Shopping - My Make Up, My Skin, My Nails with Essence

Hello people!

It's been a while that I didn't blog about anything as I was occupied with my exams hence the silence.

Anyway, I have been up to a shopping spree especially on a new cosmetic line found over the causeway called Essence. I find it relatively reasonably priced with prices starting from SGD 2.00 for a bottle of good top coat with glitter to polish your nails and to the most expensive compact powder block with multi shades at SGD 6.00.

I've tried and tested some of its product - and before we get started, I would like to exclaim to all that I used my own money to purchase all the shown items in order to write this review.

So let's get it started!


1) Healthy Nails
You all know how important it is for having healthy pinky glowing nails.

I find this Essence Glitter Top Coat amazing because it keep my weak nails not so wobbly when I am doing the housework like washing the dishes by protecting it as top coat, strengthening every one of it and at the same time, it gives my nails some styling too - with a touch of gloss , glitter and shine!

2) Powder it up!
Oh well, it should be called Essence Mosaic Compact Powder and not multi colored as mentioned earlier. I bought Essence Mosaic Compact Powder - 01 Sunkissed Beauty and double it up as a somewhat bronzer.

I loved the different shades that they have because unlike the typical bronzer with highlights, when applied on my oily skin this compact powder is relatively matte. I lightly tipped my powder brush on it to define my cheeks, jawline for a slimmer look and over the nose bridge to create that higher nose which normally Asians are lacking (like me!).

2a)Blush,blush,blush baby? This is Essence Multi Color Blush in 10 How Cute is That? This is something that I've been looking for. The multi tone blusher just complete the all natural look with warm tones and peachy color without overdoing it.

3)Mascara On My Eyes
Of late I was disappointed with some mascaras which claimed to be non clumping and non smudging but failed to deliver. So I guess most of the time, we've got to buy, tried and tested before finding and clinging to the right one for the rest of your life!?

For this make up range, I bought 2 of it as it was priced in a notch lower than well known over the counter brands. So why not?

3a) Essence No Limits Volume Waterproof Mascara in Black
It is very moist in first application and you need to reapply it like 2 to 3 minutes later for the first coat to dry up. Well, I have been using it for a week now and yes, I must agree that it is waterproof sufficient but not when you're teary eyed watching rom-com movie because last Sunday, I watched Daniel Henney's Seducing Mr. Perfect and it did smeared just a tiny bit. It's volumizing properties was so-so.

3b) Essence All Eyes on Me - Multi Effect Mascara in Black
Oh baby, it's lovely. It says multi effect - well you name it , they have it! Be it volumizing,longer lashes, non clumping - should I call it multi purpose all in one mascara!? Alternating between the Essence No Limits Volume Waterproof Mascara in Black and this one, I do find it amazing in it's lengthening and volumizing properties but it was tad too bad without the waterproof element because it tend to smudge easily.

4) All that sweet on lipstick and glosses
I was fuming mad when the shades and texture that I wanted was not available over the counter. Apparently, they are always out of stock as I went to several stores to get it over the causeway and into the capital as well. So in my current lipstick color collection, I never have such pale pink shade so I choose to get it & the second reason (you might have guess it) was that, it's the only wearable color left! But I am satisfied with my purchase as it is really moisturizing and I just love the sweet fruity smell.

And something for the glosses if you're just plain lazy over the weekends to put on anything but wanted something to glaze on your lip so it would not look dry and flaky. I find this watermelon lip gloss is sheer in its color and smooth in its texture. Perfect for lazy daisies days!

No make up, make up for lip gloss? Yes, just look at this XXXL Nudes Lipgloss!

Well this might be the one goodie for the no make up, make up look though I strongly recommend to put some color tint before applying this nude gloss so not to look too pale. It glides smoothly, just like a smooth operator!

5) Uno, deux, tres, quatre et QUATTRRO?
It's Essence Quattrro Eyeshadow called 05 To Die For

Lovely nudes and browns palette for autumn. I love the colors as it is wearable and long lasting. Easy to apply. The shades helps to contour other face areas such as your nose or even socket of your eyes.

6) Clean are your eyes
Who likes eyes make up leftover? Me,me,me! This is tough job for Essence Eye Make Up Remover that does heavy duty cleaning and removing of waterproof mascaras and densely pigmented eyes shadows!

Did you see that? The soothing liquid in combination of H2O like in this eye makeup remover makes it much easier to clean your eye makeup. When you soak the cotton pads in its content, just let its goodness sits on your eye lids while waiting it to do its magic.

I normally leave the soaked cotton pads on my eye lids for like 2 minutes or even more before gently removing the remaining residue using the cotton pads in soft wiping motion on one direction only. Do not even try or attempt the windscreen wiping motion! Do it only if you want to see more fine lines showing up on your eye lids!

7) Essence Forget it! 3 in 1 concealer
I find this range's product name calling are just super! Attention seeking as it may be - most of it worked especially this concealer.

I tried this concealer to conceal my sensitive red areas in the corner of my lips by using the green ones. It diffuses the redness. The pink and the beige comes in handy to create a somewhere in between shade for my skin tone to cover up my dark eye areas. Smooth coverage with no caking up or whatsoever.

8) Tone it up! My oily skin just love to soak onto this toner because it says anti spot and anti bacteria toner. It's called Essence Pure Skin Anti Spot Toner & Powder.

Such goodness in a bottle!If you look at the bottom of this bottle, you see some white powdery sediment which mattifies my skin throughout the day but of course, apart from the usual ritual of drinking up more H2O for your skin , we need to ritual moisturize our skin too.

9) Sharpener - I could not emphasize well enough on getting a good sharpener for my eye liners and eye brow pencils. It is because when used blunt, I am creating more fine lines over my eye lids which is really a no no! Investing in a good sharpener or in any make up tools is a fine thing to do.

This sharpener grips my eyeliner in a tight grip and see how it sharpens it?

Did I get one too many goodies from Essence? You tell me...! Check out their website for more info:

All about cosmetics? Visit http://www.essence.eu

All about skincare? Visit http://www.essence-myskin.eu/en/home.html

Crazy for better nails? Visit http://www.betterthangelnails.eu/en/products.html

Okay people, this comes to an end for my Essence product(s) review(s). I checked out all the above sites and they currently do not have any online shop and their store locator listed stores only in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Fret not people, if you happens to cross the causeway into our neighborly Malaysia be sure to find Essence make up range in Watsons Personal Store. Here's the link for Watsons Personal Store Locator: http://watsons.com.my


Otherwise, if you are heading up to Malaysia's capital - Kuala Lumpur for a weekend breakaway, be sure to drop by Midvalley Mega Mall where you can locate Essence's full make up range and its' skincare products in a store called COCI COCI. Ok, it sounds cliche but that's where you get all these goodies and more:)

Here's the link to it : http://www.facebook.com/ilovecocicoci

Hugs,
DVF

Order in the midst of Chaos

I went for a walking tour last month; such an exhilaration.

It was a walking tour organized by PMB ( Preservation Monument Board ) and the tour was conducted by somewhat amazing students guides from Raffles Institution. The amount of their research were very much beyond my expectation. I've enjoyed very much of it, really.

I am not going to regurgitate but capturing those moments in pictures avec captions.

Here goes...!

The Central Fire Station

Simple two tone colors of red and white but don't you think it look like blood with bandages? Or it look like bandages and blood?

This rectangular block houses the fire engines and was the extended block from main building. Well.the population boomed & more equipment were required hence storage required.

Hey look, row of fire engines inside. All ready to go and ...

and here's the petrol kiosk inside the Central Fire Station

Heard it is the oldest time keeper in the building, depuis 1909

This is the classic and it's called Dennis! I don't think he is your usual menace!

I doubt that many know there is a museum in the Central Fire Station.Yes, you got it right. A fire station where all the action are still taking place and there is a place where you walk down memory lane. Isn't that wonderful?

The museum is called the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery & open its doors to the public everyday except Monday; 10am - 5pm (including public holidays). A little tip for those coming in groups; it would be nice to give them a call in advance. Since it is the oldest fire station in Singapore, for safety and comfort - there is a headcount cap .

Here is the link to it:
http://www.scdf.gov.sg/content/scdf_internet/en/general/about-us/cd-heritage-gallery/introduction.html

What do we have here? This is the Central Fire Station's crest. See that palm tree? Swaying palm tree above the roaring lion underneath. I think the lion taking a shade and respite before braving for another "Here I am, the fire man that save the day!"

I totally agreed with this drawing, how about you? Come and pay homage to these brave men!

Elianto Spree - Make Up

I went for an online spree at: http://www.epayasia.com.my/elianto/default.aspx

Got myself these:

1st item: Elianto's Eyeliner Pencil , Code 02 , Shimmer White
Smooth application and just love it for not smudging on me. (yeap, tried and tested)

2nd item: Elianto's Color Studio Baby Blue Shadow, Code : 22
Just loved the color, can't wait to try it!

3rd item: I ran out of white shadow as brow highlighter and trying to find something off the norm. So I hope this will do it right. It's Elianto's Pearl Shine Shadow, Baby Pink , Code: 18

4th item : Elianto's Vibrant Shadow , Olive Green, Code : 20

5th item: Finally, to get these colors fixtate and last all day long - an eye primer but sadly - they sent the one shade darker for moi so gonna make the arrangement for an exchange.

Pretty reasonably priced; it was like USD 2 per eye shadow or SGD 2.50 per eye shadow; I've visited some other blogs who tried and tested this product hence gave it a try anyway. Read up for more reference if you wish:


http://waneedaz.blogspot.com/2010/08/eliantos-beauty-product-and-story.html

http://mappleleave.blogspot.com/2011/02/elianto-miracle-multiplex-bb-cream.html

http://www.beautynomics.com/blog/2010/05/13/beauty-destination-elianto/


Disclaimer: Bought all these using my own MONEY

The Boys, Men & Machine in RSAF Open House 2011

I can't believe it that another weekend has arrive and last week Sunday was amazingly hot! Apart meeting up the Top Gun's Asian Tom Cruise look-a-like in the Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Open House in Paya Lebar Airbase, I'd say it was edutaining at the same time.


Anyway, here are the loaded photos with some caption that I must include:

The crest of RSAF:

The Lion & Tiger with the half cresent moon denoting Singapore's as a young rising nation in the east and 5 stars of Equality, Peace, Progress, Democracy and Justice. The bowl of golden laurel that cups the silver wings...

Here's Singapore - under the eagle's wings

Child's play!

Here's my plane! This that seperates boys and men!

I can't recalled whether it's F16 or F15 BUT it's sleek and it's fast and furious!

Needless to tell you WHY? Power exhaust with maximum thrust...!
Mmmy lord! Power!

You CAN touch this!
Throng of people in the que. One on your left, you que and you go into the aircraft's cockpit and another que on your right, you que to see and snap pictures.

Though I can't remember which left or right que but I've got the chance to go into a chopper - CHINOOK!

I always thought that it's like riding a plane but nay,nay!!
There isn't any air conditioning and you are seated, strapped next to the wall, to that interior of the chopper that seperates you and the thin air.


"Be my unicorn!" Next to unicorn : The Vent

Fascinating to know that it can climb as high as 18,000 feet but most of the time they don't reach the maximum height. I found out from men on duty that air is cooler when airborne hence air conditioning not required.


"High High Up in The Skies"

One of the highlight was the aeriel display of fighter jets F15, F16 and choppers Chinook and Puma. And not forgeting the champs of the skies, daredevil jumpers in their striking red parachutes - Red Lions!
MMmmmy Lord!


The Red Lions had landed

This the public viewing platform

Just look at the crowd!

Top Gun's Tom Cruise of the East?

Republic of Singapore, The Airfore - Above All

I am sure many who went for this yearly event were amazed by it's excellent edutaiment program. Salute to all these brave men on going up and into unknown land, seas and skies ; many places to protect and to prevail peace on earth & also Singapore.

Aye Aye Captain and fellow men!

I rendered my respect to you all - A BIG SALUTE, A BIG KISS ON THE CHEEKS TOO!

Idiot's guide to salute:
http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Prep_For_Basic_Training/Prep_for_basic_customs_and_courtesies/the-hand-salute.shtml

Tres bien - Biennale!

My bright orange Singapore Biennale orange bag


Singapore Biennale 2011 was on the run for almost 2 months now. To be exact, it was 13 March 2011 to 15 May 2011.

I've got my tickets for a while, bought it 4 weeks before the finale - 15.5.11. All entry to 4 venues with audio guide for SGD10. So far, I've visited Singapore Art Museum (SAM)and Singapore Art Museum at 8Q (SAM@8Q) -lovely art installation, weeks ago before the finale.

I must say that my schedule was an haywire and going to the last two venues on last minute basis weren't helping me at all.

Rush rush thing it was...

15.5.11 Early bird get the worms-I'd say!
I was up wee hours in the morning. Then off I go hopping into a cab and specifically told uncle driver ( we fondly called uncle and aunties in Singapore yet we are not bloodily related, just out of respect)

'Uncle, I need to go Old Kallang Airport.'

Soon, he whisked me in his fast and furious manner to Old Airport Road!

BUCKLE UP..!

Wait-a-minute! Oh no!It's Old Kallang Airport, uncle!

Sensing something amiss as he vroomed pass by some big orange colored Biennale posters and banners, I quipped at him,'Uncle, I need to go there-pointing at the deserted building with many orange colors banners / posters'

"Aiyoh, why now you tell me? If I missed out this turn - it will be far for you to u-turn back lah.."

Well, for obviouse reason - my wallet gonna be sorry.

"Okay, okay miss. No problem lah.. I drive you there lah.."

Just save the argument and looking forward arriving to the venue itself..

As the cab arrived at the main gate, there wasn't much thing to look forward to because I personally felt I was transported (teleported??) back in time, at least 50 years ago.

'Whoa! Good Lord Mama! Where on earth am I?!'

We stopped at the guard post. Upon seeing me, one of the guard said,
'Lady, it's 9am and they haven't open up yet. You got 30 minutes or so to go..'

"Oh noo! I am way too early"

'Why don't you come in and get your breakfast in somewhere right inside'

" Well, it was a lovely idea! "

The portable and reliable Toast Box - found and sighted at Old Kallang Airport. Tummy need food!!

Yes, the usual roti (bread in Malay language) and kopi (coffee in Malay language) This is Set A or something, that comes with your puffing hot coffee or tea ( I chose milky tea) with your toasted bread spread with thinly sliced butter and kaya (coconut jam), not forgetting the half boiled eggs.

This is how you eat it.. break it..don't forget the soy sauce and a dash of pepper


It was a temporary set up as I heard from the lady over the counter. Today was their last day too in Old Kallang Airport. It was a hot sunny Sunday and it was just me in the joint.

Wohooo...! Anybody home ?!

Just me with my hungry tummy and serenity..


And I found some interesting exhibits in this local food and beverage joint

Long wooden stool for sale

Kitchen utensils and trinkets on the cupboard shelf

Such nostalgia ?

The installation in this joint no doubt decorative & nostalgic. I personally felt it's a preview of what's more to see in the exhibits later on

After getting my food fuel, I was looking out of the window in this joint.

Behind it was an aircraft hangar!

Did you see what I see?
Was that an aircraft turbine engine?

The venue itself is such an old world charm. Old Kallang Airport used to be the island's civillian airport in mid 1950's.

I must admit that I should have take the early initiative to visit all venues earlier and not on last minute basis.

Though I must agree with one thing, nothing was lost though.

It was tres bien, Singapore Biennale.

p/s: Just want to make it short and sassy - I hope to blog more on my 2nd piece on Biennale (if time permits) Well, readers who are curious about some phrases and things that I've mentioned in this blog, I've provided some TRIVIAs with the link below (for more read up at your own leisurely pace and time)Here goes...!

What's a KAYA?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_jam

What's with the KAYA TOAST?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaya_toast

What's with the LAH?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singlish#Lah

Tres bien, Singapore Biennale 2011 ! http://www.singaporebiennale.org

What's SAM? It's Singapore Art Museum
http://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/

Find and see it yourself the mystical beast at Merlion Park http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/family-fun/attraction/merlion-park.html

Old world charm in Old Kallang Airport http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kallang_Airport

Where can I see and feel Singapore under the rotunda dome?
Answer: National Museum of Singapore - www.nationalmuseum.sg/

Okay lah, one last question! What's rotunda?
Answer: Barucunda it is not , click here for answer http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rotunda