The Althea Un-Pore-Getable Box Review


Althea Korea's Popular Beauty Boxes

I must say that when it comes to beauty boxes, Althea Box is hands down, a winner in that department. No subscription, no surprises. If I see a box I like, I can buy it. Prices range from RM99 - RM120++ for a box. Shipping takes 10 - 15 working days to from South Korea and then couriered right to your doorsteps (signature is needed).

Sometimes the delivery is fast, say 3 - 5 working days.
Sometimes there are bonus samples thrown in (if you're lucky).

But the best part about buying Althea boxes is that they're full-size Korean Beauty products of mixed brands that I can gleefully discover for a fraction of the actual worth! If I like what I'm using, I can purchase the product right off Althea Korea.

Here's a shopping tip: Mon, Wed & Fridays is when parcels are going out for shipping at Althea.

The Un-pore-getable Box RM127 (worth RM417)

Just FYI, the only reason Althea Box exists is that it's made to entice you to try out Korean beauty products. Some could be brands you know already, some are brands that you don't even know exists! Mind you, there are MANY K-Beauty brands out there. It's such a competitive market that everyone wants to outdo one another by coming up with the latest, coolest, or cutest products.

I don't always buy Althea box because then my home will be a warehouse. BUT when Althea released the "Un-Pore-Getable" Box I just couldn't say no to buying it. Why?


Quirky Name | Attractive Price | Brands I love | Brands I want to try


I love the quirky names they give for their boxes! Makes it all the fun to own the box IMHO. And because I could actually see what's inside the box makes it easier to decide if I should pay for it. The box is meant for people with pore-blems (see what I did that lol) and I have enlarged pores on my nose and cheeks that are becoming very annoying when I look into the mirror.

I also liked that the box has three popular brands I know - Laneige, Innisfree and Dear Klairs. Of course, my favorite here is the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask which retails for RM63.20 so this box was already a steal for having 7 products inside.


What's Inside The Un-Pore-Getable Box?

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Common Labs Mild Peeling Finger Pad
Laneige Powder Fit Cushion #23 Sand
Rire All Kill Pore Tightening Ice Stick
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Care Sample Kit
My Beauty Mask Pack


** I'll be listing the retail value of the prices if I have information on it **

a box full of goodies makes me happy!

a total of 7 products given

and a pack of assorted skincare samples
(I love free samples yay)

After nearly a week, the postman came! I tore the pink package and went through the box excitedly like a kid in a candy store. Feeling very happy and contented, I finally calm down and open the first thing I was curious to try the Rire All Kill Pore Tightening Ice Stick. What a long name =_= ... anyway, I twist the product out and it reveals a white balm. I read reviews that it's cooling and refreshing to the skin but I don't feel it. Perhaps the ice toner I bought from Althea previously did a much better job at cooling the skin temperature down when it comes to "ice" products.

I left it in my fridge and gave it another go, and this time I had the icy cool effect I needed! It felt so nice on my hot cheeks, and I could feel a firming plumping effect. I think one would have to use this for a few more times to see if it does help with pore problems. For me, it plumped and made my pores smaller only on the first couple of use.


Rire All Kill Pore Tightening Ice Stick

Common Labs Mild Peeling Finger Pad (7pcs)

this is how the finder pad looks like

This is another curious cat product that I wanted to try! I've been having a love-hate relationship with peeling pads. Some are quite harsh and should be avoided if you have sensitive skin like me. You'll know because it starts giving you a burning sensation, and the area turns red (irritation). I gave this a go and it didn't irritate my skin *phew*.  Thought I would only use these a few times a week and not every day so my skin doesn't thin out from the "peeling".

I like that you can slip your fingers inside and then start massaging your face in circular motions. I can see it the pad turning dark, cleaning away the dirt and sebum on my face. Only 7 pieces inside this box, I think it's great for traveling but not for long-term use.


Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask RM63.20

a 6-in-1 pore treatment clay mask

This pore clay mask is my favorite among the bunch! This is a lot cheaper than Glam Glow's Youth Mud if you're in a tight pinch. Containing super volcanic cluster capsules, this 6-in-1 pore treatment clay mask helps to absorb sebum and deep cleanse your pores. Your face will feel cleaner, brighter and firmer after using. If you have dry skin, be sure to use a moisturizer or hydrating mask after this because clay masks can be very drying.

I use this mask when I want to overhaul my face during the weekends. I'll start by cleansing my face with my Clarisonic Mia facial cleanser, then applying this clay mask all over my face avoiding the sensitive eye area and mouth. Y

P.S: You can opt for the peeling pads from the box instead of cleansers.
I leave this on for 10-15mins and wash off with warm water (it dissolves faster). Then I use the W.Lab Black Kill Pore Cleaner which comes with a massaging tip that dispenses the product. This helps soften and remove blackheads! For stubborn blackheads on my nose, I use a blackhead patch (any kind) to remove them or a blackhead suction machine (I use Philip's pore vacuum).

Follow by toner or anything icy cool to "shut" the pore holes!

The box came with Klair's popular toner so I am using this instead until it runs out. I've heard how good it is for sensitive skin but only tried it for the first time thanks to this box! It is really amazing, I can't believe how soft it made my skin feel. It's a bit thicker than normal toners since Korean's like to make toners that are beneficial to the skin. It's more of an essence based toner. I am impressed!

Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner 30ml

My Beauty Rice Sheet Mask

If you've dry skin, then after a clay mask you should slap on a moisturizing mask. My Beauty Rice Sheet Mask comes in handy here. When I tear open the packaging, there's so much juice in it! The sheet mask fits perfectly on my face (I hate big masks that's uncontrollable) so this one is just perfect. Rice masks are great for brightening your face and for anti-aging (think SK-II). My skin, particularly around my cheeks, are juicy plump after this mask! The downside, there's a lot essence left on my face and after removing, it gets sticky (don't like sticky) so I washed it off. The juices are already inside my skin anyway :D

P.S: I REALLY LOVE THIS MASK! I'll get more on my next Althea haul! Cheeks so juicy, soft, plumper and hydrated!!!


Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Care Sample Kit

The box has a sample kit which I stored sneakily away for travel purposes (I'm not going to use this now! sorry! no reviews). Innisfree's sample kits are just too cute to use hehe! 'coz there's cute lil' fellas on it (Jeju Volcanic rocks). It has a packet of cotton pads, miniature pore cleansing foam 10ml, and pore toner 13ml.


Laneige Powder Fit Cushion #23 Sand RM139 - 159

cream to powder conversion

The last product from the box is from Laneige's long line of popular bb cushions. Unfortunately, the Powder Fit BB Cushion which is more suitable for oily skin since it gives a matte powdery finish isn't for me.  I have dry skin and even with all the skincare prep, I still don't like the finishing it gives. My face turned chalky and I could see lines and pores. Nope, not for me.

here's a tip: pin up your samples/masks
so you can see them and use them!

Overall, I am happy with my purchase of this box except for the bb cushion. Althea should stay making it a full skincare box for pore concerns, I don't understand why the bb cushion is included. Not everyone with pore problems has oily skin. Also the shade is pre-determined for the box, so if you're fairer or darker than #23 you won't be able to use this bb cushion. That's probably the weakness of the box when it comes to shade specific cosmetic products being put inside.

This box is already sold out but you should look forward to their monthly boxes. They release 2 - 4 types of boxes every month and loads of promotions too (which is killing my pocket). If you liked a particular product you read here, you can search for it on www.althea.kr to see if it's available. Since the box is exclusively curated, some products may not be individually sold on Althea.

P.S: I bought the Wanderlust Box too, and will be reviewing it next weekend! That box is super cool too because it has the popular Peri Pera Fashion People Carier in New York. I'm giving away the Seoul one on my blog birthday giveaway.



Comments

  1. I've been wanting to try Innisfree 6-in-1 pore treatment clay mask. Will make it on the list next time. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. love the super volcanic pore clay mask...

    ReplyDelete

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