Belif The True Cream - Moisturizing Bomb & Aqua Bomb Review

Korean skincare is taking the beauty industry by storm and since embracing the trend I've tried many popular brands. With so much to choose from it can be difficult to decide what to try but the Moisturizing Bomb Face Cream by Belif is ranked the #1 beauty product in Korea across all categories! Being the best in a highly competitive market is no small feat. It means delivering impressive ingredients and amazing skin transformations to gain a permanent place in our daily routine. 

I’ve been testing these coveted moisturizers for a few months and I'm excited to announce that Belif has finally launched here in Canada! 

Belif is known as “the true herb cosmetic brand” for inheriting 150 years of British Herbalist traditions and manufacturing expertise stemming from Scotland. The skincare is formulated with medical herbs and excludes harmful irritants such as mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, dye, preservatives and animal bi-products making is safe for all skin types. To ensure true quality the company focuses more on effective ingredients rather than fancy packaging so the jars and bottles are quite simplistic.   

Whether your skin type is dry, normal, combination or oily, there is one thing we all have in common - we need moisture! To maintain optimum epidermis health the Moisture Bomb Face Cream envelops the skin in lush, cushiony hydration that lasts up to 26 hours! The indulgent, pampering formula soothes on contact and is loaded with skin softening ingredients like comfrey leaf extract - known for its healing and regenerative effects. The light, non-greasy texture leaves my complexion silky and resilient without causing excess oil production throughout the day. It also takes care of rough, peeling skin caused by harsh climate.

Under makeup I use a thin layer and for a quick emergency moisture treatment apply a generous amount, leave it on for a few mins and then tissue-off the excess. 

The Aqua Bomb is perfect for those who prefer a refreshing gel texture that is a tad lighter and more water-based. Similar to the cream, this product provides a blast of moisture infused with antioxidant rich Lady’s Mantle – a natural herb used for anti-aging. For my skin I've come up with an incredible blend: after cleansing I use a booster to increase product absorption, apply a layer of gel and finish up with the cream. The layering method creates a fabulous night mask and I awake to supple, dewy skin!

The cream and gel retail for $47.00 each at THEFACESHOP, Fruits and Passions stores across Canada and sephora.com in the U.S.

THEFACESHOP White Seed Brightening Serum Review

I am happy to report that I am totally hooked on THEFACESHOP! This hip little store makes it easy access trendy Korean beauty products right here in Canada and I love that they utilize the leading, skin transforming ingredients. Korean skincare has been taking the North America beauty scene by storm and recently my sister even ordered me some fabulous new face masks for replenishing the complexion. Today I’ll be talking about boosting radiance for fresh, vibrant skin!

Dullness may be understandable in the winter when many of us hibernate and avoid the cold but by summer its time to revive your skin and regain that healthy glow. The brightening serum is formulated with White Lupin Seed and Daisy Flower extract to enhance luminosity and promote clear, silky skin.

I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and although it works slowly I do see minor changes in how even, fresh and smooth my skin appears. I usually apply the serum before bed, focusing on discoloration and blemished areas but it does work under makeup since there is no greasiness or residue. The consistency is light, cool and water based so it feels soothing and offers a boost of hydration to treat dry areas without irritation.

This is not a lightening product that will alter the color of your skin. Instead in works with your natural pigmentation to promote an even finish and beautiful luster. Like any brightening product repeated application yields best results so you may have to test it out for a few months to notice visible improvements. Right after my Caribbean vacation it helped me recover from tanning that deepened my natural complexion and undid some of the UV and environmental effects that tainted my skin. It also works well layered under moisturizer if you prefer extra hydration.

The serum retails for $40.00 and you can pick it up at THEFACESHOP and online by clicking HERE. 

Korean Skincare: Racinne Ultimate Aqua Blanc Review

Korean skincare has been taking the beauty market by storm and on average Asian women spend more money on products to help improve their complexion rather than covering problem areas with heavy makeup. The idea of correcting instead of camouflaging inspired me to test out the Aqua Blanc Series which is formulated to brighten skin tone in just two weeks and improve the appearance of dark spots or in my case slight discoloration.

When you see the words “skin brightening” some of you may think chemicals and unnatural whitening but this line is all about using natural ingredients to revive dull complexions for a healthy glow that makes skin appear vibrant and healthy! It isn’t about changing the color of your skin, it is about enhancing it for a fresh, youthful finish that appears radiant with or without makeup.

The Brightening Boost Lotion has a refreshing gel-cream texture that creates a protective barrier with a layer of vitamins and hyaluronic acid for optimal moisture. The formula is very lightweight and absorbs quickly with no greasy residue or shine. Because of the matte finish it works well under makeup and leaves skin smooth, supple and silky. 

Enriched with 16 natural skin brightening extracts including lotus leaf, aloe, cucumber, macadamia seed oil, shea butter, olive, cranberry and more it firms and provides nutrition while diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. The cream feels great on my skin and I can layer it with natural oils or a rich moisturizer if I need a bit more hydration in fall and winter. It is also suitable for sensitive skin and retails for $37.99.

The Aqua Blanc Concentrate is designed to be used on its own or with the lotion for an extra brightening boost. Not only does it help even skin tone and reduce dark spots it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to protect against pollution, dirt and impurities while deeply replenishing. This formula also has a wonderful cooling cream-gel texture and soaks in efficiently to make skin soft and resilient. Created with advanced Korean Biotechnology it is infused with natural brightening ingredients and anitoxidants that target hyperpigmentation. When used together the cream and concentrate seem to be most effective at improving my complexion. It retails for $45.99.

The Whitening Tonic works with the other products to enhance skin tone but it also protects against the elements, balances skin pH, minimizes pores, improves texture and prevents damage caused by dryness which is exactly what I need this winter! This product comes with a spray dispenser which feels amazing when spritzed on parched skin and although it is part of the treatment I use it on its own as a refreshing face mist when my skin needs a little pick-me-up or revival in the morning. It can also be applied after cleansing and before cream. The Tonic retails for $27.99 and is suitable for all skin types.

Like any skincare range results may vary and it may take time to yield visible results but after soaking up some sun this summer this collection is helping to restore my complexion to its former glory and undo some of the damage. I did have to use the products for a few weeks before I saw any improvement but combined with daily cleansing and weekly facials I am beginning to notice more radiance and almost no discoloration where my blemishes use to be. I like that the lightening effect is natural and subtle instead of patchy and inconsistent and I do find myself having to use less concealer which is great!

You can get this collection and more great skincare from Racinne by visiting their website at racinne.ca

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Washbeautyco Konjac Sponge Review

If you don’t know much about the konjac craze that has been taking the beauty industry by storm and becoming increasingly popular among skincare aficionados then you are in for a treat! I can tell you first-hand that these jelly-like sponges are great little exfoliators and they kick butt when it comes to battling harsh environmental aggressors.

Konjac is derived from a nutritive root vegetable that is indigenous to parts of Asia including Japan, China and Korea. This earthy plant has been used for more than 100 years in traditional cooking and its impressive water binding properties make it a great moisturizer and cleanser for people of all ages.

Konjac is rich in vitamins, high in antioxidants, eco friendly, organic and safe for all skin types including sensitive, dry and acne prone. Not only are the sponges easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine they are also odorless and very effective for deep cleansing and removing dead cells to balance your skin.

When you first open the packaging the sponge is very hard and dry but as water soaks through the material it becomes super soft, absorbent and plush. I like to move the sponge in circular motions, rubbing it gently over my entire face, neck and décolletage. After use I recommend hanging it up in a cool area free of condensation, water or steam to keep it dry and clean.

The Konjac sponges by Washbeautyco are handcrafted responsibly in South Korea without the use of harsh additives and chemicals. They are a great size for the face and efficiently suck up dirt, excess oil, blackheads and whiteheads without stripping the skin of moisture.

I usually use my sponge in the shower after makeup removal which keeps it free of build-up and I don’t recommend using it with face cleanser as soaps tend to alter the fibrous consistency. I love the sponge’s porous material and it's ability to absorb and retain impressive amounts of water which naturally hydrates and softens.

After use I notice a smooth veil of moisture on the surface of my skin without a sticky unpleasant residue and my face feels fresh, supple and clean. I have the original konjac which is white in color and the charcoal infused konjac which is grey. Both work well but the charcoal sponge is better suited at removing impurities, bacteria and absorbing oil.

I also like to use the sponges after shaving for smoother, softer legs and having one sponge for the face and one for the body is a great way to pamper yourself from head to toe! The konjac sponge can last up to 2 months each and I often use it 3-4 times per week. They feel amazing after long workouts, during travel and following long sleepless nights that can tire the complexion. They help recuperate and revive the skin and all you need is water!

The Washbeautyco Back to Basics Konjac Sponges retail for $14.00 each and you can find them on their website by clicking- HERE.

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