Review | Tropic Radiance Clay Mask

Today I have a review of my latest Tropic Skincare discovery to share with you all. This saviour featured in my April Monthly Favourites and it is the Tropic Radiance Clay Mask; my current go-to product for calming down my problematic skin. Like all Tropic skincare, this mask is made from 100% natural plant extracts, is vegan, cruelty free and is ideal for anyone battling with combination, oily and acne prone skin.

An aspect that initially sets this mask aside from other brands is the packaging. Rather than being encased inside the usual annoying tube in which half of the product is left abandoned and unreachable at the bottom; these masks are packaged inside a round, sturdy glass pot that is not only practical but also a lovely addition to your bathroom counter.

It also doesn't disappoint in terms of formulation and results. It will help to tighten and unclog pores for a clear and radiant complexion. As well as drawing out impurities, it also acts as a gentle exfoliator meaning that my face is left feeling smooth and it is the perfect solution for dull, congested skin. Among the hero ingredients that the effectiveness of this mask can be attributed to is olive leaf; the active ingredient in fighting blemishes, willow bark; which naturally contains salicylic acid, guarana seed; to exfoliate and green clay; which draws out impurities. 

To apply I use the wooden spatula that accompanies the mask and spread a thin layer over my face. It initially applies as a dark green, then within 5-10 minutes the mask hardens to become a pale, mint colour. At first you feel a slight tingling sensation as the masks dries and the tea tree oil sets about decongesting your pores. 

When I wash the mask off I use warm water to gently massage my skin. As you add water, the mask reverts back to a dark green and transforms into a rich, creamy exfoliator. After exfoliating I wash the mask off and I am left with a soft, radiant and decongested complexion.

I love this mask and find that it is the perfect match for my skin type. However, if you are someone with normal to dry skin, this mask could be a little too harsh. I would suggest only applying it to the areas where you are suffering with breakouts or to try out the Tropic Warming Mineral Mask; perfect for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. 

I hope you enjoyed this skincare post and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below as well as the face masks that you swear by. If you wish to learn more about Tropic skincare then you can read my previous post reviewing they basic ABC Skincare Line. 

Devon

xoxo

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Skincare : The Lip Balms I Swear By

I have always found lip balms to be a confusing little product. The idea of a layer of moisture to hydrate cracked lips is a winning feat, although this is rarely the case. Many balms I have tried create a smooth sheen that quickly wears away and my lips are left feeling drier than ever. This is why I have found them to be a slight gimmick; purchased for their attractive, berry themed packaging rather than their ability to improve the condition of your lips. I have built a collection of countless half-used tubes and a reluctance to ever invest again. I have only ever found two balms that, for a purse-friendly fiver, actually improve the texture of my lips and I am excited to share with you both an old favourite and a recent discovery.

1. The Body Shop Aloe Lip Treatment

This has been a long-standing member of my skincare and a product that I continuously repurchase. Rather than a gimmicky tube of strawberry flavoured balm; this is a clear gel that cushions your lips and leaves a layer of moisture that lasts throughout the day. The thing I love the most about this balm is that, even after the initial swipe of moisture has faded, my lips are left feeling soft and nourished. 

This balm is priced at a mere £5 and is specifically made to provide a gentle hydration for very dry, sensitive lips. It is non-greasy and simply creates a smooth barrier to hydrate and protect. I would recommend this to anyone who struggles with chapped, sore skin as after only a couple days of using this I noticed a dramatic difference. My lips were plump, velvety soft and this is now a permeant addition to my skincare routine.

2. Tropic Lip Love Balm

This is a more recent discovery of mine that I was tempted to test out after falling in love with the Tropic Skincare line, which you can read an entire review on here. This is again priced at £5 and is enriched with 100% natural ingredients. Among the stars are Shea and Cocoa Butters, Carrot Oil and Vitamin E; all of which promote softer, smoother skin by aiding to repair and protect.

As this product does create a slight orange tint to your lips, I prefer to wear this overnight. A little goes a long way and I like to apply a generous layer before I go to bed. I wake up in the morning and this miracle formula has entirely absorbed into my lips and they feel amazingly soft.

A bonus of this product is that it is a multi-purpose nourishing balm. Not only can it be applied to your lips, but also to your nail, cuticles, elbows and heels to provide deep hydration for all and any rough patches of skin.

I hope this little suggestion of two amazing and affordable lip balms helps you to find a product that actually works. I use to struggle a lot with dry, cracked lips and now they are soft, plump and pain free. I would love to hear what you think. Let me know the lip balms that you have discovered that improve the condition of your pout!

Devon

xoxo

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Skincare Week : Cleaning Makeup Brushes

The final instalment of this Skincare Week shall be dedicated to the monotonous task of washing your makeup tools; something we all avoid by buying Boots out of their stock of eye shadow brushes (or is that just me?). As boring as this simple task can be, regularly cleaning your brushes is essential for good skincare and a clear complexion. 

Bacteria on your skin transfers onto your brush and sets up camp alongside the makeup left behind that you were applying, this stays firmly rooted in your bristles until washed away. A fresh layer of bacteria and makeup is then added every time you use that brush, see where I'm heading here? There are two ways to wash your makeup brushes, both have their role in keeping your tools bacteria free and your skin clear. 

1. Spot Cleaning

This is a quick cleanse of your makeup brushes in-between uses. Spot cleaning is like swiping an anti-bacterial wipe over your brush to remove previous bacteria build up before you use it that day. This is how it can be used for foundation applicators, or it can also be used to quickly remove product from an eyeshadow brush so that you have a clean tool to apply a new colour with. 

I currently love using the inexpensive yet effective No7 Brush Cleaner. I simply squirt a couple pumps onto either a cotton wool pad or a clean muslin cloth. I then swirl my brush around in circles until the majority of the product has been removed. I leave the brush for 5-10 minutes, depending on it's size, till it has dried before using it. This is the perfect quick-fix in-between deep cleaning your brushes to prevent product and bacteria build up. 

2. Deep Cleaning

This is a thorough cleanse of your makeup brushes and should be done once a month to ensure all trace of bacteria and product is regularly removed. This is also important for the care of your brushes; makeup tools can be expensive and should be looked after so that the bristles stay of a high quality for as long as possible. 

When soaking your brushes be sure to only ever use a gentle shampoo as to not damage the bristles and to keep them soft. You can either buy a specific brush shampoo, or a cheaper alternative is using an unscented baby shampoo. I am currently using the Dr Organic Virgin Olive Oil Shampoo, this is paraben free and so will not damage the brushes. Also, the olive oil makes this intensely moisturising so that the bristles are left feeling especially soft.

To deep clean my brushes I run lukewarm water and squeeze a small drop of the shampoo into my hand. I then wet my brush under the tap and swirl it around in the shampoo in my palm. I then squeeze the water from my brush and repeat this process until the water runs clean. 

To make sure you take the best care of your brushes always hold them by the handle so that the water runs from the bristles down and not from the hairs back into the handle. The water will damage the glue holding the hairs in place, causing them to fall out.

Once you have finished washing your brush lay it down on a towel to dry. The brush head should be hanging over the edge of a counter so that, as it dries, it doesn’t become misshaped from being pushed flat against the side. Leave them to dry overnight and by morning they should be clean and ready to use.

I hope you found this helpful and a gentle reminder of the importance of clean brushes for a clear complexion; especially if you already suffer with acne. If the bacteria that transfers from your blemishes onto your brushes is not removed, then this can make your breakouts worse the next time you use them. I would love to hear what you think in the comments below as I read and appreciate all of your messages.

I hope you all enjoyed this Skincare Week series and that there was something helpful for everyone. If you missed any posts then be sure to go back and read my current cleansing routine, my Acne Do’s and Don’ts or my top tips for using makeup to conceal your spots. There is also a post on my favourite face masks and reviews on the Tropic Tamanu Healing Balm and Face Smooth.

Devon

xoxo

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Skincare Week : Tropic Face Smooth

As someone that has tested their fair share of exfoliators in a bid to find the perfect product for a glowing complexion; I feel amply qualified in sharing and awarding my recent discovery with the title of the best face scrub on the market. This winning product is another item from the Tropic Skincare line and is their Face Smooth; a 100% natural brightening face polish.

This is the perfect solution for dry, dull skin as it not only exfoliates but simultaneously intensely moisturises to leave an impeccably soft complexion that you won’t be able to stop touching. 

The super powers of this face polish is a result of the amazing recipe of natural ingredients that it contains. Among the a-listers is an ingredient that is both a powerful antioxidant and a powerful test to your ability to pronounce the English language; Acai Berries (is it a-cy-ee or a-kai, who knows?). These little gems are packed full of vitamins and minerals that will boost your skin’s vitality.

This Face Polish will also help to reduce both the size of your pores as well as skin redness with the soothing and calming properties of Organic Rice Flour. It's exfoliating powers is a result of the gentle alpha hydroxy acid, which is a natural ingredient of Sugar Cane. This helps to rejuvenate your skin by stimulating skin renewal and will leave you with a noticeably brighter complexion. This, coupled with Sweet Almond, accounts for the deliciously sweet scent that makes you question whether this product is for your face or for your stomach. 

The Sweet Almond not only smells divine, but is a natural emollient that will soften and soothe dry, irritated skin without clogging your pores. This makes it the perfect exfoliator for anyone that suffers with eczema, like myself, or skin psoriasis as it gently polishes your complexion whilst also nourishing your skin. 

This is also a safe product for anyone who suffers with sensitive skin, not only are you incredibly unlikely to have a bad reaction to the natural ingredients, but you will benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of Camomile.

I promise that this naturally indulgent Face Polish will instantly brighten your complexion and leave your skin feeling velvety smooth. It works simultaneously as an effective cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser; I can honestly not see myself using any other exfoliating product again. Furthermore, the inclusion of Lemon and Sweet Orange creates the most gorgeous, invigorating scent that will leave you feeling instantly relaxed after using it. 

I hope you enjoyed hearing about this gorgeous product and I would love to know what you think as I read and appreciate all of your comments. Let me know what your current favourite face exfoliator is and whether you would be interested in trying out the Tropic Face Smooth anytime soon. 

If you want to find out about the basic Tropic Skincare ABC cleansing routine then see my first post of Skincare Week, or you can read what I think about their Warming Mineral Mask and amazing Tamanu Healing Balm. Also if you are suffering with Acne then read my Dos and Don’ts for battling your breakout or my top tips for using makeup to conceal your blemishes. 

Devon

xoxo

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Skincare Week : Tropic Tamanu Healing Balm

This instalment of Skincare Week shall be dedicated to a recent discovery and now holy grail product of mine: the Tropic Tamanu Healing Balm. As is the case with all of the Tropic Skincare range, this is made from 100% natural ingredients, is vegan and cruelty free. The magical healing powers of this Balm provides an intensive treatment for damaged skin. 

This rich green Balm can be used to treat anything from insect bites and acne to psoriasis and scars. I have been applying this liberally every night before bed as well as during the day when I am at home to treat my active breakouts, acne scarring and the patches of dry skin I have due to eczema. 

I can happily report that this product has worked wonders; an outcome I have never had in my many years of trailing and testing all blemish fighting products available. Whilst I still suffer from acne, after only a couple of weeks of using this my breakouts have calmed down and are less noticeable. My skin is nourished and all the dry areas that I previously suffered with have entirely vanished. I wake up every morning with a baby soft, glowing complexion and I love it! I can not wait to see where my face is at after a month and two months of using this daily.

The secret to this Balm is all in the ingredients list. It mainly attributes it's healing powers to the Tamanu Oil, which has the ability to promote the formation of new tissue. It also contains Blackcurrent seed oil to improve your skin’s elasticity and Shea Butter to intensely moisturise, which makes this ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin. 

The Vitamin E in this Balm makes it an essential for those with mature skin as it is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin cell membrane from oxidation. This helps to maintain healthy, youthful looking skin for as long as possible. 

There is a whole powerhouse of naturally healing and soothing ingredients packed into this one pot making it the answer to anyone and everyone’s skin needs. I have become obsessed with this gorgeous Balm since I purchased it and I would recommend this to anyone as I swear by its healing powers. 

If you want to know more about the Tropic Skincare line then check out their ABC cleansing routine that I am currently loving. Or you can read about their Warming Mineral Mask in a post dedicated to my favourite face masks. Also don’t miss my Acne Dos and Don’ts for battling your blemishes. 

I would love to hear what you think in the comments below as I read and appreciate all of your messages. Share your holy grail products and whether you think you might want to purchase this healing balm anytime soon.

Devon

xoxo

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Skincare Week : Face Masks

I adore using face masks and I am a true advocate of incorporating them into your regular skincare routine. Whilst a mask is a permeant Sunday evening staple of mine as a relaxing detox at the end of the week, I also love to use them as often as I feel my skin requires it. They are a wonderful way to detoxify, hydrate or add a glow to a dull complexion.

It is important to understand the different types of face masks there are so that you can choose the right option for your individual skin needs. As a girl with an oily/combination complexion and blemish prone skin, I tend to sway towards masks aimed at detoxifying and drawing out impurities. Although I also suffer with mild eczema and so I shall share my favourite solutions for adding life and hydration back into sensitive skin.

My first favourite is the Super Facialist by Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Clay Mask; this is the harshest mask I use and is my instant choice for when my skin needs rescuing from a serious breakout. As it is a clay mask, it may not be suitable if you have dry skin as it hardens on your face, making your skin tight. It also creates an initial tingling sensation that dies down as the mask sets, but could easily irritate sensitive skin. 

However it is the perfect option one to two times a week to purify and decongest blemish prone skin. Sadly in writing this post I discovered that this particular mask is no longer available, although you can buy the very similar and equally effective Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Clay Mask.

I also adore the Sanctuary Spa 5 minute Thermal Detox Mask and it is my solution for a gentle yet effective deep cleanse. It is a better option for those who want a purified complexion, but fear that the harshness of a clay mask may irritate their sensitive skin. 

This mask is self-heating and gently warms up to a comfortable temperature, which opens up your pores so that the charcoal and kaolin clay can draw out impurities deep within the skin. This also helps to soothe, calm down breakouts and rebalance your skins natural oil production. 

Another warming mask I love is the Tropic Mineral Mask, a recent yet permanent favourite of mine and one that I would encourage anyone to incorporate into their regular routine. This is the perfect choice for anyone with dry and sensitive skin. It helps to hydrate and nourish without irritating so that you are left with a glowing complexion. I have never tried a face mask before that has made such an immediate difference; my skin is calmer and literally glowing the instant I wash this off. 

Like all Tropic skincare products, this mask is filled with 100% natural ingredients. The gentle warming sensation immediately soothes and nourishes your skin so that you are left with a radiant, baby soft complexion. It is the ideal mask for using more regularly and I have added it as a permanent addition to my routine two to three times a week. 

My final favourite mask of the moment is the perfect choice to brighten a dull complexion. The Body Shop Honey & Oat Scrub Mask is a handy little 3-in-1 product that will help to cleanse, polish and moisturise. It is made with oatmeal grains and fair-trade honey meaning that it not only works perfectly to nourish your skin but also smells divine. 

I apply it first as a face mask and leave it till it dries before using warm water to massage the product into my skin. This transforms the mask into a gorgeous creamy cleanser and the oat pieces act as a natural exfoliant. I then wash it off and I am left with a moisturised and bright complexion. 

I hope you can find the perfect option for you amongst these four face masks and I would love to hear what you think as well as the masks you swear by in the comments below. I read and appreciate all of your comments!

If you missed the start of Skincare Week then you can find out the Tropic cleansing routine that my skin is currently loving and my Acne Dos and Don’ts as well as my tips for the right approach to concealing your blemishes with makeup.

Devon

xoxo

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Skincare Week : How To Cover Acne

Whilst avoiding makeup during a blemish breakout is one of My Acne Dos and Don'ts; I also understand that a bare face is not always an option. Over the years I have tried and tested every method and I have finally learnt the right approach to concealing acne.

I think everyone's initial reaction to that horrifying morning breakout is to dig out the heavy coverage foundation and pile on the thickest layer possible. However I have learnt that this is the biggest mistake to make and my first tip is to ditch the heavy foundation.

Now before you write this post off as the words of a crazy girl, hear me out. It is unlikely that every inch of your skin will be covered in blemishes, but instead they appear in concentrated clusters around your chin, cheeks, nose or forehead. It is only these specific areas that require a heavy coverage. Applying a thick layer over your whole face will not only create a cakey, unnatural finish but also clog up your pores and cause breakouts in the clear areas of your skin.

Before you apply any makeup, always ensure your face is freshly cleansed and moisturised so that you have the perfect smooth base to start with. Next, choose a light coverage foundation or a BB cream and blend a thin layer into your face and neck. I like to use the L'Oreal Lumi Magique as this creates a youthful glow and I blend this in with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for a seamless finish.

Now decide where you suffer the most with acne and use a precision brush to apply extra coverage to the exact areas that it is needed. My perfect choices are the Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation and EcoTools Bamboo Deluxe Concealer Brush. Whilst this is a foundation and not a concealer, it is ideal for covering up imperfections as it provides twice the coverage of a traditional foundation but with a lightweight finish. It is created for the purpose of offering a camouflage coverage for irregular skin tone, acne scars, dark circles and pigmentation disorders.

I place a small amount on the back of my hand and use the precision brush to apply it to my exact spots. I then use the brush to blend out the edges of the dot of foundation into my skin. This will create a flawless, long-lasting coverage that will blend seamlessly into your natural skin tone. Unlike using a full coverage foundation over your entire face, this perfectly conceals your acne without looking cakey. I finish by using a powder to lock the foundation in place. I prefer to use a translucent powder like Soap & Glory's One Heck Of A Blot, as this will increase the longevity of your coverage.

For inspiration on the perfect drugstore choices for a light coverage foundation click here, or you can read about the cleansing routine that my skin is currently loving.

This method will effectively camouflage your acne, allow the clear areas of your skin to breathe and provide a coverage that looks natural, is lightweight and long-lasting. I hope this helped those of you currently suffering with blemishes and I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Devon

xoxo

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Skincare Week : Acne Don'ts

As a long-term sufferer of the turmoil that accompanies a relationship with acne, this is part two of my top tips for handling a breakout. Before you read, be sure to check out my Acne Dos so that you can become your own expert on acne relationship etiquette.

1. Don't Stress

Whilst I know it is significantly harder to do than say, try not stress about your spots. The stress hormone cortisol worsens acne and so you will find yourself trapped in the vicious cycle of worrying about a breakout, which will in turn cause ten more to appear for you to stress over (see where I'm going here?). Try to relax when you can and don't allow your acne to fill up every free corner of your mind.

2. Don't Use Too Many Products

Try to find and stick to a simple skin care regime that works for you. Trialling every drugstore offering that hails to be the latest revolution for magically clearing your complexion is not going to help. Using too many products will confuse your skin and it will react by breaking out further. To find out the cleansing routine that my skin is currently loving then see the first instalment of my Skincare Week series.

A regime should consist of three to six products, which you use once in the morning and again at night. Find a cleanser, toner and moisturiser that you like and use them consistently. To this you can add a heavier, night time moisturiser and a face mask to use 2-3 times a week that will draw out impurities. You can also use an exfoliator 1-2 times a week, find one that is gentle on the skin but avoid using it when you are having a particularly bad breakout.

3. Don't Touch

This is perhaps the simplest yet hardest of all my do's and don'ts and one that I commonly fail to follow. It is the mere rule that when a spot appears, don't touch it! By constantly touching your skin you are inviting your acne to stay for longer and any bacteria that is on your fingers will worsen the situation. Always avoid the worryingly addictive past time of popping your spots (we've all been there). This causes the bacteria inside to go onto other areas of your skin and therefore the breakout spreads. The broken skin will then heal a lot slower and a scar will be left in its place; a fact my collection of permanent red marks can attest to.

4. Don't Compare Yourself To Others

Above all, it is important to understand that everyone's skin is different. You may never have the air brushed complexion of a supermodel but that's okay! Learn what counts as a good skin day for you and enjoy it. Wear less makeup on the days when your acne isn't as angry and feel confident in doing so.

I hope that these tips will help you in your battle with blemishes.  Be sure to check out tomorrow's post for the right approach to concealing acne with makeup. I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Devon

xoxo

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