Moisturiser in the summer often leaves me greasy by noon or disappears by my first iced coffee. But Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb, £32, is the unicorn gel that gets the summer skincare brief: cool, calm, and keeps my skin hydrated without the slip-and-slide. Full disclosure, this is not an ad – just a product I genuinely love.

I’ve been in a long-term relationship with moisturisers. Some clog my pores. Others feel like cling film. The rest sit smugly on top of my skin, doing absolutely nothing. And don’t even get me started on how many melt off my face the second the sun comes out.

So, when I heard Belif—the Korean skincare brand with serious street cred—had finally launched in the UK, I was intrigued but cautiously optimistic. Their cult bestseller, The True Cream Aqua Bomb, had always hovered on my periphery as a product that beauty insiders swore by but that I hadn’t tried. Until now. Let me just say: it was love at first swipe.

Why I’m obsessed

This is what skincare dreams are made of. True Cream Aqua Bomb is a gel-cream hybrid with the weight of water and the hydration power of something way richer. Think: your parched-skin saviour that doesn’t clog, shine, or leave a trace—just glow. We’re talking bouncy, breathable texture that feels like diving into a cool pool… for your face.

In this awkward not-quite-summer weather where skin’s dehydrated and oily, it’s been a godsend. No grease, no tackiness, and it layers under SPF and makeup like a pro.

The story behind the find

From the Korean skincare brand Belif (known for no-nonsense, herbal science meets modern efficacy), this formula was designed to flood skin with moisture and protect your barrier while doing it. It’s packed with powerhouses like ceramides, squalene, and peptides—no gimmicks, no fluff.

The brand says it boosts hydration levels by up to 70%, and honestly, it feels like it. Skin looks plumper and fresher within minutes. Plus, it’s free from alcohol and mineral oils, so unlikely to irritate even sensitive skin.

How I’m using it

Twice a day, and sometimes more (post-gym). AM: under SPF and foundation for smooth, non-pilling application. PM: post-cleanse for a final, soothing hit of hydration.

It’s one of the few moisturisers that behaves with my makeup without any downtime. No foundation sliding down my face.

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The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.


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