Beauty and the Bargain

Essence Cosmetics Review
By Jessica M.

Last week I reported on Essence Cosmetics’ launch in the United
States, and now I’m back to update Blogdorf about my favorite products
(so far) in the line. I’m trying to spend a little less money on my
makeup acquisitions this year, so it will be nice to have another
low-priced, on-trend option to satisfy my cosmetics cravings.

The Colour & Go nail polishes, priced at ninety-nine cents (yes!) are
Essence’s best-sellers. I couldn’t decide between Just in Case
(bronze), What Do U Think? (melon creme), and Space Queen (holographic
sparkles in a pinkish-clear base). There’s also a shimmery cobalt
blue called Underwater that Annie would love. I’ve given myself a
manicure with No More Drama (lilac creme): it applies smoothly and
evenly, and two coats gives a creamy, streak-free finish. It also
wears just as well as most of the higher-priced polishes in my
collection.

Some of Essence’s eye colors are very easy to integrate into my usual
“everyday” look. The eye duo in Ever Glam is packaged in a portable
little compact with a sliding lid, and its pair of bone and
mossy-brown shades carries an amazing amount of shimmer and color
pay-off ($2.49). I’ve also combined two mono shadows ($1.99 each):
Blockbuster is a silky, matte ivory that’s perfect for using all over
the eyelid, and Metropolitan is a rich, deep brown (with a dash of
fine golden sparkle) that works well for defining the crease. All
these shadows stayed put and lasted well when I wore them over Urban
Decay Primer Potion. Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Hot Chocolate is
simple to use ($1.99), and Lash & Brow Eye Gel Mascara keeps my brows
neat ($2.49).

Other shades are perfect for experimenting, especially since they’re
not big cash investments. I’ve been meaning to try some lavender and
purple eye shadows for spring, so I’m testing the waters with Go Glam
mono shadow (lilac), the Mix It Baby! duo (pearly lavender and deep
shimmery purple), and the Quattro quad in Sooo Cool ($2.99). Again,
the shadows feel smooth and soft, and they’re well pigmented. Some
shades fade slightly by the end of the day, but not enough to bother
me. Essence also makes brighter shades (green, orange, hot pink,
yellow) for bolder looks.

Have I mentioned mascara? I’m a terrible klutz with mascara, and I’ve
had bad experiences with mascaras from all kinds of brands. I tried
Multi Action Mascara ($3.49), mainly because I liked the swirly,
Pucci-like pattern on the label, and it turned out to be an easy,
mess-free everyday mascara that gives my eyes just enough “oomph.” I
also sampled Maximum Definition Volume Mascara ($3.99), which has a
skinny rubber brush. I needed to comb out a few clumpy bits after I
applied it, but once I’d done that, I had nicely defined lashes that
didn’t flake or smudge or feel crusty -- for half the price of most
drugstore mascaras.

There are many, many more products in Essence’s import line, and I
definitely haven’t tried all of them. I’d probably pass on the lip
glosses, though; they feel smooth and they give lots of shine, but
they don’t have much pigment when applied. I wasn’t crazy about the
feel of the Kajal Eye Pencils, and the Soft Touch Mousse Foundation is
better for normal-to-dry skin. (I need something oil-free.) For the
most part, though, I’ve really been enjoying this line, and I’ll keep
coming back for Essence’s affordable and well-produced polishes, eye
shadows, mascaras, and makeup brushes.

Essence Cosmetics is available in the U.S. at Ulta stores and
http://www.ulta.com.

For more information and product listings, check
out the Essence website: http://www.essence.eu/us/usa/.

Photos by Jessica M.
Disclosure: Press samples of these products were provided by Essence Cosmetics