Renew Bath and Body is much more than a store that sells beauty products. It’s a hands-on experience; and one that’s not to be missed. Located on the corner of Elmwood and West Delavan, Renew is appropriately placed in the heart of the Elmwood Village.
Upon entering the store, customers are greeted by a friendly staff including Barbara Jean, an adorable little Chihuahua. Katie, a licensed esthetician and makeup artist has also joined the team and couldn’t be more enthusiastic about her latest venture. After years as a skin care specialist, she’s found her niche in working with all natural products and will be bringing in two all-natural makeup lines in January. Katie is thrilled to announce that she will be offering private and group makeup consultations beginning in the New Year. “This is a perfect opportunity for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and girls’ night out!”
Renew carries eighteen different product lines that are free of harsh chemicals and parabens. Each of these products is made in the U.S., including “Zandra” and “Badeya” which are made locally. Michael Constantine, the marketing director at Renew Bath and Body carefully selects brands that are natural, cruelty-free, and socially conscious.
Charlotte Lane, the creator of “Badeya” which means “We are one family,” goes to Africa where she buys shea butter that’s handmade by the women in the villages. If the shea butter is processed by a machine, all of the proceeds go to the men in the village but when it’s processed by hand, the women are able to keep the profits. The butter is paired with delicious fragrances such as mango coconut, ginger lime, and lemongrass and then packaged by refugees here in Buffalo.
Customers who seek products that are vegan friendly, gluten free, organic, or a combination of all three are in luck! Renew carries brands that cater to each of these requests, including “100% Pure,” a line that lists the percentage of organic ingredients used in each product. “Suki,” a botanically driven line is especially popular amongst those with skin sensitivities or illnesses. Many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have turned to Renew for products that are all-natural and free of harsh chemicals.
Renew is a breath of fresh air for men who generally find themselves standing awkwardly when “forced” to shop with their female companions. While their wives and girlfriends experiment with different salt and sugar scrubs at the “scrub station,” men are invited to visit the “man cave” located in the back of the store. This cozy little nook houses shaving kits, masculine scented candles, beer soap (yes, it’s made with real beer!), and Dr. Squatch products featured in Esquire magazine. You’ll also find “Plant,” a men’s skincare line out of Brooklyn, NY that employs people with physical and mental disabilities in order to integrate them into the workplace.
For those of us who seek cleaner, healthier lifestyles, Renew Bath & Body is a wonderful accomplice. Aside from carrying honest, all-natural products, the folks at Renew are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their roles in the community. Katie acknowledges that “People come in to see Barbara Jean and stay for the scents.”
Renew Bath and Body | 927 Elmwood Avenue | Buffalo, New York | (716) 881-0177 | Facebook