One-Brand Review: Althea Korea A-Bloom Collection

We’ve all predicted that Althea’s going to come up with a new collection sooner or later, but I just can’t believe it’s going to be this early. This blog is even weeks late because hey, the launch was last month (latter part)! I remember reviewing the Milk Peel a month prior and while the experience is still fresh, here’s me about try out something new from the brand. I can’t help but scream in silence because of my excitement!

Anyway, the new collection is called A-Bloom wherein I assume that A is derived from the product’s manufacturer—Althea Korea. The collection consists of four mask sheet variants, a blackhead blaster, and a giant and baby puffs which I am hoping to expand soon. At first, it doesn’t make sense to me how the collection was curated…I mean mask sheet, blackhead blaster, sponges…how are they related apart from the fact that they are makeup and skincare? But with time, I realized that the indifference has its purpose. You’ll know more if you continue reading after the short break! Let’s discuss them one by one.

A-BLOOM MASK SHEETS (P20/PC)

These are probably the cutest and funkiest designed mask sheets I’ve ever seen in my life. I was proud when I bought tons of these during the launch that I gifted them all to my friends and bosses in time for Mother’s Day. I did not even bother wrapping them up as they look too cute as is. I also appreciate the fact that they have English translations—finally, Althea heard my plea!

The names of the masks are well thought of and I like that they reflect their uses and key ingredients. The names remind me of the bottled juices being advertised in LRT stations where the names have meanings. Simple but catchy!

Anti-Blemish Peach Mask Sheet. This anti-blemish mask purifies and soothes irritated and sensitive sin. Infused with Peach Extracts and Tea Tree Oil to regulate oil, balance moisture and purify for soft, smooth skin. This is great for oily skin!

Nourishing Avocado Mask Sheet. This mask is rich in antioxidants to nourish and protect skin from harmful environmental factors and prevent wrinkles. Infused with Avocado extracts and Hibiscus for soft supple skin that glows. It is great for dry skin

Brightening Lemon Lime Mask Sheet. This brightening mask clarifies and brighten dull skin to unveil the natural glow from within. The double does of Vitamin C from lemon and lime extracts banishes dark spots and Green Tea boosts brightening while calming skin. It is great for combination skin. 

Moisturizing Watermelon Mask Sheet. This mask that packs a punch of hydration and moisturization for waterful skin that lasts. A delicious drink for the skin with watermelon extract and added lavender to calm the senses.

I’m sure we all know the drill so let’s not delve more into it. Once you tear the packet open, you’ll get the mask sheet and it’s literally dripping of essences. I like that there’s a good amount of essence that you can probably reuse for another session (you’re compressed mask sheets will have their use!) or apply at any drier parts of your body such as elbows, neck, knees and feet. The cloth is thin and breathable but strong enough not to tear even if you accidentally put a little pressure while unfolding it.

The only thing I don’ like (but not much of an issue) is the fact that the sheet mask fits awkwardly all over my face. Though it fits the eyes, nose and mouth area, it doesn’t on the rest of my face. I’m the one to blame because I have chubby face and I guess the shape of the mask will fit to more contoured faces like they always do. Other than that, it adheres to the face until dried.

The masks smell almost the same and even the consistency of the essences is similarly formulated in my opinion. I couldn’t tell which one is better because they are all refreshing on the skin and they also feel lightweight. I don’t find myself dying to rinse the mask afterwards as the moisture is quite tolerable compared to other brands. I’ve used total of eight (8) mask sheets by the time I write this so basically that’s a week and a day-long of trial period. On the first two days of use, I broke out. There were about 3-4 (really) tiny pus-filled bumps on my forehead and sides of the nose. I thought my skin was clogged and irritated, so I thought of discontinuing it and resume after a day or two. Gladly, they disappeared on the fourth day and that’s when everything went right.

My skin feels hydrated and despite the greasy, oily skin upon waking up, my skin seems to light up from within. There’s this glow I couldn’t explain where it came from but overall t’was a nice sight. If you are looking for an affordable everyday mask sheets, go for these. You can’t go wrong with a P20 worth of sheet mask. This is a great hydrator after scrubbing with the Blackhead Blaster.

A-BLOOM BHA BLACKHEAD BLASTER (P200/8G)

This is probably the first time I will be using a product on a stick, well, apart from foundation and lip products. I couldn’t really categorize where this product belongs to, but I’d say it’s a scrub, mask and treatment in one.

According to Althea Korea, this is the 1^st Natural BHA Stick that removes blackheads painlessly.  It deeply cleanses and purifies the pores with natural ingredients like White Willow a.k.a. Natural BHA (removes dead skin cells), Charcoal (purifies skin and prevents oil), Apricot Seed (scrubs away impurities and keeps pores clean and tight), and Tea Tree Leaf Oil (that calms and removes trouble skin). Also, its melting texture exfoliates comfortably to reveal soft, clean skin and prevent future formation of blackheads.

I honestly like the matte black plastic packaging because it’s very lightweight and is very convenient to bring during travels. It’s a great pick-me-upper whenever you see new blackheads forming on your pores.

I couldn’t really tell whether I like the balmy texture or if I still prefer the conventional masks that you apply and spread. But convenient stuff has their perks. Products on stick are very easy to clean and store and are mess-free. You just have to swipe it on your skin after cleansing and massage for about a minute before you rinse the product. All it takes is just a minute and you’re good to go! Althea’s really an expert in quick skincare. I think that’s the best thing about this product.

What I notice though is that I must really swipe the balm several times all over my face to get a decent amount of product. This is to say that the product does not go a long way which isn’t a major issue as it’s very budget-friendly that you can just repurchase whenever you run out. I also notice that it would be best if your skin is a little damp before application to avoid tugging. It is indeed a fast way to clean the skin and is gentle enough for an exfoliator.

I would say this product is effective in clearing the pores. About 85% of my blackheads are removed every use. I just don’t think it prevents future formation of blackheads but still worth buying because it’s an affordable, quick and easy fix especially when you have sudden trips or events to attend to. It’s even a better choice than painful peel-off masks, especially if you have low pain tolerance just like me.

Be careful not to let it sit for more than the suggested time because it can be a bit drying. If ever you do, fret not, because the A-Bloom Mask Sheets will come to the rescue! Also, if you are sensitive to BHA products, I would suggest you doing a patch test first to avoid any adverse reactions.

A-BLOOM GIANT MERINGUE PUFF (P100)

I’m excited to try all products under the A-Bloom Collection but I can’t help but be bias when talking about makeup sponges and tools. If you’re a reader of this blog, you know how obsessed I am with makeup tools that I’m starting to build a collection of both low and high-end ones. I’m also currently keeping with me a jar of sponges and puff and these are super nice addition—shaped very uniquely and are tinted pink. They are also fun to work with and until now, I just couldn’t believe why it’s only P100.

When I took the sponges out of their boxes, I noticed some slight damage/dents on the sponge and when I washed them, only then I figured out that I worried for nothing. They retained their shape despite all the squeezing and washing! The sponges double in size when wet and becomes even softer. These are latex-free sponges and true enough, not a trace of rubbery texture.

The shape is indeed unique. They are shorter and has a wider bottom that becomes even wider when wet. That makes it very easy to apply foundation as it covers a large area of the face. My only struggle is holding onto the sponge. I find it awkward to hold the entire sponge, instead of just the half of it, to ensure a precise application. I’d say the shape is not very ergonomic but still does a very good job in blending and is still overall a quality product in terms of the texture and softness. I still think Althea always does a great job in making sure that their product will do what they claim to do despite a few hiccups.

Just to give you an idea how huge this is of a sponge.

A-BLOOM BABY MERINGUE PUFFS (P140)

Here’s a product I think I like a little more! These are the miniature version of the giant puff! It comes in a pack of 3 for only P140. These sponges are great for detail work. Use it on the curves of your faces and harder to reach areas when applying concealer or foundation.

These sponges are not just latex-free but are also free of 5 heavy metals such as Lead, Mercury, Chrome VI, Cadmium and Antimony.

Just like other sponges, you have the option to use it in two ways. For a dewy effect, you can soak the puff in running water or use it dry for a matte coverage. I prefer wet sponges for an airbrush finish. These are worth investing for especially if you are a beginner in the makeup world and you’re still testing the waters and aren’t ready to commit to expensive tools just yet. I’m grateful to Althea for creating such awesome puffs. If ever you’re reading this, I’d like to suggest coming up with a makeup brush/sponge cleanser too as cleaning light-colored sponges’ sometimes a pain. These can stain very easily so what I suggest is to clean it right away as soon as you’re done with your makeup.

So there you have it! Overall, I am still impressed with how Althea Korea keep their products of top quality but still with reasonable price tags. I am so grateful to have gotten the first dibs and if you’re going to ask me whether I’d repurchase or not, I’d definitely will! Phew, that was quite a long post. But thank you so very much for staying until the end! If you would like me to do more one-brand reviews, just let me know! Happy blogging!

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