Collective Masks Review: Bling Pop, MegRhythm, Medi Heally, Mediheal, Quick FX

I've tried a couple of masks for the past few weeks I've stayed at home, so here's a collective review.

Bling Pop Rice Bran Brightening Mask

Serum contains 1000 ppm of Niacinamide and rice bran extract that brighten skin and boost radiance

Pros:

• Cute, eye-catching, candy-colored packaging
• Silky soft and flexible material for the mask
• Great fit!
• Subtle, almost unnoticeable fragrance
• 4th ingredient: Niacinamide for maximum skin brightening
• 5th ingredient: Trehalose as hydrator and antioxidant

Cons:

• None

Price: PHP 119

Available at SM Beauty/Watsons

MegRhythm Gudetama Steam Warming Eye Mask (bought from Taiwan)

One of my cutest buys from Taiwan! This cutie is not available in the Philippines, but MegRhythm has a plain unscented variant that works the same. You leave this mask on for 20 minutes, and it warms up to 40°C. This is very relaxing, especially when my eyes are too tired and are already tearing up from PC use.

Medi Heally Warm Herbal Patch

I used to think this product was gimmicky, but I still bought a box to try. I love it! You're supposed to stick it on your undergarment/innerwear, not directly on the skin. It instantly warms up and the warm feeling lasts all day. It's like you have a warm compress on your abdomen all day. Genius product!

Price: PHP 210 per box of 3 at Althea Korea

Also available in Shopee (cheaper to buy here)

Mediheal Teatree Care Solution Essential Mask Ex

This mask has a unique design, it has the "Mediheal" logo pressed on the entire sheet mask. It contains tea tree leaf oil, chamomile extract, and centella asiatica extract. It has a glossy/shiny finish and the essence feels a bit sticky but tolerable. Not bad, but not a favorite of mine.

Price: PHP 99

Available at SM Beauty/Watsons

Quick FX Sculpt Tightening Face Mask

Pros:

• Super nice fit
• No noticeable scent
• No dripping, just the right amount of serum
• Lightweight essence (almost like a hydrating toner texture)
• Zero sticky feel
• My skin drinks this up in seconds, very easily absorbed
• Skin looks glowing and healthy right after!
• Not dewy unlike other face masks that look shiny on the skin, but more of lit from within glow
• Affordable for its quality

Cons:

• Supposed to be none, but don't be like me. I liked the essence so much, I reused the remaining product the next few days and doing so broke me out. LOL

Price: P89

Available in SM Beauty/Watsons

All the masks I reviewed here are made in Korea, except for the MegRhythm eye mask which is made in Japan.

Love,
Helen

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Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Mint Choco

Some gifts that make me extra happy are unpractical things that I like but won't buy for myself. I already have a lot of cosmetics stashed in my drawer, so I wasn't expecting my sister to give this one to me last Christmas. Say hello to this big tub of Laneige Sleeping Mask in Mint Choco - the mother of all delicious flavors! 😍

This one is NOT a lip balm. It's an overnight lip treatment that deeply moisturize the lips and melt away dead skin cells. It contains shea butter and Vitamins A and E to moisturize and soothe the lips.

Each box comes with a HUGE 20g tub, an instruction leaflet with ingredients list, and a spatula in a tiny plastic pouch. So cute!

It expires 12 months after opening, but there's no way I'll be able to finish this tub so it stays with me until...20220902. LOL Just be mindful of using the spatula or clean fingers so you won't contaminate the product.

So beautiful. So perfect.

Swatch:
 

I swatched 18 lipsticks in the span of 2 days in my previous post, and my usually healthy lips felt slightly raw from all the wiping. I used a thick layer of Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Mint Choco, and my lips went on an instant vacation. I love the slight minty tingle that lasts for a little over 5 minute and the delicious mint choco scent. It doesn't have a flavor though, just a yummy fragrance. The swatch above was my lips the day after the lipsticks swatchfest. Back to healthy and plump! Since I'm working from home until the end of the month, I guess I will be using every night and day. Hello, soft and healthy lips! 💙

Price: P610 at Althea

Love,

Helen

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Review: Rire Lucent Star Cushion

How much do I love pretty packaging?

So much, that I bought a BB cushion just because it was pretty. Never mind if it has a dewy finish and I have oily skin. I just had to buy it. 😍

Rire Lucent Star Cushion is the prettiest BB cushion to sit in my vanity. The packaging has falling pink glitters and stars!

Since is quite bulky to carry around, I mainly stare and play with it at home. I wouldn't want the pretty case to get scratched in my makeup bag. It has a big mirror, and the cushion puff is easy to use and clean. I just use cleansing oil, and the residue comes off - good as new!

Once you've emptied the BB and tints that come with it, the product trays are actually detachable. I'm not sure if Rire sells refills, though. They should! It's a shame to not be able to reuse this pretty compact. I hope they come up with a matte one. 👍

The BB cushion contains the following key ingredients: 

• White lupine seed oil - Contains 40% protein to replenish the skin's moisture, keeping it soft and smooth 
• Hydrolyzed collagen - Restores elasticity to the skin for a plump complexion
• White peony flower extract - Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to keep the skin healthy

It comes in 2 shades: #21 and #23. I got #23 because the shade difference is just minimal. It's has a moisturizing formula that looks dewy upon application. However, this spells trouble for my oily skin. 😆 Application was a breeze using the puff it came with. It evened out the redness on my skin, and blurred my pores. The shade match was really nice. However, my skin oils up easily with this one - in just 2-3 hours I need to blot my face. I also get random itchy spots on my face when I use this, so I must be allergic to some of its ingredients. 😢

The lip and cheek colors come in pink and coral. The shades are really bright and youthful. The texture is a bit waxy, reminiscent of children's makeup. But it looks nice when worn sparingly on the cheeks. On the lips, this one goes on without much tugging, but it's not hydrating enough so by midday you will be in need of lip balm.

Swatches:

#23 cushion | pink | coral

I do not recommend this for oily skin. But if you have dry/normal skin that's not sensitive, you can give this beauty a try.

Price: P730 (currently on sale at Althea)

Love,
Helen

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Introducing Althea's A'Bloom collection!

It's no secret that I love shopping at Althea Korea! And my, have they truly grown as they have expanded their own in-house brand with new makeup and skincare offerings. Althea's A'Bloom is their latest addition with products that are cute, quirky, and fun!

Being an Althea Angel, I was sent the new A'Bloom products to try and review. 😍

Let's start with the mask sheets! You wouldn't believe how affordable they are at only PHP 20 a pop! They certainly don't look cheap. The packaging is super cute and witty, too! I have tried all 4 variants and I'll share with you what I think about each one. For your reference, I have oily, dehydrated skin with flaky cheeks on bad days. I left the masks on for a little over 20 minutes each.

Althea A'Bloom Moisturizing Watermelon Mask Sheet (PHP 20)

DRENCH & QUENCH CARE

A moisturizing mask containing watermelon extract to keep the skin hydrated and supple for a long period of time. Watermelon extract is brilliant at retaining moisture, effectively quenching and soothing dry, chapped skin.

I was most excited for this variant because of its packaging design. Heh. However, I didn't like it so much. It had an artificial fragrance like car freshener (nowhere near delicious watermelon scent), but thankfully it doesn't linger. Three hours after removing the mask, my face still feels sticky from the essence. What this mask did well though was hydration. My skin did have a dewy finish afterwards, and it took longer for my skin to get oily during the day.
 

Althea A'Bloom Brightening Lemon Lime Mask Sheet (PHP 20)

SHINING RADIANCE

A brightening mask that gives the skin the vitamin component of lemon and lime brightening and makes the skin clear and transparent.

THE BEST. This variant had a very mild lemon scent that's almost unnoticeable. It was less sticky than the watermelon variant. This mask made my skin instantly even and brightened up. The dry and tight feeling on my cheeks disappeared, the flakes were gone. My skin became really smooth and makeup application was a breeze for around 2 days after using this mask. Not bad for a PHP 20 skincare product!
 

Althea A'Bloom Anti-Blemish Peach Mask Sheet (PHP 20)

PURIFYING SKIN & SOOTHING CARE

The peach extract that contains vitamin A regulates the oil and moisture balance of the skin which soothes sensitive skin as well as providing purification for smooth skin.

This is actually the first time I'm seeing a peach skincare product that claims to target acne. The scent of this one is also mild. I used this mask on a bad skin day where I had a pimple with pus on my chin. I used this mask before sleeping, and the next day the pimple seemed to die a natural death without me having to pop it. I like this one too, but my favorite is still the lemon variant. 
 

Althea A'Bloom Nourishing Avocado Mask Sheet (PHP 20)

NOURISHING & WRINKLE CARE

Rich in antioxidants, this nourishing mask is infused with avocado extracts to protect the skin from harmful environmental factors. Avocado extract is packed with vitamin E to improve skin elasticity and add a radiant dew to the skin.

The avocado mask has the cutest cartoon on the packaging. 💚 I think this variant has the most unnoticeable scent among all 4, but it seems to work the same as watermelon which which provides hydration while being slightly sticky on the skin. I'll be reaching for this mask when my cheeks feel extra dry and tight as it provides relief for my skin. 
 

Althea A'Bloom Giant Meringue Puff (PHP 100)

& Baby Meringue Puff (PHP 140)

How cute are these makeup sponges?! 😍 They actually look like dessert! These puffs are made from high density non-toxic latex-free foam and can expand up to 1.5x in size when wet. Interesting! Also, these puffs are 100% safe for sensitive skin.

 

Actual size

When I took these meringue puffs out of the boxes, I wasn't particularly blown away by it's softness. It wasn't that soft to me. But when soaked with water, they transform to big, fluffy marshmallows.

Expansion when wet (Amazing!!!)

Althea's website says these puffs can be used wet or dry, but for me of course it's better to use them wet. This way, the sponges won't absorb the products you use.

For me, the Giant Meringue Puff is a must have and is more useful than the Baby Meringue Puff. The Giant Meringue Puff expands so nicely, feels plush on the skin, and magically does not absorb the BB cream as much so there's less product wastage. When I wash it with Althea's Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser, the BB cream just slides off. It's very easy to clean. The narrow part is functional enough for your eye area and the sides of your nose, and even with that seemingly sharp tip, it won't poke you at all. It's just really soft. As for the Baby Meringue Puff, it's cute and tiny but it's less firm than the giant size. You can use this with cream blush, but not really for cheek tints because it will stain the puff.  
 

Althea A'Bloom BHA Blackhead Blaster (PHP 200)

I've used nose packs before and they were slightly painful (even with my high pain tolerance). This one is the first natural BHA stick that promises to remove blackheads and whiteheads painlessly in just 1 minute. While I currently don't have blackhead issues (*knocks on wood*), I'll keep you posted on FB/IG when I finally get to this product. Oh, this product can also be used as a quick scrub on your elbows and heels, too!
 

Althea A'Bloom gift 💖
 

When Althea A'Bloom launched last April 23, they had a wild promo of buy 10 take 10 on the mask sheets. Of course, I had to buy!!!

The buy 10 take 10 mask sheets was just PHP 180 - so it came down to just PHP 9 per mask. I'm crying; this is skincare heaven! I also bought a Giant Meringue Puff for the BFF. It came with a free mobile phone grip. Also, I was able to add to cart a free single mask sheet with any purchase. Soooo this haul was just PHP 460 - for 40+1 mask sheets and a makeup sponge! Althea Korea, you make me so happy.

I'm looking forward to more new releases from Althea. For now, I'm enjoying my masking moments. I can use one everyday and not feel guilty for my wallet. 😁

Shop Althea A'Bloom products HERE! 💋 I'm giving you 20% off on your first Althea Korea purchase HERE. 😉

Love,

Helen

PS. Get the Althea A'Bloom Brightening Lemon Lime Mask Sheet - you won't regret!!!

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Capsule Review + Tutorial: Althea Makeup Collection

Photo heavy post ahead! 😉

Today's post is a very exciting one! As an Althea Angel, I'll be sharing with you a detailed capsule review (swatches, prices, pros, and cons) of Althea Korea's latest makeup products under their own brand.

My sister Cindy helped me craft this Althea makeup look! 👍

🌟 Althea Makeup Box 🌟

(also loving the Lunar New Year box design!)

Althea Skin Relief Spot Film Gel (P240)

Before doing your makeup, you have to have the perfect base. For imperfections like pimples you want to cover up but don't want to aggravate by piling on the makeup, try Althea Skin Relief Spot Film Gel! Put in on top of your pimple and it dries to a matte, skin-like finish that's literally invisible. This healing gel contains tea tree oil to heal acne, and Centella and pine leaf extracts to soothe redness and calm the skin down.

Before | During | After

Pros:

• Functional and hygienic packaging
• Expiry date is printed on the box and indicated on the crimp of the tube for easy reference
• Contains tea tree oil, Centella asiatica extract, and pine leaf extract
• Cooling and soothing feel
• Mild scent
• Effective in drying up acne
• Can be used day (under makeup) and night (as spot treatment)
• Invisible finish

Cons:

• Learning curve, mine peeled off when I applied makeup the first few times I used it

Just make sure to not touch your skin after you've finished applying your makeup, or parts of the gel might come off and make your skin look "flaky". But for me, this is best used at night as spot treatment so you won't have to worry about the flakes.

Althea Flawless Creamy Concealer (P200)

Swatches:

#01 Vanilla, #02 Ginger, #03 Honey, #04 Mocha

Shade guide:
#01 Vanilla - A brightening pink beige #21 shade
#02 Ginger - A warm ivory #21 shade for natural coverage
#03 Honey - A warm peach shade to suit skin tones between #23-#25
#04 Mocha - A deeper yellow-based shade best suited for over #30

My first impression on the Althea Flawless Creamy Concealer - it's very creamy indeed! I've tried a lot of drugstore concealers in the past, but none has been as creamy and easy to blend as this one! I did my arm swatches (unblended) and it took me some time to get the best photo, so when I rubbed each shade on my arm, it still glided like butter. (How did you do that, Althea?)

This pigmented and long-wearing concealer has buildable formula that's made with Aquaxyl to moisturize and improve the overall health of the skin. All of my face shots below (up to the end of this post) are raw, unedited photos. You can see how this concealer made my dark circles disappear.

Pros:

• Expiry date is printed on the sticker on the base of the tube
• Very affordable (probably the most affordable good quality concealer out there!)
• Pigmented
• Long-wearing
• Doesn't easily oil up, crease, or fade
• Comes in 4 shades
• Contains 6g of product
• Won't cause breakouts

Cons:

• Very minor: the rim of the product gets quite messy with daily use so I need to wipe it regularly

 

Bare face

BB cream + Althea Flawless Creamy Concealer

My makeup artist sister taught me how to use this concealer correctly. Extend a bit to the cheeks and don't just put dots on the dark circles. I first used #02 Ginger all over my dark circles, and topped #01 Vanilla to brighten it up and subtly highlight my nose bridge.

Because we're living in the Philippines and it can get really humid here, I topped off my base with Althea Petal Velvet Powder in Pink Lavender (limited edition shade that's already sold out). I love it because it smells very calming. This powder instantly mattifies my face while feeling so lightweight. Even with the lavender scent, it doesn't cause any allergies so we're good. Don't forget to fill in your brows and get ready for the next step: EYES!

Althea Eye Palette Sunrise & Moonrise BCL X ALTHEA (P1,780)

Shades are just named as numbers from top left to bottom right:

#1 - A shimmery nude with pink undertones

#2 - A matte light brown to create definition

#3 - A metallic rose gold with pink undertones

#4 - A metallic gold

#5 - A rich brown with golden shimmer

#6 - A deep wine shade

#7* - A pearly pink shadow with purple undertone

#8 - A cool purple with a subtle shimmer

*#7 contains carmine AKA red pigment from crushed bugs. Not cruelty-free, but props to Althea for their honesty.

Swatches:

🌠 A mix of shimmers, mattes, and glitters 🌠

🌠 Perfect for day and night 🌠

For this look, we used shade #2 as base on the lids and even to contour the nose. (It works!)

A very remarkable shade would be #8. It looks purple on the pan, but looks more reddish/burgundy on the skin. These shadows have a super creamy, velvety feel as well. They seem to blend and look gradient even when you just wear a single shade. For this look, we used #2 as base, #8 as the main color, #7 to blend both shades together, and #3 on the center of the lids.

When I did my makeup on another occasion, I find that #7 as base, #8 as contour, #4 on the center of the lids, and #1 to highlight the browbone also works beautifully.

Pros:

• Beautiful floral box! I can't throw it away.
• Sleek palette design with magnetic closure
• Palette feels heavy/premium
• Expiry date is printed on the box and base of palette
• 8 pigmented and versatile shades
• Perfect for day and night looks
• Mix of shimmers, mattes, and glitters
• Large pans
• Contains 15g of product (will take ages to finish even with daily use)
• Buttery formula
• Easy to blend

Cons:

• Premium pricing vs drugstore makeup
• Minimal fallout on some shades
• Shade #7 contains carmine (not cruelty-free)

This eye palette is a KEEPER in my makeup kit. Never letting go of it! 💖

 
Add eyeliner and falsies for maximum effect! Now for the last eye makeup step.

Althea Spotlight Eye Glitter (P300)

Swatches:

#02 Pink Light & #01 Gold Light

Althea Spotlight Eye Glitter doubles as eyeliner and eyeshadow! For budge-proof brightening of the inner corners of the eyes, you might want to try this.

#02 Pink Light when worn

I don't usually go for sparkles on a normal work day, but this one ups your makeup look during special occasions.

Pros:

• Versatile - can be used as liner or shadow
• Long lasting - sticks like glue once it sets
• The expiry date is printed on the box and the tube itself

Cons:

• Mild burning sensation when applied on the upper lids because of the thin skin + glue-like formula (no issues on the lower lids and inner corners of the eyes)
• #02 Pink Light contains carmine

PS. The photo above is not edited. See how my dark circles are missing? Althea Flawless Creamy Concealer did it!

Althea Watercolor Cream Tint (P240)

Time for a hybrid product because Korea does it best: the pigmentation of a lipstick, the long-wearing power of a stain, and the moisturizing formula of a gloss all in one tube! Sounds promising, right?

Swatches:

#01 Plum Cream, #02 Strawberry Cream, #03 Peach Cream, #04 Marron Cream

Bare lips

#01 Plum Cream

A rich, luxurious plum shade, perfect for a night out

#02 Strawberry Cream

A juicy red reminiscent of freshly bitten strawberries

#03 Peach Cream

A brightening, fresh coral with pink undertones to suit both warm and cool skin tone

#04 Marron Cream

An MLBB shade made from browns and pinks for a chic, everyday look

My lip swatches are blended out using my finger for a more subtle, natural look. I don't apply this one full-on because it's super glossy that way. I just want a healthy sheen. 💋

For this look, we used #01 Plum Cream on the cheeks (yes, as cheek tint) and on the lips with a gradient effect.

#01 Plum Cream on cheeks

+ shimmery nude #1 eyeshadow from the BCL x Althea Eye Palette as highlight (SO NICE!)

#01 Plum Cream on cheeks

+ metallic gold eyeshadow #4 from the BCL x ALTHEA Eye Palette for a frosted look

Pros:

• Nice and sleek packaging
• Expiry date is printed on the box and sticker on the tube's base
• Delicious fruity/candy scent
• Contains squalene and hyaluronic acid
• Glossy finish makes my lips feel healthy
• Not drying at all
• Leaves a faint pink tint even as it wears off 
• Doesn't darken my lips even with daily use
• You can get it as a boxed set at 10% off (perfect for gift-giving!)

Cons:

• Some shades look a bit similar when blended out
• No nude and pink shades in this collection (Like it would be better if the 4 shades were red, pink, nude, and coral)
• Not long lasting - it comes off even when I drink water 💦

Soft and glowing Althea makeup look by Cindy

Super happy with how the Korean makeup look turned out! 💖 Hope you learned from my Althea makeup tutorial, as we truly enjoyed making it for you. 😗

Get 20% off your first order at Althea HERE!

Love,
Helen

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