“It is pain, but it is good pain,” the divine Eva was cooing to me during my reflexology treatment. “People with too many drugs in their system take two to three sessions to even feel anything.” Thus reassured by this Czech goddess of esthetics, I began to relax. My thoughts quite naturally turned to what I’d be buying in the O2living boutique next door.
O2living in Cross River, New York is a combination spa, yoga studio, café, and shop. The little boutique features unique items in exercise attire and hand created jewelry. There’s also a large collection of holistic skin care and makeup, all of which are free of carcinogens. Everything is hand picked by owner Rosemary Devlin.
I’d never heard of Dr. Hauschka products, so I asked Nuala, a former denizen of Wall Street, who knows everything about every item in the store. “The name comes from the founder of the German company,” she explained. “The current line was launched in 1967; it’s been successful all over the world. Everything is made from the 150 plants harvested in the company’s garden. Attention is paid to the bio-rhythms of nature. The idea is to speed the body’s natural healing process, not to just cover up surface problems. All the products are excellent for super-sensitive skin like yours. Many Hollywood stars swear by the makeup.” The collection includes Lipstick ($23.95), Gloss ($19.95), Mascara ($25.95), eye shadow ($19.95), Rouge Powder (we call it blush, $29.95), and a compact ($36.95).
If that’s not enough luxury, there’s the O2living line of skin products including Exfoliate Facial Cleanser (2 oz. for $105.95), Indulge Luxury Almond Oil (8 oz. for $21.95), Enrich Luxury Night Cream (4 oz. for $51.95), Rejuvenate Luxury Body Lotion (8 oz. for $79.95), and Purify Earth Facial Mask (2 oz. for $97.95). All are popular with devotees of O2living, both in the shop and online.
The skin care line is not cheap, so I wanted to discover what’s available for every pocketbook. I gravitated towards the soaps ($4 a bar). I loved the gold leaf wrapping. It brought to mind a famous quote from showman Billy Rose, “If you’ve only got $5 to spend on a gift, buy the best bar of soap you can find.”
I always have money for jewelry, and I was especially interested in the B+ (Be Positive) line, which is done by a local craftsperson, Deb Gorman. Her husband had leukemia, and was helped by a transfusion. Great message, and very attractive silver bracelets ($45) and necklaces ($90 for gold , $45 for silver). The cufflinks ($110) were absolutely gorgeous.
Designer Nikki-b of South Africa is also well represented. Vogue dubbed her “The Queen Bead,” and I especially fancied her stylish bracelet ($145).
Other eye catching pieces included turquoise earrings ($100), just ready to party; and a dainty ruby bead necklace ($110) I nearly couldn’t live without.
I lingered at the rack chocked full of brightly colored active wear, all quite reasonably priced. Natural fiber was the order of the day. “We like to work with local clothing designers, too,” Nuala said. “Nancy Tripodi creates clothing that’s perfect for our yoga students. The pieces are all interchangeable. You can wear the tanks ($56), the bras ($42), and the capris ($68) in so many different combinations.”
My time was running short, so I had to say goodbye to Nuala, and to the serene Buddha ($45) who helps set the tone for this oasis of peace and joy. I don’t just want to come back to O2living; I’m moving in.
O2living, 792 Rte. 35, Cross River, NY 10518
914-763-6320; www.O2living.me;
Please note: products and prices are subject to change.
Photos by Kat McKee
Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist, with a black belt in shopping. She writes extensively, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary.
