There really isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of skincare and how I can find and create the perfect regimen that will give me that elusive clear skin. So it really goes hand in hand that my very favorite thing is to discover new small business skincare brands who are also passionate about clear and healthy skin so I can share them for other people to learn about as well. So here I am sharing my newest skincare find: Belmondo Organic Skincare. A lovely skincare line created to nourish and tend to skin that includes a face wash, toner, moisturizer, exfoliant and mask.
More on the individual products below, but before I get to that I must mention that there are several things I love about this product line as a whole. The products are created by Daniela Belmondo who is an esthetician that is especially interested in our connection to the earth. I love that the word “Belmondo” in Italian means “beautiful world” because it seems like this line helps create that for the individual and works to maintain that for the earth. The products are all created in small batches in British Columbia, Canada with eco-friendly, organic, and often fair-trade ingredients that help skin connect back to nature. The ingredients are all chosen for their healing and nurturing effects and include her key ingredient of organic olive oil soured directly from Italy. All items are packaged thoughtfully and simply in glass containers with no boxes and are shipped with recycled packaging materials so as to leave the smallest waste footprint possible. I have to also note that I love the simple, sweet and eye catching packaging design accompanying the product names that are the perfect nod to mother nature. I was kindly sent a few products to try out and after several weeks of testing. I’ve include my honest review below.
This is the line’s cleanser that, like actual rain, is intended to wipe away the day and leave a clean slate. It’s a gentle cleanser that’s good even for sensitive skin, but is especially good for those with oily or acne prone skin. It’s made with apple cider vinegar which helps deep clean to remove dead skin cells and includes anti-bacterial properties. It’s a bit of a non-traditional cleanser in that to use it you apply it to a cotton pad and wipe skin clean, no rinsing necessary. I confirmed with Daniella that there is no need to wash your face first either, however if you have heavy makeup on you will likely need to use more than one cotton pad to get it all off or you can prep with a hot towel to the face to loosen the make-up first.
I have to say that I have had trouble wrapping my head around only using this without cleansing first as I’m paranoid something will be left behind. But I’ve really wanted to use this and have had success with apple cider vinegar in the past so I’ve compromised and have been using this as my morning cleanser. I’ve been really liking it! It’s definitely refreshing and feels light on the skin. It does smell faintly of ACV, but is not at all offensive and is balanced by rose and lavender oils. It doesn’t dry out my skin and leaves it feeling clean.
This is a toner that, as the name suggests, is intended to be used after The Rain (or after cleansing). It’s a soothing toner made with rose flower, witch hazel and aloe that helps to replenish and clarify skin. It’s good for all skin types and is particularly beneficial for those with eczema or acne.
I like that this toner has simple, yet effective ingredients. I’ve used it on my face and also my neck and chest because those areas need soothing as well. It’s light, airy and refreshing- feels just like after a rain shower has lifted really, go figure! I love how this smells too! It’s made with the essential oils of rosewood, lavender and chamomile that create this really unique and calming scent. The scent lingers nicely before fading. It’s so nice to apply right before bed.
This is a moisturizer that’s made with their signature ingredient of organic olive oil sourced from Italy. It’s a rich cream that has more of a medium texture – they reference it as velvety and I’d agree. Olive oil is full of essential fatty acids that mimic the skin’s natural oils so it helps add and lock in moisture while it nourishes skin. It’s also made with evening primrose oil and calendula that have anti-inflammatory properties.
I’ve been very minimalistic about what I put on my face lately so this is the one product in the line that I’ve not used quite as much as the others. I’ve actually ended up using this on my neck and chest more than my face and it’s just as useful and effective for these areas. I would say this isn’t the lightest moisturizer I’ve ever used, but it does feel nice on the skin. It doesn’t so much leave a heavy greasy feeling, but more like a light glow or dew. I think for my skin, this would make a better nighttime or winter moisturizer.
This is the line’s face mask. It’s not only called ‘The Earth’ but it’s basically made with the earth too. The main ingredient is French green clay which draws out dirt, lifts dead skin cells and absorbs excess oil. It’s also made with shea butter which has a calming, anti-inflammatory effect and olive oil which helps hydrate. It also includes rose, lavender and calendula essential oils that create such a nice, calming and unique scent. This mask is ready to apply as-is, no adding liquids or mixing needed.
This is definitely my favorite product of the line. There is something about a ready mixed mask that just feels so luxurious. There’s no guesswork and it’s just easy. I’ve been using this mask about once per week like the instructions say and it’s a treat I look forward to each time. This mask feels so nice throughout the whole application process. When first brushed on it has a slight cooling sensation, while it dries it tightens up a bit (but not too much) and once it’s rinsed off my skin is left feeling brighter and refreshed. Worth noting again, I love the aroma. It seems to add to the masking and relaxing experience by calming my mind too.
Overall this has been a wonderful skincare line to try out from start to finish. I like all the products but if you’re going to pick just one, I’d definitely give the mask a go. If you’re enticed to try any of these out for yourself, Daniela has graciously offered a discount code for my readers that’s valid for both the US and Canada. Use this code: thebotanicgal20 at check out for 20% off your order here. And if you decide to try be sure to let me know what you think!
