-tolerated by the most sensitive skin
-Protect against pollution and solar radiation

In the first installment of 3, we have broken down the shades to help determine what works best for your skin tone.

For All Skin Types
1. Cannelle
Tan beige. For all European complexions; it enlivens fair to medium and unifies tanned skin while amazingly fading down ruddiness and blotching.
2. Lilium
Very light tender pink. Restores radiance to pale yellowish complexion. Perfect for enliven dull or mature skin.
3. Chair Rosée
Limpid peach. Ideal for every woman looking for a soft-colored and transparent satin glamor skin tone that will make freckles fade. Illuminates tired skin.
4. Orchidée
Pink veil. Magically erases signs of fatigue; a real life-saver for evening makeup. It immediately freshens up medium to dark complexion with yellow undertones. The number one choice for Indian skins.
5. Blanche
Pure white. Will enlighten dull complexion giving it a pearl skin without a whitening effect. It is perfect for highlighting the center of the face, and enlarges the gaze when applied in the eye socket. Suitable for any complexion.

For Pale to Fair Skin Types
1. Nacré
Extremely light, almost transparent yellow-based beige. Gives lucidity for opalescent complexion. Use on pale European complexion.
2. Camélia
Diaphanous peachy beige. Emphasizes the fineness of a pale pinkish complexion. The real secret of porcelain tone.
3. Tilleul
Gentle mint green. Disguises flushing and veins on pale to fair complexions. Should always be applied under a naturally-colored powder.
4. Cannelle
Tan beige. For all European complexions; it enlivens fair to medium and unifies tanned skin while amazingly fading down ruddiness and blotching.
5. Parme
Snow with mauve gleams. Will whiten up complexions from pale to medium. Very much drama makeup.

For Fair to Medium Skin Types
1. Banane
Soft pale yellow. Reflects light in a most flattering way, illuminating fair to medium European complexions with pink undertones. It bestows an enviable glow and lightens up the skin with one sweep, masking any imperfections, including dark circles.
2. Naturel
Neutral beige with yellow base. Camouflages imperfections on medium or slightly tanned European complexions. Attenuates ruddiness.
3. Cannelle
Tan beige. For all European complexions; it enlivens fair to medium and unifies tanned skin while amazingly fading down ruddiness and blotching.
4. Chair Ambrée
Rosy beige. Perfect illuminator for olive or tanned skin. Confers a healthy glow to mature skin without ruddiness.
5. Parme
Snow with mauve gleams. Will whiten up complexions from pale to medium. Very much drama makeup.
6. Bronzé
Bronze. Gives a sun-kissed look on fair to medium European complexions with pink undertones, or wonderfully refreshes tanned skin.

For Medium to Dark Skin Types
1. Bistré
Rosy beige. Bestows a healthy glow and glamorous radiance to light Hispanic and Arab complexions with yellow undertones.
2. Ocre Rosé
Natural and vivid peach. Bestows a healthy glow to medium tanned or olive complexions.
3. Chair Ambrée
Rosy beige. Perfect illuminator for olive or tanned skin. Confers a healthy glow to mature skin without ruddiness.
4. Orchidée
Pink veil. Magically erases signs of fatigue; a real life-saver for evening makeup. It immediately freshens up medium to dark complexion with yellow undertones. The number one choice for Indian skins.
5. Abricot
Apricot. Impeccable halo finish for tanned or medium-dark European complexions with pink undertones. Especially flattering on skin with freckles.

Coming Soon: color combination tips for a variety of skin types and application tips to achieve masterly skills!

All powders are available online. And remember to come by the shop to sample all of the T. LeClerc products!

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Malin + Goetz

December 19th, 2007

At Church Street Apothecary, it’s hard for us to resist the appeal of independently run businesses. Whenever we have the opportunity to work closely with the owners and when those businesses happen to carry fantastic product, things are even better. Such is the case with one of our favorite lines, Malin+Goetz.

Malin+Goetz designed a line that can be used by all skin types. Oily to eczema prone, each product addresses the needs of all complexions. They use natural fatty and amino acids combined with gentle performance technologies to treat even the most sensitive skin. Malin having worked with various cosmetic lines, and Goetz, with his industrial design background, combined their talents to create functional and beautifully packaged product.

Recently, during a visit to San Francisco, they called and said they were in town and within the hour were standing in our shop. They are often in their stores in New York City and answer the phone at their office. Though they’ve created a line that has quite a large following they are the sweetest most humble people and make us feel like a part of the extended family.

Although our favorites always change, the staff has a few gem items from Malin+Goetz that we just can’t get over:

Sarah loves the Peppermint Body Scrub. It’s scent is invigorating, and leaves your skin feeling smooth!

Jamila loves many of the products but the day she tried the Replenishing Face Serum a woman called her skin dewy, a trait she thought only belonged to super heroines and super models. She’s hooked.

Niki’s daily regime has included the Grapefruit Face Cleanser and she’s seen very few break outs since.

Monica loves the Synthesized Lotus Root Eau de Toilette, an alternative to other flowery fragrances she’s tried.

Leah our high school intern, though just getting familiar with the line loves everything, she just can’t choose!

And as for Kati, she’s been a fan of Malin+Goetz for years. Currently her fav to rave about is the Detox Face Wash.

Check out our offerings from Malin+Goetz.

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Kneipp @ CSA!

November 19th, 2007

Fall brings unpredictable weather to our fair San Francisco, and customers are often looking for a pick-me-up.

We’ve found just the thing with Kneipp bath and body products! Who can resist the idea of a therapeutic bath when spirits need a boost?

The Bavarian Kneipp line uses hydrotherapy to help ease the mind, rejuvenate the muscles, and refresh the spirit.

Sebastian Kneipp derived his methods from the Eastern European tradition of swimming in the Danube during the dead of winter. Kneipp discovered the benefits of water immersion, using it to cure himself of serious illness. After doing so, he began to study how plants and herbs added to the water intensify its benefits, and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

We offer a selection of herbal baths, therapeutic bath salts, body oils and washes, and sparkling bath tablets.

Our collection of scents and herbs reflect the core of Kneipp’s findings; Eucalyptus - perfect for cold and flu season, Orange & Linden Blossom to harmonize and calm feelings, Melissa to relax, Ginger to refresh and revitalize, and Spruce to energize. In addition, we offer amazing moisturizing products from their specialty Almond Blossom and Evening Primrose lines, perfect to keep skin supple all winter long!

Whether you choose the Eucalyptus Herbal Bath to relieve congested sinuses, or a Ginger Sparkling Bath Tablet to energize the body and mind, we are pleased to offer Kneipp products to help contribute to your healthy lifestyle!

Click here to purchase Kneipp products.

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T. LeClerc is Here!

September 12th, 2007

We’re pleased to announce that we are now one of a small handful of authorized T. LeClerc retailers in San Francisco.

T. LeClerc is famous for its powders, which have a world-wide cult following. Made of rice powder, zinc oxide and various pigments, these highly-coveted powders will inspire a lifetime of loyalty. When T. LeClerc fans recognize our display, we hear nothing but rave reviews and stories of how difficult it is to locate the brand.

We’re thrilled to offer T. LeClerc in our shop. Powders, concealers, foundation, eye-shadow, creamy lipsticks, silky liners and rich mascaras; T.LeClerc is a comprehensive line of luxury make-up.

Nance is sampling T. LeClerc’s liquid liner in “violet magique.”

Be sure to check back soon, as T. Leclerc will be available for purchase via our website in the near future!

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Stop in and smell the flowers.

August 1st, 2007

Our corner of Noe Valley, along Church Street, has many wonderful small shops and businesses. One thing we don’t have, however, is a florist. Although Church Street Apothecary is too small to function as a full-service flower shop, we do get twice weekly deliveries of fresh bouquets and single-flower bunches.

Our selection changes every week, but you can count on finding an assortment of unique and beautiful buds gracing our storefront.

From time to time, we head down to our favorite plant nursery in Half Moon Bay to select interesting plants for Church Street Apothecary, and our sister store, doe. On a recent trip, we picked up some fantastic spiral bamboo stems, bromeliads, pitcher plants and other great houseplants.

Kati’s favorite was the fiber optic “plant” (small silver pot in the middle) - a long grass that grows out of a tube, designed to resemble a fiber optic lamp.

Saturdays are the perfect day to stroll around Church Street, grab brunch and pick up some fresh flowers for yourself or someone special. Stop in soon and often - the selection changes weekly!

For folks that can’t visit our store in person, we have many flower-themed items available online. For a dose of local flora, check out Jill Bliss’ native flower and herb-emblazoned papergoods. Jill designed the Native Herb posters just for our store, so we’re especially fond of them!

One of Charlie’s favorite floral products, especially on a hot summer’s day, is the Rosewater Spray from Duchess Marden. Pure rosewater, accented with a little Japanese Honeysuckle extract, this spray is light, refreshing, and the perfect way to perk up on a warm afternoon.

For a purely organic floral treat, the Geranium & Jojoba Body Cream from Patyka is a great choice. It is lightly fragranced, highly nourishing, and certified organic.

If a tropical note is more your style, then do consider Kai perfume oil. The classic scent is blend of white flowers, with a hint of honeysuckle. If you can’t get to the beach, Kai will take you there in spirit.

Stay tuned to the Apothecary blog, as we spotlight more of our favorite products and community happenings!

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Welcome to the Church Street Apothecary Blog!

June 27th, 2007

Thanks for visiting the blog of Church Street Apothecary, located in San Francisco’s Upper Noe neighborhood.

We are pleased to offer you a glimpse into life here at the Apothecary. One of the great things about running a shop in Upper Noe is that it’s like being in a small village…within the borders of the big city! In our little corridor of Noe Valley you can grab your morning coffee at the local, independently owned coffee shop, shop for organic fruits & vegetables at the produce market across the street, and pick up fresh meat, poultry, or fish from the city’s oldest butcher.

Of course, you can always drop in to visit us at the Apothecary!

We carry a wide range of products, from everyday basics like Nature’s Gate and Weleda to imported luxuries such as Ren, Patyka, Propoline, and La Compagnie de Provence. Our website represents only a portion of the goods that we have available in-store.

One of the best things about working here is helping customers put together gifts - especially for for new babies and expecting moms. A store favorite is Little Twig; they make gentle products for kids and babies that smell amazing and look adorable. Put together a set of 3 embroidered washcloths, baby wash, and a story book by local publisher Chronicle Books, and you’ve got the perfect gift!

Weekends are particularly bustling at the Apothecary, and many of our regular customers pop in to chat and see what’s new. Here’s Upper Noe resident and mixed media artist, Dana Robson, perusing products from the Ren skin care line.

This is Sadie, one of our smallest regulars, and Lucy, one of our favorite pups. Though we don’t carry products for pets, we offer a range of goods for the entire family. Many of the neighborhood moms stop in to stock up on Seventh Generation diapers, Boiron teething remedies, natural baby wipes, Weleda nursing tea, and more! Sadie’s favorite though, are super-cute baby and toddler tee’s from SF-local, Glug.

We also offer fresh-cut flowers. Have your choice of beautifully arranged bouquets or bunches of single variety flowers. Each week brings something different - stop in or call to see what we have this week!

If you are headed to the shop by train, taking the J-Church is the easiest way - the train stops right outside our door. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the beautifully restored cars from MUNI’s fleet of historic streetcars. Here’s the 1078, from San Diego, making the trip up Church Street. These trains are a wonderful part of the neighborhood!

Thanks for taking the time to check out our new blog - stop by often for product updates, health & beauty tips, gift ideas, store projects, and community news. Hope to see you again soon!

- CSA Staff (Charlie, Niki, Monica, Sarah, and Kati)

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