The skincare products from Erica Brooke, are hand-made in Queensland, Australia, by, you guessed it, Erica, who has the belief that skincare shouldn't contain any chemical nasties including no parabens, SLS, propylene glycol, phthalates, fragrance, or alcohol. But rather the products are made from unrefined natural ingredients, which were possible also are certified organic.
Let me start by talking about the Erica Brooke Emerald Elixir, which is made with Blue Spirulina, also known as Blue Majik, the world's most pure and strongest form of spirulina - which is a very powerful antioxidant that has the ability to fight free radicals and act as a natural anti inflammatory. The elixir also contains natural caffeine to help energise and revitalise the skin, while adding hydration and anti-ageing benefits to the skin. But it also contains Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, Tamanu Oil, Kakadu Plum, and Co Enzyme Q10, which combined help with a multitude of issues from minimising wrinkles, reducing uneven skin tone and pigmentation, fighting acne, reducing acne scarring and help boost collagen for a firmer and younger looking skin. This Emerald Elixir is suitable for normal, dry, mature or combination skin types - and hence perfect for my combination, yet ageing skin that is prone to breakouts.
The serum has a slightly odd greenish tint, and an equally odd scent, but knowing that it doesn't contain any artificial colours or fragrances, I actually don't mind too much. The serum is very light and absorbs quickly into the skin, and leaves it very soft, and non-greasy, while I can still feel the moisturising properties. After having used for a month, I admit that I am yet to see any significant changes in my skin, but that said, I do feel that my skin looks soft, smooth and plumb and it generally has a healthy glow as I do think that some pigmentation has reduced marginally in appearance. I had hoped that it would help get my breakouts under control, but I have still been experiencing these, although no more or no less than prior to using the serum, so at least I know that the serum has not contributed to any breakouts.
Next there's the Erica Brooke Hibiscus Beauty Powdered Face Mask, which I've quickly become addicted to. This facemask contains among others Ghassoul Clay, Zeolite Clay, Bentonite Clay to help draw out impurities, detoxing the skin and removing excess skin sebum, while the hibiscus not only gives the mask a deep pink colour, it is also a natural AHA that helps give the skin a chemical exfoliation loosening up the dead skin cells on the skin's surface, while improving cell turnover and evening out skin tone, making it softer and smoother.
The mask comes in a powdered form, so you need to mix it up yourself, which you do by adding a heaped teaspoon full into a non-metallic bowl and mixing it with warm water until it becomes a smooth paste, which you can ten apply to the face and leave on for about 20 minutes. After 10 or so minutes you can moisten the face to avoid that dry and tight feeling. I do find that this is a little messy to prepare as the first few times I accidentally added too much water and had to use more powder, so I essentially used more than needed, and you also have to be cautious not to spill anything as it can stain clothes. But having said that, I love how it makes my skin feel after each use. My skin is clearly more refined and less greasy, and it is so incredibly soft and smooth and glowing like never before, almost as if I've just walked out of a salon after a facial - so for that it is so worth the bit of hassle.
Finally, there's the Erica Brooke Neroli & Vanilla Deodorant Crème, which is a natural deodorant made from among others shea butter, coconut and jojoba oils along with a selection of essential oils from sweet orange, neroli and rosemary. Erica Brooks suggests that if you are new to natural and aluminium free deodorants, you'll have to allow 2 weeks to detox your body, so see the full effect of this deodorant. And well, this is the first ever natural deodorant that I've tried - and even so, I found it to be sufficiently efficient - even on a warm and humid day. I have to say that I am not to sweat a lot, even on a hot day, so I while I do use a deodorant daily, generally use very little. But for me, this deodorant really does deliver the goods, keeping me smelling not only fresh throughout the day, but gorgeous thanks to the beautiful scent from particularly the neroli and sweet orange. The scent is quite strong, so if you are wearing a perfume, you may find that it clashes a little, but for me, it is perfect for those days where I am home, and often not wearing any perfume. And for the days I'm going out, there is also an un-scented version available.
My only negative about this deodorant crème is how you have to apply it, and to avoid it getting stuck under a finger nail, I found that scraping a bit off with my nail, and then putting it under my armpits, and hereafter massaging it in, is the easiest, and cleanest way - but obviously using either a spray or a roll-on deodorant is a lot easier. That said, there is a lot of negativity surrounding the use of aluminium in deodorants, and I am certainly happy that this one is not only natural, but also healthier for you too, so I can certainly accept the slight awkward and messiness applying this deodorant, it is well worth it.
Erica Brooke Emerald Elixir - RRP: $85 / 30ml
Erica Brooke Hibiscus Beauty Powdered Face Mask - RRP: $35 / 50g
Erica Brooke Neroli & Vanilla Deodorant Crème - RRP: $17 / 70g
Available from Erica Brooke and select stockists
Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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