New In: Skincare and Beauty Products

2018 is coming to an end and if there is one thing I did not regret doing this year is investing in skincare products.

To be honest at first, I didn’t believe in the power of skincare and how it works on our skin. Until I started using them unintentionally. I get to try a few samples from beauty events here and there so when I finally got to try it, I noticed less breakouts from my face and then I realize its probably because of that specific skincare that I used every night!

Having a skincare routine is no joke. You need to have patience and dedication to be able to consistently do it, which I still struggle on until now. I just can’t religiously do all the steps every night due to my current lifestyle (read: living independently with chores plus studying almost every night). I know this is no excuse but I am trying, I swear!

Anyway, just a year back, I slowly educated myself with what kind of skincare my skin needs the most and what products I should start investing in. There are a lot of products that you can start with actually but I kid you not, these skincare products be expensive and my cheap self just can’t give in just yet. For the first few months I settled in with what I was given – Nature Republic’s Aloe Vera Gel from my sister when she revisited South Korea (very affordable and do wonders to your skin too!), my Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater (got as a sample but would definitely repurchase) and Clarins’ Shaping Facial Lift Total V contouring serum (which I got as a sample at Rustan’s Annual Beauty Addict Event). I settled with these products until a few weeks ago when I finally gave in and purchase a few products that’s been on my skincare wishlist for quite some time now. Although I can’t get them all at once, because 1. duh issa expensive lol and 2. some products that I wanted to try are not readily available here in the Philippines or at least from where I am originally from (Cebu City) but Thank God at least we have Althea Philippines that caters our K-beauty needs. Here are the products that I finally got to try and my first impression on them:

Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask

What It Claims To Be: Sleeping mask to soothe, brighten, hydrate and repair. Contains SLEEP-TOX™, MOISTURE WRAP™ and SLEEPSCENT™ patents. Lightweight, non-sticky formula. Said to be “Internationa Best-Selling Sleeping Mask” as it is sold every 12 seconds! Clarifies skin as you sleep and restores lost moisture, giving your skin a well-rested, moisturized, and lively look.
How to Apply: Apply it on the very last step on your night routine and let it sit on your face overnight. Rinse it off in the morning.
Price Point: ₱980 (May vary from store to store)
My thoughts on:
Packaging – Packaging is great. I mean obviously not for travel size since it is a glass jar and is also heavy but it sure is what you paid for. I love how it also comes with a mini spatula for hygiene purposes.
Product (First Impression) – It sure is true to what it claims. After a first few tries, it certainly does not feel sticky on the skin. It gives you that fresh feeling in the morning after having it sit on your face overnight. My face feels so hydrated the next day! As for long term results, I have high expectations on this one but as for reviews online, people have been nonstop raving about this product so I am optimistic this will give me baby smooth face. haha!

It’s Skin’s Power 10 Formula VC and WH Effector

What It Claims: Lightweight, quick absorbing essence. Both is skin brightening and spot lightening. Both has hydrating properties as well. VC has Green tea extracts – Rich in antioxidants for anti-aging while WH has Licorice extract – Helps diminish dark spots and even out skin tone and Arbutin – Brightens the skin and reduces skin’s pigmentation production.
How to Apply: Squeeze a few drops on your palm (or directly to your face, whichever you prefer) and gently pat it around your face.
Price Point: ₱390 each
My thoughts on:
Packaging – Great Packaging as well. I find the dropper type container very hygienic and useful especially for travel as it comes with a clear plastic cap.
Product (First Impression) – Upon first application, it felt just a little bit sticky (varies on your preference). Its not THAT sticky I should say but manageable. Just give it time to absorb to you skin and it should be all good. As for its brightening result, I have been using it for almost 2 weeks now and can’t tell just yet. I haven’t really seen that much visible result or I haven’t just been paying attention to my face. I will surely update you when it does. But nevertheless, I still believe it gives your skin that vitamins it needs. Also, I read from online reviews that it works well on their acne skin problems.

Althea’s Milk Peel Cream Mask

What It Claims: An exfoliating mask that transforms from a clay texture to a whipped cream lather. Contains milk protein extract to moisturize and revitalize. Formulated with AHA & BHA to gently but effectively remove dead skin cells.
How To Apply: Dampen the skin and apply an even layer onto the skin, massaging till a rich lather forms. Leave on for 30-60 seconds before rinsing away with warm water.
Price Point: ₱490
My thoughts on:
Packaging – I like the packaging. It is simple and straight forward on the front as it gives you what you need to know. Although at the back, it is all in Korean. I hope they release a English version or at least as a sticker and stick it to its packaging.
Product (First Impression) – I surprisingly like this product! I use it right after I cleanse my face. The pump applicator is also nice as it avoids messy application. After applying to the face, I gently massage for a few seconds and let it sit for another 30-60 seconds as what the instructions says. During this duration, it slowly creates a bubble cream consistency which I never tried before. It’s so cool! After rinsing, my face feels tight and smoother. It is said to be an exfoliating mask after all so I’m sure its is doing what it’s supposed to do.

Althea’s Petal Velvet Sunaway

What It Claims: Lightweight, translucent sunblock. SPF50+, PA++++. It has a key ingredients like Damask rose extract – Deeply hydrating and soothes irritations, leaving the skin feeling healthy, Hyaluronic acid – A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, preventing dehydration and Geranium oil – Gives the skin a radiant boost and heals acne.
How to Apply: Apply an even layer onto the skin and allow to absorb into the skin before going out into the sun.
Price Point: ₱480
My thoughts on:
Packaging – Simple and cute with a twist cap in a blush pink color. It is not your ordinary rectangular shaped container as it has a little bit of twist to it.
Product (First Impression) – First of all, it smells good (for me at least but I know some of you are not a fan of any strong flowery smell). I didn’t read the back of the packaging properly so when I first squeeze the container, I got a weird and very liquid-y consistency but I realize that you have to shake it very well before use. As for the product itself, it is smooth after application and it doesn’t leave a white cast on the face and it sure is translucent unlike other sunscreen out there. Not sure though if its is sweat proof, etc but overall I enjoy using it before putting on my light make up in the morning and start my day.

Althea’s Petal Velvet Powder Set

What It Claims: Mattifying, lightweight feel. Skin smoothening. Comes in 3 shades – all skin tones (#0), darker tones (#23) and their limited edition in #Pink Lavender. Contains Althea seed extract – rich in antioxidants, protecting the skin from externalities and ensuring it stays nice and hydrated, Polyphenols – Keeps the skin protected from UV rays and Saponarin – Repairs damaged cells and restores elasticity to aging skin.
How To Apply: Pick up product using a brush or puff provided and apply evenly onto the skin.
Price Point: ₱210/₱230
My thoughts on:
Packaging – It comes with a box (like all the Althea products already mentioned above). I like the matte finish the container has and it comes with a puff applicator to use.
Product (First Impression) – Like the Petal Velvet Sunaway, the powder does have a smell especially the #Pink Lavender one. If you are not a fan of floral scents then I think you wouldn’t like this that much. For the product, I mostly use it as a setting powder and it gives me that semi matte finish. It is also great for travel as the size if right when placed in your bags and/or purse. Perfect for retouching throughout the day. It does come in 3 shades but the #Pink Lavender sure is running out fast. I recommend you getting the (#o) that is for all skin tones but if you are on the morena side then the shade (#23) is perfect for you.

Althea’s Stay Fresh Body Sparkling Mist

What It Claims: A feminine mix of fruity and floral scents with Althea’s latest collaboration with Titi Kamal! The Stay Fresh Body Sparkling Mist is a sparkling mix of sweet orange and peach, followed by an ever-graceful echo of rosy floral notes. Not overbearingly strong, this gentle perfume lingers on the body for a long-lasting scent. It also has a non-sticky formula that feels comfortable on the skin, and it embodies the elegance and beauty of Titi in a bottle, perfect for the urban femme.

Titi Kamal is an Indonesian actress and singer with a knack for fashion and style. Best identified by her luxuriously long black hair, she’s a beauty icon that’s captured the hearts of fans all across Southeast Asia.
How To Apply: After washing the body, spray the product lightly on body before going out. Take it with you everywhere and spray occasionally as fits your lifestyle.
Price Point: ₱450
My thoughts on:
Packaging – Packaging is hmm not spot on for me. I mean compared to the first few products that Althea released this year, I know they can do better. It is quite not close to the aesthetic and minimal style of packaging they have but this is in collaboration with Indonesian actress and singper Titi Kamal so I guess it somewhat represents more of her than of Althea.
Product (First Impression) – I am quite surprise that it has both a fruity and floral scent to it. The smell somehow reminds me of my teenage years – not sure if it’s similar to what my mom uses as a perfume back in the day or if I have a somewhat similar scent when I was younger. It is quite strong on the first few spray but it will eventually subsides after a few seconds. Again if you are not a fan of floral scent then this product is not for you but if you do then I’m sure you will like this product!

Althea’s Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser

What It Claims: A purifying cleanser with a serum-like formula. Removes makeup, dirt and oil without drying out the skin. Balances the pH levels of the skin to ensure it stays healthy. Key ingredients includes Mint leaf extract – Cools down the skin and soothes irritations, Jojoba seed oil – Deeply moisturizes any dryness without feeling heavy and
Tea tree leaf extract – Has antibacterial properties that purify the skin.
How To Apply: Dampen the skin and apply on a small amount. Gently massage onto the skin in circular motions for 5-10 seconds before rinsing off with water.
Price Point: ₱430
My thoughts on:
Packaging –
Product (First Impression) – Love how it works as a make up remover and a cleanser at the same time! We always love a 2 in 1 product! I have been trying to find a cleansing product that will help me remove my make up effectively especially when I go on occasions where I where foundations (because I don’t normally do and just settle in some tinted sunscreen on the daily) and especially eyeliners and glad that this does do the job! Aside from that, having the pH balancing feature is a bonus! Will repurchase for sure! *PS: currently have no product shot of this one since I left it in my apartment as I am home for the Holidays huhu*

And that’s it! I definitely enjoy reviewing and trying on new products. Can’t wait for better skin come the New Year!

By the way, I got all of these products at the Althea website. For those that don’t know, Althea is originally an online shop that caters mostly Korean products to neighboring consumers like Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, etc. They shipped straight from South Korea which explains why their price points are fairly cheaper that other online shops since it is direct from the brands there. Shipping usually takes a week or 2 for provincial areas.