Althea Korea's Coming To The Philippines + Unboxing My Althea Pink Parcel

When a product is manufactured by a korean brand, effectiveness is guaranteed. So I got really ecstatic when before the year started, I was e-mailed by Tammy Lim, a fellow blogger whom I believed to be a brand ambassador, asking me to be one of their beta testers. Just by their name, I know they are a reputable and promising online retailer.

I did not hesitate of course as when I browsed Althea's website, my jaw literally dropped! Products sold on their site were dirt cheaper compared to when you buy them here in the Philippines! Yes, they offer you products from your favorite Korean brands for a quarter of their Philippine prices!

I could not fathom how I was chosen but who am I to refuse, right? Hoho! So I immediately signed as a beta tester, waited 'til their private grand opening  last January 20 (exclusive for bloggers), received credits and shopped through hundreds of bestselling products and received my cute pink parcel yesterday straight from Korea!

From high-end and most popular up to the obscure brands, name it, and Althea Korea have it! Some of the korean brands that they have includes: Laneige, Innisfree, 3CE, Banila Co, Chica-Y-Chico, Etude House, Tony Moly, The Face Shop, IOPE, Holika Holika, Missha, Nature Republic, Skinfood and so much more! It's like they are a collaboration of all the most-raved korean brands!

When you buy anything from them, they will ship it inside this sturdy pink box that I will not ever throw away! It's so cute and spacious I wanted to keep all my precious belongings inside! And speaking of shipping, you can buy P1500 worth of products from them and they will ship it for free straight from Korea! And it will only take 5-8 days! Can't wait that long? I guarantee that your parcel's worth waiting. Your purchases will be covered in bubble wrap so you will receive the box in it's most kempt manner. You heard something cooler than that?

Royal Gold Foundation

(P3380)(P850)

Just see what I'm trying to tell you! From three thousand bucks down to P850!? Ugh, I need not say anything more. Also, I had to grab a compact myself just because I was hooked by too much deduction from its original price. Plus, it claims to give you a glow-y skin which I definitely need right now.

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream

(P1360)(P560)

A lot claims that Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream is the best BB Cream ever formulated. I jumped into the bandwagon thinking I should figure out what's hype about it. Plus, it retails for only P560 but try to buy it on malls here in the Philippines and pay P1600! Ugh, being a junkie on a budget, this wouldn't even be an option.

24K Gold Wrapping Mask

(P1800)(P760)

When I opened the box, there were product spills all over the crater of the tub so I had to clean it pretty badly to appear presentable on photos. Haha! Anyway, the tub is quite heavy and looks real high-end. Now, I discovered Cleopatra's beauty secret which I am sharing with you! Can't wait for my pampering session with this!

Actually, my loot shall have their Black Pack Cleanser but I guess they forgot to include it in my box. That really saddened me. I exceeded the worth of their given credits so I paid extra bucks to get my hands into the four products mentioned but...yeah. So I contacted them right away saying my order was incomplete and they replied immediately. Great!

Anyway, if you're interested to buy, you can visit them at http://ph.althea.kr/. But their official public launching will still be on February 15, 2016! Excited? I know you are! Happy blogging!

Love,

Hanna

*Products were sent by Althea Korea for reviews and public information.

My Top 8 Product Picks for January

The reason for this blog post is to share with you, guys, my favorite products for January! Products featured here were either bought from online or offline shops, just some random purchases for daily needs.

I know that if you are a makeup or skin care junkie (like me), you have these personal picks of the month that stand out among the products in your stash and you feel like you have to gush about it and tell everyone why they are worth the rave. So what's mine? Here they are!

Avon Sheer Passion Very Captivating Fragrance Mist, Avon, P399
This is probably the best-smelling fragrance mist that I have ever had in my life. This actually belongs to my mom but when I told her I'm obsessed about it, she eventually gave the bottle up to me. Hoho!

Vaseline Lotion Healthy Even Tone, SM Department Store, around P150-P200
What I like about this bottle is that it's full of moisturizing properties with triple sunscreen. It does not feel heavy or greasy too when applied so it's perfect even during hot and humid season where your skin needs moisture and sun protection the most.

Vitress Hair Cuticle Coat, Mercury Drug Store, P87
The best thing about this is that after washing my hair, I need not to use conditioner nor leave-on and just go straight to it. It's everything my dry hair needs right now. For full review, read here.

Sooper Beaute Underarm Brightener Anti-Perspirant Spray, Sooper Beaute, P250
I'm currently in my second spray bottle just because. It prevents underarm darkening, chicken skin, and odor. Two-three spritz per underarm is enough to make you feel fresh all day! It feels like you are putting water on your underarms so it dries fast enough. For more information, you can read my review here.

Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Two-Way Cake, Beautymnl, P350 (on sale)
I love how it keeps my makeup fresh for hours. It mattifies my skin without making my foundation/bb cream cake unlike other powders in a compact do. It feels very lightweight too and can be use even on it's own. You can read my full review here.

Maybelline Hypercurl Mascara, Beautymnl, P150
Its longevity power add up to its uber affordable price are the reason why it made me loyal to this mascara ever. Imagine, I washed my face at least twice and there were still mascara residue left. The only downside might be is that using of makeup remover is a must.

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm, Beautymnl, P129
For only a hundred and twenty-nine bucks, this is a total knockout! I use it day and night to keep my lips from drying. Its lingering scent makes me want to lick it too! View my full review here.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation, Maybelline counters, P250 (on sale)
This is the best foundation I have ever used, by far. It's very lightweight and could offer light to medium coverage. It does not make my oily face look like an oil slick and does its job to cover minor blemishes, uneven skin tone, redness and mild scarring, I use it everyday and it's perfect for the weather we have here in the Philippines. Full review is up here.

So those are my top personal faves for this month! Let's see if they maintain their ranks next month!

Love,
Hanna

Review | Vitress Hair Polish and Cuticle Coat

I'm kinda bit stuck with paper works these days because of midterms and deadlines. However, my heart tells me to come and visit my blog for a few moments so...here I am!

I will be reviewing products again, but this time, I 'll be talking about hair products, a whole lot different from my usual skincare-related buzz. Without further I do, I'm gonna spill the beans now about Vitress Hair Polish and Cuticle Coat!

If I am to give comparisons between the two, aside from their name and packaging, they differ mostly in consistency and texture (of course, what am I talking about). The cuticle coat (first) I think is more recommendable to those with frizzy coarse and dry but curly hair since it's more moisturizing and curly hair oils slower. While the other one is better for straight hair individuals since it could give more volume (the other one tend to flatten my hair) to my mane.

But this is just my case. You can use any of the two depends on your preference but since I don't like my hair weighed down, I don't use the cuticle coat as frequent as I do with the other one which does not feel heavy on my hair.

Vitress Hair Polish

 P31 for 50ml, P50 for 100ml

Bought from: Mercury Drug Store

The packaging of the hair polish is very convenient and easy to use since it requires you to just squeeze the tube and the formula would go out easily plus you can control the amount to which you want to apply on your hair. A pea-sized is enough for my medium-length hair. But if you need more moisture for your hair, add some more!

Vitress Hair Solutions Hair Cuticle Coat in 50ml

Price: P38 for 15ml, P60 for 30ml, P87 for 50ml

Bought from: Mercury Drug Store

For extra shiny and silky smooth hair

This however is a little hard to squeeze since the plastic is kind of hard and is sturdy, hence, still travel-friendly. You might just want to tap it lightly on your palm because the consistency of the cuticle coat is much more runny than the hair polish variant, but thicker in texture.

Both smells nice to me so I cannot comment which smells better. Uhm...yeah, I really don't know. But just like what I have said, I use the cuticle coat during cold days when my hair is drier because it is more moisturizing (for me) and during heat season, if I applied it on my hair even in small amount, my hair would just easily develop oil slick. So what I usually do is just dispense a drop size on my palm and spread it through my ends upward. This way, my scalp won't get oily that much.

I really don't know why it's named cuticle coat, when for me it's more of a hair polish. Uhhh??? Yes, this one makes my hair shinier so give the credit to where credit is due.

This variant help me achieve my smoothest and softest hair in seconds with its lingering fragrance that stays long!

I do not know which variant is better but all I can say is that they both provide solutions to my dry hair which became damaged due to frequent hair dyeing. However, I am blessed with an OK hair naman (which I seldom iron or blow-dry) to begin with, so I limit using this to 3-4 times a week or every other day.

So what do you think of this product which retails at an affordable price and is very effective? Share it here with me! Happy blogging!

Love,

Hanna

Review | Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm

So I was browsing through Beautymnl's website and came across a blog post raving about top products for a specific month. Carmex Lip Balm was one of them so I decided to try one just because. What made me gave in more was that it has tons of good quality reviews saying that this is the best lip product they have ever tried. Disbelief for all the exaggerations added up with curiosity got me in plus it's affordable so what else could I lose, right?

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm (4.25g)

Price: PHP139-159

Bought from: Beautymnl

Can be bought also at: Watsons and other leading department store

We all know that there's no such thing as 'sunless' days in our country. So, to further take care of your skin, you have to apply sunscreen as frequent as possible even when you're not gonna stay too long under the sun that's because of harmful UV rays that could easily penetrate even through some barriers.

Thing is, what about our lips? Are we keeping it sun protected too? I'm proud to tell you that I am! There's too little lip products that has SPF on it, so I'm quite lucky to have found and tried one that has SPF 15! I know you know what I'm talking about here!

So you see, it comes in a typical lip balm container, the ones in tube but this one differs a little as it's actually a click stick which I find really cute. Hoho! Also, it's very lightweight. In fact, I could just easily put it on my pocket.

This lip balm instantly became part of my daily essentials. I apply it at indefinite times as long as my lips needed extra moisture. Every morning, I layer it under or over my lip tint since tints really cause my lips to dry and chapped. I also apply it before I sleep and wake up to a softer, smoother kissers! So far, I haven't found any lip products that would address this dilemma not until Carmex shows her butt to me. This instantly became my holy grail. I am definitely not kidding, guys. Now I know why people are so crazy about it.

I was really surprised that it isn't anything colored like other lip balms do. However, it's something that adds to its wow factor, it's very unique even the packaging!

But wait there's more!!! What I love most about it is the scent!!! I know others might find it a little off-putting most especially if you are not fond of Vics or Vix Vaporub (familiar?)! But I so am in love with the scent even up to these days! I could use it forever and never get used to the idea that the scent for me is so addicting!

All in all, I love this product! It's in fact, the best lip balm I have ever tried so far, moisturizing factor wise. So...tried it? Love it? Hate it? What's up?

Love,

Hanna

Review | Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Ultra Breathable Two Way Cake

When I hear of Maybelline products, the first thing that comes into my mind is "ugh, they might be hits." And because of that, I am very trusting that all the products I hoard from them would never make me regret buying it sooner or later. It's a great plus that they come in a good price point unlike other high-end brands but still perfect for every day use.

Last December, I bought this Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Ultra Breathable Two Way Cake and been using it for more or less a month now. And all I can say is that...I love it!

Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Two Way Cake (9g)

Price: PHP350 (on sale)

Bought from: Beautymnl

Shade: B3 (for reference)

I love the packaging first and foremost. It comes in a beige-colored compact with the brand name (Maybelline) embossed on its cover. Also, it looks real classy, tight and is travel-friendly. It can fit your pouches just perfectly. 

The mirror, although 'medyo hindi nakaka-pretty' since it emphasizes my facial imperfections, might be good for some as you can instantly see what area needs more coverage. The mirror is quite large enough (no need to navigate all throughout your face) and easy to use when applying the product.

Good thing that it's actually free of parabens! Or did I just miss them? I think no. It also has high level of SPF so you need not to worry about going out without separate sunscreen! However, since you'll only need little of the product, you'll only get little sun protection so additional sunscreen is a must!

The sponge is smaller compared to other products in a compact still I think I'm gonna use it for a long time. It's also good that it has these holes so air could pass and bacteria won't grow in the surface of the sponge. You don't like it causing you to grow tiny pimps and bumps on your face, do you?

I guess it's true to its claims. You layer your face with too much of this, still, you won't feel heavy. Maybe because it's made up with very fine pigments with neutral undertones. However, I find the coverage too sheer for my liking but it's perfect if you want to achieve a more natural look. I'd say it's perfect if you are more into color correcting than covering.

The powder itself is very versatile. Since it's a two-way cake, you can either wet it if you want to achieve deeper coverage but I don't really prefer using this that way. I'll just use the sponge as it is and I won't get any fall-off. The powder does not make my foundation cake maybe because of its very lightweight texture and mattifies my skin for only at least a couple of hours. It could be perfect if it could keep my face oil-free for maybe...5 hours? Another plus point for this!

I personally use it as my setting powder to its counterpart liquid foundation since I could achieve a fresher finish that way. However, I can use it alone on lazy days or if I don't want to look all made-up. Containing SPF, it does leave white cast on my face and is more noticeable on photographs.

What about you? What do you think of Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Ultra Breathable Two Way Cake (whoo, name's too long)? Share it here with me! Happy blogging!

Love,

Hanna

#MSBKickStreet Bazaar Experience

I know it's late already, but have you been in a situation when something came up on your mind and you feel like you have to do something important and need to do it right away? You had? Oh my, me too! Just right now. That's why I am a bit in a hurry typing this blog post out because I feel like this first time of mine jumping on a bazaar is worth blogging about lol. I know you're not asking, but I'm sharing it still anyway.

Look, we never forgot to take photos!

It was actually long-decided that we'll be butting on along with other shoppers in the Manila Sundance Bazaar this January 17 at World Trade Center. Since we do not have class every Friday (thank goodness!), we took this day for our mini adventure even though there's unbelievably workloads that needed to be accomplished. We have proven that shopping is a stress-reliever and budget is not really a problem!

So...we arrived at the fair at 2:00PM. We planned to get earlier but time won't allow (if you know what I mean). We asked for which hall the bazaar's happening and we were directed to Hall...uhmm...I forgot. Sorry!

Let the photos speaks for itself. Lol, I seriously had much fun most especially when I see some of my favorite shops on IG like basicneedsmnl, lipstickallucan and kikayneedsoverload. Honestly, most of our bazaar picks were bought from them! But Nikki (second), I guess, had the most fun! She's a hoarder.

Look at me shopping!!! Hoho, I never bought anything I'm holding. Lol.

The shirt I'm holding can't get out of my mind until now but I had to resist myself from spending more. I got to be chintzy at the moment even though these shops sells dirt cheap yet good quality clothings. I bet it's perfect for casual lazy days. Huhu.

Scroll down for some of my purchases!

So, you see, I even got a t-shirt as a freebie for installing OLX App! They also have umbrella, fan and eco bags to be given away to installers like us!

Jonica and I bought drawstring bags. I got the leather one in black which retails for PHP400 but got for free because I have a PHP500 coupon which I won on their last giveaway. Thanks basicneedsmnl!

The kimono which I was wearing on our trip to Antipolo was bought from kikayneedsoverload! I have been eyeing this for a while and when I figured out it's just for PHP150, then I grab it on whim already.

Aside from the bag and kimono, I got myself an eyelash glue from...uhm...I forgot the name of the shop too! Huhu! Anyway, that will be perfect for my make up 'studies'.

Since our bank broke from shopping, we went to KFC, MOA to eat. Gravy's all my body needs that time. Lol.

Anyway, one pass cost PHP100, not bad.

All in all, it was a day to remember! I was just disappointed with the live concert and free drinks which they said to be included in the bazaar, but, where were they exactly? Oh, maybe not on the first day, huh.

Heard Trendsetter's Bazaar will be coming up next on February with more shops and fun stuff! Can I get more excited??? Wipee!!! Who's looking forward? Me!!!

Minimalist Skin Care Routine for January

Clear and healthy skin is an evident result of having good skin care. We have different options [available in the market] as to which products should we include in our everyday routine to keep our visage in its best look. The most important thing is that, we must choose well what products are best to keep and throw away at the same time when it does you no good.

The past few months had been a torture to my skin since I have undergone chemical peel and such just to get rid of my pimple marks. Little did I know that results were not actually permanent. So I got tired of promises and decided to turn my too many face products down to only four, keeping everything extremely simple.

 

So yeah, if you wanna know, here's what I use for my face everyday!

The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam in Acerola 

Price: PHP265

Bought from: The Face Shop, SM Manila

Application: Day and Night

Choosing the right cleanser, for me, is the most important step in taking care of the skin. As much as possible, I prefer using cleansers that cause me no breakout and does well in removing any makeup residue. I could, in fact, skip scrubbing and moisturizing given the right cleanser for my oily skin.

St. Ives Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub

Price: PHP204

Bought from: Watsons, SM Manila

Application: Night

As of the moment, St. Ives have the most special place in my heart. Not just it makes me feel like my face is squealy clean, it also made me forget about toning. Yes, I know toning is the second step in good skin care, but what does toners do? For me, they just 'extra' clean the pores. What do I need toners for when I have St. Ives Scrubs?

Sooper Beaute Tomato Serum

Price: PHP250

Bought from: Sooper Beaute, SM Manila

Application: Day and Night

You definitely cannot imagine how oily my skin gets after minutes. I always wonder if my sebum production is ever normal (lol) or if they ever get tired of producing too much oils. I guess I can't do anything about my genes but to stay away from oil-based moisturizers. That's why I prefer serums. Aside from not leaving my skin feeling greasy, in a way, I am keeping my skin moisturized. REMEMBER, OILY SKIN NEEDS TO BE MOISTURIZED TOO.

Sooper Beaute Tinte BB Cream in Fair

Price: PHP250

Bought from: Sooper Beaute, SM Manila

Application: Day

This step is almost part of my everyday make up, but still I included this product here. This is because this BB Cream of Sooper Beaute is like an tinted moisturizer slash base makeup. When I don't want to look too made up, this will already do the trick. I could, in fact, go out and use only this four products on my face.

So that's everything for my skin care routine! Because of them, I am proud to say that I am breakout-free for a month without spending huge! What about yours? How do you keep your skin healthy this year?

Love,

Hanna

My Everyday Buddy: Paymaya Visa Card

So, I'm pretty sure you have long heard of Paymaya Visa Card? Yeah, that new beep slash visa card, yeah, that's what I'm talking about! So, you see, I got my own card and it became more of a staple ever since I lost my old beep card. Sayang lang huhu. Anyway, you can get your own Visa Card for only PHP100!

Anyway, I never leave the house without it because I use it when commuting for LRT. Admittedly, I like it more than the old versions of stored value cards and beep cards as this one is multi-tasking--I can use it for online shopping in more than 30 million establishments that accepts Visa card, riding trains, or even shopping on malls! Yes, because of this, cash isn't anymore needed. I could just go to the nearest 7/11 store, load up, and spend it anywhere I want! That's just how convenient one card like Paymaya can get.

Aside from 7/11, load up in any SM Store, 2GO, Ministop, Smart centers and Robinsons Malls and use it like a prepaid card!

The reason I bought it firsthand (when I still do have my beep card) is because I badly need to create a Paypal account. That's the first time I'm going to get compensated for blogging. Little did I know, I will be able to use it for, like, everyday.

Another good thing about it is that it will only expire after at least four years!

For only PHP100, you get to keep a card with PHP30 load for LRT use, and a free PHP100 credit when you download PayMaya app on Google Play or App Store! Yes, they have different wallet for LRT beep and shopping use. To know how to activate, just download the app and follow the instructions OR just look at the bottom part of the photo above! And be reminded that with only the app, you don't need an actual card to get in on online action because you will have to own your own virtual credit card! And you can have both virtual and actual card all at the same time.

You can also upgrade your Visa card through the app so you can send money to family, friends, anyone, anytime, anywhere!

Got yours?

Love,

Hanna

Hair dyeing made more fun by Novellina!

Who's looking forward to getting a new hair color for this new year? I do!!! *clap clap

But the saddest thing about dyeing my hair right now is that I had my hair dyed last November (just a couple months ago!). Meaning, I should not get another dyeing session for the next few months or else I will have my hair damaged. Yeah, right, prevention is better than cure. Nobody told me when should I dye my hair next, but given the fact that it can cause dryness and coarseness, oh boy, just thinking about it makes me say no when it has been a blessing to have an 'OK' hair, meaning I have already received few compliments about its look.

However, there are really times when I can't help but get naughty that I color my hair again when I notice my original hair color starts to appear from the top. Ombre does not look good that way especially when it looks uneven, right? 

Anyway, I think the culprit for dryness that you can get with hair dyeing is pointed to the harmful chemicals there are on commercial hair dyes. Good thing, I have found Novellina Hair Colors that are free of dreaded ammonia, hydrogen peroxide (known for bleaching) and has conditioning agents and Japanese 3D formula.

Not just that, because they send me samples of their products for me to use to my hair! Thanks for being so generous, guys!

They sent me seven boxes to try. Believe me, I' tempted to use all of these but my inner instinct won't approve. Anyhow, these boxes would be a cheaper alternative to salon visits for, uhm, say, years? Good things a box expires after five years from the manufacturing date!

The hair dyes that Novellina sent me are in the shades of Golden Brown, Brown, Chestnut Brown and Black. I think I'll be sporting black hair in a few months and give the other browns to my friends so we can have some fun dyeing sessions! My family could even use some and there would still shades left for me! My friends are already thanking you, guys for your generosity!

This one is in the shade of brown and has six sachets inside. One mane could use two-three sachets per session, I guess? Depends on the thickness and length of the hair.

This one is in brown too. I love that it has these bottles, it made me think like I'm gonna have salon-level dyeing.

This is the smallest box and has this cute amber glass with powder hair color inside. I don't think I will ever use the applicator though as it's very small for our hair but I'm keeping it so when my brothers think of dyeing their hair, they could have it. Lol.

These boxes are in shade of brown and the other one is in black. One box has two sachets inside and a bottle to mix everything in. I love how Novellina created this in different shades, catering to every girl's color preference, thus making hair compliment any outfits, complexion and features!

These two big boxes are in the shades of Golden Brown. All the products seen in the flat lay were contained in one box, meaning a box has all of these as contents! It looks like it's for professional hair coloring so I'm really excited to try this one out!

If you read my previous posts, I have used a Novellina Hair Color before in the shade dark brown. The sachet was but so small yet enough to color my entire mane although I don't like the shade that it has given me because my hair turned a shade darker that's because my hair is dark in the first place. But that's how Novellina Hair Color works, concealing your crowns of glory and giving you a newly perfect colored hair! Can't wait to dye my hair! I'll be updating soon about this products!

The products were manufactured by Novellina Cosmetics and is imported and distributed by Tritan Ventures Inc.

Tritan Ventures, Inc. was incorporated in 1994 as YHK Company, Inc. as a trading company primarily interested in the production and / or distribution of cosmetic products for both the local and export markets. It then spent the next few years in pre-operational mode, developing its products and its market.

Disclaimer: Products were sent by Novellina Cosmetics for reviews.