ALTHEA BARE ESSENTIALS PRODUCT FEATURE AND REVIEW

Looking good is not just putting on awesome makeup. Looking good means also taking good care of our skin! Though sometimes us Mommies can be super busy and because of that we tend to skip some steps or just skip the whole facial skin care treatment kasi nakakatamad or nakakahassle dahil ang daming steps or you're just so tired from a long day of work. 

Sa totoo lang I have heard a lot about the K-Beauty routine and as much as I want to do it, there’s just too many steps. But when I found out that Althea has come up with this 3 step or 3-product regime, I knew I just had to try it out! Althea Bare Essentials has provided these three beauty products - the Althea Contour Cleanser, the Primer Water, and the Fixer Cream.

Here are my impressions and experience with these three products.

STEP 1 - ALTHEA CONTOUR CLEANSER (150g)

Price:  Php 300 

General Description: 

The Contour Cleanser is a rich and foaming cleanser that removes impurities while improving blood circulation for that V-shaped look. It contains micro capsules to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling cool and refreshed too!

It is said that the cleanser lathers up into a rich foam, has micro capsules for gentle exfoliation, and reduces swelling for a defined face shape.

The Key Ingredients:
Ice Plant - Hydrates and calms redness
Lemon Myrtle - Rich in  vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen skin.

Skin Type:
It is good for all skin types.

How To Use:

Dampen the skin, then squeeze out a small amount and lather onto the face, massaging in circular motions. Then rinse of with water after.

So I used this product for several weeks and followed the steps and instructions. For daytime, I use this 3 step regime before putting on makeup. During nightime, I use this after using my makeup remover. Here is what I noticed and my impressions about the Althea Contour Cleanser:

• The first thing you notice that it barely has a mild lemony scent. As you massage it on your face, kaunti lang ang amount pero mapapansin mo na ang scent. + It has super tiny microbeads na you can barely feel it. So yes, very mild lang exfoliation so pwede ito sa mga sensitive skin.+ It lathers up quite well. Whenever I wash my face, gusto ko mabula. I feel luxurious when there is a lot of lather. A small amount pwede na. What I do to make it more foamy is I use a damp facial brush and that makes a small amount look a lot.+ After washing, I feel so refreshed and cool! Perfect for our hot humid weather. :)
• Also after washing, I also noticed a slight tightening of the pores which feels awesome.
• I have no observation for the reduces swelling part for a defined face shape. Maybe we can see this after a long period of use.

STEP 2 -  PRIMER WATER (200 ML)

Price: Php 550

General Description: 

Smooth, hydrating and ever so slightly balm-like, this bottle of wonder penetrates into the layers of the skin to plump them up, prepping the skin and making it a smooth canvas or products to come.

It is said that it is good because it hydrates and preps the layers of the skin, it has “Dewdrops” that softens and improves suppleness, and it also serves as a primer that smooths out uneveness.

Key Ingredients: 

Snow Lotus - smoothens and brightens the skin while evening out its texture

Patented “dewdrop” formulation - Revitalizes the skin and provides immediate, effective moisture

Skin Type: All Skin Types

How To Use:

Pour out a small amount and apply evenly onto the face, gently patting in for better absorption. 

Impressions:

After using step 1, I then use the step 2 - the Althea Bare Essential Primer Water.

• First let me say how much I love the packaging! I love the minimalist style and mukang sosyal talaga. It has a glass/metallic look to it but really its made of plastic. Less is more nga talaga!
• Since this product is water based, it works quite differently from the toners that are astringent based which is popular here in the Philippines. It is definitely NOT harsh. Walang stinging feeling!
• It has no distinct scent.+ Wala pa 5 seconds, absorb agad sa skin.+ It has no sticky or dry feeling after application.+ My face feels softer, even, and smoother!
• By the way, I don’t think it’s even necessary to use a cotton pad to apply this to your face. I just use my fingers and spread it evenly on my face kasi sayang ang product kung mapupunta pa sa cotton pad!
• Oh and here’s a tip! If you want a more intensive treatment, use this product again one more time after applying to get an even smoother, velvety-soft skin texture. I tried it and it's true! Super smooth and lambot ng face ko.

STEP 3 - FIXER CREAM (50G)

Price: Php 640

General Description: 

The Fixer Cream has powerful moisturizing properties that are packed into this little jar that provides skin with hydration for up to 24 hours for a fresh, revitalized complexion.

What’s good about this is that it penetrates deep into the layers of the skin to plump them, it has 24 hour hydration, and it leaves a non-sticky finish once absorbed.

Key Ingredients:

Trehalose - Powerful humectant that retains moisture on the skin Wild Green Tea - Hydrating, skin soothing and pack with antioxidants Baobab Tree Extract - Non-greasy moisturizing agent that helps promote collagen production

Skin Type: All skin types

How To Use:

Apply evenly onto the face and gently pat in till absorbed.

Impressions:

The last step for caring your skin using the Althea Bare Essentials product is the Fixer Cream. 

• Since this cream is for all skin types, I felt a bit worried because  I have an oily skin type. Plus summer season ngayon so hello oily face talaga. For moisturizers, I really prefer gel type for oily skin sana. But I was pleasantly surprised na ok pala siya.
• So upon opening of the packaging, cream ang dating niya pero di naman mukang heavy and leaning more on the light and slightly watery side sha. For a person with an oily face, mejo nakaka reassure yun kasi may mga moisturizer na feel na feel mo pa din na di sha nag aabsorb at may oily or sticky finish. 
• Sa Fixer Cream, it is color white unlike sa Water Primer na medyo transparent ang color. This had a watery consistency na once you apply on skin it looks like it disappears coz it was absorbed immediately.+ Upon applying, I was surprised by the cooling effect. Sa gabi ako nag apply. I left the products sa room ko at room temperature (meaning no aircon) kaya I was pleased at cool ang effect and feel nya sa face. Perfect for summer + There is no sticky finish. Your skin will definitely feel hydrated. Maybe if you have oily skin type like me, I would suggest a minimum amount. Also, I would suggest to not put makeup right away though and maybe give it time to set.

Overall Experience:

Using these products will not take up a lot of time. From washing to applying, kaya yan siguro in 10 to 15 minutes. I normally take time in between steps to make sure the product is fully absorbed. But if you are in a hurry, sige lang go! What’s important that you can easily take good care of your skin with minimal time and effort.

I would recommend the Althea Bare Essentials 3 Step Skincare Regime for those who want to try out the Korean Beauty 10 step regime pero without all the hassle. Also this would be perfect for those beginners in the skincare department! You can buy these products at www.ph.althea.kr.