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2019 Best of Skincare and Makeup


And we’re now down on the first day of the New Year. What a year it has been. 


Today I am finally publishing something that has become a yearly tradition here on the blog - The Year-End Best of Skincare and Makeup.


I remember doing it in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and it’s fun to look back at what products made me the happiest. Those that I can call as my holy grails for the year. Items that I am glad I bought and tried.


This year’s post is longer than the typical end-of-year Best of Skincare and Makeup I do, but I hope you get to see the products I loved and used for 2019.


So, without further ado let’s begin.


2019 Best of Skincare


For 2019, I was able to try different products which made this list lengthy. One big factor is the freebies I got from being part of Althea Angels. I made a video post about it here.


COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser



I got this as part of my Althea Angels birthday freebie and blogged about it in my Current Cleansers 2019 post. I adore this product so much, especially because it works well on my skin. 


The COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is infused with Salicylic Acid, as the name suggests, which is a good ingredient to use for those who suffer from bad skin texture, breakouts and oily skin. Looking back, I felt like my skin really improved because of this face cleanser. I use it every morning and introduce a new face cleanser in between just so my face won’t get used to the effect of the product. 


Price: Php 540


St. Ives Green Tea Blackhead Clearing Scrub



Although this St. Ives Green Tea Blackhead Clearing Scrub is pretty much new for me, I still need to include it on my 2019 Best of Skincare. Blackheads are one of the most annoying skincare issues I have for years and I am always on the lookout for products that can help resolve the issue. I watched a video about the St. Ives and even read promising reviews. 


The one thing I like the most about this scrub is how fine the beads are. I rub it on my skin in circular motion and it leaves my skin soft and squeaky clean.  It is also loaded with salicylic acid to help exfoliate skin and keep pores clean. 


Price: Php 220

Read next: Watsons Haul Philippines




Collagen Moisturising Toner by Watsons 


I first heard about this Collagen Moisturising Toner by Watsons from Kris Lumagui and fell in love with her review. Ever since this product has been sold out in every Watsons area and now that the hype is done, I’m thankful I am able to purchase one.


The Collagen Moisturising Toner by Watsons helps replenish and retain the skin moisture. Unlike ordinary toner, you can put this simply by tapping on the skin instead of using a cotton. Your skin will immediately feel hydrated. 


Price: Php 349


Son and Park Beauty Water



This is my all-in-one beauty water solution for 2019. It tones, cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the skin. It is pricey, yes, but it is gentle enough to use on a daily basis, it does not irritate my skin, it removes leftover residue from cleansing, plus it refreshes the skin. I felt hesitant at first because of the price but I emptied the 360ml and almost down to my last few rounds of 60ml, so it really is a beloved product for me.




Price: Php 1160


Althea Milk Peel Cream



The Althea Milk Peel Cream is an exfoliating mask that transforms from a clay texture to a whipped cream lather. It is Formulated with AHA & BHA to gently but effectively remove dead skin cells. I got this as part of my Althea Angels welcome box and tried it as soon as I got my hands on it. 


As I mentioned above, the product actually looks like a clay at first. When you lather it all over the face, it turns into a whipped cream consistency. Then, the Althea Milk Peel Cream will form small bubbles until it becomes dry. 


I use this product once or twice a week whenever I feel like my skin needs a little boost and brightening effect. This product makes my skin feels really soft and smooth after washing. I also notice that some of my dark spots lighten thanks to this. 


Price: Php 700


Laneige Sleeping Mask



Another amazing product I got to try from Althea is the Laneige Sleeping Mask,  an intensely hydrating overnight mask that recharges dehydrated skin. I was able to buy a set of three for different in mini sizes. I only use this whenever I use the Althea Milk Peel Cream because I feel like they are a good combo whenever my skin needs extra tender loving care. It’s incredibly lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky at all when applied. It’ll leave your skin glowing and smooth the next morning, especially when left overnight.


If you want supple and glowing skin, you should definitely try this product.



Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop



Next item for my Best of Skincare for 2019 is Kiehl’s Pure Vitamin C Serum. 


Finally, introduced myself to the idea of serum as part of my skincare routine. At first, I thought serums are just a waste of money. An added step that could be skipped. But, now that I am almost through with this product, I realized that face serums do work well. 


Face serums are lightweight moisturizers that penetrate deeper to deliver active ingredients into your skin. Regular use of serum will make your skin firmer, smoother texture, make pores appear smaller and increase moisture levels.


The first time I use the Kiehl’s Pure Vitamin C, it gave a bit of a burning sensation. But nothing serious though. I think it’s the product making itself felt. 


I use this product a night by simply releasing a drop on each cheek and tapping the product all over the face. You can also use this as a spot treatment. This product definitely brightened up my face and after regular use, people started to ask me about my skincare routine because they noticed that my skin looked radiant.


Price: Php 900


Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway



This has been the best sunscreen I’ve ever tried. It has SPF 50++ enough to protect your skin from the harmful rays of sun. I remember the twin day hike I did in Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola last April and this product totally saved my skin. What I like most about this product is that it is very lightweight. It does not give white cast plus it can be absorbed by the skin quickly. This is the only sunscreen I tried so far that leave my skin feeling great and not only after. It also has a velvet texture and blends naturally.


Price: Php 600



Fresh Jeju Aloe Ice Lotion



Although I read (and even watched) great reviews about this product when used in the face, I seldom use it for my face. Instead, I use this as a body lotion because I really like the cooling effect. Unlike the beloved Nature Republic 98% Aloe Vera Gel, this product is not as quickly absorbed by skin so you have to be patient. But, other than that, it is highly moisturizing and smells nice. 


Price: Php 199


Miniso Silicone Facial Cleanser



The Miniso Silicone Facial Cleanser is a cleansing device available for only Php 299. This is my first ever battery-operated cleansing device. I started using the Miniso Silicone Facial Cleanser and it quickly became a very important part of my skincare routine. It’s a gentle scrub that makes any facial cleanser I use more effective as it goes deep in the pores. Although this device doesn’t have a controller for the vibration, it’s okay. I find the vibrations to be just right for someone like me who loves a squeaky clean feeling.





2019 Best of Makeup



Now we’ll move to my 2019 best of makeup list. I kind of toned down when it comes purchasing makeup items since 2017. I fell in love with investing in skin care instead. Thus, everything that I will be sharing below are the real deal. The very makeup items I purchased this 2019 and thankfully, loved. 


Maybelline Matte and Poreless Foundation



I blogged about the Maybelline Matte and Poreless foundation a couple of times ever since I discovered it during my 2017 recent purchase haul. I included it in my foundation collection post with a quick review on why I loved it. 


This, in the photo, is already my second bottle. I love this foundation so much because it gives coverage that is matte and poreless. As long as the texture of your skin is great, it can definitely even out your skin and make you look flawless.





Becca Highlighter in Champagne Pop



One of my beauty wishlist is to own a Becca Highlighter in Champagne Pop, also known as the most iconic highlighter ever released. 


I finally did it. Last November 2018, I went to Malaysia and experienced my first ever visit at Sephora in Queensbay Mall, Penang. I got my hands on the Becca Highlighter in Champagne Pop and fell in love ever since. 

This highlighter gives the most iridescent glow that reflects whenever light hits you. It applies like butter even with just a touch of a finger. I also love how pressed the product is. This has been my only highlighter for 2019 and it is truly worth the money.


Althea Petal Velvet Loose Powder


Something I plan on repurchasing in Althea website is the Althea Petal Velvet Loose Powder. I’ve shared this product in a couple of Current Five Product Face routines HERE and HERE and it still remains as my most used (and abused) setting powder ever. 

I have the one in Shade #23 which suits morena skin. It is finely milled so it doesn’t create cakey finish. It also greatly helps in mattifying my oily face.

L’oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer


Another great product I discovered towards the latter part of 2019 is the L’oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer. OH MY G!!! This product is A-MAZ-ING. It literally is the best and the most affordable concealer out there. 

I’ve been wearing this baby at work and it just lifts the skin and hides imperfections. With this, I don’t even need to wear foundation. The coverage is stunning making it in fact, full wear.

EB Matte Color Stick in DollFace Review


A blush I’m thankful I found out in 2019 is EB Matte Color Stick in DollFace.

It is such a pretty shade. It’s the closest I can get to Sunnies Airblush in Biscuit at a fraction of a price. The shade suits me and give me this glowy, drunk blush effect I adore. Even if sometimes I overdo my blush, it doesn’t look bad. It will still look like a natural flush on the cheeks. 

I’ve always been fascinated with the “drunk blush” effect and couldn’t believe it can actually suit me. 

This is such a great blush. If you are looking for a cream blush that’s within the budget, I can recommend this one. 


Kris Life Kit Brow Duo


In all fairness with Kris Aquino, her duo brow definer and mascara is the bomb! I love how convenient the product is for on-the-go person like me. I use the Dark Brown and it suits my black hair. The mascara end reminds me of my ever so trusted Bench Brow Mascara. It glides smoothly, highly pigmented and stays on even underwater. 

The brow definer looks exactly like the one you can buy in Miniso or Etude House. You can use to line the outer edges before smoothening and setting everything with a brow mascara.

Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara


Another product that I’ve always wanted to try ever since I’ve seen reviews about it online is the Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara. I swear it is the most effective mascara ever if you want to make your lashes look longer and in position the whole night (or time).

I bought this product during my 6days, 5nights trip in Taiwan and used it a couple of times for special occasions like our Christmas Party in the office.

L’oreal  Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Cowboy


I’ve been obsessed with liquid lipsticks for the longest time. And just when I thought I have overcome the said obsession, I found new liquid lipsticks I am excited to share with you.

First on the list is L’oreal  Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Cowboy. This gives such a deep rich caramel brown that’s flattering on morena skin. I love the style of the want because it can seamlessly apply on the curves of the lips. It’s highly pigmented, crease-proof, transfer-proof and smudge-proof.

I like wearing this lipstick whenever I have plain clothes on since it shows up really nicely.

Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Nude Nuance


A lipstick bullet I loved for 2019 is Maybelline’s Creamy Matte Lipstick in Nude Nuance. I already had three of the Creamy Matte Lipsticks from Maybelline and this is by far the most used one. 

I love the color payoff of this product. It compliments my skin tone perfectly. This glides very rich and smooth almost like butter on lips. It doesn’t dry fully matte but what I do is pat with a tissue paper and re-apply. For Php 299 (even less if there’s discount) you get a nice lip color good for everyday.

Wet N’ Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Give Me Mocha


This is a recent purchase but I will still include it in my 2019 Best of Skincare and Makeup because it is soooooo good! This matte liquid lipstick is different because it applies like a tinted lipstick but dries like a regular liquid matte lipstick. 

I love the shade I got because it can quickly be part of My Lips But Better Lipsticks. It just suits me flawlessly.

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Delicate


On top of my best find for lipsticks this 2019 is the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Delicate. Wow. This liquid lipstick and shade is definitely the most flattering formula and color I’ve ever tried. Even though the color is on the pink side, I can wear it effortlessly every single day. 

I had people complimenting me whenever I wear this liquid lipstick because it just gives the most natural pink toned lipstick that doesn’t seem off for someone with morena skin tone. Super love this liquid lipstick. 

If ever you want to try this out any Althea products from skincare to makeup, you can use my referral link to get 20% off on your first order!

That’s it for my 2019 best of skincare and makeup. 



What’s your best of skincare and makeup for 2019?

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