Join us Friday, Dec. 2nd for an upbeat meet-and-greet with Imaginary Authors founder & perfumer Josh Meyer!
Chat with the perfumer, enjoy exclusive gifts with any Imaginary Authors purchase, and sip a signature cocktail inspired by “In Love With Everything.”
1826 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC December 2nd, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
As you might know, each Imaginary Authors fragrance is framed as the scent of an imaginary novel. And to understand the pleasures of their newest fragrance “In Love With Everything“, it helps to look at a real-life work of art: the musical “Xanadu”. I’m not talking about the famously-failed movie musical starring the late, great Olivia Newton-John. Instead, this fragrance reminds me of the film’s surprise-hit Broadway musical adaptation.
You’ll be forgiven if you haven’t heard of either; the original “Xanadu” movie was famously bad. While the soundtrack by E.L.O. became a hit, its perception as a campy failure was so universal it heralded the end of glossy musical film productions for decades. On the other hand, “Xanadu: The Musical” was a 2007 Broadway adaptation which tried to capitalize on the delightful excess of its source material. It was a parade of deliberately over-the-top scenes and cheesy musical numbers, mostly performed on roller skates. The plot of the musical parodied the film’s preposterous storyline: a Greek muse helping a hunky artist to open an L.A. nightclub. It worked: the production was so committed to the joys of a guilty pleasure that it flew past irony and looped back around to life-affirming. While the original film inspired the Golden Raspberry Awards (which honour the “worst” of that year’s cinema), “Xanadu: The Musical” was nominated for a Tony for Best New Musical.
To us, this is what’s going on in “In Love With Everything”. The fragrance is an electrifying shot of eighties breakfast orange juice, raspberry jam, and intergalactic roses. Instead of elevating its ingredients, it exaggerates them for maximum pleasure. The result: a fragrance which flies past guilty pleasure and into something even more joyful. Once the tart, pulpy opening eventually dissipates like so much roller-disco fog, it reveals a glow-in-the-dark, arcade-birthday-party warmth. That warmth feels naggingly familiar, evoking the nostalgia of unnamed childhood sense memories. Is it the “stardust” note? Or perhaps the “tropical punch” accord? Impossible to say.
Aspects like these are called “fantasy accords” in the fragrance world, and are one of the trademarks of the work of Josh Meyer, the Portland-based perfumer who founded Imaginary Authors. They usually consist of a cocktail of synthetic molecules meant to evoke a place, texture, or even an emotion. Classic examples of this include “amber” (a fantasy accord imagining the scent of the fossilized resin, not to be confused with ambergris) and home scents which describe their scent as “clean linen” (an object which likely smells mainly like the laundry detergent it’s washed with, or even like nothing at all).
Including these accords in a list of notes doesn’t describe a fragrance’s actual ingredients so much as it offers another dimension of storytelling. Meyer often challenges you to imagine aromas that are tactile and conceptual: Fresh Tennis Balls (“The Soft Lawn”), Warm Sand (“Falling into the Sea”), Arpora Night Market (“Slow Explosions”), Baltic Sea Mist (“Every Sea a Serenade”), Orchard Dust (“Yesterday Haze”), Salvaged Shipwreck (“Whispered Myths”), First Kiss (“Sundrunk”), and even simply “???” (“O Unknown”). If a list of notes is like a Table of Contents for the fragrance, why not make the chapter titles as evocative as possible?
Like Meyer’s other scents, “In Love With Everything” achieves the sensation of entering a vivid imaginary world. The fragrance embodies the gleeful, spandex-futuristic visions of the early 80’s (or 90’s, for that matter – or any stretch of time when the sensory world could feel genuinely new). Maybe it even smells a bit like the feeling of surging adolescence. Either way, with its refreshing, mind-bending wearability, it shows “bad taste” doesn’t really exist and that a “guilty pleasure” is only a state of mind. After all, who can resist the pure, ecstatic, dopey joy of musical lyrics like these:
“I’m alive / and the dawn breaks across the sky / I’m alive / and the sun rises up so high / Lost in another world / Never another word / But what can I say? / I’m alive! / I’m alive! / I’m alive!”
Fall is here! We asked our staff to pick their favourite product for the season and to explain why it's their go-to. Let's discover them together!
The crisp and cozy fall weather has arrived, and the team at Etiket is, of course, full of product recommendations for the seasonal change. Find out what staples make up some of our staff’s beauty, skincare and fragrance daily rituals.
“For me, the Superkind Radiance Mask from Tata Harper is a must. Twice a week, I exfoliate with the Regenerating Cleanser and then follow up with this famous mask that is oh-so-soothing. Then a 20-minute break of happiness… and an instant “wow” rejuvenating effect! The chamomile and lavender help calm my skin and the lactic acid helps improve the texture of my skin, providing a light exfoliation and glow. I love it!” – MARIE-FRANCE, Boutique & Spa Director
”Imagine 5,000 years of ritual in a bottle? Natural and without artificial fragrance, a few drops of this oil blend that includes coconut, almond, sesame and avocado allow me to eliminate any trace of dry skin from first use. Nourishing but not greasy, it’s not sticky and the quick absorption is amazing. I love it so much that if I could bathe in it, I would. IMPOSSIBLE so I console myself with the Ayurvedic bath blend and enjoy the benefits of ancestral rituals to travel the world, all in my bathtub.” – THOMAS, Boutique & Spa Assistant Manager
“This fall my new obsession is Agent Nateur’s holi (bright) Mask. The texture is so easy to apply and remove, a small amount goes a long way. I fit it into my nighttime routine a couple of times a week and wake up in the morning looking smooth, bright and refreshed!” – JORDANNA, Holistic Aesthetician
“I really like berry, cranberry, and old rose shades for this fall. Twilight Lane by RMS Beauty is really comfortable and provides good hydration with its lip balm texture. Ilia Beauty’s Balmy Tint in the colour Memoir is also a really beautiful shade for fall.“ – VERONICA, Makeup Artist & Beauty Specialist
“Fall is a time of extra layers, but since I still want something clean and versatile, I’ve been really enjoying Etat Libre’s newest, The Ghost in the Shell. It’s like a fresh-out-of-the-shower fragrance with a little extra coziness and warmth. It’s comforting but not too heavy, original but effortless.” – DAVID, Director of Fragrance
“SkinCeuticals’ Epidermal Repair is my go-to to use alongside retinol treatments as it really helps restore compromised skin from treatments or even aggressive winter weather. My skin feels soothed and looks radiant.” – MICHELLE, E-Commerce Manager
“I started incorporating SkinMedica’s Lytera 2.0 into my routine because as the summer progressed, I recently noticed that hyperpigmentation spots had started to appear on my cheeks. I will be combining this brightening and pigmentation correcting product with BBL treatments for optimal results.” – KARINE, Marketing Director
“Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Body Serum is an aromatherapeutic experience with every application. Not only does it smell wonderful, but it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft thanks to smoothing and exfoliating ingredients. Best part? It does not leave a sticky or greasy feeling and literally absorbs in seconds so I can go about my day without worry.” – NATALIE, Marketing Assistant
“I love the hydration that this creamy mask provides. It is formulated for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin and helps combat dull, dehydrated skin. It can be used both day and night to soothe and revitalize the skin.“ – STEVE, VP Operations
“I love to do the Supreme-C Treatment from Nuori for the change of seasons to give my skin a boost. It helps with my hyperpigmentation and sun damage that I may have had even when wearing a sunscreen this summer. It also helps to bring my skin back to life and gets my glow on! I like the addition of Hyaluronic Acid and Ferulic Acid which helps to complete the treatment.” – SIMON, Founder
We wanted to learn all about how Viola brought her vision of Mahoni to life. Keep reading to learn more about the founder and Mahoni's product selection!
Viola Bloch founded Mahoniin 2019 with a line of manuka honey products to help others reap its health benefits and create the perfect manuka products with features that other brands were always missing: easy application, precise concentrations, certified sourcing, and backed by scientific research.
Having suffered from cold sores for many years, Viola was on the hunt for an effective solution and tried many products but nothing worked as well as manuka honey. This led her to do a deeper dive into the virtues of this powerful ingredient. Wanting to share her passion for manuka honey with the world, she decided to create her own line and showcase it as the perfect remedy for daily health emergencies in the form of three products: Skin Remedy, Daily Boost and Inner Remedy.
Q&A WITH FOUNDER VIOLA
When we discover a new product line, we are as interested (if not more) in the products as the person behind them. We are always curious to know how a brand came to be, to know the founder’s background, etc. – that is, we have this crazy desire to know everything about the brand in order to really understand it. Our team conversed with Viola and asked her all the questions that were on our minds. Learn with us about Mahoni and the woman behind the brand.
Can you tell us a little about your personal/professional background?
Viola: “I started off my career working in media, being passionate about news and the evolving landscape of digital media. At the same time I have always loved entrepreneurship, coming from a very entrepreneurial family. But I became an entrepreneur by chance – not for sake of being my own boss – when there were products I needed that I simply couldn’t find.”
When and how did you come up with the idea to create Mahoni?
Viola: “I first discovered manuka honey years ago as an effective way to soothe my cold sores. Previously having tried many remedies for cold sores, for me personally, nothing seemed to work. Everything changed when my mother read that manuka honey from New Zealand would help. I was very skeptical at first, but it worked! From that point on, whenever I felt the tingle coming in the early stage of a cold sore, I immediately put manuka on. I also started applying it to soothe sore throats. Research on manuka honey shows its science-backed benefits and unique potency. It quickly became my go-to for various common ailments, but I was quite unhappy with the products on the market. I wanted manuka honey to be portable, applicable, practical and have the right concentrations. After being a manuka honey pro for so many years, I had a pretty good idea of what the products should be able to do, and was confident that others would find them helpful too. So I decided to go for it! I was excited at the prospect of more people knowing about manuka honey, and reaping its amazing benefits through great products.”
What makes Mahoni unique? In other words, why would someone pay $69 for Mahoni’s honey as opposed to the $12 product available at their local health/grocery store?
Viola: “Manuka honey is unlike any other honey. It is the only honey that has intensely high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO). This is the natural compound that is responsible for the strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Its natural benefits are truly unique to this type of honey. Furthermore, manuka honey potently grows almost exclusively in New Zealand, and the manuka flower only blossoms 2-6 weeks per year. It’s truly a rare and precious natural resource. What makes Mahoni unique is that we independently lab test every batch of honey, not once, but twice! First in New Zealand and again in Germany. 90% of manuka honey sold worldwide is not real. So it’s important for us to take the extra steps to deliver the highest quality, authentic manuka to our customers. In addition, our line is developed around specific use cases. Meaning: We make sure that each product has a dedicated purpose, a benefit and the right level of MGO.”
Any tips or tricks that you can share with us on how we can use your products? Is there an unconventional way to use any of your products?
Viola:“Our products are a little unconventional because you can use them inside and outside. They are made for topical use (on skin and lips) and for oral use (e.g. for the throat). It’s amazing because there are few ingredients like this that are 100% natural, toxin-free, but also highly effective and science-backed.”
What makes you proud of Mahoni?
Viola:“That it’s loved by so many around the world! The emails I receive from customers writing me “my eczema has never healed faster” or “the sachets have such a soothing effect for my throat”. Those are really proud moments. For every product sold, I know that it’s authentic manuka honey in quality packaging with effective application. We go out of our way to supply amazing natural remedies and it’s fun to see people discovering manuka honey through Mahoni. Fills me with so much pride and joy!”
What are the main benefits that someone can see or experience using your products?
Viola:“They are very versatile natural remedies that can be used in day-to-day life. The Skin Remedy helps with skin outbreaks, acne, soothes symptoms of cold sores and eczema. The Inner Remedy helps soothe symptoms of sore throats, and the Daily Boost provides a daily immunity boost rich in antioxidants.”
Can you explain the strength levels? What do they mean?
Viola: “This can be a bit tricky at first, as manuka honey is the only honey that has different potency levels. What we mean by that is the level of methylglyoxal (MGO) found in the batch of manuka honey. Manuka honey can range from 100 MGO to 1000 MGO. The higher the number, the stronger the potency of the honey. We offer two strengths: 100 MGO, which is good for moderate daily use. 600 MGO is ideal for more acute purposes, on days when you are looking for a stronger effect. For levels higher than 600 MGO there has not been any conclusive research showing significantly higher efficacy.”
What is Mahoni’s best-selling product?
Viola: “The best-selling product is seasonally dependent. Right now, as we are approaching fall and colder months, Inner Remedy is the most popular. Our customers love to have these on hand, in their bag or pocket, for their throat. They’re also a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.”
Which product is a must-have? A product everyone needs in their cabinet?
Viola:“Ooh tough one! All of them. They’re complementary and not mutually exclusive, as they are made for different use cases. The great thing is that they’re quite shelf stable, 100% natural and healthy. No additives, no toxins, no bad conscience. If you have skin that is sensitive to cold weather, stock up on the Skin Remedy: cracked lips, dry patches, weather-induced eczema… If you want to do something for your health on a daily basis, the Daily Boost is for you: full of antioxidants, which help reduce free radicals. You can add a spoonful to your smoothie every day or put it in your breakfast in the morning. There are so many ways to incorporate it!”
What is your desert island product? Which product do you carry everywhere with you?
Viola: “I always have the Skin Remedy with me. It’s small and fits into every handbag or pocket. I have this in case of a skin outbreak or sudden tingle on the lips. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties are amazing. Also, I always have one Inner Remedy sachet in my pocket. Little helper in need that never fails me.”
How has the brand evolved since its creation?
Viola:“We are learning about our customers all the time. How they use the product, what information they seek, and what they want to know more about. Since the launch we have worked on our messaging, making the purpose of the products clearer. After all, it is a new category merging beauty, health and wellness.”
How can we integrate your product into our skincare routine?
Viola:“The Skin Remedy can be used along with your current regimen. It’s a spot treatment that you apply punctually (e.g. on a pimple, dry patch, …).Think of it as an SOS remedy that helps heal your skin in a non-aggressive effective way, through the antibacterial anti-inflammatory properties. The most common reason for pimples and outbreaks is excessive bacteria growth on the skin which inflames the pores, causing a blemish on our skin. The honey helps reduce bacteria growth, making the skin heal faster. It’s best to leave it on as long as possible, but it is of course honey (yes, it’s sticky!) and therefore best used punctually. My tip: You can use the Daily Boost as a face mask. The natural crystals in the honey provide a nice exfoliation, leaving you with glowy smooth skin as a result.”
Do you plan to launch any other products to extend the line?
Viola: “Yes! So many product ideas! But I’ll keep them secret for now…”
Is there a particular kind of product that you would really like to create/make, but haven’t been able to yet?
Viola:“There are so many ideas I have for future products because it’s such a versatile ingredient. Something for brides is on my mental roadmap for sure. Every one of my friends got a huge pimple or cold sore or flu or skin breakout in the days leading up to her big day, because of the stress. Having gotten married myself not long ago, I can attest to that! But for now, everything revolves around educating our community on the benefits of manuka, our core mission, and increasing the awareness of its amazing benefits.”
How did you come up with the name of the brand, Mahoni?
Viola: “Mahoni is a fictional word that plays on the words “manuka” and “honey”.”
What are some of the things that you take into consideration when creating new products?
Viola: “What we love about manuka honey is the unique intersection of it being natural AND highly effective. The benefits of manuka honey are rooted in science. Any future product must be effective, it must work, and be easy to use.”
What can you advise consumers who want to make the most of their Mahoni products?
Viola: “You can use the Daily Boost every day, do something good for yourself, your health and wellbeing. It’s full of antioxidants and natural. It’s also an amazing ingredient for your beauty rituals. Very versatile and a true allrounder!”
We are excited that Mahoni has arrived at Etiket! Mahoni is all about Manuka honey, an active ingredient with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Whether you are looking for a remedy for common skincare concerns or to soothe an internal malaise, Mahoni will come to the rescue.
While most honey is known to have antimicrobial and soothing benefits, manuka honey is known for its particularly pronounced medicinal benefits.
WHAT IS MANUKA HONEY?
Firstly, it comes from manuka flowers. Manuka is a bush in the myrtle family, native to New Zealand and southeast Australia. Monofloral manuka honey (meaning honey made by bees foraging exclusively on manuka flowers) contains uniquely high levels of methylglyoxal, a chemical known to be antimicrobial, tissue healing, and digestion-enhancing. The properties of this honey are so renowned that all New Zealand manuka honey made for export must be independently tested for purity and potency. After testing every batch twice for authenticity by specialized labs in Germany and New Zealand, they are assigned an “MGO” rating to attest to the concentration of their star ingredient. Mahoni products use manuka honey certified at two different methylglyoxal levels: 100 MGO (average potency and safe for daily use) and 600 MGO (high potency and safe for short-term use).
Mahoni’s Manuka Honey
One of the first things you’ll notice about this honey is its modest levels of sweetness. Manuka honey is not a sugar bomb — instead, subtle grains of sugar intermingle with rustic woody and citrusy aromas, with a refreshing herbaceous finish that reminds us a bit of all-natural root beer. It’s complex, balanced and delicious, and when applied topically, noticeably lacks grocery-store honey’s stubborn gummy stickiness.
Manuka honey is a great example of a naturally-occurring substance that, as if by magic, contains heaps of stuff that our skin (and entire bodies) love. Whether you’re new to holistic beauty or have been following an inside-out wellness philosophy for years, Mahoni’s manuka products are a potent (and delicious) addition to your routine.
YOUR GO-TO NATURAL REMEDIES
Skin Remedy
You’ll want to keep Skin Remedy on hand everywhere you go! This skincare travel essential nurtures the lips and skin through its naturally high concentrations of methylglyoxal (600 MGO). For natural treatment of sensitive skin, manuka honey helps maintain clear skin by reducing blemishes and nurturing irritations, such as easing the symptoms of cold sores. The honey’s antibacterial qualities can help reduce bacteria growth that can inflame the pores. Skin Remedy coats, seals and protects the skin and is suitable for acute irritations. To use, apply to the blemished or irritated area using your finger and leave it on as long as possible to allow the methylglyoxal to unfold.
Daily Boost
Stick to your dedicated health and beauty regimen and boost it with a daily spoonful of this manuka honey. Perfect for everyday use, this product has a moderate level of methylglyoxal (100 MGO). It can be eaten purely for an added sweetness by adding it to your breakfast such as on toast, in yogurt and oatmeal, poured into teas and smoothies or used as (or added into) a face or hair mask. You can even eat this delicious healing honey by the spoonful! Daily Boost will quickly become a staple that you can treat your body with daily, both inside and out. The stylish and large environmentally friendly and sustainable glass jar will also add a nice touch to your kitchen counter.
Inner Remedy
Nurture your throat, stomach and bowel with this strong concentration of manuka honey (600 MGO) which comes conveniently packaged with twelve sachets, making them sanitary and great for travelling. The Inner Remedy sachets are great to have on the go to soothe and ease acute irritations, from a sore throat to stomach upset. To use, bend the sachet in the middle, squeeze and swallow the honey. For best results, it is recommended not to eat or drink 15 minutes after to allow the methylglyoxal to unfold. Experience this pure remedy for your insides to help maintain a healthy gut, ease digestive discomfort and treat throat irritations.
The Complete Set Bundle
Intrigued by the brand but can’t decide which product to try? Be prepared for whatever life throws at you on the daily with The Complete Set Bundle to experience all the benefits that manuka honey has to offer, both inside and out. The set includes all products from the daily and acute ranges for ultimate wellness: Daily Boost, Skin Remedy and Inner Remedy.
