Althea Shopping Experience + Haul Unboxing

Lately, there’s no product in malls that caught my attention. So I went back to online shopping. I knew Althea since the first day they opened but never really ordered from them. It’s the only cosmetics shop in Korea that accepts cash on delivery payment (COD) for Philippine-orders. It is a good thing. Most Filipinos do not use card for transactions. We’re more comfortable with cash payment.

I ordered from Althea last Monday. They sent an email about my order confirmation right away. Updates can also be seen in your account. Here’s the time table:

Monday
January 15 (around 1PM) — Order received and Processing order

Tuesday:
January 16 — Preparing for shipping

Wednesday
January 17 — Shipped with tracking number

Saturday
January 20 — Received my order

And here’s the complete tracking from Korea to our house in PH

They update the online tracking fast unlike other couriers. You’ll receive a text message from the courier notifying you that your order will be delivered within the day. The delivery guy will also send a text asking if you/someone can receive the package. If no one is available, you can tell the guy and they’ll deliver it the next day. After 5 days, my package was delivered right at my doorstep. Best of all, I didn’t have to pay 112 pesos for customs tax and duties.

I’d recommend COD if there’s someone at your home who’ll pay & receive your order. But for me, it was difficult to do that because I’m sort of living alone. So if Im not at home, no one’s gonna receive it. The staff at our lobby can do that for me if my package was paid already. I’m going to use card or bank transfer next time.

Everything was in bubble wrap even if the box itself is already protecting the products. There were no dents on the product boxes. I signed up on the site way back. I already have a wishlist of products. I ran out of concealer and almost finished with my moisturizer. I was looking for serums and found a lot on their website.

Onsaemeein Galactomyces
I’ve never tried this active ingredient before. But I know it became a trend in k-beauty community. Onsaemeein offers it in 100%, no other ingredients included. I’m using this for more than a week now. My skin feels tight like I had botox. I’m liking it so far. I’ll review this after a month.

Calmia Oatmeal Therapy Cleansing Tissue
I needed a new makeup remover because Bench/ Cleansing Baby Wipes are rough which in my opinion is not good for facial skin. I just tried Calmia tonight. The tissue is soft and big enough to remove my full coverage makeup. It smells good too. I just wish they were 30 to 50 pieces.

The Saem Cover Perfection Dual Concealer
I only wanted to try The Saem’s liquid concealer. But I know I’ll be looking for a cream variant in case I’m not satisfied with the coverage. I bought this duo to test both of them in half the price. The weights are different from the solo cream and liquid concealer. I’ll see which one I like better then I’ll buy that alone next time.

Torriden Cellmazing Centellareal Soap
I was also looking for a facial wash. I’m taking a break from my favorite cleansing soap. I got this one on sale. Centella Asiatica is one of the main ingredients based on the website description. I’m using this for a week. I’ll do a full review on this after a month.

RiRe Luxe Full Cover Concealer
This one’s just an extra order. I added it in my cart because it’s so affordable. Where can you see a concealer worth 140 pesos, right? The packaging doesn’t look cheap. I havent tried it yet. It claims to give great coverage. It weighs 1.5 grams so I’m hoping little goes a long way.

Overall, I’m satisfied with my shopping experience on Althea’s website. They have different payment options like paypal, credit card, cash on delivery and bank transfer. I received the products in great condition. I’ll buy again from them once I’ve finished these all up. I’m already window shopping and adding some items on my wishlist. There are unique finds here like unpopular brands which are promising.

Unboxing: LUSH Ray of Sunshine Gift

Happy holidays everyone! We’ll open one of LUSH’s Christmas gifts. This was a gift for me. Apparently people remember me when they think of Lush. Am I that obsessed? I dont think so! 😅

My sister got this because she thinks I’ll use all of them. We dont have a bath tub like most Filipino homes. So there’s no use for bath bombs in our home.😅 She made the right choice. Their other gift boxes have a mix of bath bombs, shower gels, soaps, scrub and massage bars.

There’s a tag where you can see the product list in each set. Once opened, you’ll know which team have packed your gift. The product labels have expiration dates, ingredients list and names of those who made them. That’s great because some companies dont include those information in their holiday/sale sets.

Ray of Sunshine gift has four products: 100g shower gel, 50g sugar scrub, 120g soap and 30g massage bar. Olive Branch Shower Gel is a bestseller which has a sweet relaxing scent. The description says you can use it for hair and body. I’ll let you know in a separate review if this works both ways. I’m excited to use it as shampoo.

Sugar Scrub is made of sugar, baking soda, various oils, ginger and perfume from natural oils. The scent reminds me of Perla, a local coconut-based soap. You’ll know immediately what Sandstone is for. It’s a soap and scrub in one. It smells fresh and clean. I cant describe the exact scent. Sand is second in the ingredients list. Yes, actual sand! I dont know about you but that excites me.

Last but not least is Each Peach. It’s a 30g massage bar used in shower. It’s full of butters such as cocoa, shea, avocado and mango kernel. Hmmmm sounds like a solid lotion. It has mild citrus-y scent because of orange and mandarin oils.

I know Lush can be expensive. So here’s tip: always look out for their boxing day sale. Their Christmas gift sets are 50% off in January here in the Philippines. I dont know the exact date. Just ask the nearest store about it. You’ll try many products for a cheaper price if you buy a set. Great for those who want to explore this brand.☺

My 300 Peso ($6) Haul From BeautyMNL

Hello readers! I’ve been MIA these past few weeks but now I’m back with a haul. I’m a reviewer on BeautyMNL and earned some credits. I bought 5 products using the reward. I think I managed to get the most out of it. The technique here is to watch out for announcements about free shipping so you’ll be able to add more items on your cart.

Here are the five products that I got:

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ZENUTRIENTS Balancing Tea Tree Soap

Description: Cleanses, purifies, and balances skin with acne-busting tea tree oil; leaves skin feeling refreshed and invigorated; made with the best blend of natural ingredients with no artificial additives

I’m about to run out of my current cleanser. I need new ones to try. Zenutrients has been in the market for quite some time now and is well-known local brand. I read all reviews about their tea tree soap. I know what to expect. As a realist, I have to look at the good and bad sides. I’ll find out if it’ll work for me after a month. It’s 100 grams for 88 pesos

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LUX White Impress Body Wash

Description: Exquisitely created by Master Perfumer Nicole Mancini; features the sheer, sparkly notes of peach, apple, and bergamot; features a unique triple-action system containing natural mulberry extract and honey; enriched with minerals and antioxidants; leaves skin soft, smooth and more radiant

I’m going to give this to my sister. She’s into body wash. It’s a part of her de-stressing routine. I prefer the bestseller variant but it was sold out. White Impress is next to it based on the 4-star rating on the site. It’s 220ml for 120 pesos.

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JERGENS Mild Soap

Description: Softly cleanses with a rich lather that won’t strip away essential moisture; all-natural formula is safe for sensitive pelts; refreshes and rejuvenates with a light fragrance for a silky, supple feel

My current cleanser for contact dermatitis was prescribed by my dermatologist. I read its ingredients list and honestly I dont think it has enough cleansing properties. But it doesn’t break me out which is surprising. It’s quite pricey though and I needed an alternative. Jergens Mild Soap has similar ingredients. It’s 135 grams for 36 pesos only. The price can’t be beaten.

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CARONIA Green Tea Hand Sanitizer

Description: Purifies skin by killing 99.9% of germs; nourishes and moisturizes the hands; leaves behind a hydrated feeling.

I wash my hands like crazy! Minimum of 10 times daily. Yes, I know I’m “OC”. It’s uncomfortable for me if I can’t wash my hands when I’m out of the house. I want a little sanitizer or alcohol that I can carry in my bag. I got Caronia’s 50ml hand sanitizer for 35 pesos only. I chose Green Tea because well… I like green tea. There are other variants like Lavender, Eucalyptus and Watermelon.

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SWAN Royalex Round Latex Sponge in Pink

Description: Flat shape and rounded edge allows for seamless makeup application even in hard-to-reach spots; travel-friendly size.

I had 23 pesos left in my credits. Sinagad ko na. I found this 20-peso sponge. I’ve always had white ones. Actually I bought it because of the colors. It’s available in purple, green, orange, blue, pink, light pink and Red. I chose pink because it’s the cutest in my opinion. I think you can use it for liquid, baking and powder foundation.

Review: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Finally, I’ve tried the most raved mask in our country. Pinay beauty junkies swear by this product. You guys know that if something’s for acne prone skin, I gotta have it. It was out of stock in Healthy Options Bonifacio High Street. I went to their SM Aura branch and there are lots of stocks there! It’s like I’m in heaven. Hahaha! I was shocked when I saw the tub. It was huge!

DIRECTIONS / HOW TO USE (from their Website):

Mix AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY with equal parts of apple cider vinegar* or water. It is best to use a glass, pottery, or wooden bowl. Stir the mixture until it is a smooth paste – add more clay or liquid as needed. Apply 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick layer of clay to the face or other areas and let it dry. Drying times vary, but times are generally 5 minutes for delicate skin and 15- 20 minutes for normal skin. You will feel a pulling and tightening sensation.

Remove clay by washing with warm water. A slight redness may appear after removing the clay. This is normal and will disappear in approximately 30minutes. AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY helps to remove dirt and impurities from the pores of the skin. The clay is beneficial for deep pore cleansing of the skin.

Now you can enjoy the benefits of clay in your own home. One pound cf AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY makes 10-15 clay packs. Clay can be used by the whole family men and women. Mix some up and FEEL YOUR FACE PULSATE.

NO ADDITIVES, NO FRAGRANCES, NO ANIMAL TEST NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS.

* Use only 100% apple cider vinegar. Raw is preferable Discontinue if rash appears. For external use only. 

INGREDIENTS:
Bentonite: 100% pure.

PROS:

• Affordable, Php 429 for 1 lbs (454 grams)
• Available locally at Healthy Options
• Little goes a long way
• Can last you up to a whole year
• I didn’t experience redness after use
• Saw an improvement on majority of my breakouts
• Dried up some acne after one use

CONS:

• Can be too drying

NEUTRAL:

• Sometimes I can feel there’s too tight feeling

Put it in a plastic bowl and remember to use plastic or wooden spoon to mix it. Dont use metal spoons/bowl as it may affect the clay’s full benefits. I’m surprised that it’s very affordable. It’s a 1 pound tub that can last me for a year or even more. I have very sensitive skin especially now that I have dermatitis. I only use it once or twice a month for deep cleansing. I find that the clay alone is quite strong for my oily skin so I don’t use apple cider vinegar. I mix it with water only. I didn’t experience redness although it’s quite strong.

As for breakouts, I’m surprised that it dried out some acne after one use. From angry red bumps, they turned into whiteheads. They didn’t hurt anymore. Well of course I saw the effects the next morning. I highly recommend it for blemished skin. It doesn’t require rubbing so it won’t irritate your skin. It’s easy to take off with warm water.

Sheet masks don’t work in my opinion. That’s just for relaxing. Go for clay masks if you want something that’s effective.  This is the perfect product if you’re looking for affordable anti acne mask that can last for a long time.

BeautyMNL Haul: Skin Care, Makeup and Body Care

It’s been 2 months since I posted a haul. I’m back with another one. This time it’s from a local/Philippine-based beauty website. BeautyMNL carries hundreds of local and international brands from drugstore to high-end. They have korean brands as well. COSRX, Klairs, Innisfree, Tony Moly and YET to name a few. I got the opportunity to order from them.

My haul is a mix of products with high ratings, bestsellers and a new release:

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Loreal Refreshing Micellar Water

 Micellar water became a huge hit last year and many brands are releasing their own version. Loreal just released one here. I received a newletter from them telling me this was on sale. I knew I had to get it. Can’t say no to discounts. This is my first skin care product from Loreal. It only has 8 ingredients. It’ll be a good makeup remover especially if you’re a minimalist like me. Full details here

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Detail Mineral Pressed Powder

Detail MakeOver is a local/Philippine brand. Mineral Pressed Powder caught my attention because of its size. It’s 10 grams for 199 pesos ($4). It’s such a steal compared to other powders. They have matte liquid lipsticks and palettes as well. Full details here

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Maybelline ColorSensational Matte in Clay Crush

Now this is THE trend for lipstick addicts. If you want brown shades for a drugstore price, go for Maybelline’s Creamy Matte Brown line. Yes, they are perfect! I know the bestselling colors are quite difficult to find in-stores. Good thing all shades; Nude Embrace, Daringly Nude, Clay Crush, Nude Nuance & Burgundy Blush are available on their website.

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Sooper Beaute Pimple Away Day Cream

 

This pimple cream is one of the bestsellers. Sooper Beaute is a local brand. I found out about them on Instagram. I’m seeing many positive feedbacks after using their products. I’ve been stessed lately and it’s automatic for me to get breakouts. I’m using this cream since the day I got the package. I’m liking it so far. This will probably be the first one to be reviewed here on my blog. Full details here

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Baroness Green Tea Mask

A new korean brand in PH. They have different face masks but I chose green tea. We all know green tea is good for calming and detoxing. It’s great for oily and acne prone skin. Full details here

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Golden Cup Balm

This menthol balm received high ratings from reviewers. It has a relaxing and soothing scent. I got the 4g tin to test it first. We all know menthol balms are pinoys’ savior when we get sick. We use it if we have fever, colds, cough, muscle pains and etc. I’ll use this mainly for muscle pains and especially for my severe migraines. Full details here

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Instantly Ageless Eyebag Remover

When this came out, it was all over social media. I watched some before and after videos to see its purpose.I was really amazed on how quick you’ll see its effect. I knew I had to see it for myself. It’s like instant botox without the needle. I ordered this because I have malar festoons also know as eye bags on the mid cheek. It’s a difficult condition to treat. I dont know how I got them, from lack of sleep or hereditary. I’ll share my own before and after photos in my full review. Full details here

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Olay Skin Whitening Bar with Rose & Milk & Black Beauty Shampoo with Conditioner

I got these two as freebies. A good combination of sample and full sized items. Black Beauty comes in a 10ml-sachet while Olay Whitening Bar is 90g. Its size is enough on my short hair for at least two uses. You can use Olay Whitening bar for a long time.

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So far I’m using two items in this haul. Can’t wait to use the rest! Which one would you like to try in this post? Share them below. My whole shopping experience will be posted tomorrow with bonus tips! 😉

By the way, if you like taking selfies (I know you do❤️), join their #selfieMNL contest! You’ll get a chance to win a Printster polaroid of your gorgeous face and a PHP200 BeautyMNL GC. Click here for the complete details.

July 2016 Haul

I’m back with a small haul. It’s not as “bongga” compared to my other hauls. I changed my shopping behavior and it’s effective. I only buy things that I need. I replenish products when they’re about to run out. I guess my makeup collection wont grow and I’m fine with that.😅

Skin Care

Skinlite Makeup Cleansing Tissues
I bought boxes of this. It’s only 89 pesos for 30 sheets. I prefer this now because EH Every Month Cleansing Tissues are always unavailable in-stores near at our place.

Etude House face masks
These were gifts from my sister. Again, I’m spoiled. Haha. Pearl, Royal Jelly and Tea Tree cost 58 pesos each while Snail is at 78 pesos. We’ll use them once a week.

Klairs Supple Preparation Toner
Wishtrend emailed me again last month for a review opportunity. They want me to start off with their best seller, Klairs toner. I’m using it now for almost a week. So far so good. I’m still observing if there will be any harsh reactions. I’ll do a full review after 2 weeks.

Dr. Color Effect Red Serum
All my Wishtrend packages include a sample of Red Serum, one of their best sellers too. I’m planning to have a first impression post on this. I think the samples I got will be good for 3 weeks.

Makeup

Essence 16h Long Lasting Makeup
I was interested to get this because members of a makeup group on Facebook love this. You should try this if you’re looking for oil-free and cruelty brand. I got it for 378 pesos in SM Department Store. I posted my full review already. Check it out.

Maybelline Clear Smooth All in One Powder Foundation
I’ve been using this for 5 years now. I’m a full coverage and matte freak. This powder sets my makeup and gives additional coverage. It has color that helps to lighten a dark foundation on me. If a face makeup is a little darker on you, use a light powder to adjust everything.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
I wanted to try this since last year. I’ve watched many tutorials on Youtube using this as concealer and highlighter. Do you know how hard it is that a raved product isnt available in your country and it’s used by your favorite gurus? I’m still in search for #20 though. Please inform me if you know a branch with that shade. I need to test it for dark spots.

How did you reward yourself this month? Are you one of those who went crazy on the lipstick sale today? Share them below. 🙂

April 2016 Birthday Haul

My birth month is done already? That was fast. I dont celebrate my birthdays and never had parties. I just like to get stuff off my wishlist so I did a small haul again. Most items here are gifts from my sister and collaboration with Wishtrend. Let’s start

SKIN CARE

BELO Tranexamic Kojic Acid Soap
I bought this to lighten my dark spots. I find that it’s too harsh because it has 4 types of acids. I only use it on breakouts. It dries acne fast.

ETUDE HOUSE AC Clinic Spot Patch
An impulse buy and my sister got it for me.

ETUDE HOUSE Wonder Pore Freshner
Another gift from my sis. I’m not yet sure if I will declare it as one of my holy grails.

KLAIRS Midnight Blue Calming Cream
Wishtrend sent this to me. It has lavender which is one of my favorite ingredients. It has ceramide too that’s needed for my dry flakey flare ups. I’ll post my full review next week!

LUSH Mask of Magnaminty
I was praying and asking signs if this mask is available then I should get another tub. If not, it’s time to try a new one from another brand. To my surprise it’s available when I visited their store.

LUSH Fresh Farmacy
My all time favorite cleanser. I took a break from using this for almost a month now. I want to have it on hand just in case I like to go back to it.

SKIN & LAB Dr. Color Effect Red Serum
This is a sample size in my recent Wishtrend package. It’s a raved product in 2014 or last year. Maybe I’ll do a first impression post soon.

SKQIN Dual Sissi Mask Moisturizing & Brightening
These masks were added to Wishtrend’s package as a bonus. I’m so glad they gave us 4 masks. I’m excited to try them out. It’ll be my first time to try a mask that also gives love for our chin area.

MAKE UP

MAYBELLINE Clear Smooth All in One Powder Foundation
I set my concealer with this foundation. It’s so matte and adds coverage to my  makeup. It’s really affordable, 169 pesos (approx. $4)

BODY CARE

GOODAL Cherry Blossom Hand Cream & THE FACE SHOP Kakao Friends Hand Cream Apeach Cherry Blossom
Gifts from my sister again. I’m spoiled. Haha. It’s spring time in Korea and now brands are releasing cherry blossom lotions.

ACCESSORIES

ETUDE HOUSE Lash Curler for Monolid
Another gift from my sister. I actually prefer the silver curler because it’s more affordable. But my sister said this rose gold one looks even better.

There’s not so much in my hauls, right? I’m trying to reduce hoarding or making impulse buys. I’m having a hard time storing them. Haha. Aaaaah, sometimes the beauty world is tiring for me with all the consumerism and hyped up products.

January 2016 Haul + LUSH Santa’s Belly Set Unboxing

Most products in this haul are for replenishing my stash. Nagkasabay sabay pa. Lots of expenses this month.😭

1. SKINLITE Makeup Cleansing Tissues
I was supposed to get Etude House’s Every Month Cleansing Tissue but it’s out of stock! I visited 3 stores and had no luck. Good thing this is a great substitute.

2. ETUDE HOUSE Wonder Pore Freshner
I ran out of Lush Tea Tree Water. I wanted to go back to Wonder Pore because it feels like it gives better hydration although it has alcohol.

3. ETUDE HOUSE AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion
I still have some left in my first bottle. I cant get the most out of it because of the glass packaging. Why cant they make it in a plastic tube instead so we can squeeze everything out?

4. LUSH Fresh Farmacy
Again, I ran out of this soap after 2 months. My HG cleanser and daily essential. Can’t function well without starting my routine using this.

5. LUSH Santa’s Belly Gift Set
The set includes Santa’s Belly Shower Jelly and Red Fun (100g each). Santa’s Belly Shower Jelly was on my wish list. We only have limited stocks here and it’s always sold out. I bought this gift set just to get it. I was on panic mode when they texted me that all christmas items are 25% off. I was so sad to find out everything was 50% off after a few days I bought this. Didnt get anything after because that’s too much. I’m not crazy about the holiday collection. I’ll just wait for their annual sale in 2017.

6. IN2IT Waterproof Eyeliner Pens
It’s a gift from my sister. We’re both practicing on doing winged liner. Hopefully this pen will make it easier for us.

What was your first haul this year? We’d like to know. Share the link below.😊