Learn your ABC's with Tropic Pure Plant Skincare

I am going to say something rather bold and maybe controversial in the world of beauty blogs.  I have found a skin care routine that is better than Liz Earle.  Did I really just dare to say that?

I previously blogged about how much I adore Tropic Skin Revive Cream (click here) and it caught the attention of Susan Ma, the creator of Tropic Pure Plant Skincare.  I was delighted when she offered to send me the A.B.C Regime.  

The Tropic A.B.C Regime consists of A - abolish make up & dirt with Organic Hot Bamboo Smoothing Cleanser, B – balance skin tone & pH with Vitamin Boost Tonic and C – care firm & nourish with Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream.  These products are 100% natural, cruelty free, suitable for Vegans and all skin types.

The cleanser is applied to dry skin and then remove with a bamboo cloth.  Here is what Tropic says about the cloth - “Our 100% Organic Bamboo fibre face cloth is naturally antibacterial & super soft to gently buff away dead skin cells and smooth skin. Unlike conventional cotton muslin face cloths, our face cloths are made from 100% organic, highly sustainable bamboo shoots which grow an average of 100cm a day! They never smell & become softer with every use.” I love the bamboo cloth it is thicker and softer than my muslin ones, to give you an idea think along the lines of a flannel.

The cleanser is packaged with a pump dispenser.  Susan told me that it has been designed to ensure every last drop of product is dispensed and none is wasted.  I have found that a couple of pumps is plenty but sometimes if I feel like pampering myself I will indulge in one or two more.   The cleanser has a thick creamy texture and a wonderful uplifting fragrance of Eucalyptus.  It feels very luxurious when massaged onto your skin and transforms from a white cream to translucent with a silky texture.  It removes makeup with ease which is very evident on the bamboo cloth and when I follow with the toner my cotton pad always has very little trace of makeup on it.  The first time I used this product I stood at the mirror and did a double take.   My face was soft to the touch with a pink glow to my cheeks and this has been the effect every day.  I always think the sign of a good skin care routine is how well your make up goes on afterwards.  I have notice my makeup looks flawless and my foundation sits better on my skin.

One of my beauty sins is I never use toner.  The few times I have used a toner are normally on long haul flights as a facial spritz or as a simple quick cleanser.  The Tropic toner has a fresh fragrance of aloe vera.  It does not leave my skin tight but simply refreshed and I am enjoying using it as part of the routine. 


As far as I know the only other cleanser on the market (which I have tried) that is similar to this one would be Liz Earle.  I have been a loyal customer to Liz Earle for a number of years so I do not take this comparison lightly but in my opinion this cleanser outshines Cleanse & Polish.  I have been using the ABC routine for three weeks (morning & evening) and my skin looks amazing - no signs of irritations, no break outs and no dry patches.  I think Susan is a genius for creating these products, they are amazing and I am totally in love with the entire range.

I do have a question for Tropic – is it possible to purchase the cleanser without a bamboo cloth? If I get a cloth every time I make a purchase then eventually I would build up quite a collection.  I don’t see a requirement for having more than a couple of cloths since they are reusable and washable.

For prices, ingredients and further information you can visit Tropic Pure Plant Skin Care by clicking here.  Watch this space for another Tropic review as I also received the Polishing Mask. 

Disclaimer – I was sent these products free of charge, all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to do this review or to promote the website/product.

A Word of Warning - La Roche-Posay

I received in the post a free sample of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP and Lipikar Lait.  This was something I had signed up for via the UK National Eczema Society.  I am always attracted to products that claim to help people managed their eczema. The claim being made by La Roche-Posay is their Lipikar range has been designed to help break the itching cycle associated with eczema and products are free from parabens, fragrance and SLS. 

Here are the ingredients for the Baume AP

AQUA / WATER

BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER

GLYCERIN

NIACINAMIDE

CYCLOHEXASILOXANE

PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM / MINERAL OIL

CETEARYL ALCOHOL

BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS OLEIFERA OIL / RAPESEED SEED OIL

AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE / AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE

PEG-100 STEARATE

CERA MICROCRISTALLINA / MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX

GLYCERYL STEARATE

PEG-20 METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE

PARAFFIN

SORBITAN TRISTEARATE

DIMETHICONE

DIMETHICONOL

DISODIUM EDTA

CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE

XANTHAN GUM

PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE

SODIUM BENZOATE

PHENOXYETHANOL

Now I am still learning the ropes when it comes to “bad” ingredients but there are a couple that jump out at me...Paraffinum Liquidum/Mineral Oil and Paraffin.  As for the ingredients in Lipikar Lait (see below) I spy Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol and parfum

AQUA / WATER

BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER

GLYCERIN

PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM / MINERAL OIL

OCTYLDODECANOL

PEG-30 STEARATE

GLYCERYL STEARATE

NIACINAMIDE

DIMETHICONE

CETYL ALCOHOL

CETYL ACETATE

SODIUM BENZOATE

PHENOXYETHANOL

STEARETH-10

ACETYLATED LANOLIN ALCOHOL

CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE

ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER

BISABOLOL

TETRASODIUM EDTA

PARFUM / FRAGRANCE

Lanolin for me is a definite skin irritant which my Mum avoided smearing me in as a baby and I have followed this advice into adulthood.  Mineral oils or paraffin are used as a skin emollient but it does not absorb easily and sits on the skin blocking pores.  I don’t know about you but my eczema needs to breathe.

Eczema can be a debilitating skin condition and I am not about to lecture you on how you should manage it but personally these products contain ingredients I avoid.  

Eternal Aloe Skincare Review

I was contacted via Twitter by Eternal Skincare who asked me if I would like to try their Aloe mosituriser.   

Here is what Eternal Skincare say about the cream - 

Eternal Aloe Skincare Cream is a luxuriously rich hydrating cream particularly suitable to those with dry skin conditions. It contains a high concentration of Aloe leaf juice, traditionally used as a natural remedy to soothe, soften, moisturise and heal skin. Eternal Aloe Skincare Cream combines all the beneficial effects of Aloe Vera with other highly effective moisturising, nourishing and healing ingredients including, Camomile, Green Tea, Shea Butter, Rosehip oil and Calendula extract. In combination all these ingredients bring the maximum benefit and protection to your skins health and wellbeing. Eternal Aloe Skincare is the result of three years of research and development with one of the finest cosmetic laboratories in the UK . It was driven by our passion and belief in the many benefits of Aloe Vera and our determination to develop the finest skincare cream possible - without compromise.

I am sure many of you have used Aloe Vera at some time, probably during the summer in an after sun lotion.  I know how great Aloe Vera can be for sensitive skins and this is why I took up the offer to review.  Eternal Skincare has been designed as a multi use cream suitable for face and body.  Before I forget to mention the cream comes with or without fragrance - I received fragrance free.  It is also paraben free.

I have been using this product for a month, mainly on my body as I did not like it on my face and decided I was not willing to give up my favourite moisturiser.  I would describe the texture as light, it easily absorbs into my skin and leaves it hydrated and smooth.  I have applied the product over my eczema patches without any concerns.  The cream appears to help keep my eczema moisturised but I will not claim it “cures” eczema as mine is still visible and continues to itch and breakout. 

I noticed that Eternal were tweeting that their product was also suitable for men.  I have gently been trying to persuade my BF (he would probably say nagging!) that he should start thinking about a skin care routine but it is an uphill battle.  So I left the pot of cream in a visible place and next thing I know he is slapping it on his face.  His idea of a product review is “yeah its alright” but from a girlfriend point of view I see improvement in his skin especially when he applies after shaving.  This cream does appears to reduce the redness which he often suffers from. 

Eternal Aloe Skincare cream has a luxury price tag of £45 for 225ml or 12ml for £3.50.  If you add up the cost of your body and face creams you may be able to justify the price tag as you are replacing them for one pot.  My personal thoughts on the price are that I have cheaper creams that I prefer.  This cream is not performing any miracles on my skin to warrant the expense.  

Disclaimer – I was sent these products free of charge, all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to do this review or to promote the website/product.

Natural U Balm Review

I discovered Natural U All Purpose Balm at a craft fair I visited (click here).  Catherine Matthias created the product and she kindly gave me a balm to review.  Firstly, let me tell you about Natural U.  Catherine create her balm because she was suffering from sore, dry, cracked skin on her hands and could not find a product that worked for her.  She also was concerned about chemicals so created a balm free from any nasties.  The range consists of two balms the Organic All Purpose Balm (which I will review) and an Organic Daily Body Rub (ideal for easing sore muscles).

If you are a regular follower you will know that I already use an all purpose balm (click here) so this product would be competing against it.  I was initially attracted to this product because it contains three of my favourite natural ingredients – shea butter, manuka and lavender.  I have blogged many times about why I love these particular ingredients in my skin care; they have fantastic healing properties for sensitive and dry skin. 

Here is a list of all ingredients:butyrospermum parkii(shea butter), Helianthus annus(sunflower)seed oil, cera alba(beeswax), olea europea(olive oil), calendula officinalis(calendula oil), anthemis nobilis (chamomile), lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), leptospermum scoparium (manuka).

The consistency of the balm is as you would expect.  When you scoop some product from the jar it is thick and solid but easily melts when it comes in contact with your warm skin.  It absorbs easily and does not leave skin sticky to the touch instead it feels silky.  The fragrance is pleasant, a neutral natural smell that is not overpowering.

I love this balm, I find it very soothing on my eczema patches as it helps reduce the itching and keeps my skin hydrated.  I have been applying a small amount to a rather stubborn patch around my neck and I am seeing great results.  It appears to be keeping the area under control as long as I apply daily.  

I am very impressed by this balm and very excited to have discovered it.  I highly recommend you give it a try.  You can purchase a 30ml jar for £9.99 or 50ml £15.99 click here.

Disclaimer – I was sent these products free of charge, all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to do this review or to promote the website/product.

Saturday Allergy Free Finds

I hope everyone is having an enjoyable weekend?  Welcome to all my new followers from the Blog Hops I participated in.  I look forward to reading your comments on my posts.

I thought I would share some Sugarpuffish friendly products I have found today.  As you know I have food allergies (milk & eggs) so I get excited when I find products that make my life a little easier and more pleasurable!

Moo Free Caramelised Hazelnut bar - dairy free, lactose free, gluten free, wheat free, egg free, casein free, vegetarian, vegan.  Also available in Cranberry & Hazelnut and Crunchy Banana Chip

Amy's Bean & Rice Burrito - vegan, dairy free, lactose free, soy free, tree nut free and vegetarian society approved.  Other varieties available click here.

Honeybuns Almond & Lightly Salted Pistachio cookie - gluten and dairy free, suitable for vegetarians (not vegan as contains honey).  This does not contain eggs which is not promoted on the packaging.

Stoats Uber Bar Pineapple & Mango - dairy and gluten free.  Also available in Strawberry & Coconut

Elemis Body Wash Review

I am guessing that many of you have heard of the British brand Elemis.  It is a brand that I have admired from a far because of the luxury price tag.  Thanks to my Tesco vouchers I treated myself to Tranquil Touch Creamy Body Wash.  Click here for more information on how I redeemed my Tesco Clubcard Vouchers to purchase this product.  

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Elemis promise their products to be free from parabens, SLS, SLES, DEA, mineral oils, artificial colours, silicones and not tested on animals.

I took a chance on the fragrance as I am someone who opts for fruity smells in the shower.  This body wash has a heavy sensual scent due to the aromatic oils of Patchouli, Cedarwood and Vetivert.  I am surprised how much I have grown to like it. The texture is thick and creamy.  A small amount transforms into a lovely soft lather which is impressive and I did do a double take to check it was SLS free.  I can tell that my skin is benefiting from the almond oil in this product because it feels soft and nourished after showering.  

Sadly, after using for a couple of weeks I noticed skin irritation on my chest and when I stopped using the body wash it disappeared.  This is a common problem for me and often occurs when a product has a strong fragrance.  

Even though this body wash is not suitable for me, I would still recommend treating yourself or a loved one.  It is very luxurious and feels like a mini at home spa treatment.  The one thing I would say is perhaps super sensitive skin types need to be cautious and patch test.  I paid £14.72 for a 300ml bottle of Tranquil Touch Creamy Body Wash, this was a promotional price as the RRP is £18.40

Guest Post by My Perfume Diaries

Today's post has been written by My Perfume Diaries.  Do check out Su's blog she has a wonderful writing style and it is always an enjoyable read.  Thanks once again Su for taking time out to write this lovely post :)

When my son, Baby Elephant was about 2 years old, he broke out into hives after just tasting a dessert made of almonds. I freaked out, called the hospital emergency and rushed him there. Thankfully, after all the tests, it was a relief to hear that he does not have any allergies that should concern us. But I can never forget what went through my mind at that time. The idea of him having an allergy was so scary and something that would change our lives forever, even for a little fighter like my son.

I can only imagine how people who have allergies lead their everyday lives. I am always in awe of the lovely Sugarpuffish who deals with her allergies in the most beautiful way, while letting the world know about what can be done to make the most of life. I am sure many people will draw inspiration from her.

My guest post today will be all about nasty-free makeup. Though I blog about perfumes, I am a makeup junkie. I have come across various brands that use the best of ingredients, avoiding allergens and unnecessary chemicals, are still as good or even better than the drugstore/department store brands and don't cost a fortune. I want to share some of my favourite Indie, Mineral Makeup companies that I have had the pleasure to try and love.

Everyday Minerals

A great mineral makeup brand, which has a great range of foundation shades with different finishes and coverage. The fabulous eyeshadow come in gorgeous colours, packed with pigment and come in three finishes. There are samplers available for purchase to find the perfect foundation match to your skin tone. They are good value for generous samples and come in pots. They have synthetic brushes (vegan, no animal hair) which are great. The mini kabuki is a mush have!

The makeup is vegan, not tested on animals and free from petroleum products, preservatives, fragrance, talc, bismuth and all the binders that can irritate the skin. According to the website, the skin care is organic, which I am yet to try.

Lucy Minerals

They have amazing foundations with great coverage. It is really long lasting, natural looking and light as air! The eyeshadows are well pigmented and have the most beautiful, fine shimmer. They have trail sizes and sampler packs to try and find a match too.

Customer service is great. Shipping is super quick and cheap. They have some great deals every week which are worth checking out.

The products have no parabens, micronized minerals, or petroleum products, free from bismuth, talc, fragrance, preservatives and not tested on animals. They are infused with some really great extracts that are good for the skin.

Sassy Minarals 

A natural mineral makeup company. I was gifted the blushes and eyeshadows by a friend and I love them! The blushes especially give the much needed glow to my skin. The ingredients are listed after each product. By what I see, they have no preservatives or fillers, not sure about the vegan status though.

Fyrinnae

Not technically mineral makeup, but vegan and use great ingredients. The eyeshadows are gorgeous! The shade range is ming blowing and just pure magic! They have a very famous primer for eyeshadow called Pixie Epoxy* (check for the ingredients), which is a great product that holds all the shimmer and makes the eyeshadow last longer.

The only downside is that the website is frequently down, has been happening since last two years!

Pure Luxe

Is one of my favourite mineral eyeshadow makers! The eyeshadows are beautiful beyond description! They range from wearable to whimsical: Speciality colours like glow in the dark, duo/triochrome, unique Aura collection. The EyezCreme is a beautiful creamy eyeshadow that can be used alone or topped with powder shadow to make it last longer. The samples come in pots and are just $1 each!

The ingredients are minerals with no fillers, no bismuth, no talc, no preservatives. Ingredient list can be found here.

Ritual Eyes

Michelle is a magician! Her passion for makeup is evident in her amazing mineral makeup. She used quality pigments and materials. The eyeshadows are so pigmented and go on and stay on very beautifully. The foundation feels like silk on the skin! I have a great personal experience with the foundation and getting ready to buy a full size.

These are some of the brands I have tried and loved. Some companies like Aromaleigh and The She Space are long gone, but my love for them is still here! This list is in no way a comprehensive one because there are numerous companies out there which specialise in mineral, chemical free makeup. The world of Indie cosmetics and mineral makeup is fascinating! If you have a question about any specific ingredient and worried how you'd react to it, always ask the companies before you order. Usually they are very helpful. 

I hope anyone with allergies like Sugarpuffish will find my post useful to feel more beautiful!

I believe in the Blogging World this is called a Haul Post

Like most of you this weekend I have spent time browsing on the high street.  I don’t normally go into TK Maxx but shopper’s instinct lead me there.  I found myself in the beauty section and was pleasantly surprised to discover organic and natural brands on the shelves some I have heard of and others were new discoveries.  Here is what I purchased.

Organic Surge Moisture Boost Conditioner £2.99 (RRP £4.99) – this is a hair care range which does not contain parabens or SLS. 

The Jersey Cow Company Unwind Body Wash £4.99 (RRP £15) – this is a new discovery and according to the packaging does not contain parabens, SLS, silicones, petroleum, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances & suitable for vegetarians.  I opted for body wash but could also have bought shampoo, conditioner and hand wash.

Tashodi Three Butter Body Cream Cinnamon & Brown Sugar £3 (RRP £6.99) – I don’t think this is 100% natural but it is free from parabens and naturally fragranced.  I was intrigued by the green power label, after checking the website I discover that Tashodi products are manufactured using wind, solar and hydro power.

I also bought (not from TK Maxx) Veggie Percy Pigs, a gelatine free version of the cult favourites and I can verify they are very nice!  My last bargain find was a book, Louis Theroux the Call of the weird, £2 in HMV.  I am a big fan of Louis and America so I am hoping this will be a good read.


Lastly, as you all know I dye my hair with Naturtint at the moment if you purchase the dye from www.lucyrose.biz you will receive free mini samples of shampoo & conditioner (free from sulphates & parabens).

Let me know what you spent money on this weekend in the comment section below.  Eden Angels also posted a natural/eco TK Maxx haul check out her finds.

BM Beauty Finishing Powder

Back in June I reviewed TheBalm Sexy Mama powder (click here).  I finished up this product and decided not to repeat purchase due to the price.  This time around I looked at companies that make mineral foundations.  Often these brands offer a finishing powder which you apply after application of their foundation powders and this is how I discovered BM Beauty.  (F.Y.I - I prefer liquid foundations but like to set my make up with a powder).

BM Beauty was founded by Kimberley Wyatt and Laura McComiskie.  Now some people may be attracted to products when there is a celebrity face behind the brand but this is not important to me.  I am only interested in price, performance and company ethics.

I purchased the Dewy Perfection Finishing Powder because it costs £8 for 4g which is a good price in comparison to other mineral make up brands.    As for the  company ethics this brand is approved by BUAV, is suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans, and free from parabens, synthetic dyes and fragrances, fillers, bismuth oxychloride, nano particles and animal products.

The finishing powder is a light peach pink colour with a delicate shimmer.  The swatch on the website is a good match to the product in person.  The powder is silky soft on the skin and the shimmer gives a dewy finish rather than a shiny sparkle.  It is lightweight and blends easily with my natural skin tone.

I just have a couple of minor complaints.  Firstly, look at the box my product arrived in.

Need I say more?  My purchase was packed tightly in the box with lots of tissue paper.  Now I can put the box and paper in my recycle bin but I do think this is an unnecessary waste.  My second complaint is with the sifter jar.  I love the small compact size but the product is tightly compacted into the 20ml pot meaning initially there is no room for movement.  This makes it very difficult to get the powder out.  I think if the jar was a few mils bigger to allow the powder to move around it would be easier to dispense the product. 

Overall, I am very impressed by BM Beauty's Finishing Powder and I like the way my skin looks after applying this product.  Has anyone else tried BM Beauty? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts?

Guide to Patch Testing

I am the Queen of Allergies and I often mention in my posts the importance of patch testing a new product.  Even if you have chosen a natural product there is still a possibility of an allergic reaction.  I thought it may be helpful to provide a guide to patch testing at home.  

• The best place to test a product is on your inner forearm or wrist. Firstly, make sure the area of skin you are testing is clean and dry.  
• Put a small amount of the product onto a band-aid and affix it to your skin. Use hypo-allergenic band-aids as some people (including me) are allergic to the adhesive.   
• Leave the band-aid in place for 24 hours and avoid getting the band-aid wet during this time.  
• When 24 hours has past remove the band-aid and check for signs of a reaction e.g. redness, itching, blisters, rash. 

If you patch test several products and get reactions it may be an idea to compare ingredients so you can figure out what you are allergic to.

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