Brand Review: Essence Cosmetics

Hey everyone,

I wanted to keep with the theme of the last blog post and do another review on a really super affordable cosmetic brand that I'm so happy I discovered. 

Essence Cosmetics is owned by the German company Cosnova Beauty and is a fun, affordable range of make up that you can buy here in the UK online or in high street shop, Wilkinsons.  I personally think it's along the same lines as the Miss Sporty range and would say their branding and affordability is aimed at the teenage market.

I have never used anything from them before but had seen some pictures popping up on my Instagram feed and they all came with positive comments.  I knew there were a few things in my make up collection that I needed to update like mascara's, so I grabbed a cuppa and went online to their webpage (you can have a look here) to have a look at the range of products and also if there were any reviews.  I have to say, pretty much all the reviews were great and the prices are just so cheap! I don't think there is anything in the range that is over £5!  I will apologise now as I did buy quite a few things (!!) so this is a slightly-longer-than normal post but I hope you find it useful.

Mascara

Maximum Definition Volume Mascara - £2.80

I love the packaging of this mascara.  It's a gorgeous metallic red/orange and feels and looks a lot higher end than the price.  It has a small thin flexible synthetic fibre wand and it reaches really well into the inner corner of my eyes, coating all the lashes.  I applied this to my bottom lashes too and there was no running or smudging throughout the whole day.  I used my normal make up remover to take it off and I found it came off easily.  I wouldn't say this gives my lashes "volume" but it does give a nice, everyday look that isn't too dramatic.

All Eyes On Me Multi-effect Waterproof Mascara - £2.00

For £2.00, this is a real bargain.  I love the packaging and the wand has a fuller brush than the Maximum Definition.  It says it gives volume, length and curve and yes, I would agree that this does just that.  I used this whilst snowboarding and there were no "panda eyes" at the end of the day even though my eyes took a real battering with snow and wind.  I used my cleansing oil to remove this and it came off easily.  A great bargain waterproof mascara!

I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara - £2.80

I picked this up as a "going out" mascara.  I love the packaging of this... a really fun, bright pink with bold black lettering. This has an extra large plastic wand and the texture is great.  It gave my lashes good definition without looking clumpy and coated them well too.  I haven't been able to "smudge test" this one yet as I haven't been "out out" but first impressions of this for a glam-look mascara are fab!

Blusher

I picked up two blushers as there were two different formulations: Matte and Satin, so for a £1.00 each I thought, why not!

Satin Touch Blush "Satin Love" - £1.00

This is a great bronze coloured blush which isn't too shimmery or golden.

Matt Touch Blush "Berry Me Up! - £1.00

This is a lovely matte blush which gives my cheeks a nice flush of colour without looking chalky or cakey.  This is really easy to blend too!

These are a an absolute steal at £1.00!!

Lipsticks

As you can imagine, I went a little crazy on the lipsticks!! There are a huge range of formulations to choose from and the colour choices are fantastic and make it really hard to choose just one!

Colour and Care Lipstick - £2.50

Formulated with avocado butter, these stylo syle lipsticks are really nourishing and comfortable on the lips.  I picked up three shades: Life's My Runway (nude), Lookin' Good (Red) and Stand Up For Plum! (Plum) and the colour pay-off, considering these are a balm, are brilliant.  There are 6 shades in total and I feel these will be on my lips throughout the whole of Spring and Summer!

Long Lasting Lipstick - £2.30

A classy matt-black packaging and the embossed "e" on the lipstick give these a much higher-end feel and look than the £2.30 price tag.  As the name would suggest, these claim to be long-lasting and last a good half a day.  The texture is creamy, application is easy and they are super comfortable to wear.  I picked up the shades: Barely There, All You Need is Red and All-Time Favourite! Bargain!

Sheer and Shine Lipstick - £2.00

I loved the formulation of these when I swatched them in the shop and again, found it so hard to choose just one (so I chose two)!  I picked up the shades: Candy Love and Brick is Chic!.  I love both of these colours - they are both very different - one a pretty pink and the other quite a dark, almost brown shade.  The packaging has a see-through outer case which matches the colour of the lipstick so it's easy to find the one you want.  They apply really easily and are very comfortable on the lips, but give a lovely shine.  I've already made a list of the other shades in this range!

Matt, Matt, Matt Lipstick - £2.30

As the name would suggest, a matt lipstick, this applies really easily and most importantly, doesn't drag or make my lips feel dry.  It wore off evenly throughout the day and was just really easy to wear.  I only picked up one shade of this: Purple Power, because they had sold out of nearly all of the shades in this range.  The packaging is nice, with a frosted outer case and overall, I really liked this lipstick.

The Gel Nail Polish - £1.60

There are a huge range of shades to choose from in this range and I've been blown away by the quality of this polish.  I chose the shade Dreaming Of Love and it's a very pretty rose shade.  I'm not great at applying nail polish but this went on really easily and it also lasted really well too.  Two coats gave a lovely even, shiny nail and I'm hooked! I can't wait to pick up some new colours for Spring and Summer.

I hope you made it to the bottom and thank you so much for taking the time to read this.  My final thoughts on this range are they are an absolute bargain.  It just goes to show that you don't have to compromise quality for affordability and I can't wait to try some different products from this brand.   Have you ever tried this brand of cosmetics before?

Love Katherine xxx

Useful links:-

You can shop Essence Cosmetics by clicking here
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*All pictures and opinions are entirely my own.  All products featured on my blog have been purchased by myself*