If I were to describe Essence in three words they would be: high-quality, pigmented, and most importantly, inexpensive. As a student and a self-proclaiming stingy human, I am a lover of cheap things, and make-up is no exception. I love watching expensive make-up reviews knowing that I have something that works exactly the same, but cost me no more than £5.
Essence is a frequently overlooked make-up brand, as it is sold in Wilkos and the packaging looks like it would be more suited to be on a shelf in Claires. Due to this fail in marketing, I totally understand why, when I mention this brand, many of my friends do not know what I am talking about. It has only been within the last year that influencers have begun to pick up on this brand, perhaps kicked off by super influencer Tati Westbrook making a video eight months ago reviewing their range. I personally first heard of the brand through their Lash Princess Mascara, which I discovered due to LilyWhispers ASMR who is an ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) content creator with an affinity for make-up.
Though cheap, their quality is astounding and it is certainly a brand I could happily do almost all of my face with. My favourite products include Fresh and Fit Awake Foundation in Fresh Ivory, which provides a comfortably dewy look to the skin perfect for summer; Lash Princess in False Lash Effect, which is a super wet formula allowing you time to work with the product; and the Liquid Pen Eyeliner in Waterproof, as it is super budge proof and dries matte. Though not directly make-up, their nail polishes are also fabulous - opaque in only one coat, and they dry quickly. Try shade 69 All About Us for a perfect cool toned pale nude.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiY2VWGgn-C/?taken-by=essence_cosmetics
Within the Spring/Summer 18 collection, I can say that I am highly interested in their newest eyeshadow range. There are four different eyeshadow ‘boxes’ (palettes) with each pallette including ten shadows for only £4. Even though I am someone who is a big fan of bright shadows, the nude pallet in #beYOUtiful excites me the most due to its highly pigmented golden metallic shade.
With any brand however, there are some issues. All of their foundations, including newer releases, only have four shades. Especially within the Fresh and Fit range, the darkest shade would not even be considered a medium shade, with the name Fresh Sun Beige. Though a cheap brand, there really is no excuse for this poor and quite honestly embarrassing shade range. Essence’s price point can be compared with Revolution, previously Makeup Revolution, whose shade range of foundations and concealers is far superior in comparison with Essence.
With scandals like the Tarte Shape Tape Foundation and the praise Fenty Beauty saw with their inclusive range, it should be clear to brands now that not only is inclusivity the kind choice, but it also a choice that will make up more money. I can only hope that they will diversify their range, as the formula for this foundation is actually bomb and should be able to be appreciated by all.