We live in a beautiful world.  Unfortunately, that world is also swimming in chemicals.  From the air we breathe, to the products we put on and in our bodies, toxins are constantly building within us.  They are in the ingredients and additives found in household cleaners, our underarm antiperspirants, favourite lipsticks and perfumes, packaged foods, and more.  It is impossible to fully escape these pollutants, but it is conceivable to avoid what toxins we can, and protect ourselves against those that are unavoidable.



Today, February 4th, is World Cancer Day, a day to remember love ones we have lost, celebrate those who have been saved, and unite in the fight to find cures and preventions.  The goal is to raise awareness, spread information, and to urge people to take action.  One of those actions is as simple as taking care of your skin.

We have all heard of this thing called 'detox' but have you looked at the details as to why it is beneficial?  Basically, our bodies are designed to automatically fight any nasties coming in, expelling them through a natural detoxification cycle. But, with the rate of pollutants increasing every day, our cells can't eliminate the waste fast enough.  This is when things start to malfunction, toxins begin to build, and disease has the opportunity to strike.

The good news is that there are products on the market that can help get rid of all these added impurities, and help maintain healthy cell renewal.  One of my favourites is made by Awake Organics, a British brand focused on utilizing the power of aromatherapy and avoiding exposure to unnecessary toxic chemicals.  I first heard about Awake Organics after receiving their vegan Frankin-Sense Divine Face Serum in The Cruelty Free Beauty Box, and I was immediately hooked on both the quality of their products as well as their ethos.  The brand promises a range free from GMOs, fillers, synthetic fragrance, parabens, artificial colour, animal testing, mineral oil, phthalates, and chemical preservatives, making this ideal for those of us trying to steer clear of  avoidable toxins.

Melissa was kind enough to send me a Green Tea + Detox Divine Face Mask, a product that is intricately handcrafted from raw-honey, enzymatic dead sea mineral mud, bentonite, and active essential oils.  Packed with natural ingredients, this mud mask is leagues ahead of any others I have tried.  The smell is luxurious, rich, and calming, with an initial burst of frankincense followed by lightly floral rose geranium and a hint of matcha.  It is as divine as its name implies!

And for those of us worried about living not just a clean lifestyle free from added nasties, but one with as little waste as possible, Awake Organics again delivers with this bespoke product (and all of their range!).  The packaging is simple, with no ink or imprints on the recyclable cardboard box or glass jar (with metal lid, not plastic!).  The instructions come on a small, thick piece of card so you can look back at them when needed.  Everything is 100% recyclable, and everything looks sleek and upscale without having any added nonsense.



Awake Organics Green Tea + Detox mask hits it home in terms of usage as well, as it can be used in two ways: as a weekly deep detoxifying treatment or as a daily cleansing clay with detoxifying benefits.  As a cleanser, you simply need to apply to damp skin and then rinse with warm water.  Any dirt, residue, makeup, and oil will be washed away, and your face will get a jolt of potent minerals.  To get the full benefits as a mask, you just leave on for a minimum of five minutes after massaging onto your face, and then remove.  Five minutes to fight the damaging effects of daily pollutants.  Five minutes to start cutting the risk of cellular dysfunction.

As I live within a city (albeit a smaller one!), and I spend a fair amount of time walking around outside, I choose to use it to detox.  I have to say, the first time I used this I was completely blown away.  My face has never felt so pampered and so taken care of, and I have tried more than my share of natural skincare products!  Even my partner noticed how immediately clear and bright my face looked after washing the mask off.  I felt refreshed, and just so so clean.


The product is thick, but not in an unpleasant way.  The mix of honey and mud really makes this mask feel like a luxurious spa treatment, but without the guilt of steep prices and unethical practices. It applies smoothly, and I can honestly say a little goes a long way.  I used less than a teaspoon worth for the entirety of my face, so I think this 28ml pot will last me at least three months if not longer.

Not only are the mineral rich clays drawing out impurities and acting as a healthy boost to the body's own detox abilities, but the Green Tea + Detox Divine Face Mask's natural enzymes and acids are effectively exfoliating and restoring the skin without harshness  or irritation.  The mask is not drying, but actually the opposite as it is full of rich antioxidants.  I found it incredibly hydrating, probably due to the grape seed, honey and geranium.  My face was unbelievably soft afterwards, and I can't wait to see what months of frequent use does for the firmness of my skin, my complexion, and most importantly, my overall well-being.

If you're interested in trying any of Awake Organics products, you can Grab 15% off your first purchase over £14 by using my link (excluding shipping and taxes).


Living in a chemical world is not ideal, but with brands like Awake Organics creating bespoke products that address the issue of high-pollutants, establishing as clean a lifestyle as possible has never been easier.  Making small changes like switching up your skincare routine can really make a difference, and can help protect against the negative effects of toxic ingredients.  By learning as much as possible about what goes in and on our bodies, we can do our best to be sure we are making healthy choices, and those choices can help prevent life changing damage.

Macmillan Cancer Support