Welcome to our new “Locals Blog” feature, where Hudson County experts share their insight and expertise. Today we’re starting off with Kathleen Callahan, our Local Beauty expert.
BY KATHLEEN CALLAHAN
Since becoming a licensed Esthetician a few years ago I’ve become obsessed with the ingredients that are in our skincare products. I’m always on the lookout for lines that offer botanicals and natural ingredients and are made in small batches, so I thought what better place to look than my local farmers market. I decided to take a walk over to the Riverview Park Farmer’s Market recently to see what I could find. My expectations were fairly low, as this particular farmer’s market is still relatively small, but I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon SIPPS Organic Skincare.
Sol, the creator and owner, was at her table with her mom (I love a family affair), and I struck up a conversation with her about her homemade, organic, natural skincare, as well as the journey that led her to this place. Three years ago Sol made a bold move and left her career in the Hedge Fund industry to pursue a different direction. As she told me, her priorities changed after losing her father and she was looking for something more fulfilling that gave her a sense of helping people. She had suffered from skin conditions the majority of her life and was constantly on steroids from her dermatologist. An avid researcher and lover of knowledge, she wanted to get the root of the problem and come up with a more natural solution-- SIPPs was born! All of her products are made in her kitchen right here in my hood (JC Heights). Sol is impressively knowledgeable about ingredients and I’d like to add that what she’s doing is working-- her skin is beautiful.
Her products include body butters that contain beeswax, a great natural moisturizer and has
been shown to help with skin conditions such as dermatitis. Her line also includes aroma rollers infused with lavender, a botanical water mist with rose, grapefruit seed extract (a great antioxidant) and geranium essential oil (I bought this product and am loving it so far). I also bought her facial serum/oil infused with rose and chamomile. Chamomile possess powerful skin properties including being anti-inflammatory and has been proven to help with eczema. Additionally, she has great body and hair oils that contain tea tree oil which is a wonderful ingredient for anyone suffering from thinning hair or dry scalp. Even though I would have been entirely happy with just going home with the few products that I bought, the best part was that Sol will custom make products for you! Of course as an Esthetician I was all ears! I’ve already requested a honey mask because I love all the wonderful effects that honey has on multiple skin concerns, including acne, dry and mature skin.
If you are looking for some real quality (and surprisingly affordable) natural skin and haircare
products that are locally produced, head over to SIPPs Instagram here or the website here. If you have questions about your skin or any skincare related concerns or just want to book an appointment for a custom facial follow me here. I’m pretty confident that I’ll be using many of her products in my upcoming facials!
Kathleen Callahan is a NJ native, having left New Jersey to attend college at the University of North Carolina where she obtained her bachelors in Communications. She now resides in the heights section of Jersey City. After spending a twenty year career in the Ad Tech industry working in NYC, Kathleen decided to follow her true passion, skincare. She attended Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics and obtained her Esthetics License. After working at several spas in NYC including Deify Beauty, Laser Lounge and Massage Envy she decided to start her own practice in New Jersey where she could focus on a more personal touch catering to her clients’ specific needs and preferences.