While experimenting with the Ordinary serums a couple of months ago (check out [REVIEW] One Month (and more) of the Ordialnary: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinimide + Zinc, Lactic/Azelaic Acids (plus last minute buys)), alongside the products I used consistently were and still are from Belif. I spotted Belif in the Face Shop at the Eaton Centre and my eyes protruded pretty fiercely!
Belif is a Korean brand that combines traditional herbal processing methods based on British herbalist Duncan Napier (from the 1860s), with their own innovative extracting method. They value their brand to be the most truthful and inimitable in the cosmetic industry because of their safe and effective formulation process.
I’ve been wanting to try one of their hydrating toners ever since I dabbled it on my hand at a Sephora in the US and followed up with major ragrets after not buying it. It was still winter, my moisturizer ran out, so I thought I’d try the Moisturizing Bomb to help with my dry skin. Bonus, I got a sample size of the Hungarian Water Essence as well to complete the set!
Witch Hazel Herbal Extract Toner
“For dry skin? Yes!
A toner formulated with witch hazel to hydrate dry, dull skin, leaving it hydrated, soothed, and balanced after cleansing.
This botanical toner is formulated to hydrate dry, dull skin, leaving it even and deeply moisturized after cleansing. It contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including witch hazel, to help clarify and hydrate skin by sealing in moisture. Skin appears supple and revitalized over time.”
– Belif/Face Shop
“This toner, suitable for dry skin type, contains soothing ingredients that provide nutrients to the skin in the first step of skin care. Witch Hazel extracts in the toner helps to strengthen the skin barrier and minimizes moisture depletion. This product transforms dry and exhausted skin into supple and moisturized skin.”
– Belif Global site
- Milky and thick texture
- Light smell
- Nickel size used to apply all over the face
- Penetrates the skin pretty quickly if using tapping motion
- No sticky feeling on face
At first I thought I’d risk breakouts from how thick the toner is, but it is wonderfully nourishing! My face truly feels like it has been freshly hydrated, and it’s never made my skin feel congested. If I had to recommend only ONE product out of the 3, this toner would definitely be it!
Hungarian Water Essence
“Lightweight hydrating serum? Yes!
An instant, lightweight hydration serum that is powerfully effective for deep, lasting hydration.
Hungarian Water Essence recharges skin’s lost hydration back in an instant. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including rosemary and lavender—powerful hydrating and antioxidant agents. This ultra-light watery texture instantly glides onto skin to provide a burst of powerful moisture that penetrates the skin for long-lasting hydration, leaving the skin healthy-looking, soft, and supple.”
– Belif/Face Shop site
“This essence contains the legendary Hungarian Water, the hydration beauty secret of Hungarian Queen Elizabeth. This product provide cool sensation and clings to the skin lightly without stickiness, prolonging suppleness and softness.”
– Belif Global site
- Watery, jelly texture
- Almost a full pump needed to satisfy my quenched skin
- Absorbs quickly as well
- Doesn’t leave the surface of the skin feeling dry
I like this product more than the Ordinary HA and Hylamide! There I said it. I was rotating this on occasion with the other 2 serums and always prefer to reach for this tiny bottle. The Ordinary and Hylamide serums add nothing to counteract the possible drying experience you get from HA if you live in a dry climate. The Hungarian water essence provides just that, making it a lovely daily serum to use. I was surprised how effective I found this with just one pump and its light consistency. My skin felt very hydrated and soft after using the toner and this essence alone. I may just consider buying the full size of the essence!
The True Cream – Moisturizing Bomb
“Clinically proven to retain moisture for up to 26 hours
A comforting moisturizing cream for normal to dry skin types that provides the skin with intense hydration, leaving it supple, smooth, and deeply nourished.
The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a comforting moisture cream that provides the skin with intense, soothing hydration. Clinically tested to provide up to 26 hours of moisture, this uniquely indulgent formula leaves skin soft, supple, and deeply moisturized. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including comfrey leaf, a powerful hydrating agent. The cushiony cream format is designed to ‘burst’ when applied, releasing a flood of moisture onto skin, and then absorb completely without stickiness for a healthy, smooth, supple appearance. The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb, continues to hold the position as the number one beauty product across all categories in Korea’s prestige beauty market (Based on 2013 and 2014 sales data compiled for the Sure Magazine Beauty Awards).”
– Belif/Face Shop site
“This 26-hour moisturizing cream keeps the skin soft and smooth with Comfrey Leaf extract. The soft and pure white cream literally wraps the skin with comfort, supplying moisture without dryness and tightness for hours.”
– Belif Global site
- Thick consistency
- Very little is needed to cover the face and get that sense of moisturizing relief
- It absorbs really well into the skin
- Surface of skin is left feeling soft
- No oily or sticky feeling is left over
The. Best! Probably the first moisturizer I found for winter time that I didn’t have to dabble a crapload on! But then again, I paired it with a super hydrating toner, so that could add to it as well. I really like how a little goes a long way with this moisturizer to feel like my skin is comfortably hydrated. It also doesn’t leave a greasy residue on my skin, but just a nice soft touch. Does it moisturize for 26 hours? Truthfully, I haven’t tested it out to make a fair judgement on it. Every day I splash my face with water and wear some type of makeup, so I don’t have it on long enough to feel the full effects.
Final Thoughts
These products were great alongside the Ordinary products I’ve been using for the past few months. During the winter months, the dryness was so unbearable! I’m so happy these items were able to hydrate and moisturize my skin without causing intense congestion and give me breakouts. Even more, I am EXTREMELY happy they’re finally being sold in Toronto! (Sephora, get on that please).
Sorry I couldn’t show you the full effect these products have done for me since I started using them. However, I hope my review gives you enough detail to make a final decision for yourself!
xo, M
http://global.belifcosmetic.com
https://thefaceshop.ca/en/collections/belif
[…] Designated Wintertime moisturizer! Not to say the Klairs or Pyunkang Yul one won’t do the trick, but I would definitely need to use more of it. A little goes a long way with the Belif Moisture Bomb, and I always find my skin nicely conditioned in the colder months. [REVIEW] Belif | Witch Hazel Herbal Extract Toner, Hungarian Water Essence, the True Cream – Moist… […]
[…] As mentioned in my previous review, Belif is a Korean brand that combines traditional herbal processing methods based on British herbalist Duncan Napier from the 1860s (Napiers is now a herbal medicine company that supplies their “original formulas” to Belif), with their own innovative extracting method. […]