Malaysian Beauty Haul: April 2018

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

[Bare Essentials Review] Althea Bare Essential Fixer Cream

Price: RM50

[Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.Kr]

Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Probably

Brand & Product

I'm lucky enough to be one of the reviewers for Althea's new product launch. I received a set of Bare Essential's products, including Step 3: Fixer Cream

Since I am lucky enough to be sent all three products, I decided to use only the three products for two weeks. I reviewed my collective experience of these three in a separate post if you're keen on reading. ^^

In this review, I'll be looking at the products separately and reviewing them based on their individual performance.

Step 3 of the 3-step Bare Essentials products is the Fixer Cream. According to their description, powerful moisturizing properties are packed into this little jar that provides the skin with hydration for up to 24 hours for a fresh, revitalized complexion. It is suggested that all three products, including the Contour Cleanser and Primer Water, be used together with this.

Packaging And Directions

The Bare Essential's Fixer Cream comes in a frosted jar that gives it a luxurious feel. I actually prefer pump bottles for my products, since having it in a jar means every time I'm using it, I have to dip my finger into the product. There's a spatula that I can use, but honestly... I feel like in order to keep it completely sanitary, I'd need a separate container to keep my spatula. Lol.

Directions says to apply evenly onto the face and gently pat in till absorbed.

Ingredients

The key ingredients in this Bare Essential's Fixer Cream is Trehalose, a powerful humectant that retains moisture on the skin, Wild Green Tea, hydrating sky soothing and packed with antioxidants, and Baobad Tree Extract, which is a none-greasy moisturizing agent that helps promote collagen production.

Here's a full list of the ingredients:

There's alcohol in the product, which explains why it's able to dry to such a wonderful, matte finish on my skin.

Running this through Cosdna http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_63fd356342.html shows a number of acne triggers, including dimethicone, Olia Europaea Fruit Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, and Buylene Glycol. Potential irritants include carbomer.

There is fragrance in the product, which explains the heavy scent.

Texture and Fragrance

This has a really light gel-cream texture. It's white and absorbs easily on the skin. I don't need that much product per use, since it applies so easily. There is no sticky sensation after application.

The scent is particularly heavy and reminds me of the Primer Water. I don't really enjoy fragrances in my products, but I didn't mind that this particular fragrance either. ^^

Performance

I really enjoy this Fixer Cream as the end of my 3-step routine. The product absorbs fast without being greasy and although it doesn't claim it, this is one of the best sebum-control cream that Iv'e ever used.

I realize that the initial purpose of the cream is to aid in makeup application but I can't really attest to that since I don't use makeup. XD I do think it's awesome for all-day use regardless of whether you're applying makeup or not though. ^^

Like the Primer Water, this cream does not help with preventing acne nor does it claim to. It also doesn't help with healing acne scars, so even though the three-step routine is perfect in it's own right,

I do think that other products are necessary for what I'm looking for, such as a Vitamin C serum for anti-aging properties and centella or tea tree for pimples. I also need a sunscreen for morning use. In addition, thicker night creams are more effective for night time use.I enjoy this quite a lot as a morning cream and am pleased with the price tag of RM50 for 50ml. ^^

...

I have a Facebook page! :D https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianBeautyHaul/

I also do quick, short reviews on my instagram so if you're up for it, do follow me here too! :D https://www.instagram.com/peachy_amy/

[Bare Essential's Review] Althea Bare Essential Primer Water

Price: RM43

[Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.Kr]

Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Probably

Brand & Product

I'm lucky enough to be one of the reviewers for Althea's new product launch. I received a set of Bare Essential's products, including Step 2: Primer Water.

Since I am lucky enough to be sent all three products, I decided to use only the three products for two weeks. I reviewed my collective experience of these three in a separate post if you're keen on reading. ^^

In this review, I'll be looking at the products separately and reviewing them based on their individual performance.

Step 2 of the 3-step Bare Essentials product is the Primer Water. Smooth, hydrating, and ever so slightly balm-like, this bottle of wonder penetrates into the layers of the skin to plump them up, prepping the skin and making it a smooth canvas for products to come. It is suggested that all three products, including the Contour Cleanser, Primer Water, and Fixer Cream be used together.

Packaging And Directions

The Bare Essential's Primer Water comes in frosted bottle that I thought was glass for the longest time! It took me three days to finally hold the bottle tighter than usual and realize that it's plastic. Of the three products, I love this best. It has the luxurious design of frosted glass with the added benefit of being squeezable. ^^

Instructions says to pour out a small amount and apply evenly onto the face, gently patting in for better absorption.

Ingredients

The key ingredients in this Bare Essential's Primer Water is snow lotus, which can smoothen and brighten the skin while evening out it's texture. In addition, it includes a patented 'dewdrop' formulation that revitalizes the skin and provides immediate, effective moisture.

Here's the full list of ingredients from the Althea Site:

Compared to the Contour Cleanser from the same line, I'm really pleased with how this read in Cosdna. The only potential acne trigger is Butylene Glycol and nothing else showed up as irritants. There is, however, straight up alcohol in the product, which may be triggering to some users.

Texture and Fragrance

The fragrance of this Primer Water is quite jarring. It has a really strong floral fragrance that lingers for just a little bit. I thought it would be a problem. However, after using this for the first time, my nose kind of stops smelling it altogether and even when I do, it's associated with something nice, so I'm not too upset about the strong scent.

The texture of the Primer Water is a lot thicker than I thought it would be if only because I thought it was going to be watery due to the 'water' in it's name. This toner has a viscous consistency that has an almost balmy consistency. Due to that, I've kind of forgotten to layer anything on top of this one layer of toner. It just goes to show it's hydrating prowess. ^^ It does not leave my skin with a sticky sensation, but it definitely helps when I layer this with Step 3 of the trio, the fixer cream.

Performance

As I mentioned earlier, my initial opinion of the Primer Water isn't very positive. It has a really heavy flora scent that I usually don't appreciate in toners. I don't like wearing perfume on my face. I have actual perfumes that I like. Regardless, I decided to use it anyways and after only one use, I realized the fragrance wasn't going to be a problem at all. The fragrance, while heavy from the initial testing, does not seem to linger too much and I stopped smelling this altogether after a while. However, the initial floral scent that my nose is able to pick up is pleasant enough that I really look forward to applying this on my skin every time after I cleanse my face.

The Primer Water's thicker consistency applies really well on my skin. I really dig the 'dewdrop' formula, which makes my skin feel like it's getting a second wash and it's really like having dew drops on my skin. This leaves my face super hydrated and moisturized enough that if the day is hot enough, I actually consider leaving out another step altogether!

Do I like this? Yeah, I kind of love it, if it's not obvious already. For RM43, you only get 200ml of product, which is a pretty good price for a toner. It feels more like an essence or serum step than a toner due to it's thicker consistency, however. As for the smoothening and brightening skin tone effect, I'm sorry to report that I have not seen any revolutionary changes to my skin in that regard. It would take a while longer to see if the Primer Water helps with brightening. It does a great job of keeping my skin hydrated enough and not breaking my skin out though, which, I suppose, is a form of smoothening? XD

While it doesn't break out my skin (which is a huge win), it also doesn't control hormonal breakouts. When I had a few pimples, I ended up using some other products (centella water) to control the breakout and minimize scarring. I wasn't too bummed that it didn't help with pimple healing, but it doesn't promise to do that, so it's all good. ^^

Overall, I really enjoy having this in my routine and am continuing to use this even after my 1 week trial period. In fact, I continued after 2 weeks... and then another. Lol.

Price: RM43

[Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.Kr]

Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Probably

I have a Facebook page! :D https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianBeautyHaul/

I also do quick, short reviews on my instagram so if you're up for it, do follow me here too! :D https://www.instagram.com/peachy_amy/

[Bare Essentials Review] Althea Bare Essential Contour Cleanser

Price: RM23

[Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.kr]

Verdict: 8/10
Repurchase: Probably Not

Brand & Product

I'm super glad to be one of the reviewers for Althea's new product launch, a set of Bare Essential's products, including the Contour Cleanser. I managed to snag all three products of their Bare Essential line and have been using it for two weeks. Just three steps for two weeks. I reviewed my collective experience of these three in a separate post if you're keen on reading. ^^

In this review, I'll be looking at the products separately and reviewing them based on their individual performance.

According to the Bare Essential's Philosophy, great makeup starts from great skin. With nourishing ingredients and easy execution, this 3-product regime breaks down and simplifies the K-beauty routine for the urban woman. The contour cleanser is the first step of the routine.

Step 1 is a rich and foaming cleanser that removes impurities while improving blood circulation to produce that V-shaped look. It contains micro capsules to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling cool and refreshed. It is recommended that this be used together with the Primer Water and Fixer Cream for best results.

Packaging And Directions

The Bare Essential's Contour Cleanser comes in a squeeze tube, which I'm pretty alright with... except the consistency of this cleanser is really very thick and I feel extra muscular every time I successfully manage to get some product out.

Instruction says to dampen the skin, then squeeze out a small amount and lather onto the face, massaging in circular motions. Rinse off with water after.

Ingredients

The key ingredients in the Bare Essential's Contour Cleanser are Ice Plant, which hydrates and calms redness, and lemon myrtle, which is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen the skin.

Here's the list of Full Ingredients copy and pasted from the Althea Site:

Running this through cosdna is hm... slightly disappointing to be completely honest. There are multiple ingredients that trigger acne, irritant, and safety. Myristic acid, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, and Butylene Glycol all could cause acne. Lauric Acid and Glyceryl Stearate SE are both possible irritants. Lippia Citridora Leaf Extract, which is a fragrance and astringent is a high seven in terms of safety.

In general though, cleansers don't spend so much time on the skin, so while having good ingredients is preferrable, having one or two bad ones don't worry me too much either.

Still, I wish it wasn't there at all. According to the EWG's Skin Deep cosmetic Database, it is a known human immune system toxicant or allergen. It is one of the ingredients that is in violation of government restrictions and is banned or found unsafe for use in cosmetic. D= This should not be used as a flagrance ingredient to be honest, and I hope that it will be removed in future updates of the product altogether.

Texture and Fragrance

The creamy texture of the contour cleanser foams rather well and the microcapsules have a pleasant sensation to it. Even though there are a bunch of ingredients in there, I can't really pick up any discernible scent to it.

It foams well with just a little product and I do enjoy washing my face with this a lot. The microcapsules melt on my skin and it is able to work it's magic on removing impurities altogether.

Performance

The first thing I do with cleansers if pH test it, which is what I did with this too. I have been wary of using high pH cleansers and am disappointed to find that this is fairly high pH, sitting somewhere at an 8 or 9. After using the cleanser, I do feel there's a tight sensation after cleanser. However, in the name of Science, I preservered! Also, when my skin doesn't like something, it'll let me know pretty quickly, so when my skin didn't freak out immediately after using the cleanser, I took it as a good sign to continue.

To be honest, I'm actually kind of pleased to be using a high foaming cleanser again, since I'm horribly addicted to that terrible (?) feeling of having my skin completely cleaned and erm... tight-ish? Actually, it's not advisable for cleansers that strips skin so completely and leaves you with a tight feeling. It means the cleanser has also stripped off a healthy layer of skin instead of just getting rid of grime and dirty.

This rich-foaming cleanser is able to remove impurities, like it promises. There are microcapsules, as it promises. These microcapsules dissolved completely with just a little washing, which means it is not abrasive at all.

I think it does a good job of cleansing skin of impurities, though I am not a big fan of the ingredients list. In addition, while using makeup or sunscreen, it is advisable to use a cleansing water or oil cleanser prior to using this.

Do I like this, yeah. I like this cleanser a fair bit. On the other hand, one of the ingredients in the cleanser is a known allergen and human immune system toxicant. It's surprising that it's found in this cleanser at all. If future updates remove this specific ingredient, I think I'm actually quite keen on getting the cleanser again.

The price is respectable at RM23 for 150 grams of product and I don't need that much in order to cleanse my skin.

Overall, I'm pleased with the cleanser except for that single ingredient, which I honestly hope they get rid of soon. Would I recommend it though? For now, not really. Like I said, ingredients are important and even though there's only one that's a giant red flag, there are a good number of ingredients that could be possible irritants and acne triggers.

...

I have a Facebook page! :D https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianBeautyHaul/

I also do quick, short reviews on my instagram so if you're up for it, do follow me here too! :D https://www.instagram.com/peachy_amy/

[Bare Essentials Review] I Used Nothing But 3-Step Bare Essentials By Althea For A Week... Of Two

Isn't this just the loveliest skincare set? Launched on March 1st of 2018, Bare Essentials is an exclusively Althea brand by Althea Korea.

According to their philosophy, complicated skincare steps block pores and make your skin tired. Enter Bare Essentials. This 3-step complete skincare routine is supposed to simplify skincare to what your skin really needs. Infused with hydrating ingredients from the depths of nature (fancy!), the 3-step skincare products are designed to keep your skin at its optimal comfort level.

It is a bold promise made to a skincare addict who's lazy routine still consists of cleanser, pH adjusting toner, hydrating toner, lotion/essence, serum, and cream. For those of you who're curious, I'm currently using the Atopalm Real Barrier Cleansing Foam, Etude House Wonder Pore Fresner Toner, Gobdigoun Skin Milk Conditioner, Gobdigoun Skin Milk Facial Lotion, May Coop Raw Sauce, and Swanicoco Swan Cream. That's 6 steps when I'm feeling lazy. If I'm not, I'll add a clay mask before the cleanser, occasionally make use of an oil cleanser, and then end with a sheet mask with a few more dabs of essences and serums in between. My skin is capable of absorbing so much money y'all. Lol.

At the same time, my skin is fussier than ever, breaking out every time I try out a new product for no reason whatsoever. I have just finished reviewing the Benton Tea Tree cleanser. With only 7 ingredients, none of which my skin has reacted badly to, it somehow managed to cause pimples to sprout on my face

So, when Althea sent me these in exchange for my honest review, I figured it's a good time as any to see if it actually does what it promises.

Here are the 3-step skincare routine including the descriptions provided by Althea Korea:

1. Contour Cleanser

This densely packed Micro Capsules pop when met with water to wash out impurities from the skin. By detoxing the skin, Contour Cleanser reduces bloating and creates a perfect slim face line.

Key ingredients: ice plant, lemon verbena leaf

2. Primer Water

Clear dewdrops soften the skin by gently filing the gaps between pores and the skin. Primer water gives a smooth, silky finish and enhances the skin's natural glow.

Key Ingredients: Snow lotus, Patented dewdrop technology

3. Fixer Cream

Layers upon layers of powerful water particles provide non-stop hydration for the skin. Fixer Cream keeps the skin fresh and vitalized for up to 24 hours.

Key ingredients: Trehalose, Wild green tea, baobab tree

I yolo'ed the ef out of this and got rid of my entire routine and replaced it entirely with just these three steps. I'm not even kidding. For an entire week, my whole skincare routine is reduced to 3 steps. I'm not even using sheet masks, which makes me a little sad just to think about it.

I will review each step of the routine individually, but here's the review of my experience with the entire line for the week.

On the first day, I was already thinking of giving up, reaching for my low-pH cleanser instead of the Contour cleanser, which I've pH tested as soon as I received the product and found it to be sitting somewhere between pH8-9, which is pretty high. My skin is weird with high pH cleansers. The Cosrx Salicylic Acid cleanser, which is high pH works perfectly fine for me, but the April Skin Magic Stone broke out my skin like it's new purpose in life is to ruin my skin.

That said, I'm pretty worried that the same would happen with this cleanser. Thankfully, I experienced nothing of the sort. I'm actually kinda pleased to be using a high foaming cleanser again, since I'm horribly addicted to that terrible feeling of having my skin completely cleaned and erm... tight-ish? XD Fyi, cleansers aren't supposed to leave your skin feeling tight, since that means it's stripped off the healthy layer of skin instead of just getting rid of grime and dirt.

It is a rich foaming cleanser that is able to remove impurities, like it promises. There are micro capsules in the foaming cleanser that helps exfoliate dead skin cells without feeling too abrasive on my skin. The key ingredients in this are ice plant, which it claims to be able to hydrate and calm redness, as well as lemon myrtle, which is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen the skin.

Anyways, even though it does leave my skin with a slightly tightening feeling, I was quite pleased with it's performance. The Primer Water that comes with it is hydrating enough that I don't feel like my skin's completely stripped and dried. In my opinion, the only thing a cleanser need to be able to do to get good points in my skin is to do it's job without breaking out my skin, which it is 100% able to deliver.

My initial opinion of the Primer Water isn't very good. I've since changed my mind about it, so I'm glad I waited before reviewing it. My initial thought was that the fragrance was too heavy, leaving me with a worry that I'm smelling smelling perfume all the time. However, once I've used this for more than a day, I started to really love the scent. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and moisturized and there are days where I feel like just this is enough to keep my skin moisturized for the whole day.

Yet, I always reach for the Fixer Cream. It claims to be able to keep the skin fresh and vitalized for up to 24 hours, which is exactly what it does. After applying this, my skin feels super refreshed. It is not too heavy and is absorbed really nicely by my skin, leaving me with a matte, comfortable sensation.

The key ingredients in the Primer water includes snow lotus, which smoothens and brightens the skin while evening out it's texture, and patented 'dewdrop' formulation, which revitalizes the skin and provides immediate, effective moisture.

Meanwhile, the Fixer Cream boasts Trehalose, a powerful humectant that retains moisture on the skin, wild green tea, which is hydrating, skin soothing, and packed with antioxidants, and baobad tree extract, which is non-greasy moisturizing agent that helps promote collagen production.

So, what's my verdict after using nothing but these three Bare Essential products for three weeks?

...

I continued using only these for another week. Lol. Honestly, I've enjoyed using this so much that I didn't want to stop. The three steps work perfectly together, doing so well together that I didn't really want to add anything to my routine, not even the things I've used long before introducing these three magical products. Even now, I'm sticking to using just these three products on days when I don't feel like adding more steps to my routine which, admittedly, is most days.

Do I like this? Hell yeah. I loved this. The three products work so well together that I've kinda wandered if I could just stick with using these three without using anything else at all.

Perhaps I'll add a Vitamin C serum for anti-aging properties and use a low-pH cleanser for morning use, but other than that, I'm going to just stick to these.

Two weeks of these have actually done my skin a lot of good. I've been suffering from less breakouts and though I've taken out some other products in order to help with a few hormonal breakouts, they've done well in soothing and calming my skin.

I have a Facebook page! :D https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianBeautyHaul/

I also do quick, short reviews on my instagram so if you're up for it, do follow me here too! :D https://www.instagram.com/peachy_amy/

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

[Bare Essentials Review] Althea Bare Essential Fixer Cream

Price: RM50 [Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.Kr] Verdict: 10/10 Repurchase: Probably

Brand & Product

Packaging And Directions

Ingredients

Texture and Fragrance

[Bare Essential's Review] Althea Bare Essential Primer Water

Price: RM43 [Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.Kr] Verdict: 10/10 Repurchase: Probably

Brand & Product

Packaging And Directions

Ingredients

Texture and Fragrance

[Bare Essentials Review] Althea Bare Essential Contour Cleanser

Price: RM23 [Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.kr] Verdict: 8/10 Repurchase: Probably Not

Brand & Product

Packaging And Directions

Ingredients

Texture and Fragrance

[Bare Essentials Review] I Used Nothing But 3-Step Bare Essentials By Althea For A Week... Of Two

Price: RM50

[Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.Kr]

Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Probably

Price: RM43

[Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.Kr]

Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Probably

Price: RM23

[Received in exchange for an honest review from Althea.kr]

Verdict: 8/10
Repurchase: Probably Not