In my twenties, when my friends started getting engaged, I found myself going to a lot of spas. It seemed almost every bachelorette party I attended included a stop at a spa for massages or facials or pedicures. Now, in my thirties, I am much more into creating that luxurious experience at home.
Enter SOAK & Shoreline, sister stores in the heart of downtown Newburyport, offering a plethora of bath, beauty and relaxation products. SOAK is right on the corner of State Street and Middle Street.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the sign on the front door.
Open since 2003, SOAK is best known for its soap bar. All of the soaps featured are made by a company called Primal Elements. It is a family-owned business based in Huntington Beach, CA.
SOAK's owner, Diane, told me that when the soaps arrive they come in long loaves, like bread. She said the kids in town line up to watch her slice them.
I had such a blast looking at all the fun designs and patterns. I almost got the Cafe au Lait flavor, made with real coffee grinds.
I thought this Eiffel Tower design was adorable.
And don't even get me started on these dessert designs!
In addition to the soap bar, SOAK also carries a line wrapped in Newburyport-themed designs.
Here are four of my favorites:
The soap options continue with multiple scents of whipped soap, made at SOAK. Each variety is a mixture of whipped soap and sugar, giving you a nice exfoliation. They are several choices including Peppermint, Coconut and Tranquility.
If you're looking for a gift with a nautical theme, check out these Sea Aster soaps.
For tubby time, you've got to have rubber ducks and SOAK has the best collection I've ever seen. As you may remember, I've used rubber ducks for party decor at both my Oscar party and my Hurricane Irene party.
On the beauty side of things, I discovered these nail files with hysterical expressions.
I was also loving these tea blends from For Tea's Sake with the cutest names and labels.
After making a full lap around SOAK, we poked into Shoreline next door (the stores are actually connected and you can easily walk back and forth while inside).
Shoreline is one of the most beautifully staged stores I have been to. Each display is highly curated. It makes you want to transport entire tables and shelves into your home exactly as they are in the store.
We were drawn to all the cozy winter items (which were on mega sale) like this charcoal bathrobe with pom pom ties.
Shoreline also had super cute pajamas.
I couldn't resist snapping a photo of these dog PJs.
The store also carries all different sizes of the Maine Sea Bags, which I love. I have one of the giant beach totes. I was really considering getting one of these Sea Bag pouches with a metallic accent.
As we were getting ready to head out, Diane gifted us the most generous sampling of some of her favorite products in the store. The gift bag included the Tranquility whipped soap, a slice of the Rosemary & Eucalyptus soap from the soap bar, Barr & Co Oatmeal hand cream, Eaux Fraiches dry oil body mist and a Mixture soy candle (the scent is Marine, which smells like the ocean).
Now I have absolutely everything I need to create a spa-like feeling in my own home. I have put the candle on my dining room table and each morning when I walk by it, I smell the ocean.
If you make a day trip to Newburyport, SOAK & Shoreline are the perfect places to treat yourself.
A huge thank you to Diane and her team for the wonderful hospitality.
*This post is sponsored by Shop Newburyport. All opinions are 100 percent my own.
Comments
meghan malloy
Fri, 03/18/2016 - 08:58
These stores look like my idea of shopping heaven. I need to visit Newburyport soon.
Molly
Mon, 03/21/2016 - 10:02
It was such a fun afternoon of shopping! I can't recommend SOAK enough. A gorgeous store, a lovely owner and so many beautiful things to choose from!
Max Remind
Tue, 04/13/2021 - 02:24
All designs are beautiful and attractive. Medical Billing Services in Missouri USA