Review and My Experience with Althea Bare Essentials

Althea Bare Essentials has finally landed on Philippine Shores! From their own translucent powder, Althea Petal Velvet Powder, our favorite Korean Online shop Althea recently introduced their own skincare line, the Althea Bare Essentials. Althea tried to simplify the 10 step Korean skincare routine, and this line serves as a great kit for beginners in Korean Skincare.

I myself don't dabble much in skincare because I have combination oily and semi sensitive skin, which means most skincare products make my skin worse not better. So Althea Bare Essentials has a big ground to cover.

Their packaging is so adorable by the way because it is so minimalist, just like the whole purpose of their line. You can get these products at their website- https://ph.althea.kr/ Anyways, let's just get right on to the review!

Bare Essentials simplifies your journey to the 10-step korean skincare routine!

Contour Cleanser - Php 300 for 150g

This cleanser is said to have the main ingredients Ice Plant for soothing and Lemon Myrtle extract for detoxifying. The Contour Cleanser, much like the other products in the Althea Bare Essentials line is dual purpose. The contour part comes from the point that this is meant to promote blood circulation to reduce swelling and bloating for a slimmer and well-defined face. It is also filled with micro capsules that burst upon contact with skin to exfoliate and detoxify as well as provide gentle cleansing.

My Experience:

It smells much like a day in the spa, very soothing and a bit cooling. Out of most cleansers I have tried, this one is the most gentle and it doesn't give me a squeaky clean feeling on the face- rather my skin felt rejuvenated but NOT stripped of moisture unlike the others that I have tried. I use this on a daily basis especially after taking off my makeup with an oil cleanser, and no side effects has come from my slightly sensitive skin. This one is a staple in my daily routine.

Primer Water - Php 550.00 for 200ml

This primer water is said to be a toner-primer hybrid which is nice to use before putting on your makeup. It has Snow Lotus extract which helps to smoothen the skin and give it a healthy glow for the perfect canvass for makeup or just on its own.

My Experience:

I like how glassy my skin looks after applying this, and it sets quickly on the skin too, unlike the Aloe Vera Gel which takes about 10 minutes for me after applying an ample amount. It may be much like water but the consistency is a bit thicker- but not as thick as an Aloe Vera Gel. It smells nice and soothing as well, and I like to pat it on to my skin for full effect. Nakakarelax siya if you pat instead of just swipe it on.

Fixer Cream - Php 640 for 50g

This is the final step to the Bare Essentials line. The Fixer Cream is supposed to lock in hydration and provide extra protection for the skin. The main ingredient from a cactus plant Trehalose that helps it to absorb in the skin as fast as flash. The Fixer Cream also has antioxidants from green tea and has cell regeneration properties due to it's Baobab Tree extract content.

I like this one cause for a moisturizer it sets really fast on the skin too. All you need is a pea sized amount or less for your whole face, especially if you opted for the primer water before using this as it will really give you a dewy effect on the skin.

My Verdict: 

If you want to start your own korean skincare routine, this would be a nice set to get because:

• It's affordable for a Korean Line, the whole set costing a little below Php 1,500

• It is not confusing and time consuming unlike the actual 10-step skin care routine

I am keeping the Contour Cleanser and Fixer Cream in my skincare routine as after a week I didn't experience any bad results.Plus I really LOVE the effect these two have on my skin.. Umaawra ang balat ko mala Glass Skin Effect after using the line.

I honestly like all these products, sad part is that with my skin, I experienced little bumps growing with the primer water. Which is sad because I really like the initial effects of this skincare. Plus it is a nice hydrating primer for the face especially when putting on makeup/bb cream/foundation.

PS: My skin type is Combination-Oily, especially on the T-Zone area and it is mildly sensitive. Some products like the Aloe Vera Mist and gel of Nature Republic didn't work nicely for me as I had more bumps after using those products.If something doesn't work for me it doesn't mean that it will not work for you too. We all have different skin types. :D