Monthly Favourites | November

This post is going to be a little lengthy as I have quite a good number of products to share with you so let's get right into it.

First up are some new makeup tools from Makeup Revolution which I have been using practically everyday. They are the Advanced Complexion Expert Sponges (Soft & Hard) and the Ultra Metals Contour Brush. I haven't reviewed the sponges yet so I won't be saying much about them except that they are some of the best sponges I have ever used to apply my foundation with. As for the brush, I like how steady it is and I like that it applies bronzer only where you need it. You can read the full review here.

Moving on, I have the eye products which will make up most of my favourites this month. I have already shown the Essence Gel Eye Pencils in previous posts but I really wanted to show you the latest two I got - 01 Black Blaze and 05 Gunmetal. After I have tried these, I am a little reluctant to try any other eye pencil because these last practically all day on my waterline and they only cost €2.40 a pop! I have another three of them too but my favourite is the shade 06 Cocoa Bean.

Another Essence favourite for this month is the All About Greys Eyeshadow palette in which all 8 shades are extremely pigmented and I shall be reviewing this palette along with another two from the same range soon so stay tuned for that! I like how you can create both dramatic and more subtle looks with just palette that costs just around €4 I believe.

More eyeshadows come from Pupa Milano's Soft & Wild Limited Edition collection which I really do urge you to go out and get while it lasts. Here I have the shades 004 and 005 out of which the former is my absolute favourite and I really like how well they go with the Essence All About Greys palette above.

The last thing I have to show you for eye make up is the Sleek i-Divine in Enchanted Forest. I really like all the colours in this palette and I think it is a really good value for money palette that will make a nice secret santa gift or a pretty little stocking filler. Pigmentation is awesome for all shades and it last really long too.

Next up I have lip products which include my favourite colour combination - MAC Soar Lip Pencil and MAC Brave Lipstick which has a Satin finish. If I want a glossy look, I would just add Essence Liquid Lipstick in 02 Beauty Secret on top of them and I have a lip colour that will last for hours on end.

Another favourite is this limited edition lipstick from Essence Merry Berry collection which is selling out super fast. My favourite shade out of the three is 01 Let The Berry-Tales Begin which looks really dark but in reality translates to the most gorgeous plum shade on the lips that lasts for a very long time.

As for face products, this month was all about giving my complexion some warmth so my favourite blush has been this Milani Rose Powder Blush in the shade 03 Warm Petals which has just the slightest shimmer and a good pigmentation to it. The Makeup Revolution Ultra Cream Contour Palette has been God-sent to help with perfecting my contouring skills so definitely another favourite for this month.

To keep my skin in check, I have been treating it to a weekly mask with the Yves Rocher Active Sensitive Extreme Comfort Mask to calm down redness and soothe it. If you have sensitive skin, definitely go get this one!

Lastly, I have the two perfumes that I have used most this month - the classic Chanel No.5 which is my favourite scent of all time and the La Prairie Silver Rain which I got in sample size in a goodie bag from an event. The latter is very fresh and I like wearing it during the day while I like to reserve the Chanel No.5 for night time as it is much stronger.

And that rounds up my favourites for November! Let's hope for even more favourites in December :)

November Collective Haul

November just flew by me in a whiff and so it is time for the mandatory end-of month collective haul. This month it was more about cosmetics and just a few clothing items so it will be quite a short post. Enjoy :)

First up is the Essence Merry Berry limited edition collection on which I have got quite a few pieces and you check them all out here including swatches. This Christmas collection is one of the most anticipated this year and I really urge you to go out and get it!

I had to make a separate trip to get two more products out of this collection after seeing more reviews about them and I managed to find both the highlighter and the nail polish in the shade 02 Purple With A Purpose. The highlighter was €3.50 and the polish was €2.10. I also bought some of the stuff from their permanent line including a gel eye pencil in the shade 05 Gunmetal for €2.30, a nail art designer set for €2.10, an express dry nail spray for €2.60, a light reflecting top coat for €2.10 and a black nail polish for €1.70.

Also from Essence I got the Liquid Ink eyeliner and another gel eyeliner in 01 Black Blaze. They cost €2.40 each. From Roseberry, I got a backup of the NYX HD Concealer which is my favourite concealer ever for my under eye area and it cost €9.99. I also bought the 2015 limited edition i-Divine in Enchanted Forest for €13.99 and you can check out all swatches here.

As for clothing, I placed an order on the River Island website where I got this tassel fol-over bag (€26), a khaki patchwork wallet (€22) and these black tassel front loafers (€35) which I cannot wait to wear. 

Lastly, from Orsay I got this black top and green faux leather skirt which were €19.49 each (with a discount) and I also got this denim skirt from Stradivarius for €22.95 which has been on my wishlist since the Pink Fashion Show.

Review | Essence How To Make Brows Wow Make-up Box

One of my new year resolutions has been to delve more into the world of brow makeup and experiment to achieve that polished-but-not-too-made-up-brows look. I have tried several products in the past such as brow waxes, pencils and tinted brow mascaras which I liked at first but didn't seem to reach for them more after a while. The main reason is that I don't like my brows to look too harsh against my pale skin.

Thus, when given the chance to try out this new release from Essence Cosmetics, I thought I'd give it a go. The How To Make Brows Wow Make-up Box comes in this cute box that reminds me of higher end brands with similar packaging.

It contains three brow powders, one for blondes, one for brunettes and a universal shade, a highlighting powder a pair of small tweezers, a little dual-end applicator brush, a good sized mirror and an instruction card. I like that the powders have a protective plastic film that can be re-used.

I prefer to use the universal and the blonde shades for even though I am a brunette I find the dark shade a little too in-your-face for me. I apply the powders with a slanting eyeshadow brush in small, light strokes across my eyebrows to fill them in an add definition, and then set everything with clear brow gel. I then use the highlight shade on my brow bone to give the arch more definition.

I think the powders last well enough and I like how they look on me, thus I have been reaching for this product on an almost daily basis. I have never used the tweezers and brush that come with the box and probably never will so I can't comment on those.

I do recommend this box to individuals and even make-up artists for the simple fact that you get three different colours of eyebrow powders in one at a mere fraction of the price of similar higher end products.

Essence Cosmetics can be found at authorised pharmacies and outlets across Malta and Gozo. Don't forget about the first ever Essence Cosmetics buffet that is going to be organized on the 14th of August at Arkadia Gozo. More information about tickets and the event can be found on the Essence Cosmetics Malta Facebook page!

PR Sample

Review | Essence Silky Touch Blush 90 Summer Dreaming

Today I present to you my favourite summer blush courtesy of Essence Cosmetics, the new Silky Touch Blush in the shade 90 Summer Dreaming which is the latest shade to join the other already existing five nuances.

The blush comes in a transparent compact which I admit, does look a little cheap but it closes well and for a budget brand I can't complain. You get 5g of product with a delicate embossed design in the pan.

This particular shade, 90 Summer Dreaming is a shimmerless peachy-coral colour that will suit pale to medium skin tones beautifully, giving a healthy flush of colour to the cheeks especially in summer. I find the texture is not powdery at all and the colour can be built up to suit your preference. 

I like this blush so much that it was the only blush I took with me on holiday this summer! So if you're on the lookout for a budget blush, this is definitely one to look out for.

You can find Essence blushes at authorised pharmacies and outlets. For more information check the Essence Cosmetics Malta Facebook page.

** Here's a little heads up on the Essence Cosmetics OMG! Buffet that is going to be held at Arkadia Gozo on the 14th of August. Buy your tickets in advance ;)

PR Sample

Review | Essence Long Lasting Lipsticks 04 On The Catwalk & 07 Natural Beauty

Good morning lovelies :) The first product review of 2014 will be all about these two lipsticks from Essence Cosmetics' latest range, namely their Long Lasting Lipsticks. I bought these last November and have been playing around with them ever since. I even featured them in my December favourites but they deserve a more in-depth review.

 

Essence have introduced the Long Lasting Lipsticks range a few months ago to be part of their permanent line. Apart from the packaging, these lipsticks differ quite a lot from the other lipsticks Essence has previously marketed. To be honest I much favour this kind of  packaging as it looks more sophisticated, sturdy and expensive.

 

Black packaging as far as cosmetics are concerned, has sleek written all over it for me and the little coloured ring in the middle and the colour coded sticker on the bottom make it easier to pick up the colour you want, no matter the way you store your lipsticks. Another thing that belies these lipsticks' price tag, is the Essence logo embossed on the actual bullet. I actually think it lends them a high end feel.

 

The texture is very creamy for both shades that I own, namely 04 On The Catwalk and 07 Natural Beauty and it is what makes these lipsticks unique. More often than not, long lasting formulas tend to be very drying on the lips, these however, prove to be a moisturising treat throughout the duration of wear. On me, I find that shade 04 lasts longer, over 6 hours actually while shade 07 lasts a little less. Pigmentation wise, they each provide a very good colour payoff and glide easily on the lips.

I would describe shade 04 On The Catwalk as a dark claret red which would look good on any skin tone while 07 Natural Beauty is a pinkish nude and would suit pale skin tones better. Neither of these lipsticks carries a particular scent.
 

Top: 04 On The Catwalk
Bottom: 07 Natural Beauty

 

I would recommend this range of lipsticks to anyone basically as you are getting an amazing product at a ridiculous price!

Essence Long Lasting Lipsticks are available from various pharmacies and outlets across Malta & Gozo and they retail at €2.30 each. For more information regarding stockists, please check out the Essence Cosmetics Malta Facebook page.

Initial Impressions | Essence Show Your Feet High Heel Mania Trend Edition

Hello beauties! I'm so excited to be sharing this post with you today! So last Thursday I was able to get my hands on one of the latest Trend Editions from Essence, Show Your Feet High Heel Mania! As soon as I saw this on their website, I was really hoping we get it quick here in Malta and luckily my prayers have been answered!

 

Here are the pictures and initial impressions about the products that makeup this limited edition collection!

 

 

Show Your Feet Toe Nail Polish

 

While I don't get what makes a finger and toe nail polish different, I really liked the bright shades in this collection but since I have similar colours to them, I skipped the nail polishes but one, namely 02 The Pump. It is a beautiful baby pink crème that is opaque in just one coat! I really liked the fact that they named the polishes after different shoes :) The formula is nice and dries fairly quickly so thumbs up! €2.40 for 8ml, available in a total of 5 shades

 

 

Show Your Feet Gel Comfort Pads

 

In my opinion, these are must haves for when you're wearing high heels. The cushions provide a non-slip grip and prevent burning and blisters on the balls of the feet! What's more? They're heart shaped thus suitable for flip flops; and if they lose stickiness, just rinse them with clear water and they're as good as new! €3.60 for 1 pair

 

 

Show Your Feet High Heel Protectors

 

Another innovative product! I'm really in need of these to help prevent ruining my high heels. Basically, these are gel cushions for your heels which just wrap around your heel. Again, if they lose stickiness, you just have to rinse them with clear water! €3.60 for 2 pairs

 

Show Your Feet Designer Sole Sticker

 

This is a fun and innovative product which I knew I would definitely get both varieties of. I'm curious as so see how long these will last and how they will look! €3.60 for 1 pair, available in 01 Into The Wild and 02 Pink Is Beautiful

 

 

Show Your Feet Nail Stickers

 

I loved these so much I got 3 sheets! You get an array of different coloured shoes, stars and hearts, perfect for chic and quick nail art! €2.20 per sheet of 35 stickers

 

Show Your Feet Body Tattoos

 

These body tattoos have been designed for use around the ankles but I will be using them for decorative purposes instead. €2.40 per sheet, available in 2 variations

 

 

 

So, high heel maniacs, Essence got you covered! Will you be getting anything from this collection? In Malta, the High Mania Trend Edition is available at Rotunda Pharmacy, Mosta | Beautika, Siggiewi | Health Plus on Campus.

NOTW | Chevron Half-Moon Manicure

Hey all :) Hope your Sunday has been great! Here is the nail art tutorial for this week where I took a modern take on the half-moon manicure with a classic colour combination...nude pink and gold. Read on for the tutorial!

1. Prep nails with a base coat to protect your natural nails and help the polish last longer.

 

2. Paint two coats of a gold nail polish onto the ring fingers making sure to allow enough drying time for each coat. I used Essence Colour & Go 140 Go Bold. For the other nails, apply two coats of a nude pink polish. I used Essence Nude Glam 02 Iced Strawberry Cream. It is imperative to leave the nails to dry thoroughly before proceeding. 10 minutes should be enough.

 

3. Using striping tape, adhere two strips at the base of each of the pink coloured nails, forming a triangle and paint this triangle with the same gold polish used for the ring fingers. Wait for a couple of seconds and gently peel off the tape. Remember to take off the last piece of tape first.

 

4. Seal your design with a top coat and you're done!

 

 

 

 

Review | Essence XXXL Shine Lipglosses

Going through the products I haven't yet reviewed from the Essence & Catrice bloggers event last August, I have some serious lip candy that I should share with you presto! Starting with, 4 lipglosses from Essence's XXXL Shine range.

I have never tried this range of lipglosses before but when I saw one of the new shades at the event, I was completely sold! You have also seen numerous of my monthly favourites featuring this new lipgloss in the shade 020 Wood Of Roses which is a nice deep plum/old rose kind of shade with teeny tiny silver, pink and blueish-purple shimmer. I remember be hoping that the colour would show up as beautifully and as pigmented on my lips and I can triumphantly say that I wasn't disappointed! So off I went in search of some more XXXL Shine lipglosses.

The packaging is pretty standard and they come with a sponge applicator. One thing I don't like about the packaging is that the lettering and silver colour on the cap wears off eventually and there are no ingredients listed; although they do state when a lipgloss contains carmine. The applicator is an elongated sponge. All of the lipglosses carry a sweet, fruity smell.

I ended up getting three more, namely, 03 Timeless Beauty {an iridescent, pale lilac}, 08 Glamour To Go {shimmery, nude beige} and 15 True Love {slightly shimmery Italian pink}.  All of these lipglosses have proved to be non-sticky and last for around an hour, maybe a bit more, but you definitely need to re-apply throughout the day. Also, they are very moisturising and are extremely shiny and pigmented. 

Clockwise from left, Timeless Beauty, Glamour To Go, Wood Of Roses & True Love

The range consists of a total of 14 brilliant hues and they retail for around €2 from pharmacies across Malta & Gozo. 03 Timeless Beauty has been discontinued.

020 Wood Of Roses was provided as a PR sample