Monday, April 4, 2016

[Skin Care] ; 2nd Althea Beauty Box and My 10-Step Skin Care Routine

I'm getting married on October, and that is just six months around the corner. This means that I barely have half a year to make a drastic make-over on my pimple-stricken face. I am aware it is partly mostly my fault for neglecting my skin for the longest time, and now I have no choice but to stash out a huge sum and get all possible, quick treatment skin care products out in the market. 

In my last post, I got my first beauty box from Althea Korea. And because I was the skeptical-at-first-buy type of customer, I only bought 4 items (which I regretted later on). I eventually realized that this set wouldn't do me that much good. I had been following a basic skin care regimen for a few months now, and by basic I meant cleanse-tone-moisturize. I have bought and tried several local organic brands and none of which really made a prominent change in my complexion. I thought it's about time I venture in that tedious 10-step Korean skin care regimen that I had been reading over the net for a while now. Well drastic means drastic and I have not much time left. Without a moment's hesitation, I filled my shopping bag with all the products left unchecked in that 10-step regimen. For the benefit of those who didn't know, these are the "basics" of their regimen:

1. Pre-cleanse
2. Cleanse
3. Exfoliate
4. Tone / refresh
5. Essense
6. Serums / ampoules
7. Sheet mask
8. Eye Cream
9. Moisturize
10. Night Cream

I mentioned basics as not one from this list should be left out. The Korean skin care regimen can extend to as many as 11 to 17 steps, although I don't think I have to go that far. My first box already comprised of the Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize, leaving me with 7 more steps. I actually did not buy any sheet mask for the reason that it broke me out when I tried it on once and since the primary purpose of it is for additional moisture plus the benefits of the Essence, I decided to untick it out of the list. So anyway, here are the contents of my second box:

same box but smaller

L-R: Essence, Night Cream, Serum, Foaming Cleanser,
Eye Cream, Exfoliator









So here is an infographic on my own routine. I was not able to follow the regimen religiously, hence the lack of the pre-cleanse and sheet mask per se, plus the inclusion of a non-Korean Product (Celeteque). I do have a Pre-cleanse step but I had just emptied my Bench Tea Tree make-up removal wipes hence its absence in this photo below. Basically, the Korean pre-cleanse step refers to oil-cleansers in order to remove the make up but I have yet to get one for myself. In the meantime, I am using Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser which I wipe off with a napkin after massaging it into my face for about 5 minutes. So as not to confuse, I have listed in the left corner the standard 10-Step Korean Skin Care while I have enumerated the products included in my own routine.


My Korean Inspired Skin Care Routine:

< Pre-Cleanse with Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser >
2. Exfoliate with Skin Food Black Sugar Mask.
4. Serums/Ampoule. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

Since I have occasional break outs, I use the Aloe Vera Soothing Gel as my pimple treatment because I have read the benefits of Aloe Vera to your skin. I put a bead-size aloe to my pimples and leave them overnight. At times, I use the aloe as body moisturizer or in my underarms after I shaved. You can place it in the fridge for cooler and more soothing effect. 

I have been following this regimen for 2 weeks religiously and I must say, I can already see changes. I have recently stopped using my cake foundation (which I have used since forever) and just wear the Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder and flaunt an almost-bare face all day. I never thought I'd see the day when I say bye bye foundation. *tears*

How about sharing your skin care regimen? Or perhaps you may want to suggest products that I could try out. Oily to combination skin type here! Hehe Ciao!~

Love Lots,

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

[Skin Care] ; ALTHEA Philippines Beauty Box




As much as I obsess over skin care items and cosmetics, I must admit I am quite lazy to keep myself updated with the latest product releases in the market. I only know a handful of brands, mostly Korean brands too and for me to be aware at least, they should probably be around Facebook advertisements or via nearby word of mouth. Otherwise, I am just oblivious to everything. 

Recently, I have come across an FB AV of the website Althea Korea, an online store that houses popular Korean beauty brands such as Etude House, Tony Moly, Holika Holika, Banila Co., Innisfree, Laneige, Skin Food, Missha and a lot more! Since curiosity always kills the cat,  I headed over to their website and much to my amazement, they sell dirt cheap items, like half-the-effin-mall-price kind of cheap!



It was extremely enticing, to say the least. But first, I had to wipe my drool and decided to read feedbacks before I jumped into the bandwagon. From what I found, the company had just launched their Philippine portal last February 15th and was giving away Php 300 shopping credits and offered free shipping for orders above Php 999 for the entire launching month. Well now, who am I to refuse? I bought 4 (yes, just 4) items. Okay, don't say it, I know. But this was my first time purchasing products from outside the country and I was skeptical. Worry not, I learned my lessons lol. So I placed my order on February 28 and received my beauty box on March 8. One week wasn't bad at all. Anyway, without further adieu, let me share to you my beauty box:


The package came in in a really pretty Pink sleeve

My camera just couldn't give justice to the cuteness of this box but it is! It came in light Pink wrapped in a bubble sleeve, which was a plus! All the items inside were likewise neatly packed in bubble wraps separately.



250 ML Php 540.00 440.00


Php 480.00 370.00


 Php 245.00 180.00



Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder
Php 360.00 260.00


Etude House True Relief Moist Cream (Freebie)


There you go. Now I am feeling sort of regretful that I did not maximize the stuff I bought since the launching month is over (yesterday), the free shipping offer went back to the minimum purchase amount of Php 1500.00. Well it's not like a huge difference from Php 999 lol! I do hope the website could add more payment methods since they only accepted Paypal payments when I bought these items. Nevertheless, my initial shopping experience with Althea Philippines was definitely good and I'm coming back for more. Care to share your Althea wishlist? Ciao~

Love Lots,


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Thursday, March 3, 2016

[Le Fab Picks] ; White Sneakers

Just like every style blogger or Instagram fashionista, and everybody else, I drool over white sneakers; Slip-ons, running shoes, high tops, crocheted and blah blah blah. I'm part of the pool of the #WhiteAddicted on Instagram, yes. I'd say a pair of whites is a must have in every wardrobe. It's versatile, crisp, convenient and fashionable. You can never go wrong with any ensemble paired with white sneakers. If only my salary would allow me, I'd definitely fill my closet with Rosche Runs and Stan Smiths. Reality check though, Nike and Adidas aren't that accessible enough to just about anybody's wallet, including mine. That makes this barat blogger's Hokage skills go once again off the hook as I scourge the internet for more affordable brands that are just as stylish and comfy! Check out my personal picks below. Enjoy and you're welcome   


Php 2,495


PHP 2,299.95


PHP 3,695.00


PHP 1,990.00


PHP 1,990.00



PHP 2,799.95

PHP 1,499.00


PHP 1,399.00



PHP 1,399.00


PHP 1,399.00



What I wore in this outfit below is from World Balance. Closer look of the WB Qualifier L here on my Instagram post.


Love Lots,






Friday, December 4, 2015

[Skin Care] Human Nature Facial Care Products Mini Haul

Hi  Everyone! If you would remember from my last skin care review post, I have mentioned that  I  was  waiting for a package of my orders from a store called "Human Heart Nature". What made me decide to try this store first among others was their Pro-Philippines, Pro-Poor, Pro-Environment advocacy. Somehow, we all have that "I want to save the world" feel inside us, and so do I. Especially where the environment is at stake. Thus, if anything will strongly promote a Go Green campaign, I am all for it. 

Anyhow, I have pointed out that my skin is ridiculously sensitive. My worst skin problem ever since is that I easily break out into pimples and rashes whenever I use skin care products of any type, no matter how mild the formula states. Even those claiming to be hypoallergenic proved to be still too strong for my face.

A few weeks  ago, a morning TV show featured a newly booming local business that manufactures Organic skin care products. I will not be name dropping at the moment since I have yet to buy from their store. At any rate, it had me contemplating on trying out Organic products once more. I used to own one particular bar of soap  made out of 100% Goat's milk and it was the only product that did not react negatively on my face. Unfortunately, I couldn't find  the  brand  anywhere  else. Having said that, I thought I should give another  try  on  natural-made  products. So I did an extensive research on local companies that sold such and engaged in yet another episode of comparisons and wishlists before I ended up buying at Human Nature. A lot of good  reviews from other beauty bloggers were also a factor on this verdict. So for starters, I have bought a four-piece set of facial products: Facial wash, Facial toner, Facial Scrub and a Beauty Oil. Here was how the package came in:


I love the box! It speaks of their advocacy, and it was properly sealed. 
Bunch of brochures on top 
Thank you note from their Founder

More brochures


















Noticed how all four products stated "100% No Harmful Chemicals"? I guess that's quite a good news, yes? Currently, I have a lot of zits and scars and I do hope these products would be the answer to my prayers. Let me post my present photo as this will serve as the basis of my progress after a month or two of usage:

zits and shine everywhere!
I will most probably be reviewing the Balancing Duo facial wash and toner first since I make use of them twice everyday so make sure to wait for that post! I will be back once I have emptied these super cute bottles. Chiao!~

Love Lots,