My Althea Christmas Wish List.

Just ten more days before Christmas and Yue and I are stuck at home, both nursing a cough, cold, and fever. We were supposed to go to the mall with the rest of the family today; unfortunately, we had to stay behind because we're both sick. Boo hoo! :(

Bummed that I won't be able to go on a shopping spree, I cheered myself up by writing my Christmas wish list. If you're a friend, a relative, or simply a kind soul who wants to send me something for the holidays *wink wink*, this list will give you an idea of what would make my Christmas merrier. Everything on this list is related to K-beauty and can easily be found on the Althea website - no need to go to the mall and brave the Christmas crowd, lol!

Hera x Blindness Black Cushion, Php 2620.

Hera x Blindness Black Cushion.

I'm a self-confessed cushion addict so it's only natural that the Black Cushion from Hera tops my list. This limited edition cushion is part of the Hera x Blindness Collection - Hera's holiday offering for 2018, and a collaboration with the Korean fashion brand 'Blindness'. 

Hera's Black Cushion is known for its lightweight texture, long wearability, and non-sticky, semi-matte finish - things that I usually look for in a cushion.

Etude House Tiny Twinkle Dear My Blooming Lips-Talk, Php 1430.

Etude House Tiny Twinkle Dear My Blooming Lips-Talk Velvet Mini Kit.

Another limited edition item that piqued my interest is the Tiny Twinkle Dear My Blooming Lips-Talk Velvet Mini Kit from Etude House. Its name is so long, I know. Haha!

This set includes ten mini lipsticks - 7 velvety mattes + 3 shimmery shades housed in a lovely tin can. I've seen swatches of all ten shades and they're all very pretty. I know my Mum and my sister would love these lippies as well, so I plan to share this set with them should I receive one as gift. :)

Too Cool for School Art Class by Rodin Blusher, Php 680.

Too Cool for School Art Class by Rodin Blusher.

Ah yes, another blush to feed my cheek color obsession.

This product caught my eye because it contains three shades in one pan. The shades can be used individually, or can be blended together to give your cheeks an even more gorgeous and slightly more intense flush of color. 

Althea Flawless Creamy Concealer, Php 200.

Althea Flawless Creamy Concealer.

Althea's very own beauty brand is growing fast, and I'm so glad to see a new makeup item on their list. This concealer couldn't have come at a more perfect time - I'm so ready to give up on my current stick concealer from another K-beauty brand! I swear, that concealer will go straight to the dumpster as soon as I get my hands on the Flawless Creamy Concealer from Althea!

Missha Glow Skin Balm, Php 800.

Missha Glow Skin Balm.

Now this is one product that I really, really want to get my hands on. A multi-purpose product, the Missha Glow Skin Balm works as a moisturizer, morning pack, primer, and glow cream all-in-one for gleaming, healthy-looking skin. It also promises '30 hours of moisture maintenance' which is exactly what I need during this moisture-zapping, skin-drying time of the year. 

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence, Php 1730.

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence.

I'm a huge fan of Laneige's Water Bank skincare line, so I was very much thrilled to receive a sample of this product when I visited the Laneige Flagship Store in Edae last June. As with the other Water Bank products, the Hydro Essence promises deep moisture and clear, radiant skin.

I love the thin, watery consistency of this essence, and how it's easily absorbed by the skin without the sticky, greasy feel. You get that 'chok chok' effect (super hydrated, dewy) on your skin even after the first use, and that's what I love the most about this product. And with that, I'm ready to go full size!

Primera Miracle Seed Essence, Php 2100.

Primera Miracle Seed Essence.

Another product that I had the chance to try while I was in Korea is the Miracle Seed Essence from Primera. I received samples of this essence while walking around Myeongdong last spring, and although I wasn't quite familiar with the brand at that time, I was willing to give it a try because it was endorsed by Park Hyung Sik. (The power of Hallyu advertising, lol!)

Made with lotus seed extracts, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and adenosine, the Miracle Seed Essence not only smoothens and moisturizes the skin, but also evens out the skin tone and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A miracle product, indeed.

Son & Park Beauty Water Set, Php 1160.

Son & Park Beauty Water Set.

The so-called Beauty Water from Son & Park was all the rage last year - K-beauty enthusiasts raved about it, skincare junkies loved it, K-pop artists use it. I'm a bit late for the craze but I thought I'd try it anyway, because I'm all for multi-function skincare products that actually work.

Banila Co. White Wedding Dream Cream, Php 1340.

Banila Co. White Wedding Dream Cream.

The name sounds dreamy AND promising, doesn't it? 

The White Wedding Dream Cream from Banila Co. is an instant skin whitening cream, formulated with a flower-complex and an array of vitamins to nourish and hydrate the skin and even out the skin tone. It also contains blooming powder (sounds lovely, whatever that is) to brighten up the skin and give it a healthy, radiant glow. 

Having read lots of positive feedback about this product made me curious enough to actually want to try it! I just hope this will work wonders for my skin the way it did for others!

COSRx Acne Pimple Master Patch, Php 190.

COSRx Acne Pimple Master Patch.

I have been blessed with clear, acne-free skin, and I thank my parents A LOT for that. Of course, I still get the occasional zit or two, which usually pops up whenever I'm about to have my period. Whenever that happens, I always count on the ever-reliable COSRx Acne Pimple Master Patch to cover my zit and get rid of it in a jiffy. 

This is one of several K-beauty products that I highly recommend and absolutely can't live without. I still have two unopened packs of this pimple patch, but I wouldn't mind receiving a few more and adding them to my stash.

So how's this for a (K-beauty) Christmas wish list? I'd love to read about your own Christmas wish list! Let me know what's listed on yours by leaving a comment on this post! :)

Spotlight | Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask.

It hasn't been long since Althea launched their own brand of sunscreen, and now they're back in the spotlight once again with another new product. Althea is on a roll these days when it comes to developing and launching new products, and it's such a delight to be able to try, test, and share my experience with each new item that they bring forth.

That being said, here's what I think about the Milk Peel Cream Mask, the latest addition to Althea's growing family.

Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask.

The Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask is a gentle peeling mask that promises to give your skin a 'big gulp of hydration' and 'refreshed complexion'. It combines the power of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) with the gentle formulation of milk to slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and moisturize the skin. It also contains kaolin, a naturally occurring clay mineral that has long been heralded for its ability to detoxify, cleanse, and soothe even the most sensitive skin.

Nothing much to read here so I had to look up all the pertinent information on the internet, lol.

As with the other Althea products, the Milk Peel Cream Mask has a simple, minimalist packaging. It comes in a 50 mL pump bottle housed in a white box with hardly any English text on it. I had to look up all the pertinent information on the internet because hey, that's what Google is for (lol). At least I knew beforehand that this is a wash-off mask (not a peel-off mask as I originally thought it was) and it's tested by dermatologists, as indicated on the box.

Got milk? :)

Pump bottle.

To use, simply apply an even layer onto damp skin and leave it on for 30-60 seconds before rinsing it off with warm water. You get a creamy clay texture as you pump the product out of the bottle, but as you slather it on your skin, it transforms into a bubbly foam. That tingling, ticklish sensation that I felt as the product turns into a foamy lather reminded me of the Bubi Bubi Lip Bubble Lip Scrub, which I use to exfoliate my lips. Its mild, powdery scent, on the other hand, reminded me of the baby cologne that my son currently uses.

Creamy clay texture.

My skin feels really smooth and clean - bouncy, even - after every use. I don't apply this on a daily basis, though, as my skin tends to be dry during this time of the year and the last thing I should be doing is over-exfoliating my skin. I use the Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask twice a week at the most, but if your pores need a bit more unclogging, you can use this product thrice a week. This product is ideal for all skin types, even for those with sensitive skin.

Bubbly! 

The Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask retails for Php 490 and is exclusively available at the Althea website. For a limited time, you can get free shipping on all Althea exclusives using the code PBSHIP at checkout. In addition, you can get a 20% discount on your first order using my referral code.

Say hello to my new hair! :)

And yes, I finally had the chance to change my hairstyle, just in time for my birthday. Speaking of which, thank you Althea for my birthday gift! You guys are so generous that I have more than enough Reward Points on my account to splurge on skincare with! :)

Spotlight | Althea Petal Velvet Powder.

When my second Althea Angels box arrived at my doorstep a few weeks back, I was thrilled to discover not one, not two, but all three Petal Velvet Powders included in my parcel. I've read/heard tons of positive feedback about them and the curious cat in me have been wanting to give these powders a try. Thanks to our friends from Althea, I finally got to feed my curiosity. Yay!

Althea Petal Velvet Powders.

As its name suggests, the Petal Velvet Powder is a loose powder that helps minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines for a flawless, 'petal-like' complexion. It's made with micro particles that blur skin imperfections and keep shine at bay, and contains Althea seed extracts that moisturize the skin and protect it against damaging free radicals. It also contains polyphenols to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, and saponarin that repairs damaged cells and restores skin elasticity.

Althea Petal Velvet Powders in all three variants.

I love its simple, minimalist packaging. The product comes in a tiny frosted jar with a pastel-colored cap. There's a sifter inside the jar, and a tiny white puff for you to apply the powder with. Of course, you can also use a brush for application, but I prefer patting the powder on my face using the marshmallow-soft puff that comes with it.

Soft and fluffy!

As for the powder itself, it's finely-milled and silky smooth to touch. It's lightweight and easy to apply, and melts naturally on the skin, making your face a soft, smooth, and flawless canvas. Plus points for its mild and delicate floral scent, which lingers on the skin for a wee bit after application.

That's the sifter right there.

The Althea Petal Velvet Powder comes in three variants - Translucent, which makes a great setting powder and is suitable for all skin tones; Warm Beige, which gives the skin a bit more coverage; and Pink Lavender which livens up dull complexions. I love all three shades as they all work nicely on my skin, but I tend to reach for the latter more often because of its brightening effect.

Warm Beige on top, Pink Lavender on the left,
and Translucent on the right.

Now as far as wear time is concerned, these powders can keep the oil at bay for four to five hours. On colder days (like today), this powder can stay put for eight hours straight without caking or patching.

From L-R (under indoor lighting): Translucent, Warm Beige, Pink Lavender.

From L-R (under natural light): Translucent, Warm Beige, Pink Lavender.

The Althea Petal Velvet Powder retails for Php 210 (around $4) each - very affordable, yes - and is exclusively available at the Althea website. If you're new to Althea, you can enjoy a 20% discount on your first order using my referral code. You're welcome. :)

Used the Althea Petal Velvet Powder in Pink Lavender to set my makeup.

How to Control the Collection of Pests in Your Home.

Children love to collect things as a hobby and it's a fun thing to do. It might be just rocks, seashells, or stickers, but it gives them so much satisfaction. The good part is that they learn certain skills through their collection such as personal responsibility, organization, social skills, and reading skills among others.

The downside to engaging in this activity is that they are susceptible to collecting pests that can be quite hazardous. When they do this, collecting ceases to be fun and becomes a dangerous affair, and you naturally begin to worry. However, you do not need to worry as Moxie Pest Control companies can sort it out.

Pests can destroy the peace of the family by causing diseases and allergens. They can contribute to frequent visits to the hospital and spending of millions of dollars in healthcare and pest management. So as a parent what can you do to get rid of bugs in your home?

Here are a few tips:

Prime Minister and I, 2013.

1. Secure the perimeter
Get to know what pests get attracted to and prevent them from entering the home. A garbage can left open can easily attract rodents, flies, and ants. Ensure that the garbage can is closed or is emptied regularly.

Decaying leaves have the potential to attract ants and millipedes. Stagnant water around the home can be a breeding area for mosquitoes and termites. You can ensure that you dispose of any sitting water to avoid the stress that comes with having mosquitoes in the home. In addition to this, you can also cut long grass within the vicinity of your house.

Always ensure that you seal off any cracks in the walls or floors. You can do this by using steel wool or caulk. You can also do a regular checkup in your attic to keep away pests that are likely to hide there, such as rats.

Legend of the Blue Sea, 2016.

2. Watch where you go
It is essential to be careful who you visit or the places that you go. Pests can always invade your home, even if you take precautions to keep them out. They can easily get into your home in different ways.

For example, you visit a store that has a problem with cockroaches. You could carry an insect in your bag back home. You might carry bedbugs from a hotel stay or even buy furniture that has termites and pests from a yard sale. Chances of getting pests in your home are very high. You could ask the children to check their clothing or collections to ensure that they do not carry these insects into the house.

Take precautions when you come back from a visit away from home. You could shower and do an examination to get rid of ticks. Simple procedures can help you to get rid of pests, such as laying traps for them and vacuuming the house. However, you must know what these procedures entail. Speak to a professional, such as Moxie Pest Control, who will be better placed to answer a question and advice accordingly.

The Greatest Love, 2011.

3. Keep your kitchen clean
Store food in tight containers to prevent pests from contaminating it. Avoid spills that can attract pests, such as flies.

Before embarking on using pesticides, you could try keeping pests away using chemical-free ways. Here are a few suggestions to help you out:

•To get rid of ants, sprinkle an unbroken trail of black pepper or Cayenne across their path.

•Keep cockroaches away by keeping the ends of cucumber in the cupboards. You could also use repellants, such as dried pyrethrum and vanilla beads. One other quick way to kill them is to use a heat gun that burns their wings and flushes them from their hiding areas.

•Steel wool can work for a mouse. What you do with it is to seal any crack on the wall or floor using steel wool, as a mouse cannot chew through it.

•Bedbugs can be bothersome as they tend to be tough to get rid of. Always inspect your home for a black stain that they tend to leave behind. They are attracted to body odors and can easily hide in piles of clothes waiting to be washed. You can air your beddings and change them regularly to prevent them from breeding.

You can enlist the help of a professional, as an end result, to help you control pests in your home. They tend to be more knowledgeable on how to return sanity in your home through pest control management.

Spotlight | Peripera Pure Blushed Velvet Cheek.

Although it was not my intent to buy a new blush during the Lazada 11.11 Sale, my current obsession with cheek color was just way too strong that I found myself adding the Peripera Pure Blushed Velvet Cheek to my shopping cart before the stroke of midnight.

Peripera Pure Blushed Velvet Cheek in Emotional Dry Lilac (top),
 Cozy Creamy Rose (middle), and Appealing Dry Coral (bottom).

Inspired by beautiful autumn petals, this new set of blushers was launched a few weeks back as part of the Peripera 2018 Fall Collection, which the brand fondly calls as their 'Pink Moment' line. The colors were gorgeous in photos, and even more so in actual.

My very own Peripera Pure Blushed Velvet Cheek, delivered four days after the Lazada 11.11 Sale.

I got shade number 8 aka Appealing Dry Coral, a muted burnt orange that's suitable for all skin tones and befitting of the current makeup trend. Apparently, orange blush is the 'in' thing this season, and the shade that I got blends right in. (Pun intended, lol.)

Shade name, batch number, and expiration date printed at the bottom of the pan.

I fell in love with this blush the moment I saw it on the Peripera website, and I loved it even more when I finally got to try the product. This blush has a soft, creamy texture that glides onto skin like velvet. Its texture is quite similar to the Airy Ink Velvet lip stains which is creamy to touch but feels light as air when applied on the skin.

A closer look at the Peripera Pure Blushed Cheek Velvet in Appealing Dry Coral. 

I like how this blush doesn't streak nor look patchy even when worn on top of powder, and it doesn't enhance fine lines and pores the way other cream blushers do. Peripera recommends that you tap the blush on the skin to get that translucent, dewy flush, but if you want a matte finish, you can just rub it on your cheeks or apply it with a sponge.

Swatches under indoor lighting.

Swatches under natural light.

I also love how the blush melts into the skin to give your cheeks a natural, healthy-looking flush, with the color staying put for six to eight hours at the most. This shade is highly pigmented, as you can see, so you only need a swipe or two from the pan to give your cheeks a lovely pop of colour.

Morgan, me, and my orange cheeks. :)

And for ethereal, sun-kissed vibes, you can top it off with shimmery highlight!

Products Used:
FACE: Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base,
Nature Republic Botanical Stick Concealer,
Holika Holika x Peko Hard Cover Glow Cushion,
Althea Petal Velvet Powder in #23 Warm Beige.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner,
Holika Holika Wonder Drawing Skinny Eyeliner in 03 Walnut Brown,
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara.
CHEEKS: Peripera Pure Blushed Velvet Cheek in #8 Appealing Dry Coral.
Sleek Makeup Highlighter (Solstice Palette) in Equinox.
LIPS: Beyond Alice in Glow Oil Tint in 04 Burgundy.

The Peripera Pure Blushed Velvet Cheek retails for Php 450, but I was able to purchase mine at Php 100 off. My only regret is that I did not buy the other two shades while they were on sale, huhu. Had I known these blushers would be so amazing, I would have bought all three in one go. Thankfully, there's a 12.12 Sale coming up - you know what I'm adding to my cart this time! :)