Skin Doctors Exfoliating Crystals

RRP: £18.99/100ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Skin Doctors present the Exfoliating Crystals; a refining scrub that utilises microencapsulated beads to deliver a powerful exfoliating action, without scratching or damaging skin. Working to buff away dead and dull skin cells, the advanced crystals minimise the appearance of visible pores, wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin tone, revealing brighter, smoother results.

Infused with Melaleuca Alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree Oil), known for its anti-bacterial properties, its formula helps treat infections, acne and blemishes so you can experience visibly improved, refreshed and clearer skin with every use. Skin is left radiant and velvety soft. Suitable for use on the face and body."

--Packaging--

The monochrome scheme, with a discreet band of silver above the lid, is both sophisticated and unisex. The flip-top lid is practical and easy to use. However, for obvious environmental reasons, it would be appreciated to see the brand moving away from plastic packaging in the future.

--Application--

Cleanse the face thoroughly and pat dry before rubbing a small amount of the product over the skin. Dust off the crystals with a dry face cloth. Rinse the area thoroughly and then pat dry again. Use 1-2 times a week. All very straightforward.

--Appearance--

A white paste/lotion with barely detectable white granular particles. It is emphasised on the Skin Doctors website that these are *not* microbeads (without telling us what they in fact *are*).

--Scent--

The tea tree oil is subtly detectable.

--Texture and consistency--

Satisfyingly scrubby while still feeling moisturising.

--Effects on the skin--

Mattifying and calming in the immediate instance, while improving complexion long term and giving a brightening effect.

--Value for money--

At £18.99 a pop this is in line with other premium brands such as Ren, Clarins, Clinique and Kiehls, and quality-wise compares well with them, producing clear results. Would recommend.

perfect partners

pH Balancing Cleanser, £12.99

Gamma Hydroxy, £41.99

Facetheory Sensitive Toning Mist

RRP: £7.50

--What does the promo say?--
"A toner that’s tailored for sensitive skin. Specially formulated for fussy skin, Sensitive Toner T2 gives you complete treatment and protection for your skin – without the irritation and redness. And while we’ve created a light formulation, we haven’t compromised on care. With aloe vera and grapefruit oil, it’s an antiseptic, decongestant and impressive anti-ager all in one."

--Packaging--
My sample took the form of a small pot with a screw-top lid, but the green and white spray bottle is appealing for targeted use with no wastage, as well as for the colour scheme's connotations of antiseptic healing. It's also a nicely unisex concept.

--Application--
Spray onto a cotton pad and wipe over cleansed skin. Easy as.

--Appearance--
A clear, watery liquid.

--Scent--
Citric without being bitter. A natural scent overall that combines the orange and grapefruit well.

--Texture and consistency--
A watery liquid with no visible particles or viscosity.

--Effects on the skin--
Removes any excess makeup that your cleanser didn't pick up, and calms and smooths skin too.

--Value for money--
Costs less than many other toners of the same quality (and sometimes even those of lesser quality!) and has positively calming effects on the skin thanks to its natural ingredients. Would purchase the full size product.

perfect partners
Clarifying Cleanser (C2), £9.50
Supergel Moisturiser (M3), £12.50
Ultraglide Makeup Primer (P1), £1.75
100% Organic Cotton Muslin Face Cloth, £1.50

Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Facial Wash

 RRP: £4.25

--What does the promo say?--
"This Daily Detox Facial Wash contains antibacterial Tea Tree Oil and skin-calming Witch Hazel in conjunction with activated Charcoal to keep your skin clear and healthy by gently cleansing and attracting dirt like a magnet, drawing out deep down impurities & excess oil without over-drying. Leaves skin feeling deeply-cleansed, smoothed & radiant."

--Packaging--
The dark grey and pale green colour scheme is definitely new and different in a positive way; it's unisex, grown-up, and accurately reflects the product's ingredients, while also being distinguishable from other similar products. The flip-top lid also closes securely, meaning no worries about this exploding all over the inside of your suitcase when travelling.

--Application--
Wet your face and lather up a pea-sized amount of the product between wet hands. Rub all over the face, then rinse off, either under the shower or by using a face cloth.

--Appearance--
Dark grey - although happily this leaves no visible residue on the skin afterwards!

--Scent--
Slightly charcoaly, but not in an overwhelming way.

--Texture and consistency--
A slightly-sticky, slightly clay-like lotion lathers into a smooth grey foam. This washes off easily and doesn't leave any apparent traces.

--Effects on the skin--
When you use the product, there's immediately a lovely cooling effect - I'd guess from the tea tree and witch hazel, which are both known to have this property. Once rinsed off, skin also seems calmer and mattified straight away. Unfortunately, this doesn't last; while the product doesn't dry out the skin (which is appreciated!), it's not pleasant to feel like you've turned into an oil slick by the end of the day either. Consequently, and perhaps unsurprisingly, I didn't notice any massive improvement in my skin condition during my 4 weeks or so of using this product (in conjunction with the mask and scrub that are also in the range).

--Value for money--
This costs less than a fiver, so won't break the bank (and I was even sent mine for free by Boots' PR, so at least I didn't waste any cash on it), and so for that reason alone it's perhaps worth a try if you suffer with spots. However, my long-term acne problem is well-documented on this blog (17 years and counting, people!), so it's maybe unsurprising that what could be considered a relatively 'budget' product didn't make much of a dent. Sorry, Boots :(

perfect partners
Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Facial Scrub, £4.59
Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Face Mask, £3.59  

Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Wet Wipes

RRP: £3.25 for 24 wipes

--What does the promo say?--
"The New Handy Pack Wipes by the Australian Bodycare Spa Range contain 24 wet wipes suitable for use anywhere. Formulated with 1% Tea Tree Oil, which works as a natural antiseptic, these wipes cleanse the skin and removes bacteria from surfaces. Effective and convenient, they're suitable for all the family."

--Packaging--
The white, blue and green colour scheme clearly identifies this product as being part of the Australian Bodycare range, and is also nicely unisex, allowing the product to appeal to a wide range of potential users. The peel-back opening and closing window is convenient, hygienic and practical, and the pack of 24 wipes is not too cumbersome to take in your suitcase, keep in the glove box, or carry in your handbag.

 --Application--
The use of this product is both easy and versatile. Simply sweep across skin to remove makeup, cleanse, or disinfect. Could also be used to clean surfaces or as part of a baby's nappy-changing routine. Their generous surface area means that one wipe should also be enough for one complete use, with room to spare.

--Appearance--
The wipes are white and are pre-soaked with an invisible lotion that leaves no residue. They are also generously sized.

--Scent--
A unisex, natural, clean smell of pine, aloe and tea tree makes this suitable for the vast majority of people and situations.

--Texture and consistency--
The wipes have enough texture to make you feel like you are cleaning effectively, without being irritating or rough. Furthermore, the lotion in which the wipes are soaked is smooth without being too thick or overbearing.

--Effects on the skin--
These cleanse and remove makeup effectively, and their tea tree oil content means that over time conditions such as acne could potentially improve with long-term use.

--Value for money--
£3.25 for 24 wipes comes to about 13p per wipe. While perhaps a little on the expensive side, their overall reasonable price, anti-bacterial qualities and wide range of possible uses make them worth it, in my view.

perfect partners
Australian Bodycare Spa Range Facial Cleansing Gel (250ml) , £10.90
Happy Hands Antibacterial Instant Waterless Hand Gel (50ml), £5.00
Australian Bodycare Spa Range Gentle Toner (250ml), £7.92

Potter's Herbals Skin Clear Lotion

RRP: £4.80
 
 --What does the promo say?--
"Potter’s Skin Clear Lotion is formulated to deeply cleanse the skin and help clear pores using a blend of natural herbal ingredients including Witch Hazel, Benzoin, Lavender, Pine and Tea Tree. A gentle astringent cosmetic lotion which, used regularly, can help to deeply cleanse skin and help clear pores from excess oil and grease. Its mild fragrance makes this a popular choice by both men and women. Particularly good for adolescent skin care."

--Packaging--
This has changed recently from a dark blue label (see left) so don't worry if you can't seem to spot it immediately online. Suitably unisex with a GENIUS tapered nozzle, meaning no wastage.

--Application--
Can be used after or even in place of a cleanser (I've been doing the latter). Soak a cotton pad in this and then apply all over the face. Naturally avoid contact with your eyes and ears.

--Appearance--
A slightly bubblegummy blue thanks to the artificial colourant added, which seems a bit unnecessary. Thankfully this doesn't leave any visible residue on the face after use.

--Scent--
The witch hazel is prominent, with the tea tree perhaps being the next most detectable.

--Texture and consistency--
Liquid - basically like water.

--Effects on the skin--
This is a non-irritating product that delivers good results within a short time frame. Improvement can be noted within 1-2 weeks, with diminishment of whiteheads being particularly significant.

--Value for money--
At this low price tag you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Once my free bottle from Potter's Herbals' PR runs out, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase.

perfect partners
Distilled Witch Hazel, £2.50
Comfrey Oil, £3.40

Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Skin Wash

 RRP: £10.65/250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Skin Wash is a gentle antiseptic hand and body wash for everyday use that protects the skin from bacteria and leaves it fresh and hygienically clean. It has a non-drying formula, making it suitable for everyday use for all the family. Tea Tree Oil Skin Wash by Australian Bodycare leaves all skin types feeling refreshingly fresh and clean."

--Packaging--
The green colour scheme immediately evokes images of tea tree oil and the sea, tying together the company's key concepts with ease and creating a unisex package. The pump-action bottle is generally practical, although you may have to pump for a few minutes before the first use.

--Application--
Lather up under the shower and use to wash your body before rinsing. Can also be used as a hand wash.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow-green gel that doesn't look lurid and leaves no visible residue. Lathers up to a generous pale foam.

--Scent--
The bitter tea-tree comes across strongly, in a way that might seem too overpowering or even clinical for some.

--Texture and consistency--
The gel is not sticky at all and while it lathers up well (thanks to the SLS it contains), it doesn't provide a luxurious experience. Washes off well when you want it to.

--Effects on the skin--
A successful body and hand wash that cleans the skin thoroughly without irritation. Sustained use may see a reduction in spots on the body. Don't use on your face, though, as it's too harsh, and will dry out your skin without eliminating spots. 

--Value for money--
The naturally hygienic and antiseptic properties of this will appeal, although the presence of SLS may be offputting to some. One bottle lasts a while even with use all over the body in the shower, as you don't need much to get up a good lather. However, I'm looking for a more luxurious shower experience, so wouldn't bother replacing this once my free bottle runs out. For utility and luxury in one bottle, at this price I'd be more likely to purchase products from brands such as Nougat London, thisworks, or Jurlique.

perfect partners
Hand and Body Lotion, from £8.95
Deodorant, £6.40
Hand and Foot Treatment, £9.35
Foaming Skin Wash, £12.35
Hygienic Wet Wipes, £10.40 for 85 wipes
Femigel, £7.85 for 15ml
Hand Cream, £7.25
Exfoliating Body Wash, £10.20  

Salcura Skin Therapy Spray

RRP: £2.99 for 15ml travel size; other sizes from £9.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Cooling, soothing and calming solution for individuals with hypersensitive skin or babies, children or infants with skin problems like skin rashes, dry skin or eczema. The safer natural alternative to treating your baby or your sensitive skin.



Gentle Skin Therapy Spray is a 100% safe and natural topical spray that helps to support, soothe and heal hypersensitive skin or baby skin that is prone to eczema, nappy rash, cradle cap, skin rashes and irritations, and dry skin. It is very effective at killing bacteria and fungus and also stops skin itching.

 Intensive is a 100% safe and natural topical spray formulated to provide skin with minerals, oils and vitamins that will repair, strengthen and support skin in its own natural healing process.

Like all Salcura products, it is free from steroids, paraffin, alcohol, parabens, lanolin, anti-biotics and any other harmful chemicals."

--Packaging--

I was sent these tiny sprays from Salcura after participating in one of their Facebook publicity campaigns. The packaging design is similar across the Gentle (intended for baby or sensitive skin) and Intensive versions, but the bold green and blue make differentiation easy. The spray action is effective, targeted and easy to use - if, for instance, you had dry skin or eczema just on your scalp, you would have no problems spraying it directly onto your parting without messing with your hair. The only bad thing was that one of the spray pumps came unscrewed and so leaked into my travel toiletry bag :(  Not that the smell of lavender isn't nice, but yknow. I'd have rather kept and used it.

--Usage--

The Salcura website recommends use of the spray "2 – 3 times a day. Simply shake the bottle and spray onto the skin from about 2 – 3 inches away. You can leave the liquid on the skin and let it absorb or you can gently massage it in. You can apply the spray as many times a day as needed depending on the severity of the eczema, psoriasis, dry or itchy skin." All very easy. If you are using the product on your face, it's easier to spray onto a cotton pad and then to wipe the cotton pad over the skin as you would with an ordinary toner.

--Appearance--

A completely clear liquid that is invisible once sprayed on.

--Scent--

The dominant smell in both sprays is lavender, although perhaps as you would expect, the scent is less strong in the Gentle version.

--Texture and consistency--

Surprisingly, given the amount of different essential oils contained in this product, it is completely non-oily or greasy so shouldn't bother anyone in this regard, even if you are using it directly on the face.

--Effects on the skin--

Even though I don't suffer from eczema or psoriasis (acne is sadly the name of my game), I was amazed by the degree to which the instinct to touch my face reduced. Definitely an anti-itch product! It was also cooling, soothing, and seemed to calm redness significantly - and even though I wasn't using a cleanser at this time (due to wanting to test the sprays and Salcura's moisturiser, Zeoderm, on their own), I was very impressed, too, with the smoothness and cleanliness of my skin, excess oil being blasted into the stratosphere.

--Value for money--

It's great that Salcura allows you to try these products before you buy at the reasonable price of £2.99 - they should do this for their other spray, Antiac, as well. Once you have decided on the right product for you, I think a starting price of £9.99 is very reasonable, and naturally the value for money increases as you go up in size. I was impressed enough with these two sprays to buy Antiac, Salcura's spray for acne sufferers, and am hoping I haven't just taken yet another punt on a so-called saviour product for nothing.

Lush Tea Tree Water

RRP: from £3.25/100ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Tea tree is extremely soothing and can work wonders on troubled or oily skin. We've also added juniper berry and grapefruit waters to refresh and tone with natural oils."

--Packaging--
The black recyclable spray-top bottle with chalkboard-style writing is very typical of Lush, keeping things simple while still making the product stand out on the shelf. Only problem is that sometimes the pump can stop or get stuck, meaning you either have to just keep pumping or wait a bit for it to revive itself, which can get a bit annoying.

--Application--
After cleansing, spray directly onto clean dry face (close your eyes now!) just as a quick summer refresher (and then wipe it away with a cotton pad if you want). Orrrr you can spray it onto a cotton pad (4-5 pumps will do it) and wipe over your face. Then moisturise as normal. No problems here.

--Appearance--
It's a completely clear liquid.

--Scent--
You can smell the tea tree, but it doesn't pack as much punch as other tea tree products I've used in the past, which might be good if you normally find the tea tree smell to be a bit overbearing.

--Texture, consistency, and sensation--
The sensation provided by this toner is lovely and cooling, with no irritation occurring at all.

--Effects on the skin--
It does seem to lift off a little bit of grime when you look back at the cotton pad, but perhaps the lack of any really strong smell also proves a signal of its performance: I did not see any significant long or short-term improvement in my skin as a result of using this toner. Shame.

--Value for money--
While very travel-friendly, this product just didn't do it for me. The full-size bottle being about £6, if you're on a similar budget I'd perhaps plump instead for Elizabeth Arden Oil Control Clarifying Toner, Black Opal Purifying Astringent, or Lavera Mint Facial Toner - all of which look promising for those of us with oily skin.

perfect partners
Tea Tree Toner Tab, £0.75/5 grams
Tea Tree 7 Tab Twistwrap Pack, £5/35 grams
Aqua Marina Cleanser, £5.50/100g
Grease Lightning Cleanser, £5.10/45ml
Herbalism, £5.50/100g
Saving Face, £7.50/20g
Vanishing Cream Moisturiser, £15.25/45 grams
Cosmetic Warrior Fresh Face Mask, £6.45/75 grams

Cattier Touch'Express

RRP: between £5.50 and £5.98 for 5ml (excluding postage costs)
Retails at: a selection of online outlets, including www.mondebio.co.uk and www.apotheke-international.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"The Cattier Touch’express purifies and neutralizes imperfections, relieves blemishes, and soothes. Its antiseptic formula dries out spots and cleanses and soothes the epidermis."

--Packaging--
Comes in a slightly cumbersome cardboard contraption, which to its credit does adequately convey the benefits of the product in cartoon form. Throw the cardboard bit away and you are left with a sophisticated, simple, pharmaceutical-style tiny white pump-action canister with blue writing on it.

--Application--
While it is advised to spray this directly onto the individual blemishes, and while this is certainly possible, too much oil is perhaps dispensed per spritz to deal with just one spot, so if you have a particularly severe case of acne, it seems more efficient and effective to spritz once onto each cheek and then rub over the whole face, taking care to avoid the eyes and lips (do this before moisturising, but after cleansing and toning).

--Scent--
The smells of the principal ingredients - rosemary, tea tree, and mint - are staple ingredients of products for acneic skin, and all come across strongly, with the rosemary providing a nice, quite different kick. The overall smell is quite strong so be warned!

--Appearance--
A clear oil. No visible residue is left on the skin after use.

--Texture and consistency--
Rubs into the skin well, especially in tandem with the moisturising stage. Does not transfer too much too hands; not greasy or uncomfortable.

--Effects on the skin--
Immediately after application, skin feels cooled, refreshed and treated. Long-term, I noticed some improvement in my skin, but as with many skincare products for my skin type, I have found that it hits a plateau of effectiveness, although this perhaps says more about the severity of my own skin condition than about the quality of the product itself.

--Value for money--
Unfortunately, one canister of this oil does not last very long (only 4-6 weeks), and bought in France for its RRP there (€8) at the current exchange rate, value for money goes down more. It would need to work miracles for me given that stock needs to be replenished so often, and it hasn't done so, which is a shame. The price is not unreasonable overall, though, and other products from Cattier's range give you a bit more for your buck. For better value for money, Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel (£12) is recommended.

perfect partners
Purifying Lotion, £4.90/200ml
Purifying Mask, £4.95/75ml
Purifying Cleansing Gel, £6.25/200ml
Purifying Gel Cream, £6.25/50ml

Superdrug Tea Tree Peel-Off Mask

RRP: £0.99 for 15ml sachet

--What does the promo say?--
"Give your skin a treat with Superdrug's Tea Tree and Peppermint Peel off Mask. Specially formulated, it cleanses the skin pore deep removing dirt, grease and other impurities."

--Packaging--
This apparently now comes in sachets, but when I bought mine, it came in a clear tube with green plastic flip-top lid. It may still do, in fact, but since Superdrug's website is notoriously rubbish...
I'm not sure that the sachet thing is such a great concept for general use (think slippery stickiness and the thing drying out if you don't use everything in the sachet all in one go), but for travel it's always a good thing to have tiny sachets that you can take with you.
The tube is obviously easier to use, assuming they still sell it in this format.
In terms of branding, they've done a great job, with every product in the range being instantly recognisable.

--Application/usage instructions--
Smear generously onto face, leave to dry for 20-30 mins, and then peel off.

--Scent--
Very, very strong, in a peeling-onions, makes-your-eyes-water type way. The peppermint and the tea tree oil are equally prevalent.

--Appearance--
While the gel itself is bright green, on the face it appears and dries totally clear.

--Consistency and texture--
Sticky and viscous. Not really nice to use.

--Sensation--
A very pleasant cooling feeling on the face - you feel like it's actually doing something.

--Removal--
Not easy - it takes a looooong time to dry and you may need to help it along with some water and/or a dry flannel/towel.

--How does your skin look and feel afterwards?--
Noticeably smoother and more refined. Generally less rough-looking and pores appear temporarily minimised. Over time, there is a reduction in skin problems - it's strong stuff!

--Value for money--
Excellent - even the tube, if they still make it this way, is only around £2, from which you get several applications. If you use this with the other products in the range, you can feel the promise of good skin becoming a reality for surprisingly little money. They need to do something about the consistency of this mask - it's a bit too gloopy and sticky - but I'm prepared to put up with that for great-feeling, great-looking skin.

perfect partners
The Superdrug tea tree range has a variety of products, including concealers and cleansers.

Kiss My Face Organic Breakout Botanical Acne Gel

RRP: £9.44 for 1oz

--What does the promo say?--
"Diminish and control skin breakouts, redness, and inflammation with this therapeutic tea tree extract formula which controls the production of sebaceous oils, disinfects, and neutralizes bacteria. Cool, fresh, organic mint soothes and stimulates skin.

GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE...
Tea Tree Oil: controls production of sebaceous oils, disinfects,
and neutralizes bacteria
Mint: soothes and stimulates skin
Lemon Balm: calming, soothing and balancing

INGREDIENTS:
Certified Organic Floral Water of Peppermint*, Lavender*, Rosemary*, Sage*, Steam Distilled Water, Infusion of Certified Organic Herbs of Red Clover*, Golden Seal*, Juniper Berries* & Lemon Balm*, Certified Organic Aloe Vera**, Witch Hazel, Peppermint Oil, Xanthan Gum, Tea Tree Oil, Chamomile Oil, Camphor Oil, Bergamot Oil.
*Certified by Quality Assurance International
**Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

This product contains no animal ingredients, artificial colors, or unnecessary chemicals and was not tested on animals."

--Packaging--
While the packaging is a pretty green colour and very much in keeping with what I would expect of both the brand and the product, I was a little concerned from the outset: Kiss My Face's biggest competitor in terms of natural, environmentally friendly brand is easily Lush, a company that makes a big thing out of its minimal packaging (i.e. they have none, and when they do use it, it's either reusable, like their tins, or recyclable, like their paper bags). Kiss My Face's packaging seemed to be made of unfriendly, unrecyclable packaging. However, after some sleuthing, a KMF representative told me that all of the packaging is in fact recyclable, and that KMF is doing all it can to reduce unnecessary stuff, such as the how-to leaflets, instead directing customers to the website instead. Good stuff.

--Application--
Flip open the lid, squeeze the tube VERY lightly and apply the gel to your face using your fingers. However, I'd say that the application time is lengthened by the gel taking so long to dry - a full five minutes is quite a long time compared to other similar gels on the market.

--Appearance--
The gel is a pale translucent green colour, but rubs in clear.

--Consistency/texture--
It's really runny, which is really irritating as it tends to spill out of the tube and through your fingers really quickly. It's not only this that leads to wastage - the fact that the gel is so runny also means that often more comes out than you need or would want at a time, which is a shame.

--Scent--
The peppermint smell comes through strongly - a nice change when as someone with acneic skin you spend a lot of time using tea tree products.

--Effect on the skin--
No different to my usual Clinique or Superdrug - however, this is a good thing, as I'd rather be using things on my skin that are as natural as possible, so if it's of as good a quality then I'm happy with that.

--Value for money--
Pretty good - one tube lasts ages and the gel itself is effective.

--Other comments--
While I love that this is organic and that it works just as well as my Clinique, I really can't stand how runny it is. I would really want them to reformulate this before I could buy it again and be happy with it.

perfect partner
Pore Shrink Organic Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, £7.34