Essence XXXL Long Lasting Matt Effect Lip Gloss – Review & swatches

This is the kind of product that solely depends on your taste in makeup.

XXXL Long Lasting Matt Effect Lip Gloss
matt = a must! if you love this lip trend, the velvety-matt, long-lasting lipglosses are ideal for you! the light, mousse-like texture lasts on your lips for several hours without drying them out. particularly easy to apply thanks to the flat applicator.

Essence XXXL Long Lasting Matt Effect Lip Gloss In 07 Silky Red

Essence XXXL Long Lasting Matt Effect Lip Gloss In 07 Silky Red

Essence XXXL Long Lasting Matt Effect Lip Gloss In 07 Silky Red  - Swatch

Essence XXXL Long Lasting Matt Effect Lip Gloss In 07 Silky Red  - Applied

My thoughts
For starters, it sort of smells like vanilla. I say “sort of” because it slightly smells medicinal too which doesn’t make it very pleasing per se. But that doesn’t bother me much as it is not overwhelming. Looking at the formula, I agree that it does feel very light and silky on my lips. Also, the flat applicator makes application pretty simple.

The shade that I have got is called 07 Silky Red which is a red leaning towards coral. It’s not very pigmented though. It gives a semi-sheer coverage on my lips and doesn’t pop as much as I had expected. I've noticed that it doesn't apply evenly on my lips probably because of its sheer pigmentation. Moreover, it doesn't appear entirely matte. For someone like me who generally likes loud, full coverage lip colors, this isn’t good news. However, there are times when I feel like wearing a toned down red, something that wouldn’t be too loud for the occasion. And this is THAT product.

Is it long-lasting? Well not so much. Don’t get me wrong; it does last a solid two hours on my lips and leaves a gorgeous tint however it is not the longest wear formula I've ever tried. It doesn’t dry out my lips considering it gives a matt effect – that’s probably the best part about it.

Overall, I have a so-so feeling about it. This would definitely appeal to the younger crowd, someone who’s just started out with makeup or someone who isn’t comfortable pulling off bold colors.

You might like it if…

• It feels light on your lips
• You are looking for a lip color that doesn’t stand out as much
• It doesn’t dry out your lips
• You expect it to appear truly matte on your lips

You might not like it if…

• If you are into bold lip colors
• You think it has an average staying power
• It coats your lips unevenly

My rating

3.5/5

Essence XXXL Long Lasting Matt Effect Lip Gloss is priced at PKR 495 and can be purchased from Naheed superstore or Farid's Pharmacy. You can also get it online from Just4girls.pk.

What do you think about it? Have you tried any lip gloss from Essence?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Essence The Lash Curler: Volume & Curl Mascara – Review

Well I tried everything it said, twisted the cap manually while applying at the same time but it just didn’t work for me.

The Lash Curler: Volume & Curl Mascara
crazy curl! the lash curler is a new mascara innovation and has a manually rotating brush. unique on the market, the brush can be twisted manually as needed - sometimes more and sometimes less – while you apply your mascara to create extraordinary curl and volume. since the curl mascara is twisted by hand, it doesn’t require batteries. an absolute eye-catcher that’s fun, too! opthalmologically tested.

Essence The Lash Curler: Volume & Curl Mascara

Essence The Lash Curler: Volume & Curl Mascara

Essence The Lash Curler: Volume & Curl Mascara: Before & After Application

My thoughts
I’ve got thin and short lashes so I am always on the lookout for mascaras that would add length and volume to my skimpy lashes. I LOVE mascaras and I’ve got a couple of them stashed for different occasions. I like how a good mascara can transform the whole look of my eye and makes it look bigger and prominent. However, it is really heart-breaking when a product doesn’t deliver on its claims.

The lash curler mascara literally does NOTHING for my lashes. It claims to add volume but nope! It won’t even define them the way I like. The formula is thin so it doesn’t get clumpy during application and applies pretty neat – it’s a plus but seriously who would want to buy a product just for that?! I had high hopes but sadly this one is a disappointment. The brand has got some wonderful mascaras so if you really want to try one, you should check out Multi Action Mascara by Essence instead.

You might like it if…

• It doesn’t clump and applies neat

You might not like it if…

• You have short and thin lashes
• It doesn’t lengthen or volumize your lashes

My rating

1.5/5

Essence The Lash Curler: Volume & Curl Mascara is priced at PKR 630 and is available online on Just4girls.pk. If you live in Karachi, you can find Essence over Naheed Superstore.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Essence 3D Eyeshadow – Review & swatches

I love the presentation and the 3D look on Essence 3D Eyeshadow duos; I think it’s very eye-catching.

3D Eyeshadow
Innovative and unique, the duo eyeshadow with a 3D look and a 3D effect has arrived! The 3mm-high relief design offers an ultimate 3D look and the ultra-light yet high-coverage formula creates a cool finish with a 3D effect - from satin to metallic to shimmering - upon application. Applied with a wet brush, the 3D duo eyeshadow guarantees even more intense results. Six duo eyeshadows, each with two perfectly aligned shades, create the highlight of the season for eye make-up in three dimensions!

Essence 3D Eyeshadow 04 Irresistible Caramel Cream

Essence 3D Eyeshadow 04 Irresistible Caramel Cream Swatch

Essence 3D Eyeshadow 02 Irresistible Purr-ple

Essence 3D Eyeshadow 02 Irresistible Purr-ple Swatch

Essence 3D Eyeshadow 07 Irresistible Smokey Eye

Essence 3D Eyeshadow 07 Irresistible Smokey Eye Swatch

My thoughts
Well for starters, the embossed designs make it look very tempting. I’ve got three duos: 04 Irresistible Caramel Cream, 02 Irresistible Purr-ple & 07 Irresistible Smokey Eye. All three of them have metallic finishes; some have shimmer in them too. The pigmentation is average; the lighter shades require more layering (Don’t even think of skipping an eye shadow primer!).

The texture varies from shade to shade. 04 Irresistible Caramel Cream and 07 Irresistible Smokey Eye have an incredible texture, feel silky to the touch and the colors blend together beautifully however the shimmery purple in 02 Irresistible Purr-ple feels gritty which is disappointing. You may come across some fall out with the darker shades especially with 07 Irresistible Smokey Eye.

The product says that it could be applied wet as well. Quite honestly, I haven’t had the chance to try them wet but I believe that it would certainly make a difference in the intensity. Overall, these are just run-of-the-mill for me.

You might like it if…

• You are looking for eye shadows that are easy on the pocket
• The colors blend together beautifully
• You use them with a wet brush

You might not like it if…

• You feel the pigmentation is average and the lighter colors require more layering
• You experience fall out with the darker shades
• The shadows aren’t long-wearing hence need a primer

My rating

3/5

Essence 3D Eyeshadow comes with a price tag of PKR 490 and is available for purchase at Naheed superstore or Farid's Pharmacy in Karachi. For more details, catch Essence Pakistan on Facebook.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Essence Like A Girls Night Out EDT – Review

I am not an admirer of sweet scents. It gives me a head ache and so I steer clear of them as much as I can. Like A Girls Night Out is undoubtedly sweet without being overwhelming or too sweet.

Like a Girl's Night Out Eau De Toilette
A fun and exciting fruity scent for girls night out with friends.

Top notes: tangerine, elemi, dragon fruit and goji berries.
Heart: rose, peach, magnolia blossom and tangerine.
Base: vetiver, vanilla and musk.

Essence Like A Girls Night Out EDT

Essence Like A Girls Night Out EDT

My thoughts
Like A Girls Night Out comes in an adorable clear glass bottle with a distinctive ribbon wrapped on the top. Essence has done a fine job with the packaging; it’s definitely going to appeal more to the younger crowd. Also, the affordable price tag makes it a total steal.

The scent unlocks with a fresh citrusy note and translates into a fruity-floral mishmash. The musk and vanilla notes become obvious at the base. Overall, it’s a fun, fruity and girly fragrance with a moderate sillage. I was genuinely surprised by the longevity of the scent. It lasts for a good five hours on me which isn’t bad in my book. Thankfully, it’s not incredibly sweet and did not give me a head ache. It’s clean and doesn’t draw a lot of attention which is why I think it's perfect for daily use.

If you’re a fan of sweet scents then this is definitely your thing. Personally, it’s not my cup of tea. Having said that, I still like wearing it occasionally.

You might like it if...

• You're looking for an affordable, everyday fragrance
• You like sweet and fruity scents

You might not like it if...

• Sweet scents aren't your thing
• The scent doesn't last very long

My rating

3.5/5

Essence Like A Girls Night Out EDT comes with a price tag of PKR 1230 and can be purchased online from Just4girls.pk. If you live in Karachi, you can find it at Naheed Supermarket and Farid's. For more details, catch Essence Pakistan on Facebook.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Essence Pure Skin Anti-Spot Moisturizer – Review

Having a combination skin, I always have a hard time picking up a moisturizer that would agree with my skin.

Pure Skin Anti-Spot Moisturizer
The moisturizing cream improves the appearance of your skin: it alleviates visible redness, calms the skin and has a mattifying effect. Its perfectly aligned ingredients battle spots and blackheads and prevent the appearance of new ones at the same time! ideal day and night care for a fresh complexion.

My thoughts
Essence Pure Skin Anti-Spot Moisturizer comes in a 75ml tube; enough to last you a month or two. It has a mild medicinal scent similar to the Toner & Powder from the same range. The consistency of the product is thin, much like a lotion, and absorbs within seconds which is exactly what I look for in a moisturizer. I love that it feels light without feeling sticky/greasy – something I cannot stand whatsoever.

The product claims to fight zits and blackheads. It contains witch hazel and Zinc pca which fights acne, reduces inflammation and swelling. From what I have gathered, it does help fight occasional zits but if you’ve got serious acne, I don’t think this would work. Since I do not have blackheads, I am not sure if this would fight those too. Also, I disagree with its claim of keeping skin matte, it doesn't really.

The reason why I like it so much is the fact that it keeps the dry areas on my face hydrated and the oily parts balanced so that my skin is not overflowing with sebum. If your skin requires heavy-duty hydration, this product is going to disappoint you because it’s a light moisturizer most fitting for combination/oily skin. Overall, I like using this in my daily routine.

You might like it if…

• You have combination/oily skin
• You are looking for a light everyday moisturizer
• You expect it to fight zits (mild acne)
• You absolutely hate that greasy feeling some moisturizers leave behind
• It absorbs quickly and feels light on the skin

You might not like it if…

• You expect it to fight serious acne
• The scent puts you off
• You have dry/normal skin
• You expect heavy-duty hydration
• You expect it to mattify your skin

My rating
 
4/5

Essence Pure Skin Anti-Spot Moisturizer is priced PKR 490 is available for purchase at Naheed, Farid’s and Scentsation Dolmen City mall in Karachi. For more details, catch Essence Pakistan on Facebook.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Essence Pure Skin Toner & Powder – Review

The thing that caught my eye was the word ‘powder’ written together with the word ‘toner’. I discovered that the powder in it is supposed to absorb oil on your face. This is a good thing because I’ve got a combination skin and in general, most toners tend to leave a tacky film behind that I don't like. So does it really work that way? Read more to find out.

Pure Skin Toner & Powder
The toner with oil-absorbing powder is an ideal and refreshing finish to your face cleansing ritual. It battles unpopular spots and blackheads, improves the appearance of your skin and has a long-lasting mattifying effect. Simply shake and apply with a cotton pad at the end of your skin care routine in the morning and evening.

Essence Pure Skin Toner & Powder

My thoughts
This product is good value for money in my opinion. Firstly, you get a 200ml bottle which would last you two-three months so to speak. The ingredients on the back say that it has got salicylic acid which is excellent for combination/oily skin as it unclogs pores and inhibits pimples and blemishes. It also has allantoin which is a natural chemical compound that is supposed to soothe and increase smoothness of skin – this is especially good for sensitive skin.

It has a mild scent which smells fresh though it might bother some of you. It also gives a slight cooling sensation upon application which feels nice. I usually use this at night after cleansing. I like to apply it with a cotton pad and I’ve noticed that it really helps chuck out dirt, impurities and even the last bit of makeup.

Honestly, this is what toners do normally but what’s unique is that unlike most toners that I've tried, it absorbs within seconds and keeps my face matte. There’s absolutely no tacky feeling after that. But then I thought to myself if this is keeping my skin matte, it might dry out some parts of my face. Surprisingly, it did not do that. It’s amazing how it keeps my combination skin so balanced. Having said that, I disagree with its claim to give a long-lasting mattifying effect – it really doesn’t do that for me. Overall, I am very pleased with it.

You might like it if…

• You have combination/oily or sensitive skin
• You don’t like that tacky feeling most toners leave behind
• You expect it to keep your face matte after use
• You expect it to unclog pores; remove dirt and makeup

You might not like it if…

• You expect a long-lasting mattifying effect
• You do not like the scent.

My rating
 
4/5

Essence Pure Skin Toner & Powder is priced PKR 490 and can be purchased online from Just4girls.pk. Essence is also available at Naheed, Farid’s and Scentsation Dolmen City mall in Karachi. For more details, catch Essence Pakistan on Facebook.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it?

PR sample(s) sent for review. This however has not affected my opinion at all. My loyalty is to my readers and being honest is my utmost responsibility. I have given my sincere opinion about the product(s) mentioned in the post. For more details, please go through my Disclosure Policy.

If you have any questions, you can have a look at FAQ or email me on info@sarahassansblog.com.

Essence Nail Art Special Effect Topper in Night In Vegas

Ever since I started blogging, I've had my eye on this and finally I've got one.

Nail Art Special Effect Topper
Mega Fashionable and always unexpected: the special effect topper always have a surprize in store for you! Sparkling holographic or with a prism effect - these polishes in various colors ensure an extraordinary finish and an eye-catching apperance whereever you go! Available in nice colors.

Essence Nail Art Special Effect Topper in Night In Vegas

Essence Nail Art Special Effect Topper in Night In Vegas

My thoughts
Night In Vegas is a flakey top coat. The flakes change color from orange to green depending on how the light hits upon your nails. As you can see, I have used a black base but you can layer it over other nail colors to make your manis look special. The effect is absolutely amazing over deep bases. I am not so pleased with the formula. It's slightly thick so you cannot expect a smooth application with this. Overall, I really like it.

Essence Nail Art Special Effect Topper in Night In Vegas is priced at PKR 310 and can be purchased online from Just4girls.pk. Essence is also available at Naheed superstore in Karachi. For more details, visit Essence Pakistan on Facebook.

What do you think about this top coat? Have you tried it?

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic – Review & swatches

I cannot imagine leaving out a highlighter in my daily makeup routine. I love how it adds a gorgeous glow to my skin instantaneously.

Circus Circus Highlighter Powder in 01 It’s Magic (limited edition)
Curtains up for a perfect complexion! The subtle highlighter powder not only brightens up your complexion, but your eyes too! Delicate shimmer particles set enchanting accents on your face, neck and décolleté for a splendid finale in the circus arena!

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic - Swatch

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic - Swatch

My thoughts
I am pleasantly surprised by the product. This is hands down the best drugstore highlighter I have come upon to date. I was blown away by the texture and pigmentation of this product the first time I tried it. The texture is soft and applies like a dream. Also, it’s richly pigmented – little goes a long way! I love the embossed circus tent on it; I think it’s cute. It comes in a huge 9g pan which is plenty to last me a few years. The packaging is well-made and the lid locks properly which makes it good to travel with.

It’s Magic is a universally flattering, light champagne gold with minute light reflecting shimmer. I've been wearing it almost daily during day time and I don’t think it makes my face look outrageously sparkly. As I said, it's very pigmented so make sure you keep a light hand while applying. It wears for good five hours and gives just the right amount of glow to my face without turning me into a disco ball. I noticed that it slightly emphasizes pores and other imperfections which is the only snag that I could find but it doesn’t bother me a lot as it doesn’t appear frosty. It leaves my skin with a perfect golden sheen and gives me that sun-kissed radiance which I love! The one thing that could bother you is that there is a lot of fallout in the pan which makes it look dirty after each use. I don't consider it to be much of an issue though; I just sweep my finger across the rim of the pan and it's clean again.

All in all, I think this product is great value for the price. Unfortunately, it’s an L.E so if you’re planning on getting this, better hurry up!

You might like it if…

• You want add a glow to your skin
• You fancy champagne gold highlighters
• You think it’s travel-friendly
• You expect good pigmentation and wear time
• You think it has a soft texture that applies smoothly
• You love the price

You might not like it if…

• It slightly enhances pores and other imperfections
• Fallout in the pan bothers you

My rating

4.5/5

Essence Circus Circus Highlighter Powder It’s Magic is priced at PKR 460 and can be purchased online at Just4girls.pk. Join Essence Pakistan on Facebook to stay updated.

What do you think about it? Have you tried it yet?