This is the common problem that Althea Korea wants to solve in releasing their new skincare line, Bare Essentials. “They don’t know what the specific steps and procedures are to complete the Korean skincare routine. Many are fazed by the number of steps but when in reality, it shouldn’t be a difficult process at all,” Hyeyoung Park, Head of Brand, shares.

Althea’s Bare Essentials focuses on skincare fundamentals and drops all the non-essentials. They came up with just three products that will have the same results as the 10-step Korean skincare routine.

Contour Cleanser – Php 300

The Claim: Packed with soothing Ice Plant and detoxifying Lemon Myrtle extracts, this cleanser is densely filled with micro capsules that burst upon contact with water to gently cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify skin. The Contour Cleanser helps to promote blood circulation, and reduces bloating and swelling for a defined, enviably slim face shape.

My Review: I really love the subtle lemony/citrusy scent of this cleanser. The scent disappears though as soon as I work the product on my face. I also love the gentle micro beads which dissolve quickly as I rub the product on my face. The micro beads that they use dissolves with water and not like those other exfoliating cleansers that uses plastic micro beads that are bad for the marine creatures.

The Contour Cleanser also has an extra thick consistency. Make sure you add more water for it to lather on your skin easily. After using this product, my face really feels fresh, clean and not dry.

Primer Water – Php550

The Claim: Both a hydrating toner and a primer in one, the Primer Water contains patented dewdrop technology (Macro Fluidic Dispersion technology) that gently fills the gaps between pores and allows hydration to penetrate deep within the layers of the skin. Made with Snow Lotus extracts, this skincare heavy hitter has an incredibly smooth and silky texture that enhances the skin’s natural glow, leaving you with the perfect canvas.

My Review: I’m obsessed with toners and for Althea to come up with a 2-in-1 toner and primer product is the bomb! Althea’s Primer Water has a thick fluidity compared to regular watery toners. The product absorbs really fast on the skin and leaves a smooth finish.

Fixer Cream – Php640

The Claim: This non-oily, quick-absorbing formula harnesses the power of Trehalose, an ingredient found in the cactus plant that prevents its moisture loss, to provide the skin with 24-hour hydration. This ultra-nourishing wonder cream is also rich in antioxidants derived from Camellia Sinensis (green tea) seed oil, and helps to promote collagen regeneration using Baobab Tree extracts. Upon application, your skin is left looking great and feeling bouncy to the touch.

My Review: I love the scent of this cream, it’s like a combination of floral and menthol which is very refreshing and aromatic. The consistency of the product is like a combination of a regular cream and a gel. It spreads and absorbs into the skin easily. After applying the product, my skin feels really soft and supple.

I just started using Althea’s Bare Essential skincare line and I’m really excited to see some results. I thought the products are really promising and it will really help those who are always on the go. Visit Althea website today while these products are still in-stock. You will also get 10% discount + a beauty mirror when you order the three products all at once. Althea Korea products are shipped directly from South Korea, and they also offer COD and FREE shipping for Php999 and above orders.

Get Php200 on your first purchase when you signup on this link.

Get Php200 on your first purchase when you signup on this link.

Althea is an online shop for your K-Beauty needs. Their online store has thousands of authentic Korean skincare and makeup products. They offer the latest and hottest K-Beauty products so you won’t have to fly to Korea just to purchase them, and did I mention they offer FREE shipping?

Last July, Althea sent me their featured Beauty Box. It got me really excited because I always planned of getting one, I’m just really waiting for the perfect Beauty Box that will suite my needs. Althea Beauty Box is a collection of products specially curated to for a specific beauty or skincare needs. These are limited edition boxes that will make you save money. I tell you, you need to be quick when ordering an Althea Beauty Box because they sell out really fast.

Althea sent me their Soothe Our Skins (SOS) Box which contains products that will help repair and soothe irritated skin. I’ve been getting a lot of redness on my face lately because of the bipolar weather in the Philippines. The products inside Althea SOS Box came to the rescue and just in time. The Althea SOS Box only cost Php1,280, but if you will purchase the products inside the beauty box individually, it will cost you Php3,820. That’s a 66% discount!

What’s Inside Althea SOS Box?

Tonymoly The Chok Chok Green Tea No-wash Cleansing Water

I’ve been planning on purchasing a cleansing water and I’m glad this came in the box. I heard cleansing waters really helps in lifting makeup from our skin. Yes, I wear makeup once in a while specially during events or shoots.

The Claims:

Tonymoly The Chok Chok Green Tea No-wash Cleansing Water is a multi-use skincare and cleanser infused with fermented green tea extracts to remove skin impurities and provide gentle hydration. It also claims that after using this product, you can skip washing your face.

How to Use:

Apply 4 to 6 drops on a cotton pad and wipe it all over your face until makeup is removed from your skin.

My Review:

I’ve been using this product regularly and it became an instant favorite. The consistency of the product is just like water but I can tell that it has some extra hydrating property. After using this product, my skin doesn’t feel dry at all, and it leaves a cooling effect which is very refreshing and soothing on the skin. I also love the lemon tea scent too which is very relaxing.

This product is true to its claim in cleaning the skin without the need of washing because it really removes makeup and dirt in a single wipe. I actually use this product when I’m too tired to wash my face. Of course, you can also wash your face after for deep cleansing.

Real Skin Healthy Vinegar Skin Toner Makgeoli

I can’t live without toner. After cleansing my face, I always apply toner to bring back or lock the moisture in my skin.

The Claims:

Real Skin Healthy Vinegar Skin Toner Makgeoli is made with fermented rice extract that nourishes and soothe irritate skin. It has a pH 5.5 acidity for balanced pH level skin, it tightens pores and exfoliates skin, and contains vitamins, minerals and moisturizing ingredients.

How to Use:

When I use a toner, I usually pour a small amount on my palm and pat it all over my face. Some uses a cotton pad which I think wastes products since some amount is being absorbed by the cotton pad. This technique though helps in extra cleansing and exfoliation of the skin.

My Review:

Since this product says vinegar on its label, I kinda expected that it smells like one, but I’m glad it did not. It actually has this very light creamy-florally scent. This product is super hydrating, leaving my skin super soft and supple after application. This toner also absorbed by the skin really fast.

The most significant result of this product is that it really minimized my pores. I have large pores on the side of my nose and I noticed that those were minimized after using this products for few weeks.

I’m not really sure about the exfoliating effect of this product though since I just pat it all over my face.

Etude House Sweet Pudding Tone-up Cream Moisture

I’m not really a fan of cream moisturizers because I have an oily skin but when I tried this product, I got obsessed!

The Claims:

Etude House Sweet Pudding Tone-up Cream Moisture is perfect for people with sensitive skin. The moisturizing tone-up cream makes skin looks clear and bright by restoring skin’s oil and moisture balance with moisture-rich formula.

How to Use:

Apply small amount of the product on the four corners of your face and spread it all over.

My Review:

The texture of this product is like a thick milk but it’s very easy to spread and apply on the face.

I have uneven skin tone on my face and some redness but this product works like magic! It really brightens and evens out my skin tone making it easier to apply makeup afterwards. This product is also moisturizing leaving my skin really soft and supple. Another thing I love about this product is that I don’t get super oily like other moisturizers. I actually use this everyday after putting on sunscreen.

Skinfood Fresh Apple Cooling Gel

I’m crazy over Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel and Skinfood Fresh Apple Cooling Gel is a good option to try too.

The Claims:

Skinfood Fresh Apple Cooling Gel cools down and hydrates irritated or dried out skin. Revitalizes skin with cooling gel containing 90% fresh apple extract. It also claims to control pores.

How to Use:

Apply generous amount on your face. This product can also be used as a substitute for body lotion.

My Review:

The scent of this product is really like a fresh apple which is very refreshing. The product has watery gel consistency and a little runny compared to Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel.

This product absorbs in the skin really quick leaving it hydrated. It also leaves this mild cooling effect which helps minimize pores.

I only used this product few times on my face because I prefer the Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. I used it as a body lotion replacement instead and it works great.

Innisfree Real Peppermint Mask

I currently own a couple of face mask and Innisfree Real Peppermint Mask is good addition to my collection.

The Claims:

Innisfree Real Peppermint Mask is a clay mask that contains refreshing peppermint ingredients for a soothing effect and deep cleansing. This product also hydrates for a soothing finish and helps control excess sebum production.

How to Use:

After cleansing my face, I apply this product all over my face and leave it on for 10-15 mins then wash it afterwards.

My Review:

I usually have schedules for my face mask this one I use every Friday. This product is kinda similar to my Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask but it has these granules which I think are peppermint leaves. I love the granules because it helps exfoliate my skin as I rub the product on your face. I also super love the peppermint scent of this product because it’s aromatic and relaxing, it’s like having a facial in a spa.

After washing off the product on my face, it leaves my skin feeling super fresh, clean, supple, and ready for my next skincare routine.

Hanyul Pure Artemisia Watery Calming Sheet Mask

I usually use a sheet mask once a week after applying serum on my face. Hanyul’s sheet mask is a good try.

The Claims:

Hanyul Pure Artemisia Watery Calming Sheet Mask is infused with baby mugwort extract which calms redness on your face.

How to Use:

Remove the sheet mask from the packaging and put it over your face. The sheet is made of cotton fiber for an easy fit. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes then massage the moisture on your skin after removing the sheet mask for better absorption.

My Review:

My first impression of this product is I don’t like the scent which is very hard to explain. It’s tolerable though. What I love about this sheet mask is that it is not as oily as other mask which feels heavy on the face. This sheet mask has very mild formula which is very gentle on the skin. The moisture also absorbs by the skin really fast leaving it really soft and moisturized.

Pure Smile Choosy Lip Pack (White Pearl & Purple Pearl)

I have watched several lip mask review on Youtube and this is my first time to try one.

The Claims:

Pure Smile Choosy Lip Packs are enriched with vitamins. This moisturizing lip patch nourishes and repairs dry, cracked lips while you sleep.

How to Use:

Remove the lip mask from the packaging and put it over your lips. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Massage your lips with your finger afterwards for the moisture to be absorbed.

My Review:

I’m not really a fan of this product. What I don’t I like about it is that you can’t open your mouth for 10-15 minutes while the product is doing its job. I also didn’t notice any significant effect on my lips. It just felt like I applied lip balm on my lips after removing the lip mask. I also don’t like the taste which is kinda bitter.

Makonde AC Balance Spot Patch

I do get breakouts once in a while and acne patches really does magic. I’m glad Althea SOS Box contains this product because I only have two patches left from the product I bought.

The Claims:

Makonde AC Balance Spot Patch is a transparent film-type spot patch that covers and soothes breakouts. Its soothing ingredients calms areas of concern on the skin all day.

How to Use:

Apply transparent film on top of breakouts.

My Review:

What I love about Mamonde AC Balance Spot Patch is it’s very thin and it’s almost invisible when you apply it on your pimple spot. This is way better to the acne patches that I currently owned. I like using acne spot because it minimize inflamed pimple and protects it from dirt when you going out during the day. I also use it overnight and to dry my pimple.

Conclusion

Overall, I’m very happy with the products inside Althea S.O.S. Box. The products were true to their claims that they are soothing and moisturizing. The products are really perfect for people with irritated skin. I really recommending purchasing an Althea Beauty Box because it doesn’t only saves you lots of money but it also helps you address your beauty needs.

Visit Althea Philippines website and start shopping for K-Beauty products!

Get Php200 on your first purchase when you signup on this link.

I got hooked watching skincare routine videos and this made me decide to give it a shot. I actually got obsessed and end up buying multiple products, specifically Korean skincare products. What I love about Korean skincare products is that they are affordable and they work. It is also easy to buy them because of various websites like Althea Korea.

The skincare products that I use are from Korea, Japan, UK, US and a local brand from the Philippines.

Night Skincare Routine

I don’t really do this every night because it takes a while to finish all these steps but when I feel like doing it, I just do it.

Step 1. Cleansing Oil – Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil

I only use cleansing oil after wearing makeup, which I only do when I attend events. Cleansing oil helps lift makeup from your skin, and making sure nothing is left behind. It also helps in moisturizing your skin. What I love about this brand is that it emulsifies when you wet your face making sure that your make up is removed from your skin.

Where to buy: Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil

Step 2. Cleanser – Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap

I used to only cleanse my face before going to bed, so cleansing has been part of my routine ever since. What I love about Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap is that it’s very mild, and doesn’t dry out your skin after using it. It also has gel like bits which helps in exfoliating dead skin. I also love the baby powder scent of this product.

Where to buy: Rustan’s

Step 3. Exfoliate – Skin Food Black Sugar Mask

I’m obsessed with this product. If you feel like you have lots of dead skin on your face, Skin Food Black Sugar Mask will do the work for you. This product has sugar granules that exfoliate dead skin like magic. Some may find this too coarse, but you can add a little water to soften it. After rubbing this all over your face for few minutes, you can leave it on for another 10-15 minutes as mask, after that, massage it for a minute, then wash it off with water. I promise you, your skin will feel soft like never before after using this product.

Where to buy: Skin Food Black Sugar Mask

Step 4. Toner – Muji Light Toning Water

I impulsively bought this toner when I was in Japan because I left mine at home, and it’s one of the best impulsive buys I did in my life. The product literally looks and feels like water when you apply it on your skin but it’s like magic because it really leaves your skin feeling super hydrated. This toner is also unscented and doesn’t have alcohol like other toners.

Where to buy: Muji

Step 5. Emulsion – Skin Food Tomato Whitening Emulsion

Emulsion is like a lotion for your face. What it basically does is it prepares your skin for the next products that you will be using. Skin Food Tomato Whitening Emulsion also helps in giving your skin extra hydration plus it also brightens your face.

Where to buy: Skin Food Tomato Whitening Emulsion

Step 6. Serum – It’s Skin Power 10 VC Effector and WH Effector

Serums are potent skincare products that are pack with vitamins and minerals that help improve your skin condition. It’s Skin Power 10 VC Effector is rich with Vitamin C that helps in lightening dark spots and blemishes on your face, while the WH Effector contains arbutin to combat dark skin tones, dark spots & freckles, and blended with Licorice to boost skin metabolism. All you need is three to four drops of these serums, and apply it all over your face by circular and patting motion for quick absorption. I usually combine these serums and use two drops each.

Where to buy: It’s Skin Power 10 VC Effector and WH Effector

Step 7. Sheet Mask – Nature Republic Real Nature Mask

Sheet Masks are soaked in nutrition-packed ingredients that target your skin problems. Nature Republic Real Nature Mask in Tomato helps in brightening your skin. All you have to do is leave it on your face for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove it and massage the excess ingredients on your face for absorption. I also use the remaining ingredient on my neck and hands.

Where to buy: Nature Republic

Step 8. Eye Cream – Elizavecca Gold CF-Nest White Bomb Eye Cream

This is the first eye cream that I owned and after using it for few weeks, I’ve noticed that my dark circles around my eyes have lightened. We have thinner skins around our eyes that why it’s important that we use the correct product in this area. It is also important to apply the product gently.

Where to buy: Elizavecca Gold CF-Nest White Bomb Eye Cream

Step 9. Night Cream – The Body Shop Shiso Whitening Night Treatment

Night creams are basically creams that you put on your face before going to sleep. This product sinks in your skin and does its magic while you sleep. It also helps lock all the products that you use on your face. This product from The Body Shop also has whitening effect which targets dark spots and blemishes on your face.

Where to buy: The Body Shop

Step 10. Sleeping Mask – Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel

Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel is one of the most raved product by beauty bloggers right now. This product is very affordable and has so many uses. I actually use this product as a face and body moisturizer, scalp treatment, and as a sleeping mask. What I do before going to bed is I apply a thick layer of this product on my face and leave it on overnight. The next day, you’ll wake up with a supple and smooth skin. This product also helps dry breakouts and minimize pores.

Where to buy: Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel

Step 11. Lip Moisturizer – Hair Food Co Sunflower Oil

You don’t want to sleep with dry lips right? I use Hair Food Co’s Sunflower Oil as a lip moisturizer before going to bed. This product also helps in lightening the color of your lips. This product from Hair Food Co is 100% organic and it’s locally made. Hair Food Co’s Sun Flower Oil can also solve hair loss problem.

Where to buy: Hair Food Co kiosks

During regular nights, I only do Steps 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11. I usually do the 11 steps when I feel like my skin needs some extra nourishing.

Day Skincare Routine

For my skincare routine during the day, I don’t really apply too much product because it feels heavy on the face, and I have a very oily skin. I only do Steps 2, 4 and 5, and then I apply Biore Perfect Milk as a sunblock. What I love about this product is that it absorbs easily, it’s not greasy, has a SPF 50, and it brightens your face.

After doing this skincare routine for 2 months, I’ve noticed that my blemishes on my face have lightened. My friends and office mates also noticed that my face is brighter and glowing than usual. In general, I’m really happy that I did this. As we grow older, it is more important that we really nourish and take good care of our skin.

It is also important that we take care our inner beauty. I started taking Flawless Nano Whiteness Gluatathione Plus which detoxifies and helps lighten and rejuvenate skin for a radiant glow.

Flawless recently launched their online store, purchasing our beauty must-haves can now be done at the comfort of our homes. You can now purchase online Flawless in-house products, Skincare Kits, Nutraceuticals, ISKIN New York and Novexpert products. Plus, for a minimum purchase of Php1,000, you’ll get a FREE Flawless beauty band by using the code ‘ONLINEGIFT‘ upon checkout. Visit https://flawless.com.ph/products today!

Please remember that we have different skin types and some products might may or may not work for you. I’m not a beauty expert but if you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to comment down below. I will do my best to answer them for you.