Online Haul: Althea Philippines

I am not so much of a korean skin care fan until my face married acnes and blemishes. So I rummage through the deep dark wisdom of internet and got a hit on KOREAN SKIN CARE!

So, now, here I am, dipping my toe on the korean side of caring my skin; crossing my fingers that it would bring back my long-lost facial skin and save it from her marriage to the acnes!



So first things first, I have no idea where to get Korean products, then I found Althea Philippines. (Since I've read reviews and raves about it, I am sure that they carry authentic Korean products.)

Then the second struggle was -- WHAT PRODUCTS TO BUY?

Now forgive me but I will not go through this since it took me weeks and weeks to find just what products to try. I know. I'm a loser. Now get back to reading, you judgmental prick!

To go to Althea Philippines Website, you may click on the link below:
ALTHEA PHILIPPINES (Click me!)

They offer subscription promos from time to time so you may get lucky and have freebies/points.

The web design and layout is pretty basic and easy to follow. They have a quick preview of the product as well, and I love it!

Once you placed your order, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with tracking number. As for the tracking number, I did not found it accurate since every time I tried to check and look at the status of my order, it got stuck on the "Onboard" status even after receiving my order. (Plus the LBC tracking number they provided did not worked on me. Oh well)

Still, I am happy that it only took 7 days over the 10-15 days delivery day that they promised.


So what's inside my pink box?

PS: Your point will be credited once the status of your transaction has been tagged as "Complete", then you can go and do another online shopping and use the points for discounts!


I am very much excited to try and share with you how these products will help me improve my skin and do some genie rubbing to look close enough as those damn korean models with angel-like poreless perfect skin. Teehee~

Only thing that I think they can improve on is the Tracking Number accuracy both on e-cargo and LBC. You know, just to ease the mind and heart of those impatient and excited girls like me. Heh!

And oh, no free samples? :'(

How about you love, have you tried shopping at Althea Philippines?Any recommendation on what to buy next? :)

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Beauty Review: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

In 1992, Bobbi Brown introduced the iconic Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. 2 years ago, it gets an update with a unique transparent base plus skin tone correct pigments for an incredibly natutral look!

I have been wanting to own a Bobbi Brown product ever since I discovered my love for make-ups. And now here it goes, my first ever Bobbi Brown product... and it's a foundation stick! (Not something I am used to)

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

Php 2600

Bobbi Brown Megamall

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Action

STEP 1

I applied the Foundation Stick by smudging on each areas of my face (i.e. forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, temples)

STEP 2

I used the Happy Skin Stippling Brush to spread the foundation from the center of my face (doing it in a circular motion)

I loved using the stippling brush better than the flat foundation brush as it gives me an "airbrush" finish, since I believe, the flat brush tends to "eat up" the foundation that is why it's better to be used in liquids over creamy products.

Voila! Here's my Before and After look. :)

{My Thoughts}

Quality 5/5

Price 3/5

Packaging 4/5

This foundation is creamy yet weightless, thus giving you a light coverage. This means, if you have no to little blemishes to cover, this one is perfect for you. For those with with acne spots/scars, you would have to build for coverage. What I also love about Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation is the wide array of swatches to choose from, and perfect for yellow-toned Asians!

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation feels realy like a second skin. The lightness does not compromise its longevity as it lasts for at least 4 hours without touch-ups.

I am not sure how it works with oily skin type but for dry to combination like mine, it works pretty well as it is not drying/tight and not too oily. It actually gives my skin a "sheer" look and I so love it!

Excited to try out other Bobbi Brown gems! Would you recommend any? :)

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Beauty Review: Juice Beauty Lash Defining Mascara

I have eye issues. I get styes from time to time, and I think I even got chalazia! Reason why I promise myself that I will stop using "dirty" eye make-ups. So in my search of a clean Mascara, I found the Juice Beauty.

Juice Beauty Defining Mascara

Php 1,100

Beauty Bar

Since it says  that the ingredients are certified organic and mineral-based, this mascara was formulated without parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances.

As for the packaging, it looks elegant with its frosted silver color. However, packaging is a bit heavy.

{My Thoughts}

Quality 4/5

Price 3/5

Packaging 3/5

When choosing my mascara, I do not look for the lengthening type but rather the volumizing. But my problem with volumizing mascaras is that it tends to clump and flake. Which is not cool, if you ask. So when I tried the Juice Beauty Mascara, I was kind of weirded by its consistency because it's a bit watery. 

Without Mascara

With Juice Beauty Mascara

It stayed pretty long but I noticed minimal flaking. Other than that, I think I'm lovin' it. ☺

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Beauty Review: Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

This is by far, the most expensive face mask I have bought. And a great price tag comes with great expectations, yes?

As a lazy broke girl I am, I always buy and use the sheet form of a face mask. This way, I only shell out less than a hundred pesos, go home, open the mask, put it on my face, wait for 10 to 15 minutes, then sleep. That's it!

But since I've read a lot of good reviews about the Origins Active Charcoal Mask, I did convinced myself of buying and trying it out.

So here am I, been using it fo a Month (Once a week) and would like to share my thoughts on it :)

Maybe you are here because you want to learn more about Active Charcoal Face Mask? Let me share with you some of what I read about it.

Basically, it is a carbon that is reheated and oxidized to make it more penetrable. It has been widely used in hospitals and even our toothpaste! :) The theory behind including activated charcoal in beauty products is this: 

It'll act like a magnet to attract and absorb dirt and oil. And the experts say that theory holds water. "When dirt and oil in your pores come in contact with the carbon, they stick to it and then get washed away when you rinse,"

Origins Active Charcoal Mask

Php 1,500
Origins Megamall

Important Ingredients:
- Active Charcoal: Absorbs toxins and pollutants
- White China Clay: One of the gentlest and most effective clays, it draws out impurities and toxins while clearing the skin of excess oil, dirt, pollutants, and other waste materials.

STEP 1

Wash my face with warm water to help open my pores.

STEP 2

Apply the mask on my face. I did applied two layers of it until I cannot see my big-oh pores.

STEP 3

Wait for 15 minutes until it dried.

STEP 4

Wash it off, then applied Toner on my face.

That's it! My skin feels light every after using it. I don't know if it's just me, but I think it makes my face brighter as well. Although if you have dry skin, like me, I do not recommend that you use this mask more than once a week as this is a bit drying and tight on the face.

If you have clogged pores, white/black heads, this product can really help. :)

Looking forward to trying other Face Masks from Origins! What do you recommend? I'd love to hear it!

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Origin's Lunar New Year Instagram Sweepstakes

Happy Chinese New Year!

Okay, so this is a late post. I am just so happy to share my experience with Origin's Lunar New Year Instagram Sweepstakes. :)

What was the Mechanics?
Basically, you will just drop by at any Origin's Branch, (a) get a FREE coloring sheet, (b) show your masterpiece on Instagram tagging Origin's Instagram account and using some hashtags. 

Easy, yes? Then you'll have a chance to win a Limited Edition Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion.


I never actually had any plans to join, until the last day of submission, I saw the dull coloring sheet of art lying on my work desk. Did I imagine it calling me?? Or maybe it was a lucky break? It was a Friday night with too much work to finish, and I ended up accomplishing this piece of paper:

Yay! The wander girl can do coloring, too. ^_^

Then  soon after, I received a DM from Origin's saying my piece of paper together with 2 entries from others' have won the Limited Edition Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion.

The next thing I know, the wander girl was so happy coming home with this:

Happy Chinese New Year, indeed! :)

Okay, so I guess I'm gonna have to try the lotion yet and will post a separate review about it. Keep in touch, guys! (^_^)

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Beauty Review: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

Nuxe products are known to be natural and has always been cult beauty buys. One of these is the ever famous Huile Prodigieuse (that one dry oil that I don't even know how to pronounce! arggh!). A multipurpose dry oil that has the super-activated formula that contains 30% of precious plant oils and vitamin E. You can use it in your face, hair, and even your body.


Anyway, This is the second time that I am going to use OIL as a means to moisturize my face. Oh, did I ever mention that I have a complicated skin type? Yes, a combination and a sensitive skin that I have to bear with.
So now, I'm going to share my thoughts on this piece of gem.

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Beauty Review: Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner

Using Toner is a MUST in my daily skin care routine. I can NEVER, and I mean NEVER skip a day without using a toner.

First, let me share what skin type I have been living my whole life. I have a combination (which means oily on the T-Zone and dry on the rest of my face) and a sensitive skin type (with eczema-ish patches). I have been using Superskin 2 Toner by VMV Hypoallergenic for 2 years now. Then one day, I run out of it and took one of the biggest risk in my life (chos!) -- trying a NEW toner.

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