Althea, my one-stop online shop for K-beauty recently launched its very own
product line.
The latest release from the Althea label is one that addresses a common problem faced by many - the steps in Korean skincare are so complicated and confusing, when it shouldn't be difficult at all.
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| Image from Althea Blog |
Althea’s Bare Essentials rides on today’s current minimalism movement, by focusing on skincare fundamentals and drops all the non-essentials. These thoughtfully crafted products give the benefits
of the infamous 10-step Korean skincare routine, rolled into 3 quick and easy steps: cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Other steps are just additional.
These new beauty hybrid products pack a double punch too. They’re products that nourish the skin while
leaving it looking bright, glowing, and beautiful. With clean, minimal, yet effective formulas, these
straightforward products epitomize simple perfection and deliver maximum results with minimum effort.
The Bare Essentials range consists of three hypoallergenic products suitable for any skin types.
11CONTOUR CLEANSER
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| Image from Althea Blog |
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.
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| Image from Althea Blog |
The Contour
Cleanser helps to promote blood circulation, and reduces bloating and swelling for a defined, enviably slim
face shape.
My take on the Contour Cleanser:
You don't need to pump too much, maybe just half the amount as I've shown in the picture.
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| Before |
As you can observe from the picture, my T-zone was extremely oily (this was my "wake up like this" face).
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| Using the Contour Cleanser |
This is how the Contour Cleanser looks like on my face. It has a fresh and soft chemical scent, which reminds me slightly of The Face Shop's Herb 365, only much gentler to my skin. The Contour Cleanser contains ice plant and lemon verbena leaf. The texture is a bit sticky and lathers into a bubbly foam. It cleanses well but doesn't dry out my skin.
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| After |
After cleansing, my skin looks clean and healthy, minus that oily mess!
It claims to be able to help with blood circulation but I'm not sure how much of that is proven from my pictures. Nonetheless, as a cleanser, it does its job well.
Verdict: ★★★★☆
primer water
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| Image from Althea Blog |
Primer Water 200ml RM43.00
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.
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| Image from Althea Blog |
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 take on the Primer Water:
This is probably my favorite out of this series. I just LOVE the smell of the Primer Water. I don't know how to describe it but it's really nice. The active ingredient is snow lotus dewdrop, and the texture is thicker than normal toner but it doesn't feel sticky.
Verdict: ★★★★★
Verdict: ★★★★★
FIXER CREAM
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| Image from Althea Blog |
Fixer Cream 50g RM50.00
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.
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| Image from Althea Blog |
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 take on the Fixer Cream:
This smells really woodsy/grassy, probably because it contains Green Tea. It doesn't feel too oily and gives my face a healthy finish. I think I would like it better if it's an oil-free formula. Nonetheless, it does work well in moisturizing my face.
Verdict: ★★★★☆
Verdict: ★★★★☆
Quick sharing
Just to share a quick story, yesterday I went to Midvalley right after using these 3 products cos I had a pancake craving. By chance, I walked into a L'Occitane store where the salesgirl told me about their new release Aqua Réotier. She offered to test my skin hydration level (probably cos she wanted to promote their products if my skin was dry) - turns out my hydration level is 47% which is quite high in the normal hydration level range, which I totally didn't expect (since I have dry skin in general). Bare Essentials actually works like a wonder in maintaining skin moisture level even though I did not realize it before.
I'm really happy that Athea came up with the Bare Essentials line as it's simple, easy and effective. I only wish they had also included an eye gel in the series so that it really takes care of my whole face. I get milia seeds real easily so I'd prefer eye gel or creams with an oil-free formula.
SUPER SAVER
The good news is all 3 products in the Bare Essentials line only cost RM116, so you're really getting the best for less! Currently, Althea is giving out an
additional 10% off with a free special edition mirror if you purchase now so head on over to www.althea.kr
today!
Contour Cleanser - RM23
Primer Water - RM43
Fixer Cream - RM50
You can use Shopback to save up to 7% for every purchase when buying from Althea. Just sign up using my LINK, and you'll be rewarded with RM5 immediately, followed by RM5 when you update your personal information. You'll also earn from each purchase on participating merchant sites made through Shopback, which you can later cash out to your bank account.
Giveaway
*I'm having a giveaway on my Instagram for trial sachets of the Bare Essentials line, just tag a friend to enter! Malaysia only, ends 7 April 2018, 11.59pm.
