Glow by Lady E

Back in 2015, I shared How I Packed My Baguio Vanity Kit — and looking back, I realize how timeless some of those essentials were. This year, I returned to the cool Baguio breeze with a curated kit of products that do it all: hydrate, enhance, and perform — even in mountain weather. My vanity kit this time? Fierce and functional, housed in a bold red NARS pouch that I got last year as a GWP. Thank you, NARS!  Here's a peek at what made the cut: 💄 NARS Foundation Weightless, buildable, and my skin but better. A must for evenings out and cozy café moments. Since getting MCAS/Histamine flares and rosacea, this NARS foundation has been my go-to foundation to cover up all the rashes and the redness on my face. Let me know in the comments if you want a review for red/acne/rosacea prone skin.  🎨 Bobbi Brown Palette For subtle daytime definition and quick smoky eyes at night. It also includes a blush! ✨ Chanel Eyebrow Kit I used to use Bobbi Brown eyeshadows for my brows but ...

So I realized that I haven't shared my very first Essence purchases with you. I got these in Watsons Singapore last November.  I was drawn to the display - really cheery pastels and circus/fair theme. There were no testers but considering the affordable price tag, I just added them to my basket. I checked them out when I got home in Manila. Little did I know that I was in for a treat.  Look at these swatches.  The blush is super pigmented. The first time I swiped my brush, I ended up with a ton of product. I was very careful after that. I like to layer this on top of a base shade. It's the perfect shade for spring.  This blush stays on a for a considerable amount of time. I have no complaints because it does great for a drugstore product.  I will share with you photos of the nail polish when I apply it again. Right now, I'm wearing another Essence nail polish shade but couldn't show you as it's already chipped!

I only discovered the brand Essence when I went to Singapore late last year. I must be living under a rock because Essence has already been here for several months and I was clueless! I was blown away by how pigmented my blush was. (Hmm.. a quick search reminded me that I haven't featured that blush yet. Will do soon.). When I got back, I made it my mission to find the Essence kiosk in SM Makati. Sad to say, I was disappointed because the display was dark, a bit dirty and a mish mash of stuff. They don't even feature the latest collection properly unlike in Watsons Singapore where the winter collection was displayed prominently. In spite of that, I would always visit the kiosk but never bought anything. The prices in Singapore are way better. But, one day, the lipsticks were on sale so I thought it was the perfect time to try them. I also needed a quick pick-me-up and what better way to perk me up than makeup. So I got the two lippies, the best selling All About Matt and a...