Product Review: Essence's Lash Princess Volume Mascara

Hello, makeup junkies! 💋

I've been dying to post this review of Essence's Lash Princess Volume Mascara ever since the (first) day I tested it.

I've been on a hunt for a decent and inexpensive mascara since I finished my Celeteque one months ago. I haven't been really successful, until I dropped by Essence to pick up a new eyeliner, and saw this cutie!

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara 

Php 349

The packaging looks like a corset and is extra girly because of the peachy pink/orange color. The cap is made of rubber that makes opening easier (I can just imagine how useful I would find this little "feature" once the mascara is not as new and the formula on the outside rim start to dry up).

I think I startled the sales lady after squealing like a little girl when I saw it on display. I wasn't expecting it to be available in the Philippines as I haven't noticed it before (seems impossible as who can miss this adorable packaging). I wanted the green one, which was their waterproof version, but they didn't have it. I was actually lucky because I got the last piece.

Bare lashes on the left. 1 coat of mascara at the top and 2 at the bottom

Royal! the lash princess mascara with a specially-shaped cobra-head wand covers each individual lash to create dramatic volume and a gorgeous, sweeping look. for intensive fluttering lashes. just as unique as any princess, the mascara is presented in a beautiful evening gown.

from www.essence.ue

The wand reminds me of a twisted cobra head as the middle tapers off a little bit. The bristles are made of hair and are spaced apart perfectly, to make sure lashes are volumized, but still be able to brush out the clumps.

Initial application at the top. 8 hours after application at the bottom.

Initial application at the top. 8 hours after application at the bottom

The formula sets and dries (that looks really dry) fairly quickly. It did not make my lashes crunchy or sticky. It made my lashes look really black and I would say, a little thicker. Although it didn't mention anything about length, I still see that it has made my lashes look a little longer. Which is a plus in my book! In fact, it made my eyes look more "open" since it did a good job in making my lashes curl up, even without the help of an actual curler (something I really wanted to get out of my mascaras). It doesn't have any strong nasty scent, although, it still has a slight, somewhat chemical smell that goes away right after application. It was also easy to remove by the end of the day.

The only downside to this mascara is, it smudges and flakes a little on me. And since I wear contact lenses and I tear up  constantly, I get raccoon eyes after 8 hours of wear time (which is pretty common for me even with other brands).

Ingredients:
AQUA (WATER), CERA ALBA (BEESWAX), PARAFFIN, CARNAUBA (COPERNICIA CERIFERA) WAX, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, STEARIC ACID, PALMITIC ACID, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, CERA MICROCRISTALLINA (MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX), AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, MAGNESIUM SILICATE, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POLYIMIDE-1, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES).
from www.essence.ue

Pros:
- Adds volume and makes lashes really black
- Separates lashes and coats each lash giving the appearance of more lashes
- Mascara wand combs out clumps and gives lashes a fuller look

Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Smudges and flakes

The Final Verdict: This is a decent mascara and I'd say I will repurchase this product. That's because for me, the smudging and flaking issue can be easily resolved by cleaning and touching up. Like what I've mentioned, it's something I've always experienced even with other mascaras and it's not really new to me. But because I really noticed a difference in my lashes, and this mascara didn't make my lashes feel (and look) brittle, I'd say it's one of the better mascaras I got to try.

Until next time! I'll see you on my next post.

Xoxo,

Missus C 💋

Drugstore Finds: From Essence, L'Oréal, and Pinkies Collections

Hey there, makeup junkies!

I have something from the drugstore to share with you, lovelies. By the way, these are not new and some of them may have been around for ages. But I consider them as drugstore discoveries or gems, not because they've just been released, but because they've been raved about by makeup gurus, while some I have tried and tested. Now that we have that out of the way, let me show you the things I recently got.
Note: Items were purchased from SM Makati Department Store/Watson's.

1. L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation in G4 Gold Beige 

 

The new True Match: The Art of Skin Matching Perfection
New True Match, super blendable foundation.

The new formula contains 3 new shade enhancers for shade matching precision. Skin perfecting pigments and the ultra gloding creamy texture give a homogeneous finish. Even better colour matching, and more luminous and radiant skin than before. Even longer wear and better comfort. All you see is your skin at it's best.
From http://www.loreal-paris.co.uk

The original price of this foundation is Php 650, but since L'Oréal has a 25% discount which started July 1st (until July 31, 2016) on its True Match line, I was able to nab this for Php 450.

Update: 

It’s the LAST WEEK of our True Match Sale! Get 25% off on all True Match products until JULY 31 only. With prices as low as P300, it’s never too late to #FindYourTrueMatch!

True Match offers a wide range of skin-matching products  that precisely suits every skin tone and type. Foundation, powder, concealer, blush, BB, blur cream – everything is on sale, so don’t miss  out!

True Match Concealer, from P400 to P300
True Match BB Cream, from P400 to P300
True Match Blur Cream, from P400 to P300
True Match Two-Way Foundation Refill, from P400 to P300
True Match Powder, from P500 to P375
True Match Crayon Concealer, from P500 to P375
True Match Blush, from P500 to P375
True Match Liquid Foundation, from P600 to P450
True Match Two-Way Foundation, from P600 to P450
True Match Genius 4-in-1 Compact, from P600 to P450
http://gph.is/2a9embm

*Maybelline also has a 25% discount on select items until the end of the month. I suggest you grab one today (although I am  waiting for their Brown Creamy Matte Lipsticks to be released soon).

2. Essence Eyeliner Pen (Waterproof) 01 Deep Black

Back to black: accurate eyeliner styles are easy to achieve with the smudge and waterproof eyeliner pen with a felt tip. Waterproof without a stain effect, your eyeliner can withstand spring showers with ease. For intensive eyeliner looks in urban black. 
From http://www.essence.eu

I've used this in the passed and I really liked it, so I purchased a new one to replace the one I have that has dried up. If you want to see my review of this eyeliner pen, just click this link. This eyeliner pen cost me Php 279.


3. Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara

Royal! The lash princess mascara with a specially-shaped cobra-head wand covers each individual lash to create dramatic volume and a gorgeous, sweeping look. For intensive fluttering lashes. Just as unique as any princess, the mascara is presented in a beautiful evening gown. 
From http://www.essence.eu

This Lash Princess mascara became very popular last year. People purchased the product because of the cute packaging and because it delivers its promise of volume and more. I bought this for Php 349 and  I'm really excited to try this!


4. Pinkies Collections in ML14 Bark

Pinkies Collections is the urbane girl's favorite cosmetic. With chic and long-lasting makeup lines, Pinkies meets your delightful expectations. 
From Pinkies Collections Facebook Page

I heard when this was launched, they were priced at Php 169 but since people started becoming more familiar with the brand and the demand for their lipsticks became higher, they increased the price to Php 199. I am also looking forward to try this as I see gray/cool undertones on this nude color which I don't have in my collection yet. Let me know if you'd like me to review this first or Essence's Lash Princess Mascara (I'd probably start testing them both tomorrow).

That's all I have for you today, makeup junkies! See yah on my next post! 💋

Xoxo,

Missus C

Drugstore Finds: Pink Sugar Creamy Matte Lippies and Essence Lipliners

Don't leave a girl alone to wander down the beauty aisle... You'll never know what she might pick up!

So today, I found myself walking towards the mall to look at makeup with no intentions of buying anything. I remember seeing Essence releasing a new lip product (I think they're called the Velvet Sticks) on Instagram and I was wondering whether they were already available (they're not) in the Philippines and how they'd look swatched in person, when the inevitable happened. I passed by Pink Sugar's counter/booth and saw their new lippies displayed. 👀

Lipstick in Xoxo, lipliners in In the Nude and Satin Mauve

I ended up buying a new lipstick and 2 lipliners I don't really need, lol!

Pink Sugar released 5 new shades for their Creamy Matte (Php 349 each) line.

CLAIM TO FAME: A semi-matte lipstick that delivers long-lasting color

FAST FACTS: Covers lips in gorgeous color with a soft matte finish; highly pigmented formula glides on smoothly; formulated with vitamin E and shea butter to moisturize, nourish, and soften lips during use; comes in 10 bold shades

PERFECT FOR: All day lip lusciousness
From www.beautymnl.com

Their new shades are:

XOXO - a soft brown pink
Hot Mess - a mauve pink
Girl Next Door - a deep toned beige
Hotline Bling - a bright fuschia

Image from Pink Sugar Ph's Instagram account

And while the lipstick I got (XOXO) from Pink Sugar is a new release, the lipliners (Php 99 each) I bought from Essence have been around forever! They just changed the packaging! And from what I remember, the colors are still the same. Hopefully, they didn't make any changes to the formula, as I found it comfortable and not drying on the lips the last time I got a lipliner from them.

I picked up In the Nude and Satin Mauve. I already have their Red Blush, which I liked because it was very pigmented, soft and didn't tug on my lips.

Essence Lip Liner glides on smoothly and precisely to ensure perfect lip contours and endless hours of lipstick fun. The wooden lip liner is ideal for smudge-proof and long-lasting lip makeup.

Image from www.essence.eu

So, eventhough I don't really need these new lip products, I'd have to admit, the colors I got are so pretty, I don't regret buying them. Plus, I can always tell myself it was Mother's Day last week and these can be considered as gifts to myself *wink wink.

Until next time.

Xoxo 💋

Product Review: Essence's Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

Here's another review for you. This time from a European drugstore brand, that launched in the Philippines a couple of years ago, Essence.

Essence cosmetics gives you easy access to great products that inspire you to express who you are with style, confidence and fun. We say NO to animal testing and YES to quality with prices affordable enough to try a fabulous new look whenever you want. With a full range of breakthrough beauty products and the season's hottest colors and formulas, you'll look great and your skin will feel great too! Express yourself with essence - europe's no. 1 cosmetic brand!* - source: Euromonitor International, 2013 - from Essence's website.

Essence claims:

Back to Black - Accurate eyeliner styles are easy to achieve with the smudge and waterproof eyeliner pen with a felt tip. Waterproof without a stain effect, your eyeliner can withstand spring showers with ease. For intensive eyeliner looks in urban black.

Image: Screenshot from Tati's Favorite Drugstore Liners video

For quite some time now, I have been on the look out for the best eyeliner. My ideal eyeliner has got to be an intense matte black, waterproof, smudgeproof, long-lasting, and of course, cheap! I know it's too much to ask, but a girl can always hope. After watching Tati rave about this eyeliner, I knew in my heart of hearts (lol!), I would one day, be holding this in my hand.

I was so excited to try this liner out that as soon as I saw the Essence counter in SM Makati (279Php), I immediately grabbed an eyeliner and a couple of their lipliners and rushed to pay for them without realizing I took the wrong eyeliner. I ended up just giving it to my sister-in-law because I wasn't too fond of its finish. I learned my lesson since and made sure to get the waterproof one with the blue writing as Tati instructed the next time.

This waterproof version also came in a pen form with a felt tip, similar to the first liner I got, but I noticed the tip is thicker and stiffer, which wasn't really a big deal for me as it was still easy for me to draw a wing. The only complaint I have is, since the tip is stiff, it sometimes skips when I try to draw a straight line because it drags the skin more. However, I figured with frequent use, it would eventually lose its stiffness and be 'just right'.

Initial Application

I love how black this liner is, it was made even more perfect since it dries matte! As for its staying power, it lasted the entire day! And I mean, the WHOLE day, it even survived my 6-year old's nighttime shower (which consists of my son trying to spray water everywhere, including me)! Not only did this liner last all day on my combination normal-oily skin, it also survived water being splashed on my face without running and minimal to no smudging or fading at all.

8 hours after application

12 hours after application

As for removal one must use cleansing oil or makeup remover to completely remove since it doesn't come off completely with just a regular facial cleanser.

Pros:

-Dries to a matte black
-Intense color
-Waterproof
-Long-lasting
-Did not irritate my eyes

Cons:

-Hard to remove
-Not smudgeproof
-Pen may dry out easily (after a month or 2)
-Stiff applicator tip that skips and drags the skin

The Final Verdict: I love Tati, and if she says this is the best drugstore eyeliner there is, then I believe her. This is a great purchase, as it is not as expensive as the other "imported" eyeliners available in the drugstore and it delivers its promise of intense color pay off, waterproof, and easy to control and use tip.

Ingredients:

AQUA (WATER), STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, ALCOHOL DENAT., METHYLPROPANEDIOL, CETEARETH-25, SORBITOL, SODIUM CARBONATE, LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT, PANTHENOL, GELLAN GUM, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, ANHYDROXYLITOL, XYLITOL, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, SIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, CI 77266 (BLACK 2).

What about you, what's your favorite eyeliner from the drugstore?

Xoxo