Boston - June 26, 2006

Soap Star

Sabon Opens

Most “free” trial offers just aren’t worth it.

Like the bait-and-switch where you signed up for a gourmet magazine and ended up with a three year subscription to Cat Aficionado. Not to mention the one-night stand that turned into an AIM-and-SMS stalker.

But the next time you’re wandering Newbury and you happen to stumble into new beauty emporium Sabon, when the enthusiastic staffers ask you to try the salt scrub on your hands — go for it. No strings attached.

Not that you’d really mind if this simple shop came with them, filled as it is with great-smelling, all-natural soaps, scrubs, lotions, and candles. There’s a large and rustic-looking sink in the center, where you can sample the scrub of your choice and rinse clean. Your mitts will feel softer than a baby’s. But here’s the best part: You don’t have to buy a thing.

Although we suspect you’ll want to, so you can get that oh-so smooth feeling all over your body.

And you can’t put a price on that.

Sabon, 129 Newbury Street, Back Bay (617-236-1931 or sabonnyc.com).