REVIEW: Essence Long Lasting Lipstick (07 Natural Beauty)

Another review! I have a lot of things that need to be reviewed so you'll see more of them on my blog in the coming weeks. Also feel free to request for a review of any of the products I have or you'd like me to try!

I've seen these Essence Long Lasting Lipsticks around a few bloggers and a few YouTube channels, so I thought I'd give it a go. It is a part of my attempt to venture a bit more into drugstore make-up as well as the world of lipstick, both of which still overwhelm me until now with all the variety. It has taken me this long to get a MLBB or 'My Lips But Better' lipstick and I'm happy to show the first one I got, which is in the shade 07 Natural Beauty. 

Pigmentation & Colour

I will say that this is a sheer lipstick, but can be built up to a medium. The colour is a medium pink thats neither too warm nor too cool, but doesn't look awkward against my skin. It just appears very natural and pulls the look together without drawing too much attention to it. I've seen people with paler skin than mine use this and it still looks natural, though I can't be too sure with skins darker than an NC35. Do swatch this if you can!

Application

It applies smoothly, with no tugging on the lips. It feels very lightweight even when layered, and isn't too creamy nor drying. It has the teardrop shape you see with most lipsticks, I will say thought that it can emphasize lip lines, so its best to wear a balm and to exfoliate prior, just in case. It has a satin finish that leans ever so slightly on the glossy side. 

The tip of the lipstick has a teardrop shape which is typical for most lipsticks on the market, so its easy to apply. For those who want to know how to apply lipstick (or if you want to know a great way to do it given the teardrop shape) watch From Head to Toe's video. I found it really helpful and use this method to apply lipstick.

Lasting Power

As this is quite a sheer lipstick, this lasts me around 2 to 3 hours. This isn't too bad considering its price point, and I don't really favour long lasting formulas anyway because they tend to be quite unforgiving on my dry, chapped lips. The product name is misleading though, for those who are expecting a long-wearing formula. They will last longer if you blot and/or use a lip liner under.

Its neither moisturizing nor drying on my lips which I really appreciate. I still apply a lip balm underneath and also when I reapply after eating or drinking, so bear that in mind. It doesn't fade awkwardly but I would say that is more because of the colour. It doesn't leave a stain.

Had my hair up because it was impossible that day. The heat these days is too much o-<-<

Price and Availability

I got this for PHP 209, making it the cheapest make-up product I own. Essence counters are available in all SM Department Stores as well as Watsons, making them widely available. This makes me happy because they're really affordable! In the US, I know that they're available at Ulta.

Summary:

(+) Neither moisturizing nor drying
(+) Neutral colour
(+) Applies smoothly
(+) Lightweight
(+) No awkward fading
(+) Very affordable
(+) Easily available
(+/-) Sheer but buildable to medium
(-) Misleading product name
(-) Can emphasize lip lines

Recommended for: those looking for an affordable MLBB | starting out with lipstick

Repurchase? Yes! I'm really glad I got to try this! I'm definitely checking out more from the range because they do have a good assortment of colours.

That's it for now! I know this is shorter compared to my usual reviews so if I missed anything or if you have any clarifications, feel free to leave me a comment below! :)

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Friday, May 08, 2015

REVIEW: Essence Long Lasting Lipstick (07 Natural Beauty)

By Pauline Read More

2014 Favourites

Hey everyone!

I won't be having a favourites for this month in favour of the ultimate favourites post - my 2014  Favourites! This is a special kind of favourites as it also includes my favourite travel experience from this past year as well. Not going to lie, this was a pretty difficult year for me in terms of everything, but it was easily the most eventful. Restarting this blog was definitely a big part of my year, and I hope to continue being more active and sharing all these experiences and products with all of you!

Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream (Review here)

I've said this before, but this is by far the best BB cream I have ever tried. No grey cast, great colour match, lightweight, light to medium coverage, and photo-friendly! This makes me look like I have healthy, almost flawless skin, which is definitely not the case. The shade range and packaging definitely need some improvement, but I have been so happy with this overall and would highly recommend it!

Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (Review here)

I used to use it twice a week when I first got it, but I like it better as a once a week treatment on Sunday nights to clarify my pores after wearing make-up almost the whole week. It also helps calm my acne though I don't use it as a spot treatment anymore. It also reduces the redness on my face, which is always a huge plus for me. It's easy to see why this sells so well!

Real Techniques Shading Brush

This wins as my favourite brush this year as it is the one that I didn't expect to work as well as it did. It works well to pack on colour as well as to blend harsh edges away no matter what type of eyeshadow. It also allows me a lot of control because of its small size. All in all, it's a really great multi-purpose first eyeshadow brush!

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow (Birthday Suit, My Two Cents)

These two have been my go-to for an easy wash of colour on lazy days, as well as bases to make similar colours sitting on top more vibrant. I also like how you can't find similar colours of these in the famous Maybelline Color Tattoo range, which convinces me to purchase the full-sized versions when I run out...which won't happen soon as I'm not even halfway through the tiny pots!

Laneige Water Bank Essence EX

This is the newest one among all my favourites, but it is the one that has made all the difference to my rough, dehydrated skin. It does exactly as it claimed - to smoothen skin and add moisture. I also like how quickly it absorbs into the skin without leaving an icky oily feeling unlike other moisturizers. I think I found another skin care staple!

Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Primer Essence (Review here)

I like how this adds enough moisture and has just the right amount of silicone to make the application of whatever base I apply on top smoother without making me feel like I have a film over my face as most primers tend to do. I'm happy with the price tag as well despite its availability (rather, lack of) in most Etude House branches I go to. Highly recommended for people with drier skin!

Too Cool for School Marshmallow Puff (Review here)

I was in denial for a long time on choosing this sponge over my make-up brushes, but this gives the most flawless, skin-like finish, especially when paired with cream products like my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer! It also helps my base products to separate less when worn for a long time.  This combined with my Fairydrops BB Cream and NARS Concealer make for a (seemingly) good skin day. Another unexpected favourite, and it won't break your bank as much as the original Beauty Blender would!

Best Travel Experience

Singapore

I already consider myself lucky to have traveled overseas more than once this year, but what made my Singapore May 2014 trip better was that I got to visit a friend I hadn't seen in a long time, and experienced planning and paying for a trip all on my own. This was more of a vacation for me than my Seoul trip was, as I didn't have to stress over the itinerary and making sure my parents weren't lost. It was nice to go at your own pace and do what you wanted to do for a change. In a way, it was a semi-independent trip that I won't forget for a lifetime.

And there you have it! Feel free to share with me your own favourites for this year down in the comments below. I'd like to thank everyone who has made this year what it was, especially you guys! Here's to a happier, better 2015!

1. Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX
2. Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Primer Essence
3. Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream
4. Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
5. Too Cool for School Marshmallow Puff
6. Real Techniques Shading Brush
7. Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014 Favourites

By Pauline Read More

July Favourites

Hey, everyone!

I'm back to share with you some of my favourites for the month of July. I've been really getting back into make-up and introducing a few more steps to my routine. The sudden change in weather from hot and humid to (slightly) cool and rainy has definitely taken its toll on my skin, giving me the opportunity to try more skin care products and test just how good my make-up products are. So let's get started!

Clio Kill Brown Brush Liner

I wanted to get back into wearing liquid liners so I tried this brush out at the beginning of the month. It's so easy to draw a thin, precise line and when I layer two coats (if this makes sense) it stays on my eyes all day (with eyeshadow primer of course) but it is also easy to clean with a regular cleanser. I've been really loving it this month but I'm not sure if I would repurchase this as I've been eyeing the Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner for a while now, but if that fails I'm definitely going back to this!

Real Techniques Shading Brush

Got this along with two other brushes in my last mini haul. Honestly speaking, I never thought I would love this brush as much as I do now. It's great for what I intended it to do, which was apply both powder and cream eyeshadows, but it's also a really good blending brush for both matte and shimmer eyeshadows. It's an almost perfect shape for my eyelids (as most brushes I've seen are too big) and has sneaked into my daily routine.

Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream

I know I've already written a very lengthy review of this here, but I have come to appreciate it a lot this month now that I got to compare it to my Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation and Lioele Water Drop BB Cream. It dries quickly, has good coverage (enough to cover most of my redness), and lasts for hours while still looking great at the end of the day. I could say I found the BB Cream and I will be repurchasing this when I run out. Highly recommended if you can find it!

Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Primer Essence

I've also written a very lengthy review about this here and while I could still go on and on about how much I love this primer, I will spare you another lengthy ramble. It's translucent, creates an even surface, makes pores appear smaller, prolongs base makeup wear, and gives a slight dewy finish.  It doesn't have too much silicone which I have come to appreciate. Perfect to pair with BB Creams!

Innisfree Green Tea Moisture Essence

I loved this during my trip to South Korea last April because it saved my skin from the dry wind, but I've grown to love it again because it is very hydrating, not very oily, and it reduces the redness in my face (caused frequently by the Etude House Wonder Pore Freshener, I'm afraid) to nearly none! I'm not sure if its because of the green tea and its known anti-inflammatory properties, but I love this essence and I'm so glad to have bought a back up! This has also helped a lot in calming my breakouts which makes it even more awesome.

Missha Super Aqua Relief Eye Cream

The skin under my eyes is really dry but my Laneige eye cream is too thick and appears too oily for daytime use. I tried this out from my sister's stash (not like she uses it much anyway) and it is light enough but still hydrating to be used for the day. I'm definitely going to purchase one for myself!

And there you have it! If you have any questions about products that I've mentioned or want to share your favourites for July, feel free to leave a comment below! Also don't forget to follow me on Twitter if you haven't!

'Till my next post!

Friday, August 01, 2014

July Favourites

By Pauline Read More