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

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*

MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection Singapore: Launched TODAY (27th September!)

As you all may have seen MAC has a new limited edition collection being released this October.
Sometimes Singapore gets collections later than the US but I can confirm that it will indeed be released in Singapore in October (this information is from a makeup artist from the Tangs MAC counter that I spoke to yesterday).

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Powder Blush:

1. Legendary (Satin): Pale soft coral
2. The Perfect Cheek (Matte): Neutral pink beige (Repromote)

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Beauty Powder: 

1. Forever Marilyn ~ Sheer pale peach highlighter 

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Lipstick: (S$32)

1. Deeply Adored (Matte): Deep scarlet
2. Charmed I'm Sure (Matte): Dark true red
3. Scarlet Ibis (Matte): Bright orange-red (Repromote)
4. Love Goddess (Satin): Mid-tone red pink
5. Pure Zen: (Cremesheen): Hot nude

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Dazzleglass:

1. Phiff!: Sheer yellow peach (Repromote)
2. Little Rock: Soft sheer white with pearlized pigments



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Lip Pencil:(All Permanent products)

1. Beet: Vivid reddish-pink
2. Redd: Clearly red
3. Cherry: Vivid bright blue-red

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Nail Lacquer:

1. Rich, Rich, Rich (Pearl): Glittery gold
2. Orange Kid (Cream): Coral (Repromote)
3. Vintage Vamp (Cream): Rich deep retro wine
4. Stage Vamp (Cream): Dark red berry
5. Flaming Rose (Cream): True red

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Eye Shadow:

1. Preferred Blonde (Veluxe Pearl): Pale champagne beige
2. How to Marry (Veluxe Pearl): Soft white
3. Showgirl (Veluxe Pearl): Dark blue grey
4. Silver Screen (Veluxe Pearl): True silver





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Lashes:

1. #35: Dramatic lash with emphasis on the centre of the lash



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Clear Brow Finisher (Permanent Product):



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False Lashes Extreme Black (Permanent Product):



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Eye Kohl (Permanent Product):

1. Smoulder: Intense black
2. Fascinating: Intense matte white



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Penultimate Eye Liner Rapid Black (Permanent Product):



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Penultimate Brow Marker Universal (Permanent Product):



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One thing that excited me is that most of the collection is permanent, so that's less money I have to spend! Unlike the Venomous Villains collection where I brought a lot...A LOT. There was a old lady behind me and when the cashier said how much money I had spent, her jaw was literally on the floor haha!

Right now this is my wish list (however I need to see the swatches first!):

• Love Goddess lipstick
• Pure Zen lipstick
• Phiff! dazzleglass
• Showgirl eyeshadow
• Forever Marilyn beauty powder
• The Perfect Cheek blush

**I revised my list to things I just really wanted to get**

It also depends on the prices of the products since all the prices have been raised due to the packaging just like the Venomous Villains collection was.

I'm a Audrey Hepburn girl myself, but I'm still in love with this collection, all the colours are simple yet so elegant and beautiful like Ms.Monroe was.



*Will you be buying anything from the collection?*

Thanks for reading!

Becky.