Last week was my first trip to Soaptopia (Los Angeles location). Now I'm not knocking the overall experience though it wasn't what I was expecting. It felt more like a perfume counter boutique than a soapers paradise. They legitimately had a workspace on display though with the house music and disco ball glittering near the front counter; it took a lot of my patience to stay.
Anyways, I asked if they carried anything with pine tar for my psorisis and was told, "Sorry, we don't carry anything like that here.", in a very snarky tone. I then proceeded to asked for any alternatives they could think of. Being open to any option, I was directed to a bar of 'Secret Agent' containing Tea Tree, Willow Charcoal, Oatmeal, Rosewood, and Green Clay (sorry, there was no listing of fats/oils on the bar). It smelled refreshing though I knew I was taking a chance with this one. After picking out a few more random bars and briefly chatting lightly with the sales person I asked, "Curious, how long do you cure your soaps for... 4... 6 weeks?". He laughed and replied, "Only 3 days."
Side Note: I also asked about their one day soap making class and was quoted $100.00 and change (he couldn't remember the exact amount). Is that usual? As a newcomer to soaping this seemed a bit high.
The next day I unwrapped my bar, smelt it (still smelt good), and remembered the '3 Days' mentioned. So as a test I pinched the soap (it seemed like the right thing to do). Solid though I felt with enough strength I could have made a pretty deep dent with my fingers.
Oh well.
I tried it in the shower, toweled off, and felt refreshed... then 10 minutes later my skin was dry as the sahara. After covering my body with a gallon of moisturizer, I decided that their custom blend just wasn't for me.
It's been a few days now and my skin still feels clean, well scented, but unfortunately still dry. Also the bar looks like a strongman crushed a beer can with his bare hands.
Eventually I pointed my browser to Etsy and picked out a Pine Tar, Camphor & Eucalyptus bar. Maybe I might do better with this one.
Anyways, I asked if they carried anything with pine tar for my psorisis and was told, "Sorry, we don't carry anything like that here.", in a very snarky tone. I then proceeded to asked for any alternatives they could think of. Being open to any option, I was directed to a bar of 'Secret Agent' containing Tea Tree, Willow Charcoal, Oatmeal, Rosewood, and Green Clay (sorry, there was no listing of fats/oils on the bar). It smelled refreshing though I knew I was taking a chance with this one. After picking out a few more random bars and briefly chatting lightly with the sales person I asked, "Curious, how long do you cure your soaps for... 4... 6 weeks?". He laughed and replied, "Only 3 days."
Side Note: I also asked about their one day soap making class and was quoted $100.00 and change (he couldn't remember the exact amount). Is that usual? As a newcomer to soaping this seemed a bit high.
The next day I unwrapped my bar, smelt it (still smelt good), and remembered the '3 Days' mentioned. So as a test I pinched the soap (it seemed like the right thing to do). Solid though I felt with enough strength I could have made a pretty deep dent with my fingers.
Oh well.
I tried it in the shower, toweled off, and felt refreshed... then 10 minutes later my skin was dry as the sahara. After covering my body with a gallon of moisturizer, I decided that their custom blend just wasn't for me.
It's been a few days now and my skin still feels clean, well scented, but unfortunately still dry. Also the bar looks like a strongman crushed a beer can with his bare hands.
Eventually I pointed my browser to Etsy and picked out a Pine Tar, Camphor & Eucalyptus bar. Maybe I might do better with this one.
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