About
–Started in 2001 by female entrepreneur
–Came to US in 2008
–Cruelty free (some vegan products too)
–Available at Ulta, essencemakeup.com
Best Product: Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil
Underrated Product: Melted Chrome Eyeshadow
Buy: Mascaras
Pass: Complexion products (foundation, concealer)
Improve: Foundation and concealer offerings and shades
Tried
—Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Mascara (review)
—Camouflage + Matt Concealer (review)
—Lash Princess Mascara & Waterproof
—Volume Booster Lash Primer
—Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel
—Stay 8H Waterproof Lip Liner
—Brighten Up! Banana Powder
—The Blush (review)
—Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil
—Soft Contouring Lip Liner
—Melted Chrome Eyeshadow
—Eyeliner Pen Longlasting
—Colour Boost Mad About Matte Liquid Lipstick
—HD Hydra Primer Spray
—Pretty Natural Hydrating Foundation (review coming!)
To Try
—Prime + Studio Hydrating + Skin Refreshing Primer
—My Skin Perfector Loose Fixing Powder
My Opinion
Essence has mascara figured out. They are best known for the Lash Princess, but they have several mascaras and for the most part, the reviews are positive. Lash Princess and Make Me Brow are two of their well known, well-loved products and most people don’t delve too much further into the brand. They struggle in the foundation and concealer area. They don’t have a lot of options and with the few there are, the shade range is terrible. Their Melted Chrome Eyeshadows are BOMB and so underrated. My favorite brow pencil ever is their Micro Precise Brow Pencil. It could only be made better if they added a spoolie. I do not like their liquid matte lipsticks, but all of their other lip products, especially their liners, are really good. I haven’t dabbled into their eye shadow palettes or bronzers. I like their blushes and their brushes are really good as well. They offer more product variety in Europe and I hope they will continue to add to what they offer here in the US. Their products are so affordable and I love buying and trying their new releases. If it doesn’t work out for me, I’m not out a lot of money which is a major plus. I wish they were sold somewhere besides Ulta. They were in Target for a little while, but that didn’t seem to last long. They are definitely a brand to watch!
