The Face Shop: Dr. Belmeur

Line Overview

The Dr Belmur line is one of The Face Shop’s lines meant to combat different types of problem skin, both oily/combination and sensitive/dry.  This line has three ranges. The first is the clarifying range for those with oily/combination or acne-prone skin that works to clarify and calm the skin. The second is the daily repair range for those with sensitive/dry skin meant to gently moisturize the skin and prevent irritation. The third range is the Advanced Cica range and is a targeted care range meant for protection and more intensive care.   The Face Shop describes the Dr. Belmeur line as “a premium derma-cosmetic skincare line that uses plant-based ingredients that have similar components to our skin. Dermatologically tested, this line provides gentle skincare and barrier-enhancing solution to common skin problems.” 

As the line is a gentle care line there is minimal scent to all the products.  It's a fresh, sweet, cucumber scent that is quite pleasant but it would be better for a gentle line to be scentless altogether as most scents can be irritants for sensitive skin.  Visually, going with the medical theme of the line, all the packaging is reminiscent of medical containers: clean white lines with blue text that look to be written on a prescription pad.  The design makes it easy to identify the three ranges with colour-coded backgrounds: light blue for the clarifying range, light pink for the repair range, dark electric blue for the Cica repair range. In terms of effect the Dr. Belmeur products need time to show results and neither the Clarifying range nor the Daily Repair range have any truly WOW products (I haven't tried any of the Advanced Cica line yet).  The good thing is that the line provides consistent results.  Overall I'd say that this line is best for those in their teens to mid/late 20s.  

The Products

The Dr. Belmeur line encompasses a lot of different products, 29 individual items not counting sets, but the availability of these products will depend on what country you live in. There are also some limited items made in collaboration with Kakao friends that are essentially regular products in cute packaging. As well there is a baby care range with 4 products. 

Clarifying range

Bubble Foam Cleanser

Toner

Spot Soothing Ampoule

Spot Pack Kit

Moisturiser

Centelladerm Ointment

Daily Repair range

Foam Cleanser

Toner

Mineral Salt Toner

Moist Cleansing Water

Exfoliating Pad

Hydrating Mist

Zinc Tone Correcting Cream

Moisturiser

Ato Salt Cream

Soothing Gauze Sheet Mask

Moisturizing Lip Balm

Advanced Cica range

Peptide Ampoul

Recovery Cream

Enriched Cream

Recovery Hand Cream

Hyalourinic Mask

Daily Repair Cleansing Water

This is The Face Shop's only cleansing water.  The current packaging available in Canada has a push-pump top that conveniently dispenses the product onto a cotton pad.  I use two-three pumps at a time.  The products can either be washed off or left as is.  The water is good for mild cleansing in the mornings or in the middle of the day for a pick-me-up.  As with any cleansing water I wouldn't use it as an evening cleanser, it just isn't up to taking off a whole day's dirt.  The products itself is pleasant and doesn't leave any redness or irritation.

Daily Repair Toner

This is a good toner that can be applied both with a cotton pad and just with your hands.  The liquid is viscous enough to avoid spilling too much, but it is still clearly a toner.  Very nice for daily use and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and mildly moisturised.

Clarifying Spot Soothing Ampoule

If I was to pick the most WOW product of the line this would be it.  The ampoule is a targeted treatment for pimples and acne.  If you see or feel a pimple or some acne forming you put this on and it helps to reduce redness, sensitivity, and minimizes the visual effect of any blemishes.  It does help get rid of the blemish faster but I'm not sure if it's because of the product or because the soothing effect prevents you from touching the blemish and it just doesn't get extra irritated.  The ampoule lasts a really long time and has a very convenient dropper applicator that prevents germ contamination from your skin to the bottle.  Just make sure to drop the product onto a finger first instead of touching the dropper to your face. 

Clarifying Spot Pack Kit

This is, to me, the most disappointing product from The Face Shop.  The spot plasters are little circles that stick to the skin and are supposed to fight blemishes but they haven't done anything for me.  I'm not the only one who feels this way so I feel pretty confident in saying that you can skip this product.  It won't do anything except prevent dirt from interacting with the blemish, essentially acting like a small clear bandaid.

Daily Repair Moisturizer

This is a great moisturiser for those who need or want a light touch.  The product has a good consistency coming firmly in the middle between a face butter and an emulsion.  It doesn't leave any sticky residue and has a comfortable skin-feel.  The drawback to it's lightness is that you will want something extra overnight if your skin is prone to dryness or if you have air conditioning or heating.  It's also not up to protecting your skin in the depth of winter, it's just too light.  It's perfect for the summer, though, and works great at promoting an even skin tone and texture. 

Daily Repair Moisturizing Lip Balm

A+ product.  I love this lip balm.  I have very sensitive lips that are prone to infection and almost every lip balm will eat away at the skin along the edges.  This lip balm doesn't do that and actually helps to keep my lips moisturised.  It has zero smell and no colour.  It is on the expensive side but worth it, especially if you have sensitive lips.