Essence Cosmetics Spring 2014 Collection Review and Swatches

Press sample

Essence cosmetics is a budget friendly makeup brand that features a wide range of fun and fashionable products. Essence carries on-trend lipsticks, lip glosses, eye shadows, mascaras, nail polishes, nail art and more. I’ve been testing a bunch of Essence products from their new Spring Collection…..let’s take a look!

 

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadows ($2.99 each) look super shimmery/glittery in the pan but that’s an over-spray so you won’t have full on glitter on your lids. That said, you do need to have an appreciation for shimmer as these eyeshadows have a shimmering, metallic finish. The formula is nicely pigmented with a good color payoff even without an eyeshadow primer. However, I would highly recommend a primer or base beforehand, both to intensify the color vibrancy and to prevent creasing and make them last almost all day (especailly if you have oily lids). These eyeshadows can also be used wet to get more of an intense metallic finish. I tried 3 shades : Chocolate Jewelery, Coffee to Glow and Frosted Apple. As you can see, Coffee to Glow looks like a silver shade in the pan but is actually a beautiful shimmery taupe when swatched/applied.

Essence Longlasting Lipstick ($2.99 each) – I really like these lipsticks! They have a smooth and creamy, color rich formula that wears quite well for several hours without drying out your lips. The color range is pretty good from a bright pink to intensive red and chilled-out berry to subtle nude shades. The 3 shades that I tried are On The Catwalk, Dare To Be Nude and Colour Crush…here are the swatches.

Essence Stay No Matter What Eye Pencil & Shadow ($2.99 each) – These chubby eye pencils can be used as an eyeliner pencil or as an eyeshadow. With a smooth & creamy texture that blends out easily, they have a great color payoff that’s easy to build up for more pigment and coverage. The formula really lives up to its long-wearing claim and lasts all day without any smudging or creasing, with an eyeshadow primer. I love using Goegeous Grey as an eyeliner and it’s also great for a quick smoky eye while Whipped White Frosting is a lovely shade for adding a shimmery highlight to the inner corners of your eyes and under the brow bone that just brightens up your whole look!

Overall, I am quite pleased with the quality of Essence Cosmetics. With all products under $5, this affordable beauty brand is definitely worth checking out! Available at Ulta and Walgreens stores.