Would you rather drive/commute, spend hours on the road because of the bad traffic (especially lately right?!), then proceed to finally buy the things you want/need only to face the bad traffic again just to go home?
OR
Shop online?
Ah K-Beauty (Korean Beauty). Let me write a thousand sonnets on your adorable packaging and efficacy that rival fancy brands on top of being affordable, dare I say cheap. (well some, there are mid-range to high-end K beauty brands).
Etude House, Banila Co., The Face Shop, Tony Moly, Missha, Laneige and Too Cool for School are just some of the Korean brands that have made their mark here in the Philippines as evidenced by their physical stores around the country. There are online focused brands like Purple Tags Ph (About Face Ph) and Beauty MNL that cater to Korean Beauty fanatics like myself.
Thank the hallyu stars for Althea.
This coming February 15, experience the newest beauty destination for beauty lovers in the Philippines. http://ph.althea.kr/
MY ALTHEA EXPERIENCE
I was a beauty beta tester for Althea (thank you!) and all throughout the process, from making my account, browsing the site, clicking the order button then having it securely (no squished boxes) arrive at my home I can safely attest to its seamlessness. It was very much like if I had ordered on a local beauty website.
It was easy to register. All details of the products are there (yes also the ingredients and amount!)
The only gripe I would say was that a few of the products had wrong product descriptions but as of writing this post they would've probably seen it by now. Everything is still in the testing stage after all.
Good thing the shipping was amazing. I kept track of the whole process through a link they sent (it's of their courier.)
Selling point/s of Shopping at Althea Korea
- 100% Authentic. They get it straight from the beauty counters. You can even email them if you think what you received has a possibility of being fake.
- They have unknown brands or brands that we just can't get a hold of here in the PH unless you're okay with waiting for months through facebook and instagram shops.
- 30 days unconditional returns. If you received it opened, damaged or if it broke you out (yes you actually used it) you can return it within 30 days of purchase. Halleluja.
- It's shipped from Korea straight.to.your.doorstep. You have no idea how amazing this is for me. I loathe going to the post office after months of waiting (customs keeps it for so long I don't know why) and then being subjected to my opened package. Where the heck are all the x-rays in the country? I received my package on the 8th day from ship-out, excluding weekends.
- A minimum total of Php 1500 gets you FREE shipping. (taxes and/or shipping would apply for a total less than 1500 and more than 5000. Still waiting for verification from Althea).
- The prices are almost the same here in the Philippines. Most are reasonable and affordable. But if they're on sale or have promos going on which I believe happens a ton. Then it's almost too affordable to pass up. The deals are that good.
Here's a breakdown of what I chose.
- Royal Gold 24K Foundation in #23 (7.5 g) - ₱850.00
- Holika Holika Gonyak Soft Jelly In Cleansing Cream (150 ml) - ₱400.00
- The Face Shop Bright Cleansing Foam (150 ml) - ₱260.00
- The Saem Healing Tea Garden Green Tea Cleansing Water (300 ml) - ₱270.00
- Innisfree Capsule Recipe Pack Type (10 ml) - ₱70.00 each
- CP-1 Protein Silk Ampoule - ₱72.00
This coming February 15th, they'll be giving 300 credits (Php 300) for every new sign-up! That's basically free money being handed to you. Just sign up. You're welcome.
Apart from the low prices there are also 1+1 deals, Zero Peso Deals and free shipping for Php 1000 spent this during the launch month! So tag your friends share the facebook posts, like the page. This 15th will be big!
xx,
CJ
PS. I'll see you at the checkout! ;)
PPS. If your loved one missed you/pissed you off on the 14th, here's another way for them to make it up to you. Mwahaha
PPPS. Pero seryoso yang Php 0 deals na yan? Kelangan maging ninja ata ako. Feeling ko mabilis yan mawawala haha.
http://ph.althea.kr
https://www.facebook.com/altheaphilippines
https://www.instagram.com/altheakorea/
Impulse Buy (Noun) : When you go to the store to get cotton pads and check out with half of the inventory.
I did a little damage this month because
I've been lusting over cushion bases ever since their first inception (just ask my sister). Most people probably don't know but Almay was the first brand I saw that carried (or used to carry) "cushion" bases and blushes and that was in the early 2000s. I think it was called something like "soft touch" or "sheer something".
So imagine my face when I finally got the blasted piece of retrieval slip from the post office (seriously though I hate going there anyone else feel me?). When I finally ripped open the package just outside the post office (yeah, I couldn't wait, sue me) the box was super pretty and the compact even more so.
I actually decided on this compact based on the fact that it looked exactly like the Hera limited edition cushion compact.
I already posted about the weirdly-fascinating new makeup innovation — the lip tattoo. The ones you peel off like those gel-like face masks. And I finally have one to try out! I believe this is the darkest color.
 |
| Falalalalalala |
xx,
CJ
PS. Have you watched it? If you haven't please do. And if you have extra time check out the comic/manga that inspired the movie as well! The plot-line is way different apparently.
PPS. What do you think of cushion makeup? And lip tattoos? How about the blatant copy-cat makeup brands? — Personally, I'm torn between thinking they're awesome and thinking they're unimaginative.
Website : http://www.bornprettystore.com/
Instagram: @bornprettymua
Twitter : https://twitter.com/bornprettystore
Disclaimer : Thanks to bornprettystore for letting me try these out! Credits to the owner of the pictures!
How many of you honestly want to switch over to an Organic or All-natural lifestyle - In terms of Beauty? I do! But I'm not completely comfortable with the price of said lifestyle.
Science has tonnes of proof, that whatever we put in contact with any part of our body gets absorbed. The skin being the largest organ, does absorb all those chemicals in our toners, hand sanitizers, deodorants etc. just to site some examples.
Now I love experimenting with different brands too much makeup-wise (and sparingly in the skincare department) to completely switch over to all-natural organic ones. But I'm trying to incorporate it, and change out what can be changed-out.
I've recently come across an amazing new brand that pushes, organic, all-natural and cruelty-free as its agenda. Plus they're FDA approved and Halal not to mention decently priced.
Lemongrass the main ingredient found in most of the products is used as an anti-bacterial agent, helps heal wounds and is a natural insect repellent.
Handshake is my shit. And so is Soothe. I wouldn't recommend it if you're going to be sweating profusely though.
NOTE: Not all chemical names that you see in the product are bad. Sometimes a little "evil" is necessary to make the shelf-life longer.
Product/Price Page : http://www.nayangu.com/product/personal-care
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nayangu
If you have any questions about this feel free to email me manilawithlove@gmail.com or tweet me at @manilawithlove!
DISCLAIMER : Not a sponsored post. I bought ALL of these with my own money. I wasn't paid in monetary form or otherwise for this post (I wish I was though. *Cough* *Ahem* Man it's dusty here). As always, these are my honest opinions whether they be sponsored posts or not.
Science has tonnes of proof, that whatever we put in contact with any part of our body gets absorbed. The skin being the largest organ, does absorb all those chemicals in our toners, hand sanitizers, deodorants etc. just to site some examples.
 |
| They also come in re-fill bottles |
Now I love experimenting with different brands too much makeup-wise (and sparingly in the skincare department) to completely switch over to all-natural organic ones. But I'm trying to incorporate it, and change out what can be changed-out.
 |
| All of them are written in English and Arabic (I think) |
I've recently come across an amazing new brand that pushes, organic, all-natural and cruelty-free as its agenda. Plus they're FDA approved and Halal not to mention decently priced.
 |
| Did you know cinnamon helps with acne relief? |
Handshake is my shit. And so is Soothe. I wouldn't recommend it if you're going to be sweating profusely though.
 |
Blossom smells good. If you don't like feminine scents though there's refresh
- never mind that it's called "masculine spray".
|
NOTE: Not all chemical names that you see in the product are bad. Sometimes a little "evil" is necessary to make the shelf-life longer.
Product/Price Page : http://www.nayangu.com/product/personal-care
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nayangu
If you have any questions about this feel free to email me manilawithlove@gmail.com or tweet me at @manilawithlove!
What do you think about going Organic/All-natural when talking about makeup? I hear a lot of stories saying they can be pretty high up there, but I could be wrong. Know any brands?
DISCLAIMER : Not a sponsored post. I bought ALL of these with my own money. I wasn't paid in monetary form or otherwise for this post (I wish I was though. *Cough* *Ahem* Man it's dusty here). As always, these are my honest opinions whether they be sponsored posts or not.
xx,
CJ
OH MY GOD when is this gonna end? I should probably break up my posts with other topics, but I really want to get this out of the way. What do you think? Haul : Part 1, Part 2
3. Baviphat Green Tea Mist - I always have to set my face now with a mist, ever since I used the Vitamin C one I got from Healthy Options - the name escapes me and the Celeteque one. The mist it sprays out is fine but few big droplets drip down from the nozzle.
4. VIA Tea Tree Oil - I feel like it's been helping my scalp situation a bit. And it's cheap (P100) too!
Freebie masks. I haven't tried them yet.
Got this at Beauty Bar. This brand's really affordable, you might want to check it out. They have eye creams too!
6. KATE Tokyo Quick Remake - It's supposedly a liquid you put on top of your already made face (that's faded/ needs a quick touch-up) so it has a smoother newer surface to put your foundation on. Kinda like a primer, but not the silicone one. This has more of a powder-natural type of finish.
7. Bobbie eyeliner - SO AMAZE. Creamy and pigmented. It really brightens up the waterline without it looking too much, unlike a white liner. Fades after 3-4 hours but can easily be touched-up. So impressed for the price.
8. Fashion21 - Auto brow liner. Dry, cheap and easy to use. Love this next to my Japanese drugstore eyebrow pencils.
9. Kokuryu Loose Powder - Ok. I have a TON of loose powder or powders in general. Heck I have a ton of makeup. But you can't really use logic on a beauty/makeup enthusiast. You will go nowhere.
One thing that made me get this was that it had Zea Mays or cornstarch which is a great ingredient for absorbing oils/setting creams and liquids. Yes, some people actually use this (including myself) or mix it in with their loose powder because it works so well and is easily available.
10. Shawill Blusher - Super pigmented. Cute packaging. Didn't understand the puff as the applicator but I can forgive it because the color is nice.
13. Sassy Colors - Another nude named Cameo. I just love nudes/ mlbb shades.
15. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp - Love the concept (lip Cream) The color isn't very natural on me, since my lips aren't THAT pink, but I do like it for daytime.
16. MUA Luxe Lip Lacquer in Kooky - Similar concept to the soft matte lip cream but this is way more matte and dry. The lips have to be prepped for this thing because it is not joking.
17. Shawill Curling Mascara - Gives length, a little volume and holds a curl well. Plus it's waterproof. Just don't get it in your eyes because it BURNS. At least it did that for me. But easily removable and if you close your eyes and wipe out most of it you're all good.
18. Volume Up mascara - Got this one at Saizen/Daiso. I gambled and I'm glad I did. Because it's waterproof, like seriously this stuff is legit and it gives the most natural looking lashes.Not false-effect but it gives my lashes a little length here a little volume there and that's all I need for an everyday mascara. Doesn't it look kinda like Dolly Wink or another famous Japanese brand?
19. In2it Waterproof mascara - I HATE THIS THING. It weighs down my lashes. Doesn't hold a curl well. Takes a long time to dry for a waterproof mascara. I hate it. So upset because I thought it would be good. Bottom line, waste of money. Spend it on Maybelline instead.
*HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~~~~~~~~~~* At long last. This was one long ass post you guys.
Doing this post, really made me realize how much makeup I've been buying. Like this is the most makeup I've bought ever. 2014 is definitely the makeup year for me.
I think I'll just stop with the hauls and review the other ones I haven't introduced. I don't know if you're bored with the onslaught of haul posts but I am.
Let me know which one's your interested in/ tried and if you have hauls let me know. I'd love to read about them!
xx,
CJ
I went a little mad as you can see. I've been on a roll, posting my hauls (here and here), so to change it up a little let me show you another...haul.
ZA recognizes that every Metropolitan girl lead fast- paced, hectic lives, so ZA created a range of easy-to-use makeup and skin care products that will naturally enhance the beauty of every woman.
Designed for women aged 20- 30, and built upon the studies on Asian Skin. Now under the Shiseido group, from the classic white and blue packaging, ZA has changed into a more feminine, fun, and outgoing pink and white palette, and the products are being developed continuously to suit the ever- changing conditions and to meet every woman's beauty need.
Za is currently having an end of the year sale with 50% off. And why yes, that's two foundation bottles.
I was actually dying to try the concealer for the longest time, but I couldn't justify getting it when I still have a heavy duty one that works just fine.
Then again, I can justify getting one powder foundation and two liquid foundations when I have a TON of bases here, most of which are currently opened. EQ is at an all time high ladies and gents.
Ugghh couldn't resist.
(To justify a little... Humor me) Za rarely have sales as big as 50%, usually it's just 10% or 20% and most of the time it's just on skincare. So yeah. Bam. Nailed that explanation.
I'm so excited to try these once I finish a few pans and bottles of current products. You know, try to exercise a little restraint here and there.
What would you like reviews on? Let me know below!
FB : https://www.facebook.com/ZACosmeticsPH/timeline
Website : http://www.za-cosmetics.com/
xx,
CJ
Like I've said in my previous post, I'll be sharing some new things I've acquired these past few months. Most of which I've already tried (Not the prime example of a beauty blogger - but who cares)
1. Bobbie Cosmetics lip tint and lipstick - Hearing about the wonderful new drugstore makeup brand that's super affordable, I rushed to look for it. I wasn't too impressed with the other product's reviews but these two were at least promising. I can tell you right now though, that lipstick in LS-02 isn't nude. It looks nude (Which was why I bought it) but in reality is a magic lipstick in disguise. I would welcome it more if it didn't turn "magically" into an ugly bright neon pink color that EVERYONE wears on the street. PASS on the lipstick. The lip tint on the other hand was ok.
2. Divinia - Tinted sunscreens are generally non-existent to me. I much prefer BB creams - Almost the same as tinted moisturizers/sunscreens but not quite. This is light and very liquidy. I like it. But I actually prefer the tube with the blue cap that's just plain old sunscreen from the same brand.
3. Fashion21 pressed powder with Cucumber and Lemongrass extract - Talk about innovation. I've never heard of a powder with cucumber in it. I've been using this on and off for the past couple of weeks and I must say, it's pretty good.
It looks natural- not powdery on the skin and doesn't cake when I put it on top of creamy/liquidy bases even on top of my oily skin. One thing to note however is that oil control is average as what's the usual rate for most drugstore pressed powders.
4. Ellefar brow pencil - I love going to Saizen and Daiso for my eyebrow needs. And my most trusted brand is Ellefar. It's retractable and comes with two free refills. First impression : It strikes a balance between creamy and hard pencils - I'm not fond of creamy eyebrow pencils *ahem* NichidoEverBilena *ahem*
5. Ziajia eyecream - My current eyecream - Freshel, is running low so I scoured BeautyBar to search some eyecreams and lo and behold, something interesting came upon thy vision. Haven't tried this one yet, but I can't wait.
Have you done some shopping recently? Or maybe you have a wish list? Share in the comments below!
xx,
CJ
I've actually been accumulating a lot of new things and never really had the chance to post all of them properly except for snippets I do on instagram.
There will be more parts and they'll be done in reverse starting with my most recent haul going back to the first time I purchased something new from about 4 months or so.
Presenting my haul which I paid PHP 0.00 for! Thanks to my sister's forced generosity - Early Christmas present for me. Yay! I win.
1. I've been lusting for a gel liner specifically Maybelline since forever, but I thought to explore and ended up at L.A. Girls. The Sales attendant was being particularly "hard-sell" on me so I took the liner and skedaddled out of there.
P250
2. I finally got me some Maybelline "The Rocket" volume express mascara because they were 30% off and me and my sister couldn't pass it up. For some unknown reason, Maybelline mascaras here seldom have discounts. Got the washable versionbecause I needed to let my eyelashes rest from my frequent use of waterproof mascaras. Has anyone else tried this blogger-hyped product?
~P290
3. This may seem familiar, because I've already written this off and claimed to never repurchase it again. But since I can just handle it carefully and not twist it as much, for the price - it does perform quite well. So I got the Essence Stay Natural Concealer again as an everyday under-eye brightener.
P169
This concludes part 1. Any thoughts on the products I bought?
I'm curious about that L.A. girls mascara, is it any good? The Sales lady said so but then again, they're known to "stretch" the truth to make a sale.
I'm curious about that L.A. girls mascara, is it any good? The Sales lady said so but then again, they're known to "stretch" the truth to make a sale.
xx,
CJ
Something came in the mail! or at my doorstep rather ( I wish we had a mailbox ), a couple of products from JLC Miller . These are available in most supermarkets and drugstores.
They really hooked a girl up! Thanks JLC Miller and to Mikee!
I probably won't be exploring the face products because as you know, ( if you've been reading my blog for a while now ) my face isn't exactly the most tolerant to certain mass produced and chemically-induced facial care. All I need is one little slip and poof I become coco crunch.
CONTENTS
For the Gluta line I'm currently using the whitening lotion ( for my arms, because I forget to use sunblock. Because they're too sticky for day-time heat. Wouldn't really mind if I was on the beach though ), soap and the deodorant. So far so good, but no evident changes yet as far as I can tell. My skin doesn't dry-out on the soap so that's very good. The smell is quite...not suited for mass appeal. I find it smells a bit like it has citronella in it. So I think of bug-off lotions whenever I lather on the lotion, smell the soap and use the deodorant. A+ for consistency though(?) Lol
And the shampoo and conditioner from the PreGroe line hasn't made my hair fall off yet so that's also good. I kid.
Which product do you think I should review first?
PS. Why would you use a face powder that can pass off as a blush? Please enlighten me.
PPS. I hope the body lotion works. I already have sun spots on my wrists.
PPPS. It's already JULY. What? WHAT? How is this possible? It's the middle of the year already. Just let that sink in for a bit.
They really hooked a girl up! Thanks JLC Miller and to Mikee!
I probably won't be exploring the face products because as you know, ( if you've been reading my blog for a while now ) my face isn't exactly the most tolerant to certain mass produced and chemically-induced facial care. All I need is one little slip and poof I become coco crunch.
CONTENTS
- 2 sachets of PreGroe shampoo
- 2 small bottles of PreGroe shampoo
- 1 bottle of PreGroe Conditioner
- 1 Gluta body lotion
- 1 Gluta face cream
- 1 Gluta toner
- 1 Gluta facial wash
- 1 Gluta deodorant
- 1 Gluta body soap
- 1 Gluta Pressed powder in Pink Blush (why?)
For the Gluta line I'm currently using the whitening lotion ( for my arms, because I forget to use sunblock. Because they're too sticky for day-time heat. Wouldn't really mind if I was on the beach though ), soap and the deodorant. So far so good, but no evident changes yet as far as I can tell. My skin doesn't dry-out on the soap so that's very good. The smell is quite...not suited for mass appeal. I find it smells a bit like it has citronella in it. So I think of bug-off lotions whenever I lather on the lotion, smell the soap and use the deodorant. A+ for consistency though(?) Lol
And the shampoo and conditioner from the PreGroe line hasn't made my hair fall off yet so that's also good. I kid.
Which product do you think I should review first?
PS. Why would you use a face powder that can pass off as a blush? Please enlighten me.
PPS. I hope the body lotion works. I already have sun spots on my wrists.
PPPS. It's already JULY. What? WHAT? How is this possible? It's the middle of the year already. Just let that sink in for a bit.
XX,
CJ
Not exactly a "spree" but these were totally unplanned.
I've actually been wanting to try these as per urging of the beauty community (cuuuuurrseeee youuuu!!!). Don't you just hate that you buy something you really didn't plan on buying but then still love that you bought it? (That love-hate kind of relationship, is it just me?)
I've used a beauty soap from snoe before that didn't agree with me. It really broke me out bad! I thought I was just purging, but after a month it wasn't going anywhere. My skin started to behave immediately after I stopped using the soap. I don't remember the type but it's colored yellow and smells citrus-ey, like lemon? It was supposedly for acne/pimple prone skin (which I also have, among other things).
But I'm hoping this'll work, fingers crossed.
I'm really excited to try these things especially the argan oil-infused hair heroes! My hair has been thirsty for ages and I'm hoping this will help revive it. If this works I'll definitely get the conditioner!
Any recent impulsive buys lately? Share!!!
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