My Althea Box

Hi everyone! It's been such a long, long, long time since I last made a post, I've been really busy with wifehood and motherhood! Anyway, I'll just quickly share with you guys my Althea Philippines purchase (this is my second one). Let's take a look, shall we.

The box is a pink, customized Althea box which is super cute, and the inside comes with paper and bubble wraps. A+ for packaging!

My second Althea Box contains: the Missha First Treatment Essence, Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, Skinfood Black Sugar Mask, Innisfree Super Volcanic Mousse Mask and Banila Co. It Radiant CC Cream. I will try to do reviews of these as soon as I can.

I ordered on May 8, in time for Mother's Day, heehee. They also had a promo then for Mother's Day where you'll get 300 rebates points if you spend 3k and above on your purchase. (I spent PHP 4,064 less 10% voucher code, so a total of PHP 3,658. The 300 points were credited last June 1, which is valid for 30 days.) My package arrived on May 18, ten days after ordering. Althea ships items directly from Korea, and for an international shipping, 10 days actually isn't that bad. My main gripe is that the courier, CJ PH, holds the package in their warehouse for 7 days (and above) before delivery! I have nothing against keeping it for a day or two, but seriously, a week? Although I live in the northern part of the country, that shouldn't matter, right? 

Anyway, as of this writing, my third Althea Box is already on its way. Hehehe. I've been sooo into Korean skincare lately! Hopefully, that one I can post as soon as it arrives. Ciao!

thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen Review

thebalm Stainiac is currently my top contender for lip and cheek stains. Read on and you'll know why.

Pardon the faded markings. :P

Stainiac comes in an aloe-infused gel-based formula, and doesn't dry my lips out. The doe foot applicator also makes for easier application.

Beauty Queen is a blue-based, cherry red.

It provides more pigmentation unlike its thinner, water-based counterparts such as the Benetint. It wouldn't streak either. And since it's gel-based, there's no need to rush blending because it won't set immediately.

Once blended, it dries down to a very natural finish. But it can be layered for a pop of color.

Stainiac lasts a pretty long time. And it lasts especially longer on the lips when layered on top with lipstick.

I ordered this online from Nordstrom, but it's available locally at Beauty Bar stores for PHP 650.00.

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Review Roundup: thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen

Pros:
non-drying

great pigmentation
doesn't streak
long-wearing
doesn't set immediately

Cons:
--

Overall:

4/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek Review

Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek, as the name implies, is a watery cream blush.

I got it in shade 04 Orange Coral which is purrrfect for summer!

It is watery, but well-pigmented.

Blended

Once blended, it dries down to a moist, natural finish. Nothing too dewy.

Lightly washed with soap and water

And the lasting power is great! How amazing would this be on outings or vacation trips -- under the scorching summer heat or against the ocean waves.

Review Roundup: Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek

Pros:
natural finish

great pigmentation
long-wearing
affordable

Cons:
--

Overall:

5/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

Barenaturals Natural Pink Lip & Nipple Solid Gel ~ Review

I ordered my Natural Pink Solid Gel online from Lazada for PHP 198.

According to Barenaturals:

Various factors may cause your lips to darken: excessive intake of tea or coffee, excessive exposure to sun, smoking, skin dryness, heavy or chemical-laden lipstick, aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy, menstrual problems can all speed up the accumulation of dark pigments and change the colour of your lips and nipples from a natural pinkish to a dull, brownish colour. Barenaturals Pink Lip & Nipple Solid Gel counteracts these problems by doing through the following features:

Restores alluring sheer pink lips – lightens dull, discoloured lips & restores natural lip colour with continuous use.
Prevents further darkening caused by low-quality, traditional lipsticks.
Made from the most natural ingredients and extracts available to restore the pink glow of lips and nipple.
Rich in antioxidants C and E to protect your lips.
Lightens Darkened Lips and Nipples - naturally safe
Reveals softer, more kissable lips
SPF 15 protects from further sun damage

Directions:
Use several times a day for faster result. Results can be seen for as early as 7 days

This is a transparent solid gel that promises to restore the lips and nipples' pinkish color. I like that it's transparent, I find that unique. And the texture isn't waxy or sticky, it feels light on the lips, and leaves a minty sensation. It also moisturizes quite well.

Sadly, I didn't see any effects after using it several times a day for 7 days, and even after finishing the whole tube.

This works great as a light, moisturizing lip balm with all-natural ingredients, but it doesn't work as a lip & nipple pinker. If a product cannot live up to its claims then it just ain't worth it. And for PHP 198.00, it's kinda expensive.

Review Roundup: Barenaturals Natural Pink Lip & Nipple Solid Gel

Pros:
moisturizing
non-sticky
lightweight

Cons:
did not lighten nor restore my lips' pinkish state

Overall:

2/5

Would I repurchase? No
Would I recommend? No

My last package has finally arrived!

Thank you, Beauty Bay! Or perhaps, thank you Philippine post office? For finally sending out my package!!! I must admit, out of all the packages I've ordered (I was on an online shopping spree last December) this one stressed me out the MOST. Well, aside from one of my Strawberrynet packages where I had to pay customs almost Php 2000! Gah. Anyway, it's here!

I ordered this from Beautybay.com on December 1, 2013 and got an sms from my local post office just this January 10, 2014. (IT TOOK A YEAR. lololol.) How ironic, when this was actually the order where I availed of their Premier service. Overall, I had four consecutive orders from the site, this was my 2nd and it actually came in last, that's why I was so nervous about this one.

I got four items: RMK liquid foundation, Urban Decay complexion spray, Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Demolition and Stila complexion brush.

Oh, and a freebie! Beautybay gave me their Blending sponge. Hmm, so it was probably THEIR fault why my package was delayed, that's why they're giving me this bribe. lol.

And you're welcome.

Online shopping at Nordstrom

These days I have really been into online shopping. It's my birthday month, so, you can guess the reason for that. There are a lot of secure websites for online shopping now, but sadly, not all of them offer international shipping still, cough Sephora cough. Enter Nordstrom - a US based site that carries countless brands under clothing, shoes, accessories, and my favorite of them all - beauty. Numerous luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Clarins, Yves Saint Laurent are available. However, few ones such as Estee Lauder, Mac, Clinique and Chanel are not available for international shipping, at least to my country. Boo!

Anyway, having spent a looooot of time browsing throught the internet, reading reviews and looking at swatches, (you can guess how hard it is to shop for makeup online) I found a couple of items to my liking.

The process. I fill my bag, then check out (the subtotal is displayed). I then proceed to the last page where I fill in required information for shipping and payment. The total is then shown (includes additional taxes and shipping). Their taxes and shipping fees can be quite steep, but I found this to be better than paying for the importation fee at my country's customs office. Having a very corrupt customs bureau, that was waaayy better! Anyways, submit order and it's done!

That same day, I received an email from Borderfree (Nordstrom) about them receiving my order. Then an order confirmation. Three days later, they emailed me saying that my order has already been shipped. They also gave me my package number so I can track my parcel whenever. (:

Four days later, and voila! My parcel has arrived. It was surprisingly fast. And it was a joy to open my box. Even though it's generally a pain for an impulsive and compulsive gal like me to do online shopping, the best part is still that feeling after having to wait for endless days and next thing you know, your package is in front of you. My mom said I was crazy. Hell yeah. Crazy happy kid here!

Thank you Nordstrom!

What's in the box:

Sunbum lip balm SPF 30 in Pomegranate

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Tonkin

thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen

Christian Dior Diorblush in New Red

Overall it was a great shopping experience. Thank you Nordstrom! I just wish you'd let me order Estee Lauder, Chanel, Clinique and other brands next time. *weep* *grin*

My Beautybay Online Shopping Experience

Hi guys! Let me tell you about my first ever Beauty Bay (beautybay.com) online purchase. I bought a few skincare items (seriously, they have a lot going on there, it was too tempting!). While my second purchase, now off for shipment, are more of beauty items.

The UK based site carries brands ranging from mid to high end. Skincare lines such as Ahava, Mario Badescu, Murad, Peter Thomas Roth, and VMV are available. While you can find beauty brands such bareMinerals, RMK, Too Faced and Urban Decay.

I was impressed with the site's security, as they implement OTP (One Time Password) where you will be sent a password through your mobile number, linked with the credit card you used, and must then be entered before proceeding. The balance is shown in £ (GBP/British Pound Sterling).

I placed the order on November 19 and received an email of order confirmation that same day. November 20, I received an email that my order has already been dispatched. I received the package this December 03. So that's about two weeks, for a free shipment. Yep, they offer free worldwide delivery. If you want an express shipping, it's available for $65.6 (2-3 days delivery time). It took a little longer than I'd expected, as it says on their website that free shipping to the Philippines should be 7-10 days only. I guess they were talking about our major city, Metro Manila and other nearby areas. As the delivery address was Isabela, those who are about the same distance should expect the same 13 day waiting time. I'm guessing those from Visayas, or Mindanao, should maybe add 2 more waiting days.

You're welcome!

Here's what I bought:

• Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Face Mist
• Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation
• Bio Oil
• First Aid Beauty Ulra Repair Lip Therapy

These are all included in my 2013-2014 Wishlist and I'm very happy to have ticked a few more checkboxes! Yayayay! I'll do reviews soon but so far I'm liking in love with Ole Henriksen's lip salve! All I can say right now is, it is The bomb. Do wait for my review. Ciao!