essence cosmetics Quattro Eyeshadow Quad - 12 Purple Day* | Review and Swatches

essence cosmetics and Catrice cosmetics Warehouse Sale (November 2013) Details

Everybody loves the weekend, but this weekend you can add a little extra excitement to your day by heading over to both the essence and Catrice cosmetics private warehouse sales - the last chance to buy products from old collections you couldn't find or missed out on!

The above graphic is for the essence section but the same rules apply for the Catrice sale where you will be able to find products from the Cucuba, Hip Trip and Candy Shock LE collections and much more.

Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut.

Remember: Cash and NETS only

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Are you guys going to go? I am and I'm very excited!

essence cosmetics All in 1 BB Cream in 02 Natural Review and Swatches*

Overview of Product

The essence All-in-One BB Cream is a beauty balm specifically created for Asian skin tones (I'm obviously not Asian – I do however have yellow undertones like Asian women have).

The BB Cream comes in 3 shades: 01 Universal, 02 Natural and 03 Medium

The shade that I have is 02 Natural.

Packaging

The product comes in a tube with a twist off cap. I like the fact that the packaging is malleable so I can squeeze every last drop of product out. However, I dislike the fact that around the opening can get a bit messy and built up with product. I love that the packaging has a sort of ombre effect, getting darker as it gets towards the lid and the product can actually stand up by itself without falling over.

The product claims to:

• “be used for moisturising care, as a foundation or as a make-up base.
• Free of oil and perfume,
• provides intense moisture and covers impurities without blocking the pores
• protects skin from the sun and helps to maintain a glowing complexion for a smooth, radiant and flawless look.” (essence.eu)
  
  

First Impressions

When I first tested the shade on my hand I thought that there was no way it was going to match me because it was a couple of shades darker than my skin, as you can see from the photo. However after blending it in it actually matches me perfectly, so maybe if you are looking at these in the store you should test it out on your jawline and see how it blends for you – you may be surprised.

I had actually looked at this product when I was in Watsons one day picking up some things and there was one specific reason why I didn't pick it up. It smells funky. One thing that essence has going for them is that their products smell amaazing! This BB Cream smells like sweaty towels or something like that. I presumed the one in the store just smelt like that because it is under fluorescent lights all day you know? But the product I received also smells like it.

Application/Wear

I've been applying the BB Cream with the Real Techniques Stipple Brush because I just prefer it over using my fingers because you can really blend the product in with it. It blends nicely and smoothly, and I would say it has a medium coverage and medium thickness. It's not runny but also is not as thick as something like Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation. It leaves an almost dewy look to the skin but I always set it with powder because I just prefer it as it leaves the skin slightly tacky, probably due to the SPF. Therefore I can't say if you would look oily towards the end of the day without powder, but with powder I didn't notice any grease build up.

Extra Pros and Cons

Pros

• No mineral oils so it won't clog pores
• Good packaging for travelling, you don't have to worry about a glass bottle shattering in your case
• Easy to clean excess product that builds up on the nozzle
• Has SPF 30
• A lot of product for price

Cons

• Won't suit pink tones
• Dispenser can get a bit messy
• Smell
• Not a huge shade selection

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The essence All in 1 BB Cream retails for S$7.90 (30mL) at selected Watsons stores.

To find the closest store to you that sells essence, check out my post about Where I Can Find essence cosmetics in Singapore?

Have you tried this BB Cream? If so, what do you think about it? If not, what drugstore BB Creams do you like? Would you like to see a FOTD with this product? Let me know in the comments below! 

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Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to follow me on bloglovin' if you haven't already and I'll see you next time!

*Product was provided for my honest review purposes

essence cosmetics Lipstick in #64 Flirty Pink Review and Swatches*

Flirty Pink is a mid-toned rosy pink shade packed with silver shimmers. Don't be afraid of the shimmers, they are present on the lips but they do not add any texture or grit to the lip, just dimensions.

The packaging is the same colour as the actual lipstick inside making it easy for you to find it within your bag or makeup drawer.

The scent of this lipstick – like all lipsticks in the range – is a lovely fruity, creamy scent which is one of the things I love most about the ones that I have in my collection.

Without Lipsticks

With Lipstick

The texture is smooth, now I'm not going to lie to you guys...I don't get very much wear out of these lipsticks, in my opinion they are similar in consistency to a lip balm – just with more colour. They do last longer over the top of a lip liner because they can adhere to that but by themselves you will have to reapply after eating and drinking. They are very similar like I said, to a lip balm but with a sheen of a lip gloss. (a moisturising one at that).

This particular shade is perfect for the autumn/winter months and unlike some other shades I have from the range, is actually extremely build-able for if you want a darker colour.

Essence lipsticks are available in 16 shades for $4.50 (4g) at selected Watsons stores. To find the closest store to you, check out my post on Where Can I Find essence in Singapore?

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Have you tried any of the essence lipsticks? If so, what shades do you recommend? If not, which shades would you like to try? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping , don't forget to follow if you're not already and I'll see you next time.

*This product was sent to me for my honest review purposes

essence colour & go polish in 145 flashy pumpkin*

If you've been reading my blog for a while now you will know that I love my essence nail polishes. The shade that I am sharing with you today is 145 flashy pumpkin. It is a bright, vibrant (but not neon) orange shade with a creme finish. Think of the stringy pith inside a pumpkin, it looks like that shade of pumpkin. The above swatch was three thin glossy coats, easy application and removal.

The essence colour & go polishes retail for S$2.90 (8mL) and come in a variety of different shades and finishes. Halloween is only a month away so make sure you grab this polish and maybe a black and do some cute pumpkin nail art! Get creative!

As always if you would like to know Where to find essence cosmetics inSingapore? Click the link to find the closest store to you.

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What is your favourite Halloween nail polish shade? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping , don't forget to follow if you're not already and I'll see you next time.

*This product was sent to me for my honest review purposes

Review and Swatches: essence 3D Eyeshadow Duo*

In a galaxy far, far away...this product was created out of crushed moon dust, stars and a sprinkle of fairy dust. Lets just have a closer look shall we?

Obviously I'm just joking around with you guys! Today I have a review of the essence 3D Eyeshadow Duo in 07 irresistible smokey eye.  The duos have a similar look to the MAC Extra Dimension range that came out earlier this year but at a fraction of the price.

Today I just have the swatches of this shade to show you, however I have a sultry smokey eye makeup look coming up using this eyeshadow so you can see it in all its' glory!

The shadows were swatched over a base of NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. The first shadow is a metallic gunmetal with fine silver almost blue shimmers which looks like melted metal and the second shadow is a matte black base with silver shimmers.The shades are very pigmented and when applying them over the base I would recommend patting them on, not dragging them. This gives you a more deep, dark look. 

The texture of the shadows are good, although the black shade contains glitter it doesn't have a gritty texture to it. As with any dark pigmented shadow you will experience some fall out so I would advise doing your foundation routine after applying your shadows.

The essence 3D eyeshadows are available now for S$4.90 (2.8g) and there are nine different colours to choose from (the emerald duo looks beautiful!)

Does anybody else love galaxy looking eyeshadows? I don't know why but I'm always attracted to them...

Don't forget to check out my post about Where Can I Find essence cosmetics in Singapore? to find the closest store to you. Also be sure to follow essence cosmeticsSingapore on Facebook so you never miss the opening of new stores or new product releases.

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Have you tried any of these duos out? Let me know in the comments below!

Thank you for stopping by, don't forget to follow if you're not already and I'll see you soon,

Becky  

*This product was sent to me for my honest review purposes

New Nail Polish Spam - Part 2

 * Photos taken in natural daylight with flash to ensure correct colour since the natural light washes out the colours - No base coat - No top coat*

essence colour & go polish - let's get lost

let's get lost by essence, is a vibrant dodger blue colour with a creme finish. The formula was smooth and easy to apply. This was 3 thin coats. One thing to take into account is that this polish does stain your nails so you may want to consider using a base coat.

From Watsons - S$2.90

essence colour & go polish - little miss sunshine (118)

little miss sunshine by essence, is a mustard yellow colour with a creme finish. The formula was great, thin and easy to work with. This was 2 coats, probably could have used 3 since I am seeing some bald spots as I write this. 

From Watsons - S$2.90

essence colour & go polish - L.O.L

L.O.L by essence, is a chartreuse (aka Shrek!) colour with a creme finish. The formula was smooth and easy, no dragging. This was thin 3 coats, you could probably get away with 2. I love this polish, it's unlike anything I have in my collection.

From Watsons- S$2.90

essence colour & go polish - off to miami

off to miami by essence, is a hot coral colour with a creme finish. The formula is amazing on this polish, this was 3 thin coats and it's supa  glossy. Definite must have for summer!

From Watsons - S$2.90

essence colour & go - modern romance

modern romance by essence, is a pale peach base with pink shimmers with a creme finish. The formula was very thick and difficult to apply on this one which resulted in it being quite patchy. Also the pretty pink shimmers you see in the bottle, don't translate onto the nails which is a shame. This was 3 coats.

From Watsons - S$2.90

essence colour & go polish - date in the moonlight

date in the moonlight by essence, is a gray/blue creme base with blue shimmers. The formula was smooth and this was 3 coats. It looks kind of blah in the bottle but is actually nice on the nails (I got it because it matched an eyeshadow that I was buying from essence :D )

From Watsons - S$2.90

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Part 3 will be up soon! 

Have you guys tried and loved any of these polishes? Let me know!

essence cosmetics Home Sweet Home Collection Review and Swatches Part 2: Gel Shine Polishes

This is the second part of the Home Sweet Home Collection by essence cosmetics. You can check out part 1 where I reviewed and swatched the lipsticks and blushes here.

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The polishes are described as "nail polish with high coverage gives your nails a trendy gel-like look and adds a touch of colour to the dismal months of the year".

L-R: 01 Caramel Cheese Cake, 02 Red-Y To Relax, 03 Hot Fruit Punch and 04 Berry Me Home

01 Caramel Cheese Cake (S$4.50 for 8mL) is a orange creamsicle colour. 

This is 3 coats.

02 Red-Y To Relax (S$4.50 for 8mL) is a neon coral red shade.

This was 2 coats.

03 Hot Fruit Punch (S$4.50 for 8mL) is rich blackcurrant shade.

This was 3 coats.

04 Berry Me Home (S$4.50 for 8mL) is a rich brick red shade.

This is 2 coats.


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As opposed to the core range of polishes that essence sell, these are marketed as being 'gel shine' formulas. The main things I expect from a nail polish when I hear the formula is a gel consistency are a certain level of sheer-ness, a thin consistency and really glossy when dried.


Caramel Cheese Cake had a very thick consistency. I tried to correct it with a second coat hoping it wouldn't streak and then a third but in the end it was still quite streaky. I think it is a very unusual shade of polish one that I have never seen nor owned. (It also makes me want to eat a Caramac!) The colour is very rich and the formulation to me seems more like a creme than a gel. I really like the colour, just wish the formulation on it worked better.

Red-Y To Relax applied fantastically. The formula is thin, but workable. I applied two coats for the swatch, but you could easily get away with one and have full opacity. Very shiny.

Hot Fruit Punch. Oh Hot Fruit Punch how I love you. I don't know what it is but the name and the shade just makes me think of sitting around a fire, drinking some delicious warm punch/cider and it makes me smile! It has a good consistency, very shiny.

Lastly, Berry Me Home a classic red colour. It isn't the most original colour and after I swatched it it reminded me of a darker version of the Snow White  from the Snow White Collection a while back. So if you missed out on that you might want to pick up this colour or Red-Y To Relax. Also very shiny when dried.

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Red-Y To Relax and Berry Me Home definitely have the stand-out formulation and application, but Caramel Cheese Cake and Hot Fruit Punch are the more 'unique' shades in the collection.

I personally love autumnal colours, I think that they suit my skin tone well. That's one thing that I dislike about living in Singapore is that the leaves never change colour and sometimes I just want to see the seasons change.

Overall I think this is one of the best collections that essence has released in a while, every single product (that I purchased and tried) was an A+ in quality.

You can find out which Watsons closest to you sells essence cosmetics here (there might be one closer than you think :P)



Thanks for stopping by,
Becky

Review: essence Ready For Boarding Peel Off Base Coat | Glitter Polish Godsend?

Hey guys!

Today I'm going to be reviewing a product from the essence Ready For Boarding Collection which is currently available in selected Watson's stores.

Here in Singapore we tend to receive the trend editions a little later than Europe, which means we can anticipate certain great products that are being hyped over. One product that has received a lot of love is the Peel- Off Base Coat. It retails for S$3.90 for 8mL (0.27 fl.oz).

The whole concept behind the peel off base coat is that it is supposed to speed up application and removal. It is described as being an ideal basis for your vacation nail polish colour and to remove the polish, all you do is peel it off, apply a fresh layer of base coat and repeat the process so you never have to bring a polish remover on holiday again! Sounds ideal right?

The base coat is a milky white colour, with a thick consistency. I'm pretty sure that the base coat is some sort of PVA Glue that you used in school. It has the same consistency and scent. So once you finish this bottle, don't fret! You can just refill it :)

           (You can find the instructions of how to apply the polish by peeling back the label on the bottle!)

 Directions:
Step 1: Apply a generous layer of the peel off base coat to your nails, allow approximately 10 minutes to dry until the white base coat becomes transparent.

Step 2: Paint your favourite colour nail polish and/or effect nail polish over it and let it dry.

Step 3: Simply peel off to remove. Does not harm  your nails.

Advice: Avoid hot water for 3 hours after application.

Shortly after painting on base coat

Base coat completely dry

I applied one of my favourite glitters, China Glaze Liquid Crystal after 10 minutes and it applied normally.

After a few hours I started to peel it off, I started from the cuticle and peeled it off in one complete sheet.

This is what it looked like afterwards!

 It did leave my nails feeling quite dry so I would definitely use a moisturiser afterwards but I have worn this glitter so many times and it is so hard to get off, but this came off in under 1 minute!

I love wearing glitter polishes but usually neglect them due to this issue, so if you feel the same you NEED this in your collection.

The only downside I can find in this product is that it is supposed to make the whole process faster. Obviously yes, it is faster to remove it. But once you apply the base coat you have to wait 10 minutes for it to dry and 3 hours before using any hot water, so that is a big inconvenience. But it is an inconvenience that I am willing to dismiss!

I probably will never use this for just normal nail polish except if I was to go on holiday for a week and I wanted to change up my polishes, then I would take this instead of polish remover that might break in my luggage and ruin all my things.

If you guys are near a Watson's, go grab this and let me know what you think!

Thanks for stopping by,

Becky

 *Products were purchased with my own money. All opinions expressed are my own*