At first, I was very skeptical to use this product when the package arrived to me. My first thought when I looked and swatched it was, "Man, that's shimmery!" It is weird that this product is marketed as a face powder when it got tons of shimmers in it. Who would have thought to put shimmers all over their face? But oh life as a beauty blogger, I decided to just give it a go.



First, I am not fond of the packaging. Personally I think it is unnecessarily bulky. It does comes with a mirror and a brush too which is great. But man, the brush is so stiff and rough that I feel like it will irritate my skin if I am using it for a powder brush. A powder brush shouldn't be densely packed. If you were to use this over a foundation, it will just move your foundation around because it is so stiff and dense. So I wish they could've just skip the brush and come up with a more compact packaging that won't take as much space to travel with. Plus it is very  plasticky and feels kinda cheap too. The color tho, I love!



The powder itself comes with a cool design. The hearts are each pigmented with different colors so it is a bit misleading there considering the name 'Translucent'. People who buy this solely thinking that it's gonna be a translucent powder might be a bit disappointed because it's definitely not. Especially that one pink heart. THAT is pigmented like it wants to be a blush.

Formula wise, this powder is soooo soft and fine. The shimmers are real guys, I really thought that it could be one of those disappointing products where the shimmers are just an overcoat spray. But I've used this powder for a lot of time now and the shimmer game is still strong.


Like I said, I was very skeptical to use it at first so I started using it as a highlighter first. And yes, it does work as a highlighter, but a very subtle one. And you do have to build it up to make it more visible. If you're a beginner to highlighter, this would be a great one to try. But for me, I loveeeeeeee my Mary Lou Manizer from The Balm so much that I was so intrigued to use Mary Lou on top of it to intensify the highlight, but homegirl needs to test out the product so ughhh. I mean it's not bad, it's just not enough for me. I want to be highlighted like KLCC at night lol.

And remember that pigmented pink heart? Your highlight will be pink based unless you avoided the pink heart when swirling your brush into the pan. I am more into a gold and yellow based highlight so that's probably another reason why I am not really feeling it.

As for an overall face powder, I am loving it for that surprisingly. See photo above. When I swatched it on hand, I was so scared to see all those shimmers but for some reasons it does not actually make me look like a disco ball! Then I remembered, isn't the Mineralized Skin Finish from Mac is pretty much the same thing? The shimmers are so fine that it kinda makes me look like I glow from within. Especially in indoor lightings, man it looks so good. And the pink heart just adds a nice fleshed look for my skin. Just make sure you using a loosely packed brush to ensure that you're not picking up too much product.

I wouldn't recommend it for people who prefers a matte finish makeup look because obviously, duh. But isn't the new era now is all about that glowy and dewy look? Especially to those girls who adores korean's dewy makeup, go for it! But I would advise to stay away from this powder if you have enlarged pores because sometimes, glitters and shimmers will just make them look even more obvious. And of course, people with super oily skin would want to avoid being extra shiny with this stuff. But who knows right, makeup is very personal. Whatever works for me may not work for you and vice versa.

Pros :

• Can be a subtle highlighter
• Creates a glowy finish for the skin
• Very soft and fine powder
• Mirror installed in the packaging

I have been loyal to my Safi Gamat cleanser which is a local drugstore facial wash since I was in high school. But for some reason I kinda got immune to it so I decided to change my facial wash.


Story behind how I was introduced to this cleansing gel is during the mid year, I decided to make the greatest skincare investment in my life, which is to splurge on a Clarisonic Mia. ( Review will be up soon) And because I purchased a minimum of a certain amount, I got to choose a deluxe size sample and I went for this Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel sample since I have heard great things about it before.

When I got my clarisonic, I didn't even bother to use this cleanser with it yet, but after a month of using it and got disappointed for not getting the expected result from the clarisonic, I thought it's probably my cleanser. Because the cleanser that I was using was a foamy type of cleanser,  and the clarisonic itself is an exfoliating device, I thought maybe the combination is too much for my skin to take because my skin was getting so dry at one point so I thought, let's change to a more gentle cleanser. I mean, I paid almost RM600 for the clarisonic, I am not gonna give up on it and I just have try to find a way to make it work! LOL. So I decided to change to this sample cleanser and oh boy, I fall in love.

• Very gentle
• Does not dry out the skin
• Very effective
• Clears my break outs

Dear Santa Althea,

My name is Iman Ridzuan. Ever since I was a child, I've had this ultimate goal that is yet to be achieved. Growing up with animals ever since I was a baby, all I wish is to become a successful veterinarian to help as many animals that are in need. I have received an offer letter from a university that I've been dreaming of studying at to pursue my dream, but the tuition fee is something that needs a lot of considerations.

Dear Santa Althea, all I want for Christmas is a scholarship to pursue my dream, but I know that is a bit too much to ask for! So maybe, you can help me to prepare myself for scholarship interviews?

In order to get a scholarship, I have to be prepared mentally, spiritually, and of course, physically. All these categories are the keys to boost up my confidence. Althea is just the right place to help me on the physical aspect! After all, how you look on the outside will definitely influence how you feel on the inside and vice versa, right? My love towards korean makeup and skincare is endless. They have such an amazing products with amazing qualities and prices. Their technologies on this beauty platform is beyond phenomenal. I have purchased several times for my korean skincare and makeup from Althea and you and your elves has gained my trust even from the start. So here is my wish list!


Hey Santa Althea! I have never had a cushion foundation before. I don't know why, I guess I am too used of using bb creams and normal bottled foundations. So maybe it is time for a change? I have heard so many good things about the Laneige BB cushion Pore Control SPF 50+ PA+++. I appreciate foundations that come with sun protection so much! Since I have an oily skin, I think this is going to be the perfect first cushion foundation for me since it is specifically for pore control. Don't you think?
What is a good makeup without a good base? I am really intrigued to try out Banila Co's Prime Primer in Classic. One cool thing about the Althea website that you and your elves worked on is that we can read customer's opinions and reviews about the products. So the reviews that I read about this primer are quite promising and makes me really want to try it! The Classic one is said to be best for people with combination and oily skin. It is supposed to help with minimizes large pores, create smooth and even canvas, eliminate shine, and moisturizing which my skin is screaming for. LOL.

I have been using it for almost a year and I still have a lot left. It is not oily at all and not as thick as a gel so the name 'watery cream' exactly impersonate the product inside. The smell might disturb people who doesn't like strong smelled products but it smells amazing to me! Very refreshing.

• Affordable
• Moisturizes well
• Non-oily

The interesting part of this foundation is the texture which lives up to its claim to be lighter than air. It is so lightweight, literally I feel like I have nothing on my skin even when it is layered on to certain areas on my face that needs more coverage. I have an acne-prone skin and my pores tends to be easily clogged, however I do not find that problem with this foundation. It does not break me out. It does not comes with any SPF.


True to its name, it definitely dries to a matte finish. I would say the coverage is medium to full, and build able without giving you a cakey look. All of my other face products like my contour powder, blusher and higlighter goes on smoothly on top of this foundation. It blends very easily into the skin. I love using my makeup sponge to blend it in.

Does it lasts up to 24 hours? I would say not even for 12 hours. Being a matte foundation, I don't think I am supposed to set it with a setting powder as the finish is already powdery matte, adding a powder on top may end up giving me cakey look. But I do apply a primer underneath and still find my T-Zone to be oily after 4-5 hours of application. However with the right setting spray or powder, the longevity can be prolonged.

I swatched the foundation on my jawline when I wanted to purchase it and find that this is the perfect shade for me. However I find that it oxidizes a little bit throughout the day and by the end of the day, it will look darker than how it is first applied. So I would suggest you to buy 1 shade lighter so that it oxidizes perfectly to your skin color.

Pros :

• Very lightweight
• Medium to full coverage
• Doesn't break me out
• Blends easily

This serum is specially formulated with Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter to help reduce the appearance of scars and marks. Chickenpox marks, burns, operational scars, acne scars, you name it. i find that it works better with new scars. Old scars would need more time of usage to see an improvement, just like any other scar serums that I have tried before.



I adore and appreciate the effort that has been put into making the packaging. The products comes in a thick glass bottle with a glass dropper to dispense the serum. LOVE! On the back of the bottle is written the instructions on how to use the serum with teal font. Basically you just have to massage the serum into a cleansed skin, morning and night, or as often as needed.


When I first tried it, I was amazed with how legit it smells like cocoa butter. For someone who is a chocolate craze, I approve. I find the formulation of this serum is super thick and sticky. Therefore I would suggest applying this only at night when you go to sleep if you have an oily skin like me. A good thing about that is a little bit of this goes a very long way. I only need like a drop for my whole face, down to my neck.

I also love using this on scars that I have on my body. I once had a huge scar from a cat scratch when I was doing my practical in the animal hospital it hurts sooo bad. I waited until the wound is dried and start applying this serum onto the scar, and I kid you not, my scar fades in like 2 weeks! After a month, I can say that the mark is completely gone. That makes me realise that this serum works like a charm. I seldomly apply it onto my acne scars just because I do not like the sticky feeling on my face and how it makes my skin really oily when I wake up in the morning, so I only use this for my hands and legs now.

If you are looking for a non-sticky acne serum, I would suggest the C20 Pure Vitamin C Serum that I wrote about here. That one is also one of my favourite product for acne scars.

For the very inexpensive price, I would rate the Azanis Scar Serum 4/5 for its amazing performance. Totally recommended!

Pros :

• Very affordable
• A little bit goes a long way
• Works amazingly on old and new scars.
• Sleek packaging
• Smells like chocolate!

Hello beautiful people! Last two days I went to Cheras for L.A Girl Malaysia's first anniversary sale. Yes girls, L.A Girl is finally in Malaysia! Bet not a lot of you knew about this right? I just happened to stumble upon their facebook page to know about the sale. So I took this opportunity with my girl to grab our favorite L.A Girl Products with great deals.




I believe this is one of the most popular products from L.A Girl, I swear I've seen this all over Youtube. So I got one to try out in the shade Secret, which is a beautiful deep red color.

2. Matte Flat Velvet Lipstick

I am someone who always always read product reviews before I decide to purchase them. So if you know me or have ever take a peak of my makeup vanity, you'll notice most of my makeup collection are products that are hyped or raved about. However, it is true that not every product will work on everyone. Despite of all the good reviews I read or watched online, here are a list of products that just doesn't work for me.

1. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara


It was sooooo hard for me to get my hands on this mascara because it is sold out everywhere! So it really disappoint me with how it performs when I finally got it. It does work in the lengthening and volumizing department, but it is not so bizarre to where it reaches that false eyelash look, at least for me. But that is not the reason why I dislike it. This mascara smudges soooo badly throughout the day. It literally made me feel like a panda the first day I tried this. I would still use this for my top lashes and apply another type of mascara on top just to seal it in. I will never apply it on my bottom lashes though. Don't get the hype of this masara.

2. Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara (Brown)