The other day, I went to my 2nd Get Laud photoshoot and I was surprised when my client, Ms. Jennifer asked me "PUMAYAT KA?!? WAG KA MASYADO PAPAYAT, MAWAWALAN KAMI NG PLUS SIZE MODEL!" with matching laughs! Hahaha! Even the photographers in the shoot (who also did the photography in our last Get Laud shoot the past October) commented that yes, my face has slimmed down obviously compared to the last time and they based it on the photos they took of me months ago and my photos from the shoot yesterday. 

I love being a plus size model, I love my body, all parts of it - even the areas with flaws: cellulites, stretchmarks, fats, I embrace it. BUT of course it is always beneficial that we take care of our bodies and maintain a pleasing and presentable appearance.

One of the things that I did not regret having done is facial contouring using 3D Hifu last Feb 3. What it did was it melted most of the the excess fats in my cheeks and chin esulting to a slimmer face. After the session, my face felt tighter and a bit slimmer. They said, this treatment is also good for smoothening and tightening the skin giving it a youthful look since it minimizes wrinkles too. 

So what is 3D Hifu?

Three-Dimension High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, better known as 3D-HIFU, is shaking up the beauty scene as it introduces a more innovative, more targeted, painless and non-surgical therapeutic treatment to tighten and lift skin, and even improve its support in achieving a more youthful look.

Unlike the regular Hifu, 3D HIFU is a one shot, 11 lines laser and high-intensity focused hifu that markets a more progressive and latest upgrade of creating a visible lift, face sculpting and fat reduction. It uses a 3-dimension technology that targets a wider and deeper area of the face or body. It is a slimming procedure that gives more visible result as fast as after first session. Brow, jaw and cheeks are lifted as well as the neck. It produces high collagen stimulation that gives more visible effect in the coming weeks and months. Unlike regular hifu, 3D hifu is the latest and more advanced when it comes to skin tightening, contouring and slimming.

For the face, depending on the skin situation, the procedure can be done after 6 months or 1  year after the prior 3d hifu session, since this treatment is strong and very intense, it is not recommended to be done every month. However, for aomeone who is overweight like me (who needs to lose 35 lbs or more to achieve their ideal BMI), it is recommend that my next session could be done after 2 months. 


For the body, it can be done every 3 weeks to a month, depending on the person's current body situation and their ideal body to achieve. 


Pros:
No downtime. No side effects. 
Noticeable results was seen immediately afterwards. 
More effective than the rf and cavitation treatments that I have tried in the past. 

Cons:
It could be painful. Honestly, pain is tolerable naman (and will depend on a person's pain threshold) and the intensity can be adjusted to clients preference. BUT since this procedure is very intense, I suggest that they opt to have a topical anesthesia applied 15 minutes prior the procedure to numb the area that will be treated. 

On the day itself, I took a before and after photos. As you can clearly see, I obviously have a chubby face and neck (esp on the left picture) BUT after the procedure I immediately felt my face become tighter and upon touching, I noticed that the fats on my double chin and cheeks have lessened.

Here are more photos of the side view. 

Prior to the 3D Hifu treatment, my face was cleansed and topical anesthesia cream was applied. I suggest not wearing makeup if you are planning to have this procedure for hygiene purposes because after the session, it is a must to NOT wash your face after 12-18 hours, also eating spicy food and cold drinks immediately after the procedure is a no-no so as to not cancel out the effects of 3D Hifu. 

For those who are asking why I have so many blemishes on my jawline and chin, they are hormonal acne that I have been trying to medicate for a few weeks now. No skincare products could actually fix them but medicine (won't recommend any brands, better talk to your OB) so I also had to lessen my carbs and sugar intake, and doing so helped as well in losing a bit of weight. 

Rose told me that the effects of 3D Hifu could be seen in a week or two, meaning that, yes, there will be more fats to lose in the treated area during those times (unless you eat SO MANY carbs and drink sugary stuff like a giant elephant, results will be otherwise of course). And so, I made sure to take photos 1 week AND 2 weeks afterwards.

Here are the results:

Photo above shows my face a few months BEFORE the procedure and 1 week AFTER the procedure. Same angle, slimmer chin. Alright, I still have some double chin left, I know haha, BUT the fact that it looks noticeable means that 3D Hifu is definitely effective! What I did after the treatment is lessening my carb and sugar intake (not totally removing them from my diet) which also helped in losing 2-5 pounds in 2 weeks. 

Comparing my photo ONE WEEK AFTER and TWO WEEKS AFTER the 3D Hifu session, I felt a minimal change upon touching my face, it feels tighter and my double chin felt reduced minimally although in the photos, they are not that much noticeable, maybe a tiny bit of difference.

So all in all, here are my thoughts:

3D Hifu by Rose Stein is definitely effective, fast, and convenient! If you wanted to undergo 3D-Hifu they are the people to call. They provide exclusive home treatments or you can visit them at the Luxe Spa at Trump Tower, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. Price range starts at P18,500 per area. 

For inquiries about 3D Hifu treatments, call 09266459170 and look for Rose Stein. 

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#3dhifu #hifu #3DHifubyRoseStein #LuxeSpa #hifuPH #HighIntensityfocusedUltrasound #3DHighIntensityFocusedUltrasound #slimmingph #facialcontourph #3dhifuph

Summer is near, can you feel it? 

During this season, the beauty trend is natural looking makeup with dewy skin, sunkissed blush, and tinted lips. While we would love to wear makeup so we can enhance our features, it is important to keep them minimal in order to avoid the caking of heavily applied foundation, concealer, and powder caused by summer heat and also, to prevent waxy lipsticks from bleeding and transferring to our face or clothes. 


Some of my favorite beauty products to use during this time are no-fuss multi-purpose lip tints, lip balms, and lip creams and I happen to have all of them from SUMMER GLOW! Oh, and yes, they got lots of variety to choose from!

Organic MultiPot Creams

Each pot contains a pigmented makeup cream that can be used as an eyeshadow base, blush on, and lipstick. The formulation is nice for it applies smoothly on the lips while moisturizing it. Also, it is buildable so you may use it sheer or fully opaque. 

LipLocked Lip & Cheek Tints

I received this full collection with different packaging: the first one is the Gel Tints contained in something like a bottle with brush applicator that reminds me of nail polish containers, and the second one is the more common cheek & lip tint roller containers.  Packaging-wise, I prefer the roller ball type since it is easier to use, unlike the other one which is prone to spilling. 

The shade names, I have noticed are inspired by the popar female celebrities in the country. I got 10 shades of them but my personal favorites would be Kathryn, Solenn, Anne, and Julia.

I think the darker shades look very similar to each other, only with a tiny bit of difference. Arci tend to be maroon-ish in person, Isabelle is plum with hint of brown, Georgina is raspberry more red violet-ish, Marian is a brighter version of Georgina only with more pink red tones to it, and Liza seems more dark fuchsia.

For me, their stains last a long time around 2-3hours unless you eat a greasy meal. This is perfect to use when swimming or going to the pool because it can surely leave you with a subtle healthy color on your face and lips. 

There are 3 more products here like Insta-Colour (though I am mot sure how different this one is from the Multi-Pot Creams. I really think that they function just the same. Only the color of this one is more opaque and pigmentation is better. 

They also have a Multi-Stick makeup that can be used for eyelids, cheeks, and lips. For the lips, they don't moisturize my lips, however, they give a decent color coverage without drying my lips. I think these are easier to use than the Multi-Pot creams because I wouldn't need to use a lip brush anymore (because using your fingers mught contaminate the products!!!)

They have two colors: Sage, mauve pink, and Gwyneth, nude brown. They look more matte compared to the Multi Pot Creams. 

I also received their Moisturizing Lip Balm that has a hint of peach brown hue. Applying it on the lips will instantly moisturizeand give a hint of color. I honestly like usung it because during summer, we tend to get dehydrated easily, but with this product, my lips don't dry out nor get chapped!

Summer Glow is a Philippine-brand that aims to provide awareness to the people that we have locally-made products that have great quality with affordable price. They also strive to provide the masses with several choices so that people will support local make ups instead of unlabeled (usually fake) China-made products that may contain toxic chemicals and other harmful ingredients.

Follow them in Instagram:
https://instagram.com/summerglow.ph

Althea Korea has always been reliable when it comes to shopping Korean beauty products for they give the best prices in the market (as far as I know) and because they ship them fast, in a week or two, you already got them by your doorstep!

What I admire the most about Althea is that, they keep on renovating and introducing new products to its customers. One of which is their very own brand of cosmetic products. First, they released the Petal Velvet collection which I reviewed a few months ago.

Now they got more products from concealers, eye shadow palette, highlighters, and cream tints! Read on to know more about them!

In this blog post, I will be reviewing the Althea cosmetics that I have used to achieve this look (check out photo below)! To set my makeup, I used their Petal Velvet powders but you can read them on another post I made, click here.

ALTHEA SKIN RELIEF SPOT FILM GEL (15ml, Php230) 

Another spot? Banish it like magic with Althea's Skin Relief Spot Film Gel! This zit-zapping treatment is a revolutionary formula that applies thinly onto the skin before drying down to a smooth canvas, protecting the area and allowing for makeup to be applied on without a trace!

​It contains tea tree oil to quickly and effectively treat acne, while a mix of Centella and pine leaf extracts calm redness, treating acne while you’re out and about. Say bye-bye to bulky, unsightly pimple patches and hello to flawless skin! 

Buy it HERE!

FLAWLESS CREAMY CONCEALER (6G/ Php200 each) 

Spots, panda eyes and other blemishes raining on your parade? 

Smooth over and cover them up with Althea's Flawless Creamy Concealer, a pigmented, blendable concealer that'll whisk them all away! 

This buildable formula is made with Aquaxyl to moisturize and improve the overall health of the skin, while its long-wearing properties ensure it stays on your face all day. You'll be looking and feeling great in no time! ​Aquaxyl, its key ingredient, is derived from birch tree sap, this extract creates a moisture barrier on the skin and prevents dehydration.

With a creamy, luxurious formula, this concealer leaves the skin looking naturally flawless. The coverage is buildable from sheer to medium. 

I usually use two shades of concealers on a daily basis, but in this review, I used three different shades for different purposes. 

For my undereye, I used the shade Vanilla, the lightest one. I always choose something that is one to two shades lighter than my facial skin tone. It is to lighten and diminish the appearance of dark circles for a glowing look. 
For my blemishes, I first use a color that is one shade darker (Honey) than my facial skintone. I use it to effectively cover dark spots caused by pimple scarring or accidental scratches. 
After blending the darker shade of concealer well, I used the shade Ginger, which is exactly the same as my facial skintone. I do that so the area with blemishes would blend well with the rest of my face, plus it also adds another coverage.

How to use? 
Blend effortlessly into the skin using any applicator you desire (fingertips, brush, sponge puff). Choose to wear it thin and sheer to even out the skin tone, or layer on for more pigmented coverage to hide blemishes for a flawless complexion.

EYE PALETTE SUNRISE & MOONRISE BCL X ALTHEA (Php1,780) 

Add some celestial magic into your beauty routine with Althea's very first eye shadow palette: Sunrise & Moonrise! Made in collaboration with Bunga Citra Lestari! 

These 8 shades will take you from gorgeous daytime to sultry night time, giving you the effortlessly glamorous feminine style Bunga is known for. In shimmers, mattes and glitters, these pigmented shadows glide easily onto the skin and blend out like a dream, allowing you to create an array of looks suitable for any occasion. 


Bunga Citra Lestari is an Indonesian singer and actress that have graced the screens of many across South East Asia. Affectionately known to her fans as BCL, she’s also a beauty and fashion icon that exudes style, beauty and femininity. 

This eyeshadow palette has 8 pigmented shades that can be worn for both daytime and night time: a mix of glitters, shimmers and mattes that are easily blendable. 


It has finely milled pigments  for easy blendability and well- pigmented application. 

The shades in this palette do not have names, so I will mention them one by one. (Please refer to the arm swatch below) 

First, I applied the lightest shade (8th from the left) all over my lids, including the brow bones, as a base. 
Second, I applied the lightest shade of brown (7th) on my lids. 
Third, I used a medium shade (6th) to color the crease of my lids. 
Fourth, for a pop of color, I topped my brown base with a shimmery pink (2nd) shade. 
Fifth, I applied the darkest shade of brown (1st color) on the corner of my lids, to enhance my eye shape, making it look bigger. 
Sixth, to highlight my brow bones, I once again applied the lightest shimmery color in this palette. Doing so gives my eyes "life". 

What I like about this palette is that the choices of colors are on point! Everything in it can be used everyday and all of them are flattering on my warm neutral complexion. The pigments in it are all buildable, it can be sheered out or applied boldly, it is easy to adjust the color application according to your liking.

The lighteat shade in this palette could also be used as a highlighter for the face. Apply it on the top of your cheekbones, on the nose and chin then you're good to go! Each pan also contains lots of products and I think, even if used everyday, this can last for a year or two. The price is very reasonable. 

SPOTLIGHT EYE GLITTER (4.5ML/ Php300 each) 

Have all eyes on you with Althea's Spotlight Eye Glitter! 

This sparkly number doubles up as both an eyeshadow and a liner to light up the eyes for some perky, glamorous peepers. Whether you like a subtle glow or a full-on glitter look, these have a hydrating formula that glides on like butter over the lids, allowing for an easy blend. 

Don't wait too long though, as they do set down, making them virtually budge-proof after. Pick from two pretty shades to suit your look! 

This sparkling eye glitter product are easily blendable and can be used as eyeshadow and highlighter. It comes with a precise brush application similar to an eyeliner. It immediately dries down and has a long wearing finish. This liquid formula melts into the skin, allowing the glitter to adhere better to the eyelids. 

HOW TO USE:

Apply onto the lids using the applicator. 
Gently pat in to blend and wait for 3-5 seconds to dry. 
Apply onto the bottom lash line for Aegyosal style makeup. 
Blend out with a finger or a cotton bud and wait for 3-5 seconds to dry. 

Get deliciously juicy lips with Althea's Watercolor Cream Tints (Php260/4.5ml each) 

These pretty tubes give you the best of all worlds with the pigmentation of a lipstick, the long-wearing power of a stain and the moisturizing formula of a gloss. Bold, pigmented and equipped with a pretty sheen, these lippies contain hyaluronic acid and squalene to prevent chapped lips from flaking, perfect for stashing in your purse for easy touch-ups and comfortable wear. Pick from 4 different shades to suit your mood!

These cream tints are all made in Korea.

Althea Watercolor Cream Tints have a long-wearing and hydrating formulation. This ip tint collection contains products that give a bold colour with a glossy sheen; there are have 4 shades to choose from.

The key ingredients are: squalene, it conditions and improves suppleness of the lips, and hyaluronic acid, a humectant that attracts moisture in the skin. 

How to use? Oh, its' easy! Apply directly onto the lips with the applicator provided and gently blend onto the lips. What I do is I apply it first on the middle of my lips and then, using my pink finger, I blend the color outwards until it fully colors my whole lips.

What I like about this watercolor cream tint is that they are easy-to-use for their blendability (can be sheered out or applied boldly), they feel lightweight and non-drying on the lips, and all the shades are flattering for Asian skin tones. These watercolors tints glide onto the lips, enveloping them in rich color and a hydrating formula.

Now here's my verdict! 

Do I recommend the Althea Cosmetics to others? 
Yes. Because first, they are made and designed in Korea, which is a country well-known for producing high-quality beauty products. 
Second, all the products performed well and passed my road test.
Third, they didn't cause me any alletgic reactions and breakouts. 

Is the price reasonable? 
Yes! The most expensive product in this collection is the eyeshadow palette. For Php1,780, it might be more expensive than other palettes in the market BUT since the formula is buttery, blendable, and well-pigmented, the price is worth it. 

As for the concealers, I find them cheap BUT do not let its price fool you because, as you can see in this review, they are good. The coverage is medium only so there is still a hint of dark spot in my acne seen after the application, but what I like is that it looks like second skin. So for the price of Php200 each? Worth it, babe! 

For the watercolor cream tints, the price of Php260 each is incredible, for that quality, you can't go wrong! The spoteye glitters for Php300 each is also awesome for they pigmentation is heavy and you only need a tiny dot! 

Check out Althea at http://ph.althea.kr

Want discounts? Get 20% off of your first order from Althea Korea by using my code:

share-ph.althea.kr/x/9ogNLC

AltheaKorea #AltheaAngels #AltheaMakeUp

Every woman wants to look her best whether she likes to look simple, or tough, or glam. For most of us, wearing makeup is one of the ways to express our personalities and to  look pleasant and presentable. However, we cannot deny the fact that some people have way more sensitive skin and lips compared to others, which limits their options in cosmetics and beauty products. 

Now, there is where Kresha Beauty Cosmetics comes in. They offer lipsticks that are cruelty-free and made with organic and natural ingredients, without compromising price and quality! 💗

Kresha Beauty Cosmetics Longwear Velvet Matte Lipsticks are made with shea butter, mango butter, argan oil, rosehip oil, plant collagen, and antioxidants. They claim to be long-lasting, heavily pigmented, and non-drying. 

Kresha Longwear Velvet Matte Lipsticks have a semi-matte finish that applies smoothly and doesn't tug on the lips (and skin for arm swatch). It has a buildable formula that can be sheered out like a lip tint or can be layered 3 times to achieve an opaque color.

I also use my lipsticks as a cream blush base by applying a tiny dot on the apples of my cheeks then blending them out. Some of the colors in this collection that can be used for that purpose are Coral Cloi for a poppy cool pink (perfect for mestizas who have cool fair skin tone), Mitz Champagne for a muted nude pink blush (perfect for warm neutral skin tones), and Fashion Kai (for warm neutral morenas). Ethel Wine and Hot Sarah could also be used as blush like the usual reddish lip & cheek tints in the market but they should be applied with caution - not too much or you will look burnt. 

The choice of colors in this collection is stunning and wearable: there are pinks, nudes, reds, browns, and maroons that are flattering to most skin tones. I wish they have orange or peach-based shades as well for they look flattering to Filipinas too.

My top favorites are Mitz Champagne, Hot Sarah (pinkish red), Bare Chic (nude brown), and Fashion Kai. Ethel Wine is also pretty to look at for it's a bright true red that looka nice on both tisays and morenas.

I rarely wear browns and dark shades for my features are already very sharp and wearing those type of colors make me look more "mataray" haha, but I actually can tell that they are bold and daring, perfect if you want to make a statement! Morenas can easily pull these shades off! 

As for the formula, I like that it is non-drying and stays for 1-3hours before fading (without drinking beverages or eating a meal). My only concern is that the darker shades tend to bleed outside the lips if nonlip liners were used prior to application, it's like the color may slide off once you accidentally touch your lips. However, it isn't that kuch of a bad thing because using lip liners are really the secret in keeping lipsticks stay for a longer period of time. 

Let's talk about their packaging:

Each lipstick is encased in a paper box wherein the shade names, ingredients, and address of the manufacturer are all written. I appreciate its transparency for you know what the ingredients are and its sleek, no-fuss black and white design for it looks sophisticated and classy. You may also see the color of the lipstick inside for a swatch is printed on the box.

The lipstick container itself is sturdy and tough. I like its smooth feel and its all black color with a golden accent of its logo on the cap. I think it looks nice & polished. 

Do I recommend this brand?
If you like online shopping for affordable local makeups, yes. 
If ever you find this brand in some stores nationwide, yes sure! 

Is the price worth it? 
For only Php299 each, I think the price is reasonable. Not too cheap, not expensive. 

Visit their website at http://www.kresha.online/index.html
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kreshabeautycosmetics
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kreshabeautycosmetics

Let's connect with each other! Follow and contact me at:

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Email: [email protected]