New From….essence cosmetics S/S ’19

I love this time of year. There are always so many fab ‘drugstore’ launches which means we can update our makeup bag for the Spring/Summer season without breaking the bank. I was lucky enough to be sent some press samples of some of the new collection from essence cosmetics. I’ve spent the last while giving them all the Adorn.ie road test and now feel ready to share my final verdict…I hope you enjoy.

You Better Work! Collection

This collection is designed to be gym-proof. Even if you are not a gym lover this range can be used on hot days, when the sweatiness is in full swing or even if you just want to keep your oilier areas at bay. I also feel this is a good option for the more mature lady who wants a little bit of makeup but wants to keep those hot flushes at bay too. Let’s check out the range…

You better work! Tinted Day Cream (€4.80 for 30ml)

Available in two shades (10 light and 20 medium) this is designed to give a natural ‘no make-up, perfected look’  while keeping the skin looking shine free.

This isn’t going to be for someone that wants to cover up! It is a lightweight, tinted moisturiser type product but it does add a little something to the skin. Actually quiet nice for days when you don’t want to wear too much makeup or don’t have time to apply it. This can be applied with your fingers and it blends well. I also think this would be a lovely base for a fuller coverage makeup look. Use this as a primer to add extra coverage to any foundation you apply on top.

I would say this gives a demi-matte finish. So it is matte but still has a slight radiance to it. It’s not drying on my normal, dehydrated skin. Oilier skins may need to set with some powder for extra staying power.

You better work! Eye Primer (€3.50 for 10ml)

This is designed to lock your eyeshadow in place reducing smudging, fading and creasing.

I got very excited when I seen this was tinted. However, when applied to the eyes it doesn’t give that much coverage or pigment! It does definitely subtly even out any discolouration though. It’s quite light weight so great for any eye type. It does feel a little too damp when first applied but becomes more tacky when it dries down.

As far as eyeshadow longevity goes, this isn’t the best I have tried. There are more expensive ones on the market that work better but for the price it is definitely not a bad option, particularly for everyday wear. For more intense looks I would use an alternative to be honest.

You better work! Fixing Spray (€3.80 for 50ml)

I like this!! This little gem is meant to set makeup in place during sweaty physical activities. It is designed to leave a matte finish and provide a fresh sensation to the skin.

We all know I am all about the glowing finish so technically this shouldn’t be a fave of mine. However, applied during the day over makeup this is a godsend. It smells fab, really gives the skin a fresh feeling and revives your makeup instantly. At first I thought the bottle was too small but I actually think this is perfect for throwing in the gym or handbag for on the go freshness. I love ya baby!!

A word of warning though! I applied to bare skin (no makeup at all) and my skin reacted to it! I think there may be menthol in it as my skin tends to react to those type of ingredients. However, applied over makeup it causes me no issues.

You better work! Volume and Curl Mascara (€3.80)

This is available in two types, Volume & Curl and Length Definition.

We all know my love affair with essence mascaras! Some of the best on the market in my opinion so this one was warmly welcomed. The best thing is it’s waterproof so can be used without the fear of panda eyes. I love Waterproof mascaras as they hold the curl in your lash much longer.

So what’s the final verdict? I really LOVE this product! I was so shocked the first time I used this. It gave me lashes I didn’t know I had and not only that it also holds my curl (hooray) and gives me length even though it is not designed to do that! No flaking, no smudging!! How do they make such good mascaras for such a small price!!

There is also a face primer in this range which I reviewed here if you want to hear my thoughts!

#Instaperfect liquid highlighter (€4.40 for 12ml)

Available in two shades 10 gold addiction (the one I have) and 20 rose fever. This is designed to be mixed with a foundation for an all over glow or to be used on targeted areas to add highlight to the skin.

This does give a lovely finish when mixed with a foundation. However I am not the biggest fan of it as a liquid highlighter. It doesn’t give enough glow for me. If you want a subtle glow or glow drops to mix with your foundation then this is a good buy but I would pass on it for a highlighter for cheeks etc.

hey CHEEKS blush, bronzer and highlighter palette (€7.50)

This palette contains 6 pans including 3 blushes, 1 highlight as well as a matte and shimmer bronzer. I think essence did a good job here. For such a small price you have everything you need to create a glowing, fresh face!

For me, this palette will come in very useful for on the go makeup. Whether it’s throwing it in my handbag for on the go touch ups or bringing away on a mini break this is something I could definitely get use from. The products are pigmented and last well on the skin and it also contains a nice mix of shades to suit most skin types.

I know it’s a travel size palette but the small pan sizes bother me because my brush won’t fit in them. But, at the same time, I have spent money on palettes ten times the price of this and had the same problem (hourglass I am looking at you). It’s the price you pay for travel sized products.

This is definitely one I think is worth a look at. It’s versatile (use the products on eyes too) and so affordable. Well done essence, you did good!!

My beauty Lip Ritual Balms (€2.50)

The Lip Rituals range seems to be new to essence and they have some very intriguing products including a three step routine to help prep your lips for lippie. This ritual includes a creamy peel (€2.90), a lip mask (€1.30) and a buttery primer (€2.90). I don’t have these to review but I’m most definitely going to hunt them down and give them a go!

I do however have the lip balms to review. These come in three types, Moisturising, Nourishing and Repairing. These are basic lip balms but are actually really nice to use. They have a subtle scent and no tint to them but they feel really luxe on the lips and definitely do as they say! For that price, if you are looking for a new balm you can’t pass these!

Shine, Last & Go Gel Nail Polish (€1.95 for 8ml)

I have done a full review on these previously and the formula hasn’t changed. They have had a fancy new makeover though and they look even better. The brush hasn’t changed which is a relief because this is what makes them so good. Honestly, I will happily name these some of the best nail polishes on the market. Easy to apply, long wearing and a huge range of shades!!

City Palettes (€8.95)

There are four different palettes to choose from. Each one is said to represent a fashion capital of the world.

Salut Paris contains rose shades, G’Day Sydney has earthy, metallic shades. Hello New York sports a mixture of grey and mauve shades with some iridescent finishes thrown in while Ola Rio offers a selection of more metallic shades inspired by the sunset!

Each palette contains 9 pans. From the two palettes I have tried I am pretty happy with the colour pay off. There are some shades that are not as pigmented as others but then there are some really decent shades. They also last pretty well on the eyes.  In particular,  I really enjoyed the G’Day Sydney palette. I love the warm tones!!

So there you have it. A round up of the latest launches from essence cosmetics. Any of them tickle your fancy?

I think the stand out products for me are the mascara, the hey cheeks palette and the tinted day cream.

Let me know your favourites below and if you will be adding any of them to your collection.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more in the ‘New From’… series.

Anita xxx