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 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.

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!

Where to buy Essence cosmetics in UAE?

For how many weeks now I had been asking/searching Google and Social Networks these questions: Where to buy Essence Makeup in UAE? Where to buy Essence Makeup in Dubai? Where to buy Essence Cosmetics in Dubai? Where to buy Essence Cosmetics in UAE? Try it yourself for you to know that it is hard to find an answer. There are some blog posts from yesteryears and I visited the places mentioned but then tough luck. Those places no longer sell Essence makeup or Essence cosmetics whatever term you prefer.

Visited the Exquisite shop in Times Square even though it is very far from my place. Hyper Panda in DFC even though it is not my favorite mall. And even visited Ansar Gallery in Sharjah even though I detest the traffic in that area. Sadly those shops no longer carries Essence. The only shops I know that still sells them are Carrefour Express in Oasis Mall and Geant in IBN Battuta Mall. But both shops are very far from me and with very limited choices. That's why I'm trying to find other places where this brand might be available. I would like to know if there are shops near to me and/or shops that have other items that are not available in Oasis Mall or Geant IBN Battuta Mall.

I was glad to see that there is a Carrefour Express (?) in Al Ghurair Mall. With question mark because it is quite big to be an Express. I walked fast and searched the whole area thinking that if it is indeed an Express they would carry Essence.

And why I am so keen in finding Essence shops in UAE? Well there's nothing I can do with all the price increase around while the salary stays the same for almost a decade now. So the only factor I can control is my expenses. Meaning I need to look for the most affordable in the market. I am still a little obsessed with lip products and blush on which is pretty evident with my previous posts. This started last year and I think it will go on for another year or two. But then I can't afford what other shops has to offer. Essence is the only brand I know that dirt cheap but with good quality. I can reward myself without leaving a deep holes in my pocket.

It would be heaven if Essence skin care products will also be available in the UAE market. But that is just another wishful thinking. I know it will never happen as Essence is a dying brand in UAE Market. This is an unknown brand among make up junkies and make up gurus in the UAE. Most of them can afford high end/more popular make ups so I don't think that they will bother to patronize make up brand this cheap.

FEBRUARY 16, 2016:
Update. There is a mall in Ajman called Matajer Mall. Inside this mall there is a Carrefour Express. And... Essence Cosmetics is very much available and still affordable as ever. SO it's a good news for those who are in Ajman and into affordable make up. Ciao!

MARCH 26, 2017:
I was on Carrefour Mirdif City Centre over the weekend and I have seen Wet and Wild cosmetics. I know it is not related to Essence cosmetics. But then I think it is also quite popular and affordable even though the prices are higher then Essence. So just an alternative for those who can't easily find/locate Essence. But those who advocate cruelty free and yet affordable make up there is another brand from Germany called Catrice. The downside is so far I found them only online via Souq. Those who will be visiting Germany would easily find it in Rossmann Outlets I think but I have never been to Germany, instead I have been to Turkey where they have branches of Rossmann. And this Rossmann carries Catrice as well as Rival de Young and Rival de Loop. 

If Germany can produce affordable cosmetics why the US can't? I am not comparing the brands from US and Germany (and Asians) and those US brands making me feel as if they are high end. I have some lipsticks from Catrice that I will be sharing soon. Uhm, as soon as I get the time to take snapshots. :)

JULY 02, 2017:
There is now a grocery shop in King Faisal Street Ajman named Mars Hypermarket. Just go to the second floor and you will find Essence there. You many not find the latest the Essence has to offer but the basic ones will do.

November 09, 2017:
Are you familiar with United Hypermarket? The one I know of is in Dubai. I do not know what the street is called but it is near the Muraqqabat Police Station. Anyway as I was browsing Instagram last night I came across their Sharjah branch account. And I found out that they carry Essence and Catrice!!!!! I do not know if they are still on sale today but I am asking a friend to take me there and check them out. I would like to see for myself the items they offer. And I would like to have some Essence Metal Rock Eyeshadows the one that came out in liquid form.

November 12, 2017:
Over the weekend I was able to visit 2 shops that carries Catrice and Essence. One was in Joanna in Dragon Mart and it is written in one of the comments below. And the other one was United Hypermarket Sharjah. Out of the two better to visit the latter. United Hypermarket Sharjah has an almost complete stocks of both brands. Meaning some of new releases are available as opposed to Joanna. Plus United Hypermarket has social media accounts and somebody is taking time to answer the question and queries posted! I suggested that if they could also bring P2 if possible. Which is another affordable German brand of makeup. ☺

November 16, 2017:
Do you know Safeer Mall? Inside Safeer Mall there is a shop called Xpressions Style and it has some Essence products. But not all branches do have Essence. Like the one in Ajman Al Nuaimia I asked if they have Essence, they do not have. You can check Safeer Mall in Sharjah or Century Mall in Dubai. Or you can buy from them online with shipping fee of 15.00AED. Ciao! ♥

2018.04.22
Notice that some people are still visiting this post so I thought I'll give a final update. Visited at least 3 shops last weekend (unintentionally) Mars Hypermarket in King Faisal Street Ajman, United Hypermarket Sharjah (Essence are all 40% off) and Carrefour in Oasis Mall. They are selling the least Essence products they have. Soon it will be gone in physical shops in UAE. Not sure until Souq will sell it. They do not know the exact reason. But I don't think people will mind that much. Do you? The latest products from Essence and its sister company Catrice are now all made in China. The reason why I bought from Wet & Wild or ELF only once for the same reason. As well as Nyx. Not being obnoxious here though do not get me wrong. If you cannot really avoid wearing/wanting makeup then may I suggest shift to Korean brands? Lot are springing everywhere. And they are still on the affordable side. Just do not go after the most popular ones like The Faceshop. Got my Tony Moly bronzer for only 20.00AED while my It's Skin blusher for only 23.00AED.

Essence All About Matt! Oil Control Makeup Base

Essence All About Matt Oil Control Makeup Base

Price: 20.00AED @ Exquisite Ajman

Made in Italy

I had been searching the internet and social networks as I would like to know where else in UAE can I find this brand of make up but then to no avail. Essence is a top drug store brand in Europe. Used to be available in Exquisite shops across the UAE but not anymore. Please ladies who would write a post about Essence makeup care to add also where to buy and how much pretty please? I know that this is still available in Carrefour Express in Oasis Centre and Geant in IBN Battuta Mall. But both places are very far from me as I'm coming all the way from Ajman. What attracted me to purchase this product was the words 'oil control makeup base' and 'long lasting pore refining' for those who doesn't want to read long let me tell you that as of makeup base category this is my 'holy grail' and very seldom I use that phrase in my whatever products I am using. Now let's move along with other photos. And explanation or description about this wonderful and yet affordable product.

What it promises to do so: lightweight make up base for a long lasting matt and smooth finish. Who doesn't want that? Please scroll down for more photos if you want to see the country of origin and ingredients as well as the swatch of before and after photos.

For the price for 20ML it is not bad at all. In fact because of Essence I can't bring myself anymore to buy other brand that would cost higher than 30.00AED. This brand proved that good quality doesn't have to be so expensive. It delivers with its promise of being oil free even though not for the whole day which is understandable. There's no such product in the world that can control the oil in our face for the whole day. They can only last up to a few hours like 5 hours or so. It does not feel heavy on the skin. Does not leave residue. And this small tube will go a long way. But here's my future problem: once I finished all the tubes I have I don't know anymore where to buy. Carrefour Express in Oasis Center or Geant in IBN Battuta Mall does not always carry this makeup base. Unlike the other brands that are readily available in most shops near to me.

That's all for now.
Thanks for dropping.
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!!!!