The Face Shop

With the increasing trends of glass skin from Asia (specifically Korea), I find myself constantly looking for new products to give me that light clear light luminous glow. A girl has got to go chasing the unicorn products that are only found halfway around the world. With most items being hard to find over a year ago, I kinda gave up. Well, Face Shop arrived to Canada last year and I've been slowly discovering their products.

The Yorkdale store is a lot bigger than the Square One location and more airier. It's in the new wing and has a lot of clean open displays to showcase their creams. It's no where as big as other cosmetics stores like Sephora but they only specialize in brands they bring over from Korea. There are many brands you probably never heard of ... I still dont know half of them. The only one I was familiar with is Belif which is a very affordable option to start your feet into Korean skincare.

Service here is polite and attentive... everyone who walks in is greeted and has someone help explaining the different brand. Depending on who you is helping you, you might get a more detailed explanation and guidance on the various brands. In general, they're all there to help ... even if it's a little light weight on explaining what each item does.

Over a few visits, I've grabbed a few Belief items. I do appreciate how they have a rewards program... it's no where as good as the Shopper's Optimum but something is better than nothing. I also appreciate how there's gift with purchase or discounts on key weekends (Mother's Day!). This particular weekend they had a 10 to 15% discount and a few GWP depending on the brand.

Belif Aqua Bomb light gel - I feel this is a great introduction for those who are oily skin and looking to help your skin overcome the winter's dryness without clogging your pores. This brand is regarded as having no fillers or unnecessary stabilizers like parabens. It's supposed to boost your skin moisture by 18% (yeah it's that specific) and I do have to agree after using it a good week. My skin did feel less dry and softer. I mostly use this in the winter because summer I need other needs (hello... oil slick city). I never did find this clog my pores either. Other than being a nice moisturizer, it's pretty basic... no active anti aging or illuminating properties. I didnt see anything about minimizing pores (their claim). A good solid option for those who need a basic good moisturizer. 3.5/5

Belif Overnight brightening mask - I bought this on the hopes of getting the clean light glass skin look. Wishful thinking but it seems like every 2nd Asian is achieving it somehow. With this particular brand, it's claiming natural extracts will help get you that look. Im going to be honest. I didn't experience it with a steady use of a month. What I did notice is that my skin was softer and moisturized but I think that can be achieved my the aqua bomb itself and not need a 2nd product. Nice thing, it is light weight texture and doesnt clog skin up. So it's an alternative perhaps to a moisturizer at night. 3/5

Though this is a great introduction to Korean skincare, you won't be finding more of the super trendy items like the snail mucus products or other items that help prevent aging or create that super luminious glow. Then again, maybe its a good thing... snail mucus? uh right

3401 Dufferin Street Toronto, ON M6A 2T9 Canada

(416) 789-4105

https://thefaceshop.ca/en/yorkdale-47-47-47-47-47-47-47/