Want to know if a product really works? Welcome to Slow Beauty. Since it can take up to six weeks to see results from using a new formula, we have testers try the best and buzziest in hair and skin care for double that amount of time to determine what actually makes a difference.
I admit that I’m lucky enough to have relatively easy skin. During different phases of my menstrual cycle, I might get dry patches, minor breakouts, and texture on my skin, but for the most part, it’s pretty predictable. However, when I heard that Sabrina and Idris Elba were launching a skin care brand that utilizes powerful ingredients native to Africa, my interest was piqued—as a child of African immigrants, I’ve been wanting to support and try beauty brands that prioritize the use of African botanicals, and S’able Labs seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Additionally, I wanted to see if the collection, which is geared toward melanated skin, could help me even out my skin tone, add some plumpness, and boost the health of my skin’s moisture barrier. I really committed to the process and overhauled my daily routine, replacing my mainstays with the line. I used the Rooibos Micellar Water after taking off all my makeup along with the Qasil Cleanser to make sure I got a super deep clean. I usually used the cleanser at night, but on the rare occasion I missed my nighttime routine, I’d wash my face with it the next morning. I also applied the Baobab Moisturizer morning and night after patting in the Black Seed Toner, my favorite item from the whole line. The Okra Face Serum is a great anti-aging retinoid that I added to my evening routine, and I treated myself to a session with the Qasil Exfoliating Mask once or twice a week to refresh my skin.
Spoiler alert: These products have played a major role in improving my skin and helping it glow in a way I’ve never experienced before. Below, read more about my experience over the course of three months.
In the first week, I saw a slight difference in my skin. One thing I enjoyed was that the products had an earthy scent to them. The mask and daily facial cleanser reminded me of the classic African Black Soap, but they were a lot more moisturizing. The products also seemed to help a few minor blemishes disappear; they were gone in two days.
I’ve been noticing that my skin has been looking plumper, and it seems to be responding well to the exfoliating and moisturizing. I used the resurfacing mask on Sunday as a reset for the week. I still have a bit of texture, but overall, I see how even-toned my skin has become.
I’m even more excited about the brand after the third week. I’m continuing to watch my skin tone become more even, and my skin looks and feels much more nourished and hydrated. I love the Black Seed Toner, which contains gentle fruit-derived acids and antioxidants to brighten the skin and protect it from free radical damage. Honestly, I think it’s my favorite product from this line, and I use it the most to refresh and hydrate my skin before applying the moisturizer.
It’s been a month of using S’able Labs, and the best way to describe my skin is radiant. My skin feels revitalized by the African botanical-infused formulas. From its packaging to the ingredients, S’able Labs is truly a unique brand, and I am here for it.
Courtesy of S’able Labs
My skin is just soaking up these products. The micellar water is interesting—I’ve been using it in the mornings when I’m in a rush, and it’s great for cleansing the surface of my skin before I go in with the moisturizer. I’d recommend it for the times when you don’t have the bandwidth to really cleanse your face with water at a sink.
I’ve been dealing with slight hormonal acne before and after my period, and these products have helped my skin feel calm. I’m noticing that the minor breakouts I’m experiencing are not as inflamed as they could be, because of this skincare line, which features soothing ingredients like chamomile and vitamin B. In fact, the spots have quickly reduced in size and redness, thanks to the calming serum, which has played a role in maintaining my skin barrier and healing my skin. I am genuinely loving this brand.
My skin is glowing. It’s been more vibrant and even-toned since the day I first started using the line. I can confidently say that the natural African ingredients are bringing out the best in my skin.
Someone please give the Elbas an award. This line has been bringing so much life to my skin. I feel like my skin has significantly brightened over time—a testament to the hyperpigmentation- and dullness-fighting ingredients (including vitamin C, AHAs, and qasil, a powder that hails from Somalia) in each of the formulas.
Courtesy of S’able Labs
My skin looks like it’s shining from within. It truly loves S’able Labs, and the Black Seed Toner is indeed the best product in the line to me. It’s the one product I am always reaching for.
I don’t have a lot to say this week—I’ve already been singing my praises. But in all seriousness, these last 10 weeks have made me a S’able Labs stan.
The skin is skinning, and I am in love with how healthy my skin looks and feels. Pairing the moisturizer with a bit of shea butter has changed the game, and the combination is ultra-nourishing. These products are giving my skin the boost I never knew I needed.
I am getting sad that some of my products are running low, but it speaks to how much I’ve reached for them in my routine. This line has transformed my skin. You can see a reduction in blemishes, and my skin tone looks so even.
Design by Leah Romero; Photos Courtesy of Neimra Coulibaly
The author before and after testing S’able Labs.
Final Thoughts
After the full 12 weeks, my skin looks so supple and healthy. I figured this line would work well, but I can honestly say it has done wonders for me. S’able fed my skin the elements it needed to thrive, and I’m thrilled to know that the skin care industry is seeing the power of African botanicals through S’able Labs. Introducing ingredients like okra, qasil, baobab, and black seed into my daily routine shifted my perspective of what skin care could look like for Black skin. Of course, that doesn’t mean those with other skin tones can’t benefit from the products. As the brand points out, while not all skin care products are suited for melanated skin, formulas that are will work for everyone.
I am so excited about the future of this line, and I am making sure to grab another Black Seed Toner before mine is fully empty. This is truly a great brand for those who are on the lookout for clean, cruelty-free, A-Beauty skin care products.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/healthiest-food-for-every-day-2000-e807f4237f3345769c78114cca8c5f4a.jpg "The 35 Healthiest Foods to Eat Every Day")
