I've been around Strawberry Hedgehog for a long, long time. Having known Tracy for what seems like forever... 1999ish... I've been privileged with watching SBHH grow from a tiny, baby seedling of an idea in 2003 to the magical soapy heaven on earth that it is today. I love everything in the shop -- no lie.
That being said, I am full of opinions and I have my favorites. Let's go through them for the next few weeks, shall we?
This week I want to talk about the Sandalwood Patchouli soap. I'm not going to apologize for it; I am an unabashed lover of all things patchouli. From the moment I bought my first vial of Spiritual Sky Patchouly at Bebop Records, (spoiler: it's not as great as you remember), I've been in love. Needless to say, my taste in patchouli has become more sophisticated over time, but I'll always remember that first patchouli with much fondness. That being said, the SBHH patchouli is top notch. I'm spoiled by it.
The thing I love most about this particular iteration of patchouli is the depth given to it by the addition of smooth sandalwood, woody Virginian cedar, amber-like labdanum and sweet benzoin. Patchouli is already deep, but it's got a greenness to it that sandalwood does not possess. Sandalwood is earthier, darker, and along with its woody kin-oils, it compliments the patchouli very well. It's basically like bathing in temple incense every morning, which is an image I personally cannot get enough of. There's a reason it's a staple at the shop, and why you owe it to yourself to at least try it.
Next week: Lavender Tea Tree Facial Moisturizer. Irritated skin begone!
Freshly swirled sandalwood-Patchouli in the making! PS the deep red color is from the mineral hematite and will make for fun red suds. ❤️🖤❤️