Review | Althea Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser

I know I just received this product like less than 4 weeks ago but I guess I'm going to break  my rule and do this review today as I'm utterly shook with its capability to remove (for lack of better words) the most-difficult-to-remove makeup item that I have in my stash. Sure, I don't have much point makeup in my collection but girl! It stains so much that only the most expensive cleanser (best of the best oil cleanser I've tried so far!) I have in my skincare stash can fully remove it at one go and this recently launched cleanser from in-house brand of Althea; latest addition to their Althea Pore Essentials line actually beats the aforementioned cleanser  as it removes the stain much quicker but that's not all!

... but first! Let's go to basic details of this cleanser.

Althea Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser

Product Description:

• A purifying cleanser with a serum-like formula
• Removes makeup, dirt and oil without drying out the skin
• Balances the pH levels of the skin to ensure it stays healthy

Ingredients highlight:

• Mint leaf extract - Cools down the skin and soothes irritations
• Jojoba seed oil - Deeply moisturizes any dryness without feeling heavy
• Tea tree leaf extract - Has antibacterial properties that purify the skin

How to Use:

Dampen the skin and apply on a small amount. Gently massage onto the skin in circular motions for 5-10 seconds before rinsing off with water.

Ingredients:

Water, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cyclomethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance

Now, let's talk about the packaging!

This cleanser doesn't come in a box and was wrapped with plastic instead. The bottle is like a regular plastic bottle; kind of thin and squeezable and it's in that pretty turquoise colour that you guys know I am a fan of; a code colour that I believe is associated to lots of pore-focusing skincare products. Don't believe me? I've used bunch of sheet masks packed in turquoise-coloured sachets. Check them out to see what are their targeted concerns!

 

There's no English product description printed on the product itself as everything is in Korean but rest assured as you can find all the information you need on Althea website which I've linked below.

The product expiry date is printed at the bottom of the bottle and as you can see in the above photo and the format is YYYYMMDD. This cleanser came with such basic cap for product dispensing which is fine but I've got a better option I can go for.

 

You guys remembered that cleansing oil I've got early last year? I've finished it I think around November but I was still hoarding my 6-month empties up until recently so I'm glad I can somehow reuse part of the packaging so look at how snuggly the pump fits that Althea facial cleanser? Works pretty much the same!

APPLICATION

I have to admit that at this point of time, I actually tried removing those 4 makeup items by using 4 different first cleansers and makeup removers as they're the toughest products to remove that I currently have in my makeup stash (except cushion foundation); (on hand) mascara, matte liquid lipstick, eye tint (you guys know when product's named 'tint', it's gonna last for a while) and one of few matte cushion foundations that I'm rotating these days. Only 2 out 4 cleansers that actually capable of removing that eye tint, you guys!

 

After using the cleanser several times, how I'd prefer using it would be like a cleansing oil where I dispense like 4 pumps on to my palm and then massage it all over my facial area; first the cheeks, then the nose, up to forehead, down to lower cheeks area to my neck then up again to my eyes. I usually take one pump just for my lip area to melt down the liquid lipstick and possibly  dead skin cells. This step usually took me about 2 minutes.

When everything's melted off, I'd wipe all of it with facial tissue or just thin air-laid cotton pads; whichever close to me. As you can see, none of the product left on skin!

 

I think this cleanser also can be used as second cleanser although there's some sort of film that I feel after rinsing it off. When mixed with water, it doesn't emulsify or anything; just thicker in consistency but I gotta say I'm loving the minty cooling effect it gives while I'm washing my face with it.

Tapping off all the excess water with clean towel or just pat all the water into my skin; depends how in the rush I am at that skincare routine then proceed with my exfoliating toner or first treatment essence or serum of the day. Even prior toning step, I don't feel my skin feeling dry, taut or anything; thanks to Jojoba oil and glycerin I'm guessing. Just fresh and ready for the next step!

I think everyone can enjoy this simple yet powerful first cleanser unless you can't tolerate minty sensation because I know some sensitive skin people avoid this but there's also the tea tree extracts to calm the skin in it unless you can't have tea tree (bija-preferring people) in your skincare products. Either way, do patch test to see how your skin react to any product and proceed with caution.

Overall, I do like this cleanser and already ordered my third bottle for it - Althea is giving away cute stickers with every Althea Exclusive purchase! Go check it out!

This product is currently available to purchase on Althea; linked down below and if you're new to Althea and planning to purchase more than RM150, use my link (click here!) for 20% discount off your first purchase!

I guess that's all for now and do let me know your thoughts on this serum cleanser by leaving comments down below. I'll be seeing you guys on my next post. Annyeong~

|||   SHOP THE POST   |||

Althea Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser RM33.00 (Malaysia only)

||| Official links |||

Website | http://my.althea.kr/

Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/altheamalaysia

Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/altheakorea

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated. This product was sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.

Beauty Empties | Sheet Masks 6.0

Before posting my Empties for the last quarter of 2018, I'm gonna share with you guys about the sheet masks that I've used throughout the past 3 months and although the numbers for this quarter went down to 66 as I was just finishing up the sponsored ones while the rest are expiring this year, I'd sure hope I'm gonna clear out some more of my sheet mask stash in the next quarter.

MORNING SHEET MASKS

Jayeon Aloe Hydrating Mask - 5

Jayeon Raspberry Brightening Mask - 5

Jayeon Pearl Whitening Mask - 5

Reneuf Refreshing & Purifying Moisturising Mask (AHA)

Reneuf Nourishing & Moisturising Mask (Almond Oil)

Reneuf Whitening & Moisturising Mask (Vitamin C)

Reneuf Extreme Hydrating & Moisturising Mask (Hyaluronic Acid)

Reneuf Brightening & Moisturising Mask (Vitamin E)

Reneuf Antioxidant & Protection Moisturising Mask (Witch Hazel)

Reneuf Lifting & Firming Moisturising Mask (Papaya Extract)

Leegeehaam Tea Tree Soothing Mask - 5

Leegeehaam Vita Propolis Nutri Mask

Leegeehaam Dual Peptide Firming Mask

LANEIGE Water Pocket Sheet Mask - Time Freeze (Face-Fit)

LANEIGE Water Pocket Sheet Mask - Water Sleeping Mask (Special)

Holika Holika Juicy Mask Sheet Energizing (Blue Berry)

Holika Holika Juicy Mask Sheet Elasticity (Pomegranate)

LipHop Black Cheers Bean Hydrating Facial Mask

LipHop Black Cheers Rice Nourishing Facial Mask

Boscia Charcoal Pore-Minimizing Hydrogel Mask - 2

DEWYTREE Ginseng Nutritious Black Mask

Combos Skin Extra Brightening Dual Black Mask

NIGHT SHEET MASKS

VPROVE Mask Master Daily Caring Hydro Gel Mask Aloe

VPROVE Mask Master Daily Caring Hydro Gel Mask Lavender

VPROVE Mask Master Daily Caring Hydro Gel Mask Jasmine

VPROVE Mask Master Daily Caring Hydro Gel Mask Rosemary (Vitalizing)

VPROVE Mask Master Daily Caring Hydro Gel Mask Witch Hazel Water (Soothing)

Paparecipe Bombee Whitening Honey Mask Pack - 2

Paparecipe Bombee Black Honey Mask Pack - 2

Paparecipe Bombee Rose Gold Honey Mask Pack

Paparecipe Bombee Honey Mask

SeaNTree Steam Essence Mask Sheet - 2

Etude House Dr. Ampoule Dual Mask Sheet (Brightening Care)

Etude House Dr. Ampoule Dual Mask Sheet (Luminous Care)

Etude House Dr. Ampoule Dual Black Mask Sheet (Skin Purifying)

Etude House Dr. Ampoule Dual Black Mask Sheet (Pore Clearing)

This quarter, I feel like I've used lots of more expensive sheet masks compared to previously. Of course, it's because there are more concentrated treatment masks, multi-steps masks, etc but discovering new brand like Jayeon is just nice as I love using affordable sheet masks for my morning routine. Hope to see more brands like this! 

As I've already talked about most of these sheet masks on my Instagram by #myrasheetmaskdiary, feel free to ask me about any of them by leaving comments down below. I guess that's all from me, I'll be seeing you guys on my next post! Annyeong~

Beauty Empties 19.0 | December

Here we are, after tracking i.e updating my inventory  for my extensive skincare products that I have, we have arrived at the final post of 2018; Empties Post for the last quarter of this year so let's get started!

As per usual, let's start with skincare and for this category I've finished my first bottle of that Natural Pacific (currently known as Nacific) Deep Cleansing Oil. One of the best makeup remover I've tried  as it literally removes all kinds of makeup I have so I already am on my second bottle. As for the pump, I'm reusing it for another product that deserve at least a good pump.

As for that full-sized I Am Sorry Just Cleansing: Cleansing Water which I'm only half-way through the 500ml bottle, I don't know why but it suddenly turned into that milky-coloured water. As I've already finished the travel-sized bottle, I stopped using the big bottle one on my face and use it to clean my makeup cases or bottles instead. Won't be repurchasing anytime soon. 

That Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Foam is a nice deep cleanser however I've noticed that this dries out my skin so much afterwards I had to spray on facial mist literally 3 seconds after stepping out of shower or maybe it's just my skin that's going crazy right now so I guess I won't be repurchasing this anytime soon.

This time around, I've finished using that Innisfree Moisture Lip Scrub and its Treatment sister. I've got to say that I finally found products from the brand that I don't appreciate at all. Even after using these two together religiously, I still feel my lips aren't improving in moisture department. Won't be repurchasing.

As for that Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule 100, I'm so thankful to Wako Beauty for sending this product as it's truly a saviour while I was recovering from episodes of allergic  reactions which resulted my skin being overly sensitive for about 6 months. I finished my first bottle and received another from fellow micro-blogger and I'm already halfway through it. Definitely will purchase a third bottle soon.

I've finished that Koelf Bulgarian Rose Hydro Gel Eye Patches little after 2 months as my under-eye area had patches all  over which is driving me nuts sometimes so it seems that it's time to enforce the habit of using eye cream in my routine. I'm not repurchasing this as I've already bought its sister product.

That Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Mask is kind of nice as it does moisturise well and I don't mind the scent at all but as I've already tried its upgraded version, I'm going to get the new one instead.

I actually felt sad when I pumped out the last portion of this Brightening Up Sun from Dr. G. From the overall finishing to texture and colour, I love every bit of this sunscreen. It works well with my skin and as I was so curious to try its sister products, I bought a trial kit that include the mini-sized upgrade version of the above sunscreen (SPF50+) along with the mild and moisturizing sisters with PA++++ from Sasa.

Now onto makeup empties! I've finished the LANEIGE BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+ in No. 33 Cinnamon and I'm currently using its refill. You guys know I'm all over cushion foundations from LANEIGE and but I do think with the release of 2 other cushions; Powder Fit and Layering Cover Cushion this year, the brand will likely release the fourth upgraded version of their permanent line of cushion foundations next year.

For primer, I've finished the first full-sized version of that Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer and as I haven't found anything similar to it in terms of performances, I decided to just get another tube of it around April. As I use this primer solely under foundations, I always use that LANEIGE Lumi Block Primer prior my cushion foundations application as the consistency is thinner and suits the cushion foundation finishing; nice and natural even with powder on top.

Speaking of powder, I've finished another tub of my all time favourite translucent powder, Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder and its Blur sister. You guys probably can tell that I still have backups for both of these. Same goes to my newfound love in powder department, Althea Petal Velvet Powder in Translucent. I've finished my first tub and I already have 3 tubs as backups. Yes, I'm totally obsessed with this affordable makeup from Althea.

While I was taking care of my hospitalised nephew throughout October till early November, I've finished at least 3 bars of homemade soap that I bought from Gaya Sunday Market and that travel-sized Green Tea Fiji Body Wash and Body Butter. As I don't like any of it, I don't think I'd be repurchasing them.

Last but not least, Soul Secret Blossom Perfume from THE FACE SHOP in that 2017 holiday packaging. I do love the scent but I'm going back to my old favourite body mists from THE BODY SHOP for now and will not be repurchasing this anytime soon.

So that's all of it! I hope you enjoyed reading this post and do let me know your thoughts on these emptied products by leaving comments down below. I'll see you guys on my next post! Annyeong~

Blogger Mail | Althea X Titi Kamal Collaboration and Dual-Use Facial Cleanser

I guess receiving another lovely blogger mail from Althea is one of the ways to end 2018 with a bang! There are two products included in the blogger mail; a facial cleanser and a body fragrance that the brand created through a collaboration with famous Indonesian actress, singer, Titi Kamal! I know her from my favourite Indonesian movie; Ada Apa Dengan Cinta and of course, its sequel! Obviously, Titi is much more beautiful than over 15 years ago since the first movie so it's such a lovely collaboration I'd say!

As for the facial cleanser, it has serum-like consistency, I guess? It's indeed the first time I've encountered such product so I'm actually excited to see its capabilities in removing makeup or as morning cleanser, maybe? By the way, don't you think that these two products look great side by side? I think the colours complement each other  so well!

Both products are already available to purchase on Althea; links are down below and if you're new to Althea and planning to purchase more than RM150, use my link (click here!) for 20% discount off your first purchase!

I guess that's all for now and I'll be seeing you guys on my next post. Annyeong~

|||   SHOP THE POST   |||

Althea Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser RM33.00 (Malaysia only)

Althea Stay Fresh Sparkling Body Mist RM35.00 (Malaysia only)

||| Official links |||

Website | http://my.althea.kr/

Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/altheamalaysia

Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/altheakorea

Lifestyle | 3 Ways To Change Your Life Tomorrow

How many times have you woken up and thought about how you can change your life? Would you do it with a new skincare routine? A new haircut? Or would you straight up adjust your life as you know it?

The one thing that we have that is constant in life is change. It’s everywhere, all the time and we have to embrace it while we can. If we resist it, life becomes far tougher than anything else. It has the ability to catch up with you at a stage in your life where you find yourself at a crossroads and not knowing what to do. The good news, is that you have the power of choice that enables you to activate a positive change in your life. It’s something that you can start with tomorrow, because tonight you need to think about three things you could do to make that positive change.

Image Source

Start Living With Balance

Your health does not stay the same your entire life. The physical and emotional state of your mind and body changes as you get older. It’s why your skin changes as you age and the way that it reacts to the world. Your skincare routines may change with the times, and if you start living with balance in your diet and exercise regimes, you can build some resilience to the changes you will go through.

Take On A New Challenge

No matter what you are going through physically as you get older and start going through changes, your mind will also need to be nourished. Starting a company from home is going to be the most rewarding and toughest challenge that you can do with your life. Stop commuting to the office. Stop living your life according to the schedule of someone else. It’s amazing how much healthier you can look when you’re not stressed all the time! Face your fears and realise that you can be anything that you want to be, do anything you want to do and achieve everything you could ever want while you do it.

Learn To Love Learning

Sometimes, you need to learn something new to realise that you have been doing the wrong thing for so long. Learning can help you to be more adaptable and flexible to new situations in you life and it encourages you to innovate. Expanding your thinking can help you become more comfortable with the things that you have spent time fearing. You don’t necessarily have to go back to school; learning can happen through reading books and learning your environment, not just through book learning and earning a degree. Learning can also give your life more meaning than you could ever have hoped to achieve.

Changing your life requires some concentrated thought, and whether you are thinking about simply being healthier or you want to really change things with the way that you live, you can make the changes that matter the most. Take time to choose your change; life will wait.

I guess that’s all from me so I’ll see you guys on my next post!

Beauty Award | @cosme The Best Cosmetics Awards 2018

I know I've been focusing a lot on Korean beauty products here in my blog but throughout this year, I've discovered several Japanese beauty products that I wish I've known about them earlier and initially, it was all thanks to my best friend who told me to look for beauty items with @cosme The Best Cosmetics Awards sticker while I was at beauty store around early this year which had made the annual winners list becoming a set of products that I need to try first before venturing out into trying similar products since then.

Earlier this month, @cosme, one of Asia’s largest beauty and cosmetics websites announced the winners of its @cosme The Best Cosmetics Awards 2018 and I believe this lineup of beauty items are reflecting Japan’s beauty trends this year as they're based on thousands of real users' reviews on the online platform.

@cosme has awarded the Grand Prix item is the Opera Lip Tint; known for their beautiful range of natural shades, long-lasting lipsticks.

Basically, there are many different categories included in this beauty award by @cosme; skincare, makeup, body and hair products for this and I'm going to highlight 5 products that I have personally tried myself. Have a look!

If you ask me what's my 3 must-have makeup items that would be cushion foundation, eyebrow mousse, and a black eyeliner where KATE Double Line Expert comes out as the best one I've tried so far as it gives the right amount of colour intensities for my medium skin.

You guys know me, I love the minimal look of the pen!

I know I've said that cushion foundation is my definitely my thing but when it comes to foundation, I can't deny that I fell in love with Kate Secret Skin Maker Zero since the first application. Glides on like a dream, blends in beautifully with my skin tone and I do appreciate the natural undertone for this. 

The brand's beautiful and edgy packaging just love!

I fell in love with the brand ADDICTION instantly when I saw their selection of makeup items in K-drama few years ago and their single eyeshadows are indeed so beautiful especially if you're big on natural shades.

That Addiction The Eyeshadow in Blood Moon is so pretty especially at this time of the year where you just want to bring out all the lovely reds and brown shades.

Now, let's go to my most important skincare products that I'd be happy to invest in which is cleansers and toners.

Of course, as I use cleansing oil on daily basis due to the fact that I can never give up double cleansing, I love trying different oil cleansers to see if I could find a similar (read: cheaper) products but that didn't happen when I found Shu Uemura Ultime8 Infinite Sublimes Beauty Cleansing Oil. 

Granted, the product is indeed expensive but I have to point out how beautifully this melts my heavy base makeup, eye makeups, mascara; all in one single step! When I find this a little bit too heavy for my skin that day, I'd go with its sister, Anti/Oxi+ pollutant & dullness clarifying cleansing oil. 

After seeing so many different toners that I've featured here in my blog, one would think that I'm  so done trying more toners. Nope! As I've found that the naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner is definitely worth the try. This top-placer rules!

You guys probably already aware that this winners list is based on Japanese reviewers on their online platform therefore I'm hoping that in the future they will have the list of @cosme THE BEST COSMETICS AWARD based on Malaysia reviewers too.

I guess that's all from me! I'll see you guys on my next post! Jyaa ne~

|||   Information   |||

A little bit on @cosme The Best Cosmetics Awards:

• @cosme started from cosmetics review media in Japan in 1999 by istyle Inc.
• @cosme is always trying to deliver fair, neutral and accurate information to customers.
• @cosme has been awarded since 2000 and it is such a big impact on sales for winning products.

Disclaimer |

This is based on the reviews that are posted by @cosme members (Japan) and given to the products that receive the most support from everyone. Ranking Period: 2017/11/01 - 2018/10/31. Source: Japan @cosme

Please be aware that ingredient lists of the award-winning products available in Japan and Malaysia may vary. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.

|||   Official Links   |||

Websites:
@cosme Japan shopping website
@cosme Malaysia

Facebook:
@cosme Japan
@cosme Malaysia

Instagram | @cosme Malaysia