Review | The Body Shop Tea Tree collection

Living with oily skin can be annoying at most times, especially if you're in unflattering light and your face is shining like a disco ball. I decided to tackle this issue once and for all as I hate using powder.

So I went to The Body Shop to get some inspiration and came across the Tea Tree section, I asked, "what's it supposed to be good for?" at which my mother replied, "oily skin". I quickly picked up a bottle at random (this one being the exfoliator) and had a read. It was indeed for oily/combination skin so I decided to give it a go.

A month later, I can reveal that this stuff is amazing, not only does it smell refreshing but it most definitely does what it says on the label. My face is free of excess oil for longer and I don't feel self conscious about my shiny face.

Blackhead exfoliating wash

Exfoliates to help unclog pores for clearer looking skin. With crushed apricot stones.

I use this every few days as over-exfoliating can be too harsh on your skin as you're basically rubbing your face in small stones. I use about a third of my fingers worth, as you really don't need very much, then massage onto a wet face focusing on the T zone since that's where I get off worse with the oily-ness. I then use my foaming cleanser, which I will get onto in a moment, and pat my face dry. Do not wipe your face with a towel as this will cause the pores to open up again and release more oil, and we don't want any more of that!

My skin feels smooth and refreshed with a slight tingle where the stones have come to use. This exfoliator is also great to help wake you up as the scent is very powerful and zingy.

Skin clearing foaming cleanser

Instant foam removes impurities and excess oil, for clearer looking skin.

This is a more gentle product suitable for every day use, I tend to use it when I have a shower as the foam can be quite difficult to get off in the sink, as with most skin products. As said in the description it removes excess oil which is what we need. Same as the exfoliator, you really don't need very much. One pumps worth is enough and even then you're overwhelmed by the foam. I have to say, it's a very nice feeling though. :) Again, I focus on the T zone and pat dry. I then feel instantly refreshed and ready to go.

Cleansing wipes

Instant cleansing to sweep away make-up, impurities and excess oil, for clearer looking skin. Infused with tamanu oil.

If you're lazy like me, then you'll often feel like you can't be bothered with all that face wash stuff and just want your make-up off so you can go to sleep. These handy wipes kill two birds with one stone. Not only does it effectively remove your make-up but leaves your skin looking and feeling mattified and fresh. Use these with the toner and you're good to go. Now, you probably noticed in the description that it contains tamanu oil, but have no fear! this is a good type of oil. It leaves your face with a lovely glow without any of that residual greasiness or oiliness.

Skin clearing toner

Sweeps away traces of impurities for clearer looking skin. Leaves skin looking mattified. Infused with tamanu oil.

I've saved the best til last. This is my favourite of the range. I'd never used a toner before so I wasn't really sure what to expect but I'm so glad I tried it. This is the best skincare product I've used on my face to date. Not only does it keep your skin feeling smooth and oil free, but it keeps spots at bay. I've not had a single spot or blackhead since using this, which is something as I am prone to getting them on my chin and either sides of the nose. If I feel a spot coming on then I just dab some of this on using a cotton pad before I sleep and when I wake up, the oncoming spot has vanished. Magic!

I mostly use this before I go to sleep but it also works well just before putting make up on as liquid foundation usually has nasty oils, even when they say they don't. I recently had a bad reaction to a high end foundation causing me to severely break out and this product helped me get my skin looking clear and glowing again. All you do is pour some out carefully onto a cotton pad and sweep all over the face concentrating on problem areas and then you're done.

Overall, I really recommend this range to anyone who suffers from oily skin and is tired of it. Also to those who have bad acne and want it cleared up quickly and safely. I will be using it for the foreseeable as I think they are quality products with added bonuses of it being part of the Fair Trade community and being very affordable.

Sarah xoxo

Where can I buy these products?

The Tea Tree Range

Skin clearing toner - £4.50 (250ml)

Blackhead exfoliating wash - £5.50 (100ml)

Skin clearing foaming cleanser - £4.50 (150ml)

Cleansing wipes - £4.00 (25 wipes)