My Althea Birthday Shopping Spree!

Althea Korea gifted me with USD 100 worth of shopping credits last month for being an August baby/Althea Angel. 💖

Now I don't usually post photos of my pambahay look, but I couldn't resist taking a selfie with my HUGE Althea mail! 😍

Hello, K-beauty babies!!! 💖

Since I'm practical, I decided to just buy products that I could actually use every day. I think I have too many makeups in my stash anyway so these are more on skincare, hair care, and body care items. 😀

Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Shampoo (P440)

Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Hair Pack (P300)

These ones are way cheaper in Althea than mall price (P625 each). Time to pamper my hair because it's getting unruly and I don't know what to do with it anymore. 😂 Hopefully, this will help!

Banila Co Clean It Zero Original (790)

Again, it's cheaper to just buy from Althea than in the mall (P945). I've been using micellar water for years now, so I'm excited to switch things up a bit by using this cleansing balm. Plus, I don't have to buy cotton pads for this.

COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion (P1,035)

COSRX Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser (P375)

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (P190)

Most COSRX products are cheaper in Althea vs Watsons, while surprisingly there are a few of their products that are cheaper in Watsons vs Althea. You really have to canvass well. Of course I did my research and decided to get the best deals I could find in Althea. 😊

Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner (P390)

I've been super curious about Etude House's Soon Jung line. This toner seems so mild and harmless. Let's give it a try!

Natural 100 UV Mineral Sunkill RX (P540)

A sunscreen in loose powder form! So interesting. 😍 This comes in only 1 shade though, so I hope it's a match.

The Face Shop Designing Eyebrow Pencil (P150 each)

It's cheaper to buy this in Althea than the mall (at P225 each), unless there's a buy 1 take 1 promo in store. Finally, an eyebrow pencil that matches my microbladed brows! My hair is black so my makeup artist sister matched 06 Dark Gray on my brows and it looked perfectly natural. I never, ever would have thought that I needed a gray brow pencil, but here we are. I still don't feel the need to pencil in my brows every single day at work since I can still rock the #WokeUpLikeThis kilay because of my tattoo, but when I do full makeup, this is a must to look more polished.

Nine Point Perfume Hand & Nail Cream (P80 each)

These babies have already been repurchased since my last Althea haul. I bought more as backup and gifts. My favorite hand cream brand is still L'Occitane, but this one's a close second. It's huge at 60g, and as of now I'm halfway through with my first tube Marry Me, which is inspired by Lanvin's Marry Me.

Boom De Ah Dah Rose Body Lotion (P230)

Just because I needed a body lotion. Not too stoked with this one though. It's huge at 500ml but it has a very strong rose smell that may not be pleasing to everyone. I still have a year to use it up since it expires November 2019. I can decant and put in a small jar to use as hand cream, too! #TipidTips

 

Glamfox Fleurissant Lip Glow in Rose Flower (P510)

16 Brand Eye Magazine (P540)

And lastly, a little something for the BFF! 😍 These two are also repurchases from my last haul. Not happy with the Glamfox Fleurissant Lip Glow this time around - the stem inside the flower is broken so it's not aesthetically pleasing. It doesn't affect the product's performance though, but I still get OC about it because it's not perfect. 16 Brand Eye Magazine is super nice though, and I will review that soon! 💛

DISCOUNT ALERT! I'm sharing with you a 20% discount on your first order at Althea. (You're welcome!) 😉 Free shipping from Korea straight to your doorstep (not post office YAY!) on all orders P999+!

Tip: Pay online to get your orders faster. I didn't pick COD this time around, and my order got to me in just 4 days. I ordered August 20 afternoon, and got the package at August 24. Awesome job, Doora Logistics! 👍

I checked out my COD transaction July 25, and my package arrived August 6 with lots of followup on my part. That was 12 days. NinjaVan is in charge of COD transactions in the Philippines, and they also mishandled my parcel. I think my package was opened because some of the items were not properly bubble wrapped. Althea would never ship out items like that. 👎 So no more COD for me.

Love,
Helen

Let's keep in touch!

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"Pretty Looks" Dupe for Less Than P600!

Guys, I've found a Pretty Looks dupe for less than P600! 😮 You know the ads you see on Facebook where they show perfectly tattooed brows? I've had mine done before and it was an expensive beauty investment that I'm still happy about. But I've found one that works as nicely, without the long-term commitment. Curious?

It's the Etude House Tint My Brows Gel! This one's actually my super early Christmas gift for my sister because she asked for it. So the swatches you'll see later are her brows, not mine.

Etude House Tint My Brows Gel in #3 Gray Brown

There are 3 shades, and the first two (Brown and Light Brown) were more on the brownish side which turns yellow in time. My hair is pure black, but as I was purchasing, the SA pushed me to get the Brown shade, which I declined. 😛 My sister has dark brown hair, she she wouldn't want to be sporting yellowish brows, so Gray Brown was the safest bet.

 

New concept eyebrow gel tint that makes eyebrow makeup last long after removing the tint.

The packaging was really simple. There was no hint of cuteness, but it's alright because it serves its purpose. The expiry date is printed on the tube, and based on the box this product is good for 12 months after first use. I think otherwise, because the testers were already goopy. I think this will be usable for about 3 to 6 months. The applicator is a simple brush and it applies the product nicely.

With this product, you have to have brows that are already shaped well. For beginners, I'd still recommend using a brow pencil or powder since this kind of tint might be complicated. This one's for those who are used to doing their brows but are tired of drawing them everyday. 😁 This product smells surprisingly good, despite its gooey black look.

What you have to do is to clean your face first so the tint has a smooth surface (free from oil and dust) to adhere to. Be generous when applying the tint, since it dries up and would be easier to pull out if it's a thick layer. Dry it for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if sigurista ka. If you make a mistake, make sure to wipe it away before it sets on your skin.

After it dries, remove it starting from your inner brows. Do not remove it forcibly since it may pull out the eyebrow.

TENEN! Not bad for a first-timer. My sister is a fan of Korean brows, hence the low arch.

 

The finished product uncannily looks like my tattooed brows right now. Do not use facial wash on your brows within 24 hours from using this product, or else it will sting. She used this product in the evening, and when she washed her face in the morning, she forgot about the facial wash tip, and a bit of her brow's tail got erased, but no biggie. She just reapplied a bit of the product on her brows for less than an hour, and everything was good. (Her brows looked more natural after washing her face.) I think this tint will last her 2 to 3 days. Sarap gumising ng may kilay. Haha 😊 So far, she's happy and I'm amazed.

Price: P528

Available at all Etude House stores nationwide

Love,
Helen

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Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Cotton Fit in W13 Natural Beige

As I was scanning my files, I compared my previous photos to the more recent ones and felt that I looked tired/lacked that certain glow. I've been on a powder phase lately, so everything is matte, matte, matte. I missed the Korean glow, hence on a lovely sunny day, I went out wearing only this BB cream, brow makeup, and tinted lip balm. This BB cream has been with me for months, but it's just now that I've got the time to shoot it and finally make a review. The box is gone though. :D

Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Cotton Fit in W13 Natural Beige

This all-day pearly bright skin BB Cream perfectly glides onto skin providing clear and bright complexion with a smooth, cotton-like powdery finish for flawless skin.

Whitening | Anti-Wrinkle | Anti-Darkening

Brightening OK! Darkening Zero!

The packaging is a huge hygienic tube with a pump dispenser at its base. The matte white surface of the tube is prone to dirt, but there's nothing my Ellana Cucumber Melon Makeup Brush Cleaner can't fix. (Yup, I use it to clean my brushes and makeup packaging for when they get dirty. Dirt just literally slides off.)

This BB cream comes in 3 shades:

• NO2 Light Beige
• W13 Natural Beige
• W24 Honey Beige

The shade that matches my skin is W13. NO2 is too light for my skintone, imagine that! :P

When worn:

Bare face | With BB cream

Bare face | With BB cream

What makes Etude House BB creams a winner is how they manage to make my skin look instantly perfect and glowing - and this one is no different. My bare face looks uneven and haggard, but all signs of redness and pores disappear as I dab and spread this product on my face. This BB cream has a demi-matte finish that works very well with my oily skin. I only feel the need to set my face with powder when it gets too hot outside. This BB cream stays on and doesn't fade or slide off throughout the day. It has a pleasant powdery floral scent, but it doesn't irritate my skin. If this BB cream works for your skin, a big tube containing 60g of product is certainly value for money as it will last for many months even with everyday use.

Wearing Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Cotton Fit alone

Summary:

• Comes in 3 shades
• Good for oily skin
• Demi-matte finish
• Has SPF 30/PA++
• Easy to blend
• Evens out skin tone
• Reduces redness and pores
• No breakouts

Recommendations:

• For dry skin: Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Blooming Fit
• For oily skin: Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Cotton Fit

Price: P848

Available at Etude House stores nationwide

Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen

Lucky Citrine's Happy List I

Cute stuff and sweets never fail to make my day, thus inspiring me to create my own Happy List! :D

1. Panda room slippers

From who else but my panda! Hihi :3 Now I have comfy and warm room slippers. Thank you! :>

2. McDonald's Hello Kitty Bubbly World Plush Toys

Saw these in McDonald's at Bangkok. Wish I bought ALL of them as they're not available in the Philippines! I also spotted some cutesy Hello Kitty body wash and lotions at Zalora, which will definitely add a pop of color to our bathroom. :3

3. Etude House Etti Block Calendar

Etude House gave this as a GWP in the previous months. Imagine not having to buy any other desk calendar ever again! This one's like lego blocks you have to assemble each month. Sooo cute!

Hello, May 2015!

4. Etude House Sunprise Natural Corrector SPF 50+ PA+++

May this girly sunblock inspire me to use it everyday in this crazy summer heat. Etude House Sunprise range can be use for both face and body. The Natural Corrector doubles as a makeup base, too!

5. Haitai Choco Kit & Meiji Strawberry Apollo Choco Stick

I seem to have an obsession for Meiji Apollo. :3 In Japan, they even have it in mint! *Faints* :D I got both of these from Bangkok as well. The Haitai Choco Kit looks so fun to make. Meiji Apollo also comes in a choco lollipop form. ♥

6. Made In Candy Jar of Helen :D

I still haven't gotten over our candy making experience at Made In Candy. Aside from that, they gifted me with a personalized big jar of candies. So sweet! :> Part of me wants to keep this forever, but they'll only keep for 6 months. So torn. Haha!

Hope you liked my very first Happy List! ;) What's your favorite item from here?

Love,

Helen

Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur

Blur creams are trending right now in the beauty industry! Who wouldn't love snapping that perfect selfie without having to retouch your photo? Blur creams are a notch higher than your regular makeup primer/base; they do not just prolong your makeup wear, but also makes your skin look really flawless when photographed!

Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur

Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur is a primer with a lightweight formula that makes your makeup last longer and holds your makeup in place even in the summer heat. Use Beauty Shot Face Blur and finish with powder for that light summer look ready for photos!

Beauty Shot Face Blur has a 3-in-1 multi-filter effect just like on camera apps:

• Skin texture correction – Smooths and softens the skin texture
• Pore & bump correction – Blurs uneven skin, minimizes pores and bumps
• Skin tone correction – Brightens dull skin tone

Tip: Use Beauty Shot Face Blur and set with powder and have some summer fun!

The packaging of this primer is quite simple compared to previous Etude House releases. However, I like it because of its pump applicator. Hygienic, easy dispensing wins in my book.

Baby Pixel Powder (Blur Powder) and Cover Powder compounds give 3-in-1 multi-filter effect - like adjusting light on skin.

• Baby Pixel Powder: Super fine particles make skin smooth and soft while covering pores and bumps flawlessly.
• Cover Powder: Hide skin imperfections such as blemishes via diffused reflection.

While other primers make use of silicone gel, Beauty Shot Face Blur makes use of "Airy Skin Powder" to give lightweight and comfortable wear for long time. 

It comes in a pinkish tone, which really does remind me of Etude House Sweet Recipe Baby Choux Base in #02 Berry Choux, only this one has a less fragrance and more liquid texture. The Sweet Recipe Baby Choux base is more creamy and hydrating, while the Beauty Shot Face Blur works better for oily skin. Beauty Shot Face Blur comes in only 1 shade, and those with deeper skin tones may find this too light.

Swatches:

Bare Skin | With Beauty Shot Face Blur | With Beauty Shot Face Blur and foundation

This primer instantly reduced my skin's redness, making it look more even and radiant. It also reduced the appearance of pores and made my skin look smoother. However, wearing it alone didn't make a huge difference. Its effect is quite subtle and not really noticeable in person. I layered on a separate face base (mine's liquid foundation, but you may also use powder or BB cream) over it to see its camera-friendly effects. It really does photograph well!

As for its makeup extending effect, I wore this primer and a BB cream over it, no powder so I'd see how well it performed. In fairness, only my nose oiled up a bit by lunch time, so I blotted it out with tissue, and my makeup stayed put for the rest of the day.

I shared 2 FOTDs last time wearing Etude House's new Super Tint Balms, and I wore the Beauty Shot Face Blur as base here, no retouch!

Get to try the Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur (1 sample sachet as GWP) for free with a single-receipt purchase of P500.00 at any Etude House boutique (not department store counter) this April! :D

 

Price: P898.00

Available in all Etude House stores nationwide

Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Have you tried blur creams before?

Love,

Helen

Etude House Sugar Tint Balm (Cranberry Pie & Grapefruit Tea)

When I visited Etude House last month, these new lippies caught my eye immediately! I'm a fan of tinted lip balms since they're like the best of both worlds - care and color with just one swipe.

Etude House Sugar Tint Balm

This lip balm and lip tint in one comes in vibrant colors to finish your summer look! It gently hugs your lips containing Jojoba Oil, Organic Argan Oil, and Vitamin E to immediately moisturize and maintain soft lips for long hours. Its special formula melts away dead skin cells, leaving only smooth and healthy lips!

I have two shades from the range, which are Cranberry Pie and Grapefruit Tea. I appreciate that the attractive packaging comes with descriptions and ingredients in English, and also the manufacturing date.

Etude House did a great job with the box. It looks so sweet with all the candy sprinkles on it! However, the tube itself was simple, but still, very functional. How is that so? Read on!

Etude House Sugar Tint Balm in Cranberry Pie

The packaging of the Sugar Tint Balm comes with a screw cap. *Slow clap for Etude House* A common problem with usual lip balms are the caps that easily come off, making a sticky mess inside your makeup kit or bag. The screw cap is a genius idea since it securely locks the product in.

However, I did a not so genius move... Haha!

I was curious on how long the 4g tube of Sugar Tint Balm was, so I twisted the product until it reached this point. Then, it wouldn't go down! :o NOOO... It was quite frustrating and funny at the same time. Frustrating since it's a spanking new lippie in a lovely shade, and I would hate to depot it this soon. Funny since it was the first time I ever prayed for a lippie to go back down into its tube. Well, it worked. Haha!

But not without a little product wastage and mess. Beats depotting it, any day!

Swatches:

1 swipe vs 5 swipes

Cranberry Pie is a lovely and bright pinkish red shade. I love how pigmented it is! One swipe can already liven up your look.

The color is buildable, so you can get a more intense red when you pile it on. However, I don't recommend piling on too much, since it has a creamy, buttery texture that may have the tendency to slide off (onto your teeth, for that matter). Anything in excess is bad! :D Lasting power is average. Like any lip balm, it gets rubbed off when you eat or drink. It doesn't leave a stain on your lips as it fades.

When worn:

Can't believe this one's a lip balm and not a lipstick! ♥

Etude House Sugar Tint Balm in Grapefruit Tea

Because I've learned my lesson earlier, I just raised the lippie to this level so you can see the shade inside the tube. Haha!

Swatches:

1 swipe vs 5 swipes

Grapefruit Tea is a pretty peachy pink shade. I'm not a fan of grapefruit so good thing this one doesn't smell like it. (All Sugar Tint Balms have the same subtly sweet, fruity scent.) It's less pigmented than Cranberry Pie, but definitely more friendly for everyday use.

I have a feeling that this shade could look washed out on other complexions, because it's quite a light and milky shade of peach. But as for me, I'm loving it since it makes me look like a good girl. Haha :D

Etude House Sugar Tint Balm is available in 8 shades:
✦ #1 Strawberry Milk

✦ #2 Cranberry Pie

✦ #3 Apple Kiss 

✦ #4 Tomato Ketchup  

✦ #5 Pink Macaron

✦ #6 Grapefruit Tea

✦ #7 Grape Jam  

✦ #8 Blackberry Jam

Price: P498.00

Available in all Etude House stores nationwide

Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook for more information.

What shade of the Sugar Tint Balm do you like best? :D

Love,

Helen