Stocking Stuffers 2018

Rice Against the Patriarchy! Blue Wave Cream! Dreamers Mask! These delights were surpassed only by the attendees who came together to support this launch. As an introvert stretched to my limit by the chaos circus of a week of ZoomSchool kindergarten (kindergartner pictured below -- he refused to rinse off his mask, citing his appreciation of the "blueberry flowers"), an active toddler, and a stressful career, I was hesitant to log in yet within moments was SO glad I did. It felt all the more cathartic to attend in the wake of RBG's crushing death. Finding self-care that doubles, at least nominally, as political activism is a rare gem. SB, thank you for merging these two objectives. I look forward to gifting #wearamask products to friends in need of a little pick-me-up these days.

ps - the "Spa Wash Packet" was a sleeper hit! If I had my way, everything I put under my nose would smell like this dreamy blend of lavender + hinoki. I am saving up my money for the day when SB launches a product with this scent.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Red wine in glasses and this review I've written...

Ok, take one last eyeroll and read on ;-) RWPS has a deceiving name because what it actually does for your skin is *REDUCE* redness. And while it's fighting that good fight, it also manages to leave your skin plump, glow-y, and moisturized. And unlike most red wines, a little bit goes a long way.

Every time I slather this on my face, I half-expect I'll be whisked away on a magical journey to some far-off fairytale land. That's figuratively happened in terms of how Holy Lotus has plumped up my skin. Luscious on, luscious off.

I am the type of person who likes to do whatever I possibly can on-line, from the comfort of my home- and this party really delivered. Who knew you could have such a fun, relaxing spa experience at home?! It's also a really great way to meet and hang out with new like-minded people,
safely in the time of COVID. The products themselves are all wonderful, and smell amazing, and the experience is completed with Adeline leading the party through calming breathing exercises, product use and information, and of course a fun game of bingo! I hope there will be more of these virtual Sip, Shop & Skin parties, because I can't wait to attend again!

This toner leaves my skin looking super clean and healthy. It works equally well in both my morning and evening routines. Its kombucha scent is as expected, but dissipates quickly.

This was a very needed relaxing spa experience. I love that Adeline sends an email in advance so you know exactly what to expect and what you'll need. The spa wash packet is my favorite! The smell is so relaxing and rejuvenating. Then we get to try the actual products. The Rice Against the Patriarchy face wash is lovely and super exfoliating. It is really thick and luxurious feeling. My favorite products though have to be the Dreamer's Mask and the Blue Wave Cream. I love all the blueberry in this collection! While testing the products, we got to go into break out rooms and I got to meet some lovely people.
These virtual parties are so fun, relaxing, and it is amazing to connect with the community.

I have loved SB for a long time but loved this event and these products. Smaller group of folks and more connection than in online FB parties, and it was really nice to be able to try things and get instructions at the same time. We also got this amazing essential oil blend to add to our warm water wash basins that you can’t buy from SB yet—but I really want to.

I am on Zoom all day long, all the time, but I liked this online engagement and found it fun and relaxing. I really needed good self care and good skin care—and this event was 1000% it. That extra zero is not a typo.

In these tumultuous times, a party like this was just what I needed. Fun, relaxing, and a real treat for my skin. I got to try the lastest products, that were lovingly created by Sabbatical Beauty founder Adeline and I got to meet someone of my fellow Sabbatical Beauty community members. This was a wonderful escape and a great way to treat myself to a little self care.

This is my favorite last step product for my morning routine. It goes from a gorgeous glassy texture in the jar to a matte finish on my skin. I definitely will be purchasing more as soon as I'm running low.

I'm a kombucha fiend, but never considered it would be a match made in heaven for my face. Thank you, SB, for encouraging me to revisit this assumption! The cleanser leaves my skin silky soft yet remarkably clean, a result I've never achieved with other cleansers.

Full disclosure: I ordered Microbiome out of curiosity rather than well-defined expectations about how it would affect my skin. I was pleasantly surprised when a thin layer produced a matte finish and a sense of tautness that seemed to minimize fine lines and yield a lifting effect. Yet another magic potion from SB!

With pandemic precautions getting extended well-beyond the foreseeable future, I decided to spread a little cheer within my forensic psychology practice by making SB hand sanitizers available as an alternative to the soul- and moisture-sucking vats produced by big-name companies. It's a winning situation all around. Examinees actually enjoy sanitizing their hands, and I appreciate how my office smells less medicinal compared to the commodity-level goops I relied on in the past. Thank you, SB, for making it possible to take something that feels like a burden and transform it into a bright spot!

With pandemic precautions getting extended well-beyond the foreseeable future, I decided I needed to up my self-care game by replacing standard hygiene measures with things I actually enjoyed. Hinoki Rose instantly transports me to a cypress forest, a welcome mini-break from the covid-amplified stress of balancing two young children with a demanding career. Better yet, it doesn't dry out my hands as much as the commodity-style vats produced by big-name hand sanitizer companies. Small improvements add up quickly; do yourself a favor and give this a try before it disappears!

This toner really works it. There is a little bit of a sensation after application and that’s the acid working. After a few days, I noticed my bare skin is not so dull looking. Definitely noticed a glow. Not sure if it’s appropriate for sensitive skin as the sensation may possibly be too much for those with sensitive skin.