Skincare has recently become quite an obsession for me! But even so, I’m not extremely particular because I like to keep everything very low-maintenance. So, it was really awesome when Althea Korea sent me the latest in their home-grown skincare line – their Bare Essentials set! Read on to find out my first impressions and mini-review! <3
The concept behind Althea Korea’s Bare Essentials product line is to condense and combine what would have been your normal Korean 10-step skin method into three easy steps, without compromising the quality and effectiveness of their ingredients!
“As one of the biggest digital beauty brands in Asia, Althea aims to continuously introduce intriguing new products this year to really show what we can bring to the market,” Frank Kang, C.E.O. of Althea discloses. “There will be many innovative products made with the newest beauty technology launching in the Southeast Asian region for the first time…we are very excited to pioneer these trends.”
The latest release from the Althea label is one that addresses a common problem faced by millions of Althea’s fans. “They don’t know what the specific steps and procedures are to complete the Korean skincare routine. Many are fazed by the number of steps but when in reality, it shouldn’t be a difficult process at all,” Hyeyoung Park, Head of Brand, shares.
“We wanted to go back to the basics and really strip it all down to give the customers the most fundamental steps. From billions of data we’ve collected over 3 years, the most prominent fact is that a solid routine starts from 3 essential steps – cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. All the other additional steps added to your routine are just that – additional.”
“We also believe that when one has great skin, it decreases the amount of makeup needed to create a perfect complexion, hence the phrase ‘your skin completes makeup’,” Hyeyoung adds.
The Bare Essentials skincare line comes with three products – the Contour Cleanser, the Primer Water, and the Fixer Cream.
1. The Contour Cleanser, 150g (Php 300.00)
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. The Contour Cleanser helps to promote blood circulation, and reduces bloating and swelling for a defined, enviably slim face shape.
The Contour Cleanser is a pretty thick cleanser that turns into a light foam when mixed with water. It claims to have micro capsules mixed in but I don’t feel any sort of grainy material rubbing against my skin when I use it. When rinsed, it leaves my skin smooth and squeaky clean without being overly drying.
It hasn’t broken me out (and I was testing these products out on/off for a week and more, even during my red days!). One con, though, is that there is a very noticeable fragrance when the product is used, nothing overbearing but you will notice that it’s there. 🙂
2. The Primer Water, 200ml (Php 550.00)
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. 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.
The Primer Water is a cloudy substance that’s more gel-like than water. It is a little bit runny and it applies quite sticky on the face. However, it does dry quickly and is very lightweight!
I have been using this more in the mornings as the product claims to be both a toner and a primer but I haven’t really noticed a change in the application of my make-up. Same as the Contour Cleanser, this primer water also has a noticeable fragrance. 🙂
3. The Fixer Cream, 50g (Php 640.00)
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. 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.
The Fixer Cream is also creamy and lightweight. I use this mostly in the mornings after applying the Primer Water when I feel like my skin needs an extra pump of hydration. I still cannot say if there is much of a difference in my skin since using this cream but I haven’t broken out from any of these products and THAT is always a good thing.
My final thoughts: The Althea Korea Bare Essentials skincare line is exactly what it is – the bare essentials. It provides a basic skincare routine for those who are just getting into skincare. Despite the really noticeable scent from these products (I’m used to close to no scent from all items in my normal skincare routine), they are a great diving board into the wonderful world of skincare.
I would highly recommend this line for the low-maintenance ladies like me, those who are always on the go, and for those who love to travel light! If you’re looking to treat a specific skin concern like aging, hyperpigmentation, or acne, these products can still play a part of your skincare routine as fillers or in-betweeners for products that can address certain skin concerns! 🙂
Interested in getting the products? Althea Korea is offering an additional 10% off with a free special edition mirror if you purchase now! 🙂 #AltheaKorea #AltheaBE #AltheaBareEssentials #BareEssentials
*The products in this post are sponsored by Althea Korea but all views and opinions are honest and my own. 🙂
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