Marissa's October Review

Um, I need a tub of this. To fall into and just frolic around in. Where to start?! The smell. The glorious glorious smell of lavender is the first thing I noticed (and I'm very dense when it comes to smells). Of all the skincare products I've tried, this is the first product that actually smells like a sachet of lavender (without being overpowering). And the results? *chef's kiss* I don't have super oily skin but am prone to oil and despite being a heavy sleeping pack, it did not make me break out at all. I wake up with very refreshed, moist skin. It's also neat to find the amethyst crystal at the bottom of the tub, like a little surprise to remind you what else has been working its magic on your skin.

So, the only reference I have to cold cream as a cleanser is my grandmother's cold cream that we used to buy before we visited her in South Korea. It was heavy, smelled like an old person's cream, and not something I'd ever use for myself, personally. But this is not your mother's (or grandmother's) cold cream! The light, airy mousse like texture was nothing like the heavy cold cream I've seen before. It also smells delightfully refreshing due to the rose and hibiscus. The best use for this was to remove makeup and it removed makeup like a dream. I used this with a konjac sponge for wiping off eye makeup and rinsed it off on other areas of my face. Compared to makeup wipes, this didn't dry out my face at all. Once I'm done rinsing/wiping, this keeps my face moisturized.

While I love SB products, a lot are not easy-to-carry, especially given the glass bottles + tubes. With the new version of Rose Quartz Healing oil in its fancy glass roller tube (and ultra lux wooden top), it's been one of the most portable SB products for me. This oil is great as a first layer (after serums, or even without) and my skin tends to soak it up easiest, out of all the SB oils. Because of the healing properties (of both ingredients AND rose quartz), I've had zero flaky patches. Did I mention, I live in cold AF Michigan? It also plays really well under makeup.

(Full disclaimer : I am not a medical professional and this is also not a product vetted by a medical professional! All opinions are just from my own personal experience). Okay, whew. With all the disclaimers aside - this product was a surprise MVP. I get flare-ups from my lupus and that basically means redness, inflammation, acne/cyst-like breakout all over my face. Licorice apparently helps with that as I masked when I was having a huge flare-up and it helped soothe + cool my skin. My skin felt moisturized afterwards and a lot calmer. I am not the biggest fan of the texture (it's a bit slimy) but the effects were very good for the flare-up.

First things first - as other reviewers have noted, yes, it DOES smell. But (luckily?) I don't have the greatest sense of smell so it didn't bother me as much, and also, I'm used to Asian fish sauce smell. I don't know what it is about Gaia Pressed Serum but I got better results with this than Dorian Gray Serum, especially focused around my neck area. As I've entered my 30's, it's become alarmingly clear that I haven't paid as much attention to my neck as I have my face, so my neck wrinkles have started to show. That's where I saw the most results. Its texture is tacky though so I would only use at night, and layer over an oil so there's less pilling. It's not the most perfect product when it comes to use (the tackiness, smell, and pilling) but honestly, the results were worth it for me.

Yes, it is pricey but is it worth it? Absof*ckinglutely. It is definitely the most luxurious product I've used for skincare - from the smell, to the feel, to the bits of gold flakes. But it's also a really easy step for winter skincare - just 2 products for Michigan winters and flakes begone : rose quartz healing oil and Ekaterina. The texture is also this nice, light, foamy cream that doesn't pill. It's also been great to use under makeup as a primer - helps to hide pores and keep makeup on for longer. If I could get a whole tub of this (to last me a lifetime) I totally would.

These are the greatest things I could have ever hoped to get in this box. I expected the skincare to be good, of course, but these cards?! An unexpected treat that I can take with me wherever I go. I love that they help me find my grounding and take breaths when I feel like things are spiraling out of control - and as PhD student? That happens A LOT. These come in a small cloth bag that you can toss in your purse or backpack, and really give yourself time whenever you need to. They're glorious and you should have them. They're priceless.

Can we just talk about the thoughtfulness that went into this product?! Lavender to soothe your nerves, amethyst to relieve you of bad feelings and thoughts - and all in a sleeping pack to send you to bed in a cloud of wonder and peace?! Come on. This product is a glorious last step before bed, one that will have you waking up with your skin feeling supple and full. I have oily skin and was nervous about a creamy sleeping pack, but I can assure you those fears were unfounded. Us oily girls deserve supple skin, too! Don't run from the extra moisture, ladies! Wake up, wash your face, and be ready to face the day! Charging the cream with an extra piece of lavender is an additionally thoughtful touch that you're absolutely worth. Absolutely. You not only need this, you deserve it.

I was majorly skeptical of this goodie, and I'm so GLAD to be proven wrong! As a dedicated oil cleanser, I surely thought that I wouldn't get along with this product. Boy, was I wrong! I've used this as a first step cleanser in my double step process, and I've had success both wiping it off with a cloth or rinsing it with warm water. My face feels pampered and clean, but I have to use a foaming cleanser after to get all of the nourishing oil residue off of my skin. it absorbs quickly so you can even stealth mask with if for a quick jaunt! It smells heavenly and inviting, and the rose quartz bit in the bottom is a wonderful addition! You deserve this, you QUEEN!

HOLY COW I did not think I'd love this as much as I do! The Lapis Lazuli roller really seals the deal here, bringing to light the luxurious nature of this oil. I use it after cleansing and before bed, and it works with my skin in a way that doesn't make the oil production worse. I enjoy the scent, and I've pretty much conditioned my body to relate this scent to sleep! You deserve this investment in your skin, and I promise you'll feel the wisdom and truth that radiates from the rollerball and the oil. Your skin will do more than thank you, you'll celebrate each other!

My GOODNESS, YES! I've been around SB long enough to have remembered the first iteration of Dorothy's Mask, and this is just an amazing reformulation! It is easier to spread, and it still has the same brightening power as the original. I always find my skin to be positively GLOWING once I rinse it off, and I can't get enough of that feeling. This doesn't leave crumbles all over my sink after application, and my skin loves it all the same.

These cards are awesome! When it comes to meditation or mindfulness, my attention span is much less than my interest. Which is where Erin McCarthy’s cards come in. When I opened them, I was expecting writing prompts, or a guided mediation, what I got were quick and accessible ways for me to stop and reset my mind and body. There are seven categories of cards. Sometimes, I select one intentionally to address a specific feeling like love, other times I shuffle the cards and see what I get. Either way, I find myself surprised at how simple, yet meaningful each card has been.

My daughter and I have a nighttime routine that includes books and snuggles. On several occasions, I have used a card with snuggle time. One occasion, we did a breathing exercise together (perfect for settling down for bed), on another we reflected on things for which we were grateful.

Packed in a small drawstring back, these cards are easy to stash in a purse, brief case, diaper bag, backpack, you name it. And make excellent gifts for pretty much anyone.

Sleeping Beauty Oil has been a staple of my PM routine for quite some time. I typically use three (full size bottle) drops on my face, two on my chest, spread with my hands and seal it in with Donkey Gel Sleeping Pack. This usually left me feeling sticky for good 30 minutes+.

Enter Wise Old Crone. WOC is the new name of Sleeping Beauty Oil with a few key upgrades: Lapis Lazuli! It not only comes with a Lapis Lazuli rollerball applicator, it also contains Lapis Lazuli inside the serum to charge it with honesty, compassion and wisdom.

The Crystal Queen Collection is my first foray into rollerball serum application and I am a big fan. What I instantly realized, is that the rollerball applicator provided great coverage with a lot less serum virtually eliminating tackiness. The lapis lazuli glides over my skin; initially cool to the touch, but almost instantly warming. Plus, with this applicator no more spilling my coveted serum down the drain!

Newly returned to crystals, it’s been a long time since I sat with a crystal. Last night, (after reading one of the mindfulness cards) I held WOC in my hand as I sat quietly to see if I could discern anything. After about 20 seconds, there was a slight tingling in my palm. A sign that the crystal is charged and boosting the benefits of WOC with its energy.

For those of you already in love with SBO, WOC still has the same powerhouse ingredients you love (Blue Tansey Oil, Camellia Oil, Retinol) and the same slightly minty herbal scent that I adore. I find that WCO promotes cell regeneration, reduces the signs of fine lines and wrinkles, and evens my skin texture to provide bright smooth skin.

Run, don’t walk to add Wise Old Crone to your everyday stash.

Let’s talk about the newly reformulated Dorothy’s Licorice Mask II. I LOVE this new formulation. It’s all the things you loved about the original formulation, without the clumpy, hard-to-spread texture. Licorice, good for evening skin tone and reducing the appearance of acne scars, is still the first two ingredients. Honey and rice bran oil provide healing and combat redness while providing a texture that glides on with ease. The scent is earthy and comforting and reminds me of digging in the dirt.

I frequently have red scars after acne, whether or not I pop them, which can last for days or weeks. Dorothy’s Licorice Mask II is my post-breakout mask of choice. The honey helps with any residual healing (plus it is antimicrobial), while the licorice reduces redness. Use the mask to spot treat specific areas or mask your whole face.

Whether you’re already a fan or brand new to this mask, Dorothy’s Licorice MaskII is here to even skin tone and zap the redness from acne scars.

Cold cream? Like what my grandma used to use? Those were my first thoughts when I saw the new Rose Quartz Cleansing Cream. This is truly a cream cleanser, it’s similar in texture to a thick moisturizer or Lavender Amethyst Snow Sleeping Pack. It spreads easily and my skin absorbs most of it without a trace of oiliness. The scent is of rose, but not as strong as some of the SB rose-scented products. I prefer VCO for removing eye makeup, but RQCC gets the job done, too.

I tend to rinse off my cleaners. I tried both rinsing it off and removing it with a washcloth. Both were equally effective, so it comes down to personal preference.

As a double cleansing devotee, I followed up the RQCC with Bamboo Foaming Cleanser.

There’s a piece of Rose Quartz inside the cream, imbuing it with self-love and kindness. Last night, feeling annoyed with life and overwhelmed, I naturally gravitate to RQCC without event thinking about it. Once I uncover it, I will add it to my growing stash of crystals. I’m guessing it will be the perfect size for my bra!

With acne-prone skin, I was cognizant of not wanting to overdue it with too much moisture. I tend to alternate use of RQCC with VCO or use it when I’m feeling on the dry side.

If your skin is prone to dryness, this cleanser will moisturize and reduce redness while it cleans. If you’re on the oily side, Rose Quartz Cleaning Cream washes off without leaving a residue and is a great alternative for when your skin needs a little extra love.

'Im here to give you the scoop on the brand new Rose Quartz Healing Oil. When I walk into a crystal store, I always find myself in front of the rose quartz, which explains why I am so drawn to this product. Adeline has packed this product full of rose quartz love (it promotes unconditional love, self love) with a rose quartz roller ball and even more quartz inside the oil. Side note, the new wooden caps are easy to grasp and open and should be easier for people with limited hand dexterity or strength.
The roller ball glides effortlessly over my skin, providing a gentle massage with application. When I first touch the quartz to my face, it feels cool but quickly warms up. It's so enjoyable, that I have to be careful not to go overboard.
The oil is on the thin side, with super-duper Rosehip, Borage and Evening Primrose oils that moisturize, heal, and strengthen your skin barrier to prevent dryness. There is the slightest scent, that disappears as soon as I apply it.
The temperature is unusually cold right now and I've been using the Rose Quartz Healing Oil on dry patches along my chin, my chapped lips, backs of my hands and my neck and chest. The oil absorbs quickly leaving plump, glowing skin without a trace of oiliness.
Whether you experience seasonal or year-round dryness, Rose Quartz Healing Oil is here for you. Every use delivers a double dose of love: while the oils heal and repair, the rose quartz reminds you that you deserve love and care.

We have a saying in my house, well actually many that apply here, but the one that comes to mind is “hold on to your butts” because this here product is AMAZEBALLS.

I have used Snow in the past and liked it but was wasn’t in love. I always made do with other products I had on hand. This new formulation is dreamy. When I first opened it, the scent of lavender washed over me like a wave thanks to lavender hydrosol and lavender essential oil. It’s aromatherapy and skin care in one!

The texture is a medium-thick cream that easily covers my other serums without pilling. A little goes a long way. I couldn’t think of a more fitting final step to my nightly routine. The lavender and amethyst crystal in the cream provides soothing relaxation when I need it most.

During the summer months, I tend to pull back on my serums and moisturizers, but this year I plan on keeping Lavender Amethyst Snow around for my hands and chest which need attention year-round.

Everything about this product exudes the love of Rose Quartz, and I felt lucky to use it! The Rose Quartz in the tube is a wonderful addition, and reminded me of the gem through each use. The real winner here, though, is the rollerball. I loved how it aided in the intentional application of the oil!

I used this oil on my lips in the mornings before lipstick application, and especially in the winter mornings! It is nourishing and calming on the days when my skin is cracked and peeling. It isn't sticky like a gloss, and it doesn't stay on too long to where it would start to run. The oil soaks in nicely and gets to work on the most challenging parts of my skin. As someone with a Shea Butter allergy when it comes to lip products, this was a welcome addition to my beauty routine!

I was skeptical, I'll admit. I thought the rollers were a fad. And they might be, BUT what a glorious one!!! The first time I rolled, I almost dozed off! I felt the blood pumping to my cheeks and my face, I felt the fatigue drain from my face before bed, and I felt the serums soak into my skin MUCH better. Every other layer of skin that came after soaked right in, and I heard my skin say "Thank you"!

So hear me - THANK YOU!

I clench my teeth, and the rolling gave my muscles a much needed break! Also - use it cold! It's a most glorious relief ❤️

As a bonus? I used the smaller side of the roller on my sinuses when I've been fighting allergies or an incoming cold. It helped drain a lot of the fluid and calm down most of the swelling, and if NOTHING else, what a glorious bonus.

I received this for an advance review and honestly, I was super skeptical of why people even use these. I've never used a roller before and it seemed like one of those gimmicky add on products...

Until I started using my Aventurine Roller. My skin is prone to a bit of oiliness and this helped the oils absorb infinitely better. I've never had oil serums absorb so well and so fast.

I'm also prone to locking my jaw when I sleep and when I used this in the morning on my jawline and cheek area, it was a great way to start the day without jaw pain. I also have had sinus issues and headaches and using this on trouble spots also seem to help.

If you're a skeptic like me, I'd wholly recommend you try this out. It's such a simple, relatively cheap addition to your skincare tools.

My super sensitive, dehydrated skin has felt so much relief since I started using this set. I have had smooth, clear skin, that never feels tight and uncomfortable. I have not broken out like I usually do with new products. Love, love, love SB!

Ekaterina is the most luxurious, velvety, life-giving moisturizer I have ever tried.

I’ve watched from afar as SBees have raved about Ekaterina, sad in my knowledge that it was not for my oil-prone skin. How wrong I was! The texture is light, it reminds me of sea foam, substantial but velvety. It glides on my skin in a thinner layer than I had imaged. With a tiny (and I mean TINY) dot on my forehead, each cheek and chin I achieve full coverage without my skin feeling sticky or heavy.

The scent is pure joy. It’s the same scent as Camellia Gold (my go-to spring/summer oil), which is fitting because Ekaterina is the perfect fall/winter moisturizer. It literally makes me smile when I open the lid. First as the gold catches my eye and then as the warm scent engulfs me.

On warmer days, I have alternated use of Ekaterina in my PM routine to help keep my skin plump and moisturized. On the colder days, I applied it after Asian Powerhouse and Peat serums in my AM routine.

Everyone deserves a bright spot in their day. Ekaterina is a warm hug in a bottle that every Queen and King deserves.

Crystal rollers have been on my radar for a while, but Sabbatical's Rose Quartz Roller is my first experience with a facial roller. I instantly fell in love. It's a face magnet! Without thinking about it, I find myself rolling the cool rose quartz over my skin. After a minute or two, the stones warm to my skin temperature. When I use it after applying my PM routine, I notice that the serums sink in to my skin faster than without, leaving a matte texture instead of the stickiness that I normally contend with at night.

I hold a lot of tension in my jaw, neck and shoulders. Using the roller in these areas is not only relaxing, but help relieve tension and muscle nots. After about two weeks of using it regularly, my skin appears plumper to me. I think it's helping build collagen.

Rose quartz represents unconditional love, and self love. What better way is there to take care of your body and soul than literally massaging love into your face.

Love that this mask packs such a powerful punch in under 10 minutes! This mask leaves my skin smooth as glass and is phenomenal at clarifying my skin.

The Doran Gray serum is what I use at night with the donkey milk on top. My skin is soft and clear when I wake up in the morning and amazingly, not greasy. My skin has never looked as good as it does now using Sabbatical’s products, and I’m 58!

So, I am definitely super into skincare. I’m always looking for something that both excites me & addresses the specific things I’m concerned with (ie, oiliness, occasional breakouts due to stress, texture & tone, scarring). I must admit, I was thoroughly ready to be disappointed in the products I ordered, as its happened before. However, thus far, I’m impressed. The products are quality & packaged well, and fit right in wherever they’re plugged alongside my other products. This cleansing oil is luxurious in feel, does exactly as it says it will & rinses off beautifully. I have dabbled in cleansing oils before, and this one is right up there with some of the heavies (think DHC). Definitely reordering. Another plus: these travel size products last, as the quality of the ingredients is as advertised, so you only end up using what’s directed or a smidge less/more. Well played, Sabbatical, well played 😉💜❤️