Essence #4: Black To The Routes 2 in 1 Eyeshadow and Eyeliner

If I am correct this Essence 2 in 1 Eyeshadow and Eyeliner came out in the market last 2016. Or late 2015? But it used to be available in UAE market. It has 6 colors. Now 7 colors. And I have them all. I know. I know. I got them during my hoarding phase. It is only a year since I embraced the minimalist and frugal life. 

Essence 2 in 1 Eyeshadow and Eyeliner retails for only 11AED or 12AED ~ the cheapest one can find in the market. And one might find me crazy because seriously when did I ever used eyeliner at work? Using eyeliner has always been a disaster to me. And for someone who does not use eyeliner I have all the colors of it. Bravo.

But this is actually good and I am so recommending it. Because when it say waterproof, then it is really is waterproof. I just do not have photos right now to show that. I did not even know I have these photos until I checked one folder at my work pc recently.

When they say black, then is is really black! The problem I am facing when wearing an eyeliner is I have a small lower eyelid bordering on monolid so the eyeliner always get into the upper side if you know what I mean. Then I read somewhere that it happens because even our eyelids can get oily too! And I have noticed that one.  So I am using it as an eyeshadow instead and not forgetting to put on an eyeshadow primer from Essence too, to fight off the oil.

I do not mind sharing the other colors or showing them all but for now I could not. I do not know where I put the gray. And the last color is in the office that I always forget to take it home with me.

Essence Long Lasting Lipsticks

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Essence Makeup Haul Part 7

For the month of September there's no occasion and my birthday is over. But then I visited Carrefour Express at Oasis Mall and as expected I did not walk away empty handed. There's no way that I can resist buying anything from Essence. Since it is the most affordable makeup in the UAE market. For those who doesn't know Essence is a drugstore brand of makeup from Germany. The brand is targeted for students and young ladies hence the low prices. Only a few shops in UAE carries this brand. Here's what I got myself this time:

I'm not into red lipsticks now but as I've said since it is very affordable it wouldn't hurt to get myself a few shades eh? Each lipstick costs only 12.00AED so bought 2 sets of these. One for me and one for my little sister in Manila. The sad part is there are so many Essence items that are not available in the UAE. But can't blame the shops though. For them to bring them all there must be a huge demands from the customers, right? This is not really popular over here. This may not be the best lipstick in the world but not bad either. It does not bleed. Color pay off is great. Won't hurt the pocket. But a very few color selection. In fact I think I already have almost all the colors in this line of Essence Long Lasting Lipsticks.

That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. And I'll try to get some sleep now.

Essence Makeup Haul Part 6

August is my birth month and recently I celebrated my birthday. I'm not the type who would tell people that it's my birthday. Having a party is not my thing. But then as my friend says I should be happy and celebrate it as life is meant to be celebrated. Well what can he expect from the drama queen like me? And because of my birthday I decided to treat myself to some make up. But honestly it left me with guilt feelings afterwards as I barely wear make up and it might just be one of those items I purchased but I never use. Anyway, I can't return these anymore and I opened them already so since I have I might as well share them with you through photos:

Essence is a brand of make up from Germany. And so far it still holds the top spot of being the most affordable makeup in UAE. The only shops I know that carries them are the Carrefour in Oasis Mall and Geant in IBN Battura. But if I were you don't bother visiting Geant as they seem to be always out of stock unlike Carrefour Express that seems to replenish the items from time to time.

It is so affordable that I'm able to have an almost complete collection. I have all the lipstick shades that I like. I think I also have all the shades/line of lipgloss. All the shades of Essence Silky Touch Blush. And I don't know what has gotten into me that I purchased a lot of Essence Mono Eyeshadows and now as I think about it I should have just spent the money into buying another Timberland Boots. Each Essence Mono Eyeshadow costs only 9.00AED. While the Essence Silky Touch Blush in Sweetheart costs only 23.00AED. That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. Will post some swatches as soon as I get time to take photos.

Current Brands I'm Using

I still have so many items that I would like to share with all of you. Why am I doing so? Well even here in the Middle East the price of gasoline became high. And expect the prices of other goods to follow. I personally don't like it but then just like the rest there is nothing I can do about it but just take it or leave it. Even if the cost of living is so high that it's hard for all to make ends meet BUT still we are all consumer. We all have to eat. We all buy cosmetics. And women like me still buy make up. We still have other needs. 

What I am doing is to keep on looking in the market for the items that would cost less than the other brands we all know. And I want to share them more of public awareness that a certain product exists. No photos for me to share now but here are some affordable brands that I'm using and they are available in UAE Market. I think blogs help as sometime we will not just pick up a brand that we don't know about. When we shop we usually go for brands that we trust. We trust because we had been using it since forever or we see them all the time in advertisements. Or personally recommended by a friend. Blogs introduces us to many brands we don't know exists and actually good. Brands that will not pay for advertisements so they can keep their prices low. Since ads can cost a fortune.

Daiso ~ this is a Japanese shop that we can all compare to a Dollar Store. As much as I can I am writing posts about items that I purchased from them. I know there are still people who are skeptical to use Daiso products but please at least try as I am a living proof that not because they are cheap means they are harmful. I had been shopping to since late last year and it helps to stretch my budget. 

Byphasse ~ it is a Spanish brand of cosmetics that happens to be so affordable and in Dubai it is available in the Tati Shop. Unfortunately there's only one Tati Shop and it is in Mirdif City Centre. I don't know if there are any plans of expansion. I hope so.

Nectar of Nature ~ it is a French brand of affordable cosmetics and available in Carrefour across the UAE. So far the items I tried are water mist, wax strips and body washes. So far so good.

Now to get the best deal I usually buy when there is an on going promo or sale. But not with Daiso. They'll never go on sale as their prices are already the cheapest in the market. Even though I am enjoying these brands for now I will still try to look for cheaper brands if ever there is. And expect me to share them all with you. That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. Feel free to leave me a comment if there is any questions or suggestions. Good night!

Essence Makeup Haul Part 5

Surprised at myself that there is a part 5 with my Essence make up haul. Well every time I visit Essence shop I can't walk away without purchasing anything. How can I when the products are so affordable. And there are still some items that I haven't tried. How I wish Carrefour Express in Oasis Mall will bring all the Essence products in UAE and yes that means not only all the make up available in Germany as well as the skin care items. But I can only dream. They need market/customers for them to pay attention. And I don't see a lot of girls lining up at the Essence counter whenever I shop. So now included in my bucket list is visiting Germany in the future and that includes shopping at Essence.

My purchased was 7 items but it costs me only 93.00AED. Less than the price of a Mac Lipstick in UAE. The downside of shopping from Essence is I can't bring myself anymore to buy other brands as I find them all TOO EXPENSIVE. Why would I spend much money when I can get a brand in half a price? The only other brands I would not mind buying in spite of their prices being higher than Essence are Une and Bourjois. But now I am staying away from Une just because of the cost.

Ever since I started using make up I can't remember using blush on in powder form. As cream/mousse/liquid is much easier to use and compliments my dry cheeks. Plus I don't get the grasp how to use or work with blush brush or kabuki brush. And even when I was younger I have dry cheeks. And now it is a combination or dry and mature/aging skin as I am getting old. But since I am a late bloomer especially in make up only last year that I became some sort of blush on junkie. Une Breezy Cheeks is my holy grail but the price is out of my range so I had to look for alternative. It would not be fair for me to compare Essence Silky Touch Blush against Une Breezy Cheeks one is powder while the other is cream.

The prices of Essence Silky Touch Blushes? I got 3 shades for only 13.00AED each while the 2 shades for only 20.00AED. And I don't know why the other 2 has to be costlier when they are all both came from the same line of Essence.

Essence Silky Touch Blush is available in 6 shades but I didn't know it then and I don't think the shop have all the shades because if they do I would have noticed it and buy it.  

Lastly Essence lip liners. I don't use lip liners and I don't even know how but a fellow IG user posted hers in 6 colors and so this happened! I would have purchased all the shades but I want to try it out first. Each costs only 8.00AED. This is retractable which makes it more lovable.

As soon as I get time I will take more photos to share the products properly and swatches. These photos were taken early in the morning for barely a minute. And until now I can't figure it out how to take photos without the annoying reflection on the products. I'm so damn busy even on Ramadan. That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. Ciao!

Essence Makeup Haul Part 4

Out of all the products from Essence Makeup their lip glosses are my favorite. Mostly affordable. Fun. Non Sticky. Neutral shades. It is good to know that in spite of all the price increase that is happening around me I can still find products that I could afford like Essence. So for my last Essence haul I have taken almost all the shades of lip gloss that I can find. 

I only have one lips but I have taken 7 lip gloss in a single purchase! But relax it did not break my pocket. All of these in less than 100AED. Contrast to what used to be my favorite brand that a piece would cost more than 100AED.

Essence XXXL Long Lasting Lipgloss Matt Effect is the most expensive lip gloss from Essence. A tube costs 19.00AED each. Got myself Coral Mousse shade.

Essence XXXL Shine Lip gloss ~ each of this tube costs only 10.00AED! The cheapest line of lip gloss from Essence.

You'll be able to differentiate the Essence XXXL Shine Lip gloss easily as the cover or top comes in silver color. And here are the shades that I got from the line: 33 Fabulous Fuschia, 28 Cute Pink, 32 Pearly Peach and 01 Pure Chic.

Essence XXXL Long Lasting lip gloss in 1 Baby Doll's Favourite. This confuses me a little. XXXL Long Lasting lip gloss usually costs 19.00AED each at Carrefour Express in Oasis Mall but this one costs me only 15.00AED and I'm not sure why. No Essence items was on sale by that time.

And as I checked the website it was not even included in the list. Was it from the first batch? If ever there was a first batch, I mean? Not sure but I'm glad that the price is little lower compared to others belonging in this line.

Essence XXXL Nude lip gloss is my favorite line of as they are neutral colors and non sticky oh wait did I not say that to all the lip glosses from Essence?? Haha. It will be easier to understand once you started using it. 

Essence XXXL Nude lip gloss 03 Taste The Sweets. Now I think my XXXL Nude lip gloss is complete. That's all for now. I do hope I get some time to take more photos and swatches and write about them here. Thanks for dropping by, ciao!

Essence Makeup Haul Part 3

For someone who's broke I still managed to visit the Exquisite shop in Ajman for the 2nd time and probably the last time (?) As they will be removing Essence from their boutique as soon as they sold all the items they currently have. 

Essence All About Matt! Oil Control Makeup Base. The shop only have 4 pieces left so I took them all. Each costs 20.00AED. The last time I checked this is not available in Essence at Geant IBN Battuta Mall. While in Essence at Carrefour Express Oasis Mall it is 2.00AED higher. But even so it is still the most affordable oil control make up base in UAE market. Essence is hard to find. And even if you find it not all products are available. Especially this makeup base.

Essence Cookies & Cream lip glosses. I am not sure if this is a permanent line of Essence. But from what I understood it is a new collection released between late last year to early this year. Another hard to find product from Essence. This costs only 14.00AED each. Personally out of all Essence products I love lip glosses the best.

Essence Cookies & Cream lip gloss carries only two shades. They are 01 Macaron and 02 Be My Cookie Monster. And that's all for now my friends! Till next time. Ciao!

Essence Long Lasting Lipsticks

Here are the first 3 lipsticks of Essence I purchased from Exquisite shop in Ajman. Each costs 15.00AED. There's a 3 dirhams difference compared to Essence lipsticks being sold at Carrefour Express in Oasis Mall but I didn't know yet that time. The first batch of lipsticks consist of Essence  Coral Calling, Essence 04 On The Catwalk and Essence 07 Natural Beauty. A shade of coral. A shade of red. And a neutral shade. Let me share you some photos first before sharing my first impression.

I love Essence lipsticks for being so affordable but then I can't really say that this is my most favorite brand of all the lipsticks I own. They are in my vocabulary in the category of 'OKAY'. Not too bad but not very great. But because they are so affordable I would not mind them being in my collection.

Essence Long Lasting Lipstick 07: Natural Beauty

Essence Lipstick 07 Natural Beauty

Price: 15.00AED @ Exquisite Ajman

Made in Italy

This is the third and last Essence lipstick from my mini haul at Exquisite Boutique in Ajman for the month of May. But this is definitely not the last lipstick I purchased from Essence haha. I have chosen this 'Natural Beauty' and the name fits the shade perfectly as this is a beautiful neutral color.

This Essence Lipstick in Natural Beauty belongs to the line of Essence Long Lasting Lipstick. And as usual it comes in black round tube with a ring in the middle that resembles the color of the shade. This way if will not be hard to distinguished them even without opening the cap or looking at the bottom to see the name of the shade.

Essence Long Lasting Lipstick 04: On The Catwalk

Essence Lipstick 04 On The Catwalk

Price: 15.00AED @ Exquisite Ajman

Made in Italy

This is the second lipstick from Essence that I own. Just like my first lipstick from Essence, this also belongs to Long Lasting Lipstick line. All lipsticks from Essence comes in black round tube well except for the I Love Nude collection. Top of each tube you'll see an engrave E. While at the bottom you'll see a sticker where the lipstick details are written. So the one in this photo is the bottom of the tube. While at the side there'll be another sticker that states where the product has been made. Let me share you some more photos. But first look at this photo that I got from this website.

I am on the right side so every time I write a post about lip products I cannot properly describes the hues. For example I only see Essence 04 On The Catwalk is a shade of RED. Dark red. So as much as I want to describe further I can't. That makes me sometimes a little envious to others who can. For the lipstick I am sharing now sadly that's all I can share. It is a shade of dark red. This is the kind that will suite all the skin tones. As long as you are confident enough to wear it.

If you are in a hot place like me I would suggest that you use lip balm first before applying this lipstick. I am not exactly blaming the lipstick as I have yet to check in winter if my lips will have the same drying reaction. But I am giving a benefit of a doubt that it is just purely because of the weather and not this product as my lips are dry even if I did not put any lipstick. Am I making sense? Or I'm writing a crazy English again to explain myself? Due to the extreme hot weather even my hands looks like a snake that keeps on removing its skin. Anyhow that's all for now. I hope my post is a little helpful.

Essence Long Lasting Lipstick 01: Coral Calling

Essence Lipstick 01 Coral Calling

Price: 15.00 AED @ Exquisite Ajman

Made in Italy

First of all let me say that one of the reasons why I started blogging was to be able to express myself in English. Followed by to learn how to write. Develop my writing skills. The finally develop my photography skills. But sadly after years of blogging I don't really see a lot of improvement. And just like everything else in my life I am always in a hurry. Always running after time. But anyways back to the topic. Today I want to write about Essence Lipstick that I purchased last May. I know I already have too many in my drawer. But I simply can't resist.

Essence lipstick comes in a black tube as can be seen in the first photo. The bottom of the lipstick has the name and details of the product. This is the first Essence lipstick I bought and definitely will not be the last as even though I am broke I can still manage it as this brand is dirt cheap. I hope it stays that way! I am into neutral lipsticks now but hey this is so affordable that I could not pass the chance. And lip products are my current addiction since late 2014. Let's move on to another photo shall we?

Here's Essence lipstick that shows the top of the tube where the letter E is engraved. But not very visible in this photo due to the angle. While at the middle of the tube you'll see a different color (ring) that represents the shade of the lipstick. I find it attractive and clever. Will help to easily identify what shade you are looking for without looking at the bottom of the tube or opening it. Sensible isn't it?

Taadddaaa.... another letter 'E' engraved inside. For me this gives a good impression. That they are proud of their brand! Well they should be. As they are able to come up with a good lipstick in spite of the price range. And I am already a fan.

Now let's go to the side of the lipstick where it states that Essence 01 Coral Calling belongs to Essence line of Long Lasting Lipstick. I did not know that until I see this photo that I had to edit the post title. And you can also see the words 'Made in Italy' thats how I came to know where it was manufactured.

Oooppss I'm about to finish this post without saying anything about my experience upon using the product. Let me say that I'm used to lipstick with vanilla scent so I was surprised that Essence doesn't smell like that. But it is okay with me. It does not put me off as the lipstick has good qualities other than not smelling like vanilla. It has a good color pay off. Should I say pigmentation? Creamy. Smooth. But just like any other lipstick don't expect it to last the whole day on the lips especially when you eat or drink. It doesn't dry out the lips. All of these for the price!

Sorry for the last photo. It will not win any award I know :) But I'm in a hurry now as the household chores is already calling me. I just want to show the color of this lippie. And as I write this I already have at least 8 shades from this brand that I'll write about one of these days. That's all folks! Thanks for dropping by. Till next time. Ciao!!!!

Essence Makeup Haul Part 2

Essence is a makeup brand from Germany and products are made in various countries in Europe like Germany, Italy and Poland. In the UAE market Essence is the cheapest drug store make up brand you'll ever see. Way back in 2009 it used to be available in Carrefour Mirdif City Centre. But back then I was not yet a lipstick or lipgloss junkie. I was a nail polish junkie. Rocking those long nails and so Essence was my favorite brand of nail polish. Mainly because it is the most affordable I could find. As of the quality? One of the best brands I ever used. When I was a  nail polish junkie I had different brands of nail polish. One day I'll write a separate post about it. Women have to know that they have an alternative. 

Don't know what happened but one day Essence left Carrefour MCC. I did not bother to find out why as when I started learning how to cook and bake long nails get in the way so I had to give it up as well as the nail polish. Giving up nail polish was also a way for me to save some money. Fast forward 2014. Slowly I became interested in makeup mainly in lip products. Favorite brand is MAC. Followed by Une and Gosh this year. But the issue is my economic status cannot sustain the prices of these brands. So I had to look for alternatives. Where I can buy a lot without leaving a huge dent on my bank account. That's where Essence came to the picture.

2015. I'm glad that I have an Instagram account. I don't share a lot of photos over the 5 years that I have the account. But I am active into checking various photos. I came across of some Essence make up photos by some women in UAE. That's how I found out that Essence make up indeed is very much available in the UAE. But this is not a popular brand in spite of the country's huge market for make up. Women seems to be in favor of more expensive brands that Essence goes unnoticed. I can't even find it in blogs, social networks and forums in this country. How I envy those women at times. It seems to me that they have unlimited source of money or have a high paying job to be able to afford everything. *Self Pity* mode.

Essence used to be available in Exquisite. A small boutique of make up and perfume. I visited their branch at Times Square Dubai but unfortunately they don't have it anymore. Exquisite Ajman still have some stocks left but the sales lady informed me that soon they'll remove Essence from their store. I found Essence unexpectedly at Carrefour Express in Oasis Mall. Where I least expect it. One Friday I went there just to kill time while waiting for someone. Also another place that Essence make up is still available is at IBN Battuta Mall. Prices for both shops are the same. But the downside is both shops of Essence are quite incomplete. Very limited choices. Could it be a lot of people purchased that they run out of stocks or they are just waiting for stocks to finished and they'll close down soon? I'll try to ask next time. And I know there will be next time as I'm planning to buy more items not only for me but also for love ones in Philippines. Sorry for the very long introduction but here are the photos and prices of the Essence products I purchased. Photos that I have for like at least 2 to 3 minutes in the morning :)

Most the items I purchased from Carrefour Express in Oasis Mall. While the rest are from Geant in IBN Battuta Mall. I will definitely come back in Carrefour Express for more but not to sure at Geant it is simply very far away from my place. Essence Soo Glow Highlighter retails for only 15.00AED so I got myself both colors. While I got only one I Love Nude Eyeshadow for the price of 14.00AED. I am not exactly crazy for eyeshadow and this is an Essence product that can be a hit or miss.

All these lipglosses are from Carrefour Express in Oasis Mall. As they have more choices compared to Geant of IBN Battuta Mall. As of the prices: Essence XXXL Nude Lipgloss costs only 11.00AED. While Essence XXXL Long Lasting Lipgloss costs only 19.00AED.

This is the most expensive lip product in Essence. Not too sure how many colors available for this line. But I have chosen this two as they are neutral colors. I would love to get more shades from this line.

So far I have read too many blogs praising these colors of Essence XXXL Long Lasting Lipgloss. Not a bad choice after all. Will post swatches as soon as I can.

And the colors I got for Essence XXXL Nude collection:
02 Blush Ivory
05 Soft Whisper
05 Just Nude
06 Soft Almond
01 Shy Beauty

And from the 'I Love Nude' line of Essence. There are 5 shades available but I got myself these 3 only. I don't think the remaining 2 will suite me. The 3 remaining lipsticks from the first photo I think are from the permanent collection of Essence. And before I forget price is only 12.00AED each. Isn't it a steal?

And more lipsticks! Not sure if they are in a permanent line and if yes what is the line called. But I got these lippies because they are neutrals. And so I believe they will look good on me without swatching them first.
And that's all for now. Will get some more face products then hopefully that will be the last of it.. Ciao!