Jacob & Sebastian is a Queen West oasis for the under-pampered and overwhelmed. Stepping into the airy bath and beauty shop is a reminder that certainly most of us don't treat ourselves as much as we should. But owner Joel R. Dart doesn't want you to suffer, princess. He believes in "little luxuries" and adding pretty things to our daily routines.

Joel launched his own shop 3 months ago, after learning the ropes as manager of a Distillery jewellery shop. He looks mighty cozy and at ease for such a green business owner. But the shop's atmosphere does have a calming effect. Or maybe it's all of the detox tea he's been drinking.

Jacob & Sebastian has a complete spectrum of good-for-you body products, including an impressive number of organic, cruelty-free and handcrafted lines. While potions and lotions for body seem to dominate, there are plenty of fun discoveries among the accessories.

Birchwood-print emery board sets, groovy Amy Butler towels and 2-in-1 travel toothbrush/paste combos are all unique finds. I love the range of fragrances, too. CB has managed to bottle nostalgia with its I Hate Perfume line - scents that conjure up childhood memories of campfires, laundry on the line, and grass-stained knees.

While I admit that I'm in no position to splurge on $60 hand cream, the store does carry a nice mix of price points. On the high end, Frazer solid perfumes and Malin + Goetz mojito candles are noteworthy. For the more budget conscious of shoppers, spherical EOS lip balm pots are a steal, and ailment-themed rooibos tea canisters by Republic of Tea are well-priced pick-ups (Get Gorgeous tea for skin health happens to be one of my personal favourites). Impulse items, like individual self-tan towelettes start at under $2.

The shop has major gifting potential, carrying indulgent things that you'd probably never buy for yourself. Like a satin pillowcase woven with copper that claims to improve skin while you sleep. Uh huh. More sensible gifts include creams and washes from lines that are unique to the shop, including Joe Wood and Zents.

So who are these Jacob and Sebastian fellas? Joel explains that the name was derived from his own alter-egos, names he'd used in the past. He believes that we all need little ways to escape ourselves sometimes. How very fitting for a place that packages escapism! I had a moment to contemplate my own alter-ego, while a tad inebriated on sniffing too many fragrances. In an alternate universe, I'd probably be a girl who draws frequent baths.

Photos by Dennis Marciniak.