Marissa's October Review

I used the original formulation and agree with other reviewers that I didn't see many effects. As a tester, though, I tried Bright Eyes' reformulation and have BEGGED ADELINE since last summer to release it--and she finally has. This is the first and only under eye product that has improved the appearance of my fine lines, dark circles (genetic), and eye bags. I use it as part of my AM routine and within 10 to 15 minutes of applying it, I look more awake than I usually feel. While makeup applies beautifully on top of it (great news for us makeup junkies), it made me feel so confident in my bare face that I frequently went to work without any makeup, not even under eye corrector or concealer. This product dramatically reduces darkness under the eye, especially purple shadows, and depuffs those eye bags to give a more alert and rested appearance. It seems to pair well with most of SB's other products; in other words, it doesn't pill. As soon as Adeline releases this, I'm buying at least one FS of it.

It doesn't clog my pores like some other undereye formulas, and it keeps my delicate undereye area moisturized. It does brighten my undereyes but I don't have really dark circles. I think it's from the extra moisture which makes my undereye area glow.

My eyes are sensitive to everything. I’ve searched eye creams from so many companies that don’t cause burning and redness. Thanks to the natural preservatives in this new formulation of Bright Eyes, I can finally address the puffiness and dark circles without discomfort. I’m beyond happy!

I’m a huge fans of toners and was so excited to test this one out! Let me tell you: IT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! I have oily skin so I’m nervous that toners will dry me out but this one left it nice and balanced. It’s been especially helpful during the summer after working out in the park in humid and hot weather.

I’m a big fan of this product and use it as my second step after the vacuum cleansing oil. It lathers you nice and soapy on my face and leaves it feeling clean and fresh! I don’t feel like I have to use any additional toners afterwards so follow it up with serums + moisturizers.

if you’re looking for a mask that’s relatively quick, gives your face a fresh and tight feeling, and cleans your pores out, then look no further! This is a great light feeling mask that dries in around 10 minutes that has your face feeling fresh and clean!

I have somewhat sensitive skin, and most toners leave my skin feeling dry or irritated. The Kombucha Essence Toner left my skin feeling nourished and brighter. The kombucha really makes a difference in improving my skin. I immediately noticed my other products absorbing much better (more completely and in less time).

I LOVE this bottle. I really wasn’t sure if anything would be different when using the crystals but there is a definite sweetness and clean taste to my water when I use it. I love it, and because it’s so beautiful, it makes me want to drink more water. Only downside is that I have to wait to drink the water sometimes!

If you’re new to the awesome healing power of crystal therapy this is hands down the easiest, most beautiful way to incorporate it into your daily routine without too much fuss! The water tastes sweet and you feel like you’re giving yourself a hug with every sip! The ultimate in self care💜Easy to wash, exchange crystals and comes with an infuser so you can make crystal infused tea🔮
Go grab one and hydrate like a boss!

This is a go-to in hotter months, or for post workout washes. It's a good exfoliant, and it helps the serums and moisturizers sink in. My skin is notably better, and less prone to break-outs. (And generally great for anti-aging.) A little goes a long way, so a full-sized bottle will last you a while. Follow with Marine Serum before your lotion.

I'm not (yet) a long term user, but boy does this hit the spot as part of a nighttime face washing routine after a long day of writing. 7 hours of sitting in front of a screen gone! My skin did look nice and fresh afterwards.

I use this before I wash my face and it wipes up all the gunk! My skin looks cleaner and clear since using it. The smell is amazing as well!

This mask is wonderful in soooo many ways. This multitasking dynamo brightens, tones, clarifies while being gentle and hydrating. The texture and scent is Everything... ❤️

If you're a fan of traditional "sheet masks" that tend to try taut, this is a must try. It's definitely got a gooey texture but slathers on so much moisture - I really like how it "dries" as time goes on but doesn't leave your skin dry at all. Clears up inflammation for me and feels soothing, especially on a warm day.

I am addicted to Kombucha and all it’s magical wonders! If you want clean, clear, soft, supple, hydrated skin then this is it! My skin is the best it’s been my life and it’s thanks to the Kombucha Cleanser and Kombucha toner. If you struggle with hormonal acne or acne in general do yourself a favor and try it, If you have dry,aging skin do yourself a favor and try it! This magic potion checks all the boxes and gives that chok chok skin we all want!

Here in the PNW we need to venture out in the sun when opportunity presents itself. I am impressed with the results from DG. Fine lines became less visible, which says a lot given how long covid-related stress/lack of sleep has persisted (unsurprisingly, it turns out that balancing a career and two kids < 5 really shows up on this mom's face). The only negative part of my DG experience -- which shouldn't come as a surprise, given that the product includes retinol -- is that I noticed photosensitivity, despite wearing high SPF and a hat. My melanin-challenged skin probably doesn't help. So, I've pivoted to Lift Serum for the summer and will return to DG once the precious PNW sunshine disappears. Two thumbs up! Do yourself a favor and get some while it's available.

After/before pics below.

I almost never write reviews, and I came back and did a search to write this one. I don’t know what kind of witchcraft this is, but the rose cleanser is seriously the best stuff I have ever put on my face. I typically use it after the vacuum oil cleanser; it leaves my face smooth and pores clean (which is amazing for me) without over-drying. It has lightened prior acne scarring and when I have a new pimple (more rare now) and use the cleanser at night, it is much less red and angry the next day. Plus it smells amazeballs. My skin just loves it, I guess...seriously - buy this stuff. It’s worth it.

I've used a lot of Sabbatical Beauty cleansers but by far this is my favorite. It actually helps exfoliate the milia out and leaves my face hydrated but squeaky clean. I also have fairly sensitive skin and this takes a bit of redness away, too.

Do you know the meaning of “chok chok” skin? I didn’t, either. Until I tried this cleanser. I have never had skin so bouncy and buoyant. The people at SB introduced me to the thee “chok chok” from Korean beauty. I simply love this cleanser. My skin feels healthy and bouncy and clean without being stripped. Get some! Chok chok!

I am a long time sabbatical beauty user, who, probably like a lot of us, has been feeling burned out, stressed, and like I'm just slapping on my products in my routine without really taking care of myself. Adeline worked her magic yet again. Signing up for this virtual party was like a perfect gift to myself. Not only did Adeline customize a fantastic routine for my skin, she managed to find a couple of products that I have never tried and I love them! The whole set up of the party was relaxing and thoughtful, I learned a lot about all of the products (even a couple that I've used for years), and several of the foil packets held enough that I was able to repeat the routine again the next night. I'd recommend this to anyone, new to Sabbatical Beauty or a long time user.

The consistency of Calm Cream is perfect for hot summer days if I’m staying indoors and not using a moisturizer/SPF combo or if I’m also not layering on a regular SPF. I originally thought it might be more appropriate for a night cream, but I love the silky texture. It also offers a lightweight feel. My skin responds well to it and feels super moisturized even as the temps in my house fluctuate due to air conditioning use this hot and humid July. It also doesn’t make my skin feel or look oily, which is important. I like feeling dewy, but not looking greasy.

This is my main sleep pack. Smells so good, makes me sleepy, and my skin feels divine in the AM. I will say that this product sits on my skin a bit more than other sleep packs (like Sake and Rice), but it definitely does the job and is sooooo pleasant. The lavender smells and the amethyst stones set me at ease as the day melts away.

This is a staple! Don't pass it up, and I also recommend the Beauty Oil. I use them both (Beauty Oil only at night), and they have certainly turned back the clock on my skin in a few months' time (and no need to sell your soul like DG himself!)

I had a travel size of this, used it as a toner, and fell in love with the smell and feel of it. I bought a full size, and my skin began to react negatively to it--it dries out my skin a little bit if I use it every day. For me, it is more effective as an occasional cleanser (even just as a pass with a cotton ball before my Goat Milk and Rice cleanse), rather than a daily toner. It smells really good, and it is still in my rotation, but not as frequently as it used to be.

If the phrase "winter is coming" makes you think of medieval wars and conflict, think again! This winter is a beautiful winter! And I love it in the summer, too! I use this at night before bed a couple of times a week, at the very end of my routine. It smells divine, and is a very thick serum--i.e. when I go to bed, it is still on my face. Takes a long time for it to absorb. But when I wake up in the morning, my skin is so fresh and divine. Highly recommend. This is a mainstay for me, winter or not!

This was one of my first SB products, and I just love it. I just use a teeny bit all over my skin at the end of my routine, and I feel like it seals in all the serum goodness, and evens out my skin tone. Love it, will always use this!

I only have a travel size of this, but I keep asking myself why I don't just go ahead and buy the FS. It is a fabulous moisturizer, absorbs well, is not oily or greasy at all, and smells great. I have normal skin--not too dry, not too oily--and I have some fine lines and sometimes larger pores on my cheeks. This is a totally solid moisturizer for me. (I should buy the FS!)

I use this product in the daytime or evening, especially when I have a big meeting or event (or date!). It has an almost cosmetic effect that makes my skin glow instantly. And I just feel a little extra special spreading gold flakes on to my skin. It also smells sooooo good.

Do not pass up the Dorian Gray Beauty Oil! I use this at night as my last step before my sleep pack, and let me just say that when I wake up, my skin is so smooth. I feel like since I have been using this my skin is supple and healthy as if I was--you guessed it--years younger. Can't say enough about this product. I have always used it alongside the serum, so it is hard for me to separate their effects greatly, but this one is definitely heavier and goes on later in the routine, and acts more as a moisturizer for me. But get both! You won't regret it!

This was one of the first SB products that I tried, and I just purchased my third full size bottle of it. I use it towards the beginning of my routine, right after my toner, and before Dorian Grey serum. My skin just drinks it right up, and it feels so nourishing.

I am a fan of multiple sleep packs, but this one smells divine, and absorbs quickly on my skin. I can feel my pores just drinking it up, and of all the sleep packs I use (Lavender Snow + Winter is Coming) this one definitely absorbs more quickly and less product is left on my skin when I fall asleep. I love it!

I love this mask! The smell is wonderful, and my skin feels luscious and moisturized after I use it. My favorite to put on at night while I do the crossword before bed, followed by my SB routine. I use it about once a week, so a travel size is good for me, and lasts for a while.

Long, long ago, I remember when SB first started and a friend of mine was visiting with her kaboodle of skin care products, I was introduced to Bethany Charcoal Mask. I was just learning about skin care (and self care), particularly as a cisgender man of color who was never taught to value said things--even as a queer man--because they were seen as too feminine, too indulgent, too expensive. But I have come around especially as I have gotten older (and perhaps wiser). Masks are lovely, especially simple ones. It can be a little messy for the uninitiated and never post a picture of yourself in it, but it is worth dedicating a Bethany Charcoal Mask Memorial Towel (TM). It leaves my skin soft, smooth, open, refreshed, and ready for moisturizing. Most of all, Bethany Charcoal Mask is simple, elegant, straightforward, and a lovely way to spend fifteen minutes in your own skin, in your own thoughts.