Products with azelaic acid, centella asiatica from Filipino brand
ELLANA was probably the first Filipino brand to come up with mineral foundations. Most of my beauty friends swear by their powder foundations. It was just too bad that all their face bases are a bit too light for my yellow-toned skin but in terms of texture and longevity, I like their mineral powder foundation way better than Bare Minerals. I am very sweaty and Bare Minerals has a tendency to cake and clump on certain areas of my face when I sweat. Again, what works for one person may not work for another, so Bare Minerals may be okay for some but it cannot go the distance for me because I’m super sweaty.
Ellana is not just about mineral makeup. I just scored some good deals on Ellana skin-care products at Shopee’s Local Beauty Festival with up to 73-percent storewide discounts and 15-percent off vouchers for a minimum spend of P1,250. Because I got P2,009 worth of products, I got a free Kallista Duo Flat-top Kabuki Brush and Eyeshadow Brush. There were also Php99 flash deals.
The reason why I checked out Ellana on Shopee (bit. ly/3r38awf) was because of the Clear Skin+ Clarifying Serum, which has 10 percent azelaic acid and extracts of centella asiatica and green tea. My skin might lack in moisture because of my age but some parts are still oily and I also have a lot of redness.
Azelaic acid has antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties so it can be used by those with rosacea and acne.
I also got the Ellana Stay Fresh Moisturizer, which instantly mattifies skin and temporary blurs the look of pores. It has niacinamide to brighten dark spots and fight breakouts, while Pentavitin offers lightweight 72-hour hydration. Other ingredients include centella asiatica and green tea extracts that work together to heal any active blemishes; olive squalane that leaves skin hydrated, plump and soft; and vitamin B5, which moisturizes skin.
I also got the Ellana Loose Mineral Skinshield concealer, which is buildable, lightweight, and protects against sun exposure with SPF16. The concealer’s ingredients include brightening and balancing minerals. It lasts for up to eight hours and is best for normal to oily skin.
The one I bought on impulse was the Ellana Glass Skin Glow Cooling 3-in-1 Facial Mist. This is a setting spray/face mist/illuminating primer hybrid that helps you achieve an instant “glass skin” effect, as it brightens and smoothens the skin.
The mist’s ingredients include Mandarin Clear by Ichimaru Pharcos Japan (Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract), which is clinically tested to strengthen proteins in the epidermis; Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract that soothes skin; glycerine, which helps skin retain moisture; and mica, which has shimmering properties that allow it to reflect light from the face and create an instant glow. I would not necessarily use this as a spray for the entire face but just apply it to certain areas.
I love how Ellana has evolved, considering that people buy more skin care these days than makeup.
Also, if any beauty enthusiast is reading this: Please, patronize beauty brands because the pandemic has really been challenging for them.
I know, I have so many products at home but I continue to buy makeup and skin care to give as gifts because I really want to help these brands so they can stay on in the Philippines. These brands provide jobs to Filipinos, particularly makeup artists. I know that makeup and skin care are not necessities but for some of our countrymen, they make their money by making people more beautiful.
So, please, buy from the local and international brands if you can. You can give the products as gifts, like I do.