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!

MAC Velvet Teddy

According to M.A.C, Velvet Teddy is a deep-tone beige. (I think this is one of MAC's few accurate lipstick color descriptions. Ha.) It is a neutral, deep beige so it's neither too warm nor too cool.

Although the finish is matte, it is non-drying. Just make sure to exfoliate the lips prior to application so it doesn't highlight cracks and flakies. And as expected of matte lipsticks, it is long-wearing.

one swipe

Velvet Teddy is a universally flattering shade. Fair ladies can get away with just this lipstick for a subtle or classic look and it won't make them look pale or ghostly. Medium or olive-skinned women may wear this with a smokey eye makeup and it can be very sexy. This can also be a great nude for those with deeper skin tones!

This is a versatile color that's perfect for any day or event. It is such a classic and elegant shade -- which is why I chose to wear it on my very special day, our wedding. I think it suited the occasion really well! Simple yet classy.

M.A.C Velvet Teddy will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Wearing Velvet Teddy on our Wedding Day.

Review Roundup: MAC Velvet Teddy

Pros:
non-drying

full coverage
long wearing

Cons:
(:

Overall:

5/5

Giving Birth: What to Bring for Mommy and Baby

Hi gals! I'll keep this short but sweet. I just gave birth last week. ♥ As a first-time mom, with all the anxiety and anticipation (and probably restlessness) we're feeling just before giving birth (or going into labor), I know it can be difficult to assess the things we will actually need to bring at the hospital. Hopefully, this list of things to bring for mommy and baby can help other future first-time moms out there!

What to Bring for Baby (what I brought):
□ tie-sides & pajama pairs

□ mittens

□ socks

□ caps

□ receiving/swaddling blankets

□ going home outfit

□ bibs/washcloth

□ lampin

□ diapers

□ cotton

□ baby wipes

□ alcohol

□ baby oil

□ baby wash

the following items are optional:

□ feeding bottles

□ bottle cleanser, brush

□ sterilizer

□ bath tub

□ thermos

What to Bring for Mommy:

□ button-up pajamas

□ binder

□ maternity pads and/or adult diapers

□ toiletries

□ vanity kit

□ gadgets. chargers. camera

□ documents (I brought our marriage certificate, Philheath docs.)

□ clothes for husband/companion

Quick Review: Etude House Pearl Aura Brightening Essence

Etude House says:

The brightening and revitalizing essence makes skin look transparent and radiant. ·This is a brightening essence that contains Tahiti black pearl extract based fine aurora particles that enhance the skin’s natural transparent glow, brightening up dull areas for the effect of just awakened, fresh skin. ·With sufficient moisture and skin-friendly properties, This essence absorbs quickly without the use of cotton pads, hugging the skin with its smooth texture for a healthy looking glow.

First off, the formula is translucent-pearly white (has micro shimmers) that is easily absorbed by the skin. It has a strong floral scent which I honestly am not a fan of. I dislike strong fragrances on my skin care products, especially with my acne-prone skin!

After using for a few weeks, I must say that it did brighten my skin. It also moisturizes my skin quite well despite of how light it is. However, it did not give me the glow I was expecting, and worse, it was breaking me out. As I am already suffering from [even more] pimples and marks because of my pregnancy, I couldn't take any mooore acne problems - so I had to get rid of it.

You might still want to give this a try, but for those of you who have sensitive and acne-prone skin like mine, I'll just remind you to be extra cautious. Anyways, this is available for PHP 898 at any Etude House branch here in the Philippines, I got mine from their Glorietta store. Thanks for reading. Ciao!

Summer Must-Have: thebalm Stainiac in Homecoming Queen

It's summer, ladies! Now's a good time to update our makeup essentials and be summer-ready with sheers, waterproofs, and naturals. One great product to have is a lip and cheek tint. And one of my favorite tints is thebalm Stainiac.

The shade Homecoming Queen is sooo perfect for summer!

The mango-coral tint dries down to a warmer, peachier color so it looks more natural and doesn't give you orange popsicle lips, or cheeks. 

Its gel-based formula doesn't dry lips out, and provides more pigmentation unlike other watery lip and cheek tints. It doesn't streak. And there's no need to rush blending because it won't set immediately.

It lasts a fairly long time, this is just perfect for picnics, outings or adventures under the scorching summer heat. (:

thebalm Stainiacs are available at Beauty Bar for PHP 650.00.

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Review Roundup: thebalm Stainiac in Homecoming Queen

Pros:
non-drying

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

Cons:
--

Overall:

4.5/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes