I have been on the Kbeauty skincare journey for almost two years now and even though my skin isn't yet perfect, I am happy with its current state. It was a long and tough ride, and my skin has experienced the worst. Fortunately, my patience did not falter and I learned how to listen to my skin's needs as what Liah Yoo had adviced. She has been my greatest mentor in understanding more about skincare.
Last February, an Althea Pixie invited me to join in their exclusive elite team of gossipers to receive and review their latest products. Having worked with them in their release on their first product, which was the Althea Petal Velvet Powder, I immediately signed up. I thought it would be awesome to be one of their gossip girls to try and test out their newest skincare line.

Come the last week of March, the PR package arrived on my doorstep and I was beyond excited to try each and every one of them. In the box, I got the 3 products in full size - the Contour Cleanser, Primer Water, and Fixer Cream, together with 5 samplers, a cute limited edition Bare Essentials mirror, and a granite marble tile for flatlay purposes. I immediately shared an unboxing of these on my Instagram stories (@renalexis01) which are now saved in my Skincare Highlights.


Althea has introduced a simplified skincare routine by just using the most basic step which is cleanse-tone-moisturize. And with their newly launched brand - Bare Essentials - these steps are all you need to have that smooth, plump face. "You skin completes makeup" and all that jazz.

Great makeup starts with great skin - minimize your base make-up with Althea Bare Essentials! With nourishing ingredients and easy execution, this 3-product regime breaks down and simplifies the K-beauty routine for the urban woman. Step 1 is the Contour Cleanser, a rich and foaming cleanser that removes impurities while improving blood circulation for that V-shaped look. It contains micro-capsules to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling cool and refreshed too! Use together with the Primer Water and Fixer Cream for best results! Don't just cover up - complete your makeup with your skin. (Althea)

I have incorporated each product gradually, one by one, in my skincare routine. And having been using them for roughly over a month, I think I can confidently give an honest to goodness review of each product now.

Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser (Price: PHP300)

This cleanser lathers up into a rich foam. It has micro-capsules for gentle exfoliation and claims to reduce swelling to have that defined face shape (that's why it's named as a contour cleanser 😉). It says that it is suitable for all skin types. And its key ingredients are Ice plant that hydrates and calms redness, and Lemon Myrtle which is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen the skin.

How to use this product: Dampen the skin, then squeeze out a small amount and lather onto the face, massaging in circular motions. Rinse off with water after.

Complete ingredients list: Glycerin,Water, Myristic Acid,Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, PEG-32, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Microcrystalline Cellulose,Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Lactose, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Polyquaternium-67, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Menthol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-7,Fructooligosaccharides,Saccharide Hydrolysate, Pullulan, 1,2-Hexanediol,Tocopheryl Acetate, Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract,Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (source)

My Thoughts: So what I like about this cleanser is that you only need a pea-size amount to cleanse your whole face, literally a pea-size amount. It lathers up so nicely so this product will go a really long way that its 300-peso price tag makes it so worth it. It has a subtle scent that isn't overpowering which I like, and after I wash it off, it doesn't dry out my skin. I don't feel a tightening sensation and I can feel how smooth and soft my skin becomes. It doesn't strip off my skin's moisture and I highly appreciate this effect. As for its effectivity on keeping my acne at bay, I don't think this does much. Yes it definitely hydrates, but I need a cleanser that contains salicylic acid to tame my acne and I've found a great cleanser for this. So yep, this is one factor that will make me think twice about repurchasing this product. For its packaging, it comes in a white matte translucent tube. I think it looks pretty even if it's just in a plain white tube. I love how it stays true to its name, being bare and all.

Product Rating: 4/5

Bare Essentials Primer Water (Price: PHP550)

This toner hydrates and preps the layers of the skin. It has "Dewdrops” that soften and improve suppleness, and acts as a primer that smooths out unevenness in the skin. It is suitable for all skin types. And its key ingredients are Snow lotus which smoothens and brightens the skin while evening out its texture, and the Patented "dewdrop" formulation that revitalizes the skin and provides immediate, effective moisture.

How to use this product: Pour out a small amount and apply evenly onto the face, gently patting in for better absorption.

Complete ingredients list: Water, Propanediol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Alcohol,1,2-Hexanediol, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Betaine, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pullulan, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Agar, Polysorbate 20, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance (source)

My Thoughts: Similar to the Contour Cleanser, this Primer Water comes in a white translucent plastic bottle. It is sealed with a silver cap engraved with the letter A on it. The packaging is practical and not bulky, so I really like it. Proceeding on its content, this toner has a thick consistency that resembles that of an essence. It's not your common watery toner and this is what makes this product unique. It is both an essence and a toner in one and I really like it. But even though it has a thick texture, it absorbs quickly to my skin and this is what I look for in a toner. I love how it instantly makes my skin feels hydrated and plump. I usually layer this product 2-3 times in my evening routine to get maximum hydration. I also like its flowery subtle scent. Overall, this is one of my faves in this skincare line. Repurchase? Oh yes, I will!

Product Rating: 5/5

Bare Essentials Fixer Cream (Price: PHP640)

This moisturizer claims to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to plump them, give 24-hour hydration, and have a non-sticky finish once absorbed. Its key ingredients are Trehalose, which is a powerful humectant that retains moisture on the skin, Wild Green Tea which is hydrating, skin soothing and packed with antioxidants, and Baobab Tree Extract which is a non-greasy moisturizing agent that helps promote collagen production. Of course, this product claims to be suitable for all skin types.

How to use this product: Apply evenly onto the face and gently pat in till absorbed

Complete ingredients list: Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Dimethicone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol,Polysorbate 60,PEG-100 Stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate-13, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Polyisobutene, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pullulan, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate,Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract,Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Fragrance (source)

My Thoughts: I love this cream! If you don't know yet, moisturizing is my favorite skincare step. And with this product, it gives my skin the moisture it needs and I just love how my skin drinks this product up. This product is lightweight so it is perfect for morning use. It plumps up my skin and gives me that healthy glow. I love its scent and I love its texture which is simply just a fluffy, white cream. It's not too thick, it's not too runny or watery, it's just the perfect cloudy texture that gives my skin the nutrition it needs. For its 640-peso price point, I think this 1.76 oz of product is worth the money. And you'll only need a little product to cover your face so a jar will probably last you for 2 or 3 months. This cream isn't rich enough for night use though, so I only use this moisturizer in my morning routine. Another downside of it is it doesn't come with a spatula. So having this product in a jar becomes unhygienic after a time because you'll be dipping your finger to get the product every time. The good thing is that I have an extra spatula from my previous product empties which is what I am using now for this one, hehe. Overall verdict, I love this product. I definitely see myself going back to this one even if I will be testing out other moisturizers. Repurchase? Yes, I definitely will.

Product Rating: 4.5/5 (just cause it doesn't come with a spatula)