essence Cosmetics Makeup Review

 Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

    A few weeks ago I received some great samples from essence cosmetics 2012 Spring/Summer collection as part of a product review.  essence offers a wide variety of high quality, trendy cosmetics in a large palette of rich colors for your eyes, lips, complexion and nails at incredibly low prices.  Each year they release six new and unique limited edition products in addition to their already great selection of cosmetics and brushes.  I was sent a full sized sample of mascara, eye shadow, lipstick and eye pencil; each one being part of either a new product line or a new color in one of their classic lines.

everything I received to test

   First I tried this great new mascara which was part of the Spring 2012 new trend edition line called "i love".   This line is for all the ladies who love "extreme looks with spectacular color effects".  The "i love" edition line is now a permanent part of the essence product line and includes eyeliners, eye shadow base, eye shadow and mascara.  I tried the volume mascara called "I love extreme" which combines ultra black pigments with an over-sized brush to give you thick lashes with great color and volume!  The name is perfect!  Once I put the mascara on my lashes looked very full and long.  I loved how the large brush made the application of the mascara so easy; I only had to apply 1 coat and I had thick lush lashes like never before!  Another bonus is that it did not clump up all over my lashes to where I had to sit there with a eyelash comb to separate each lash.  It is ophthalmologist tested and did not irritate my contacts at all.  When I was ready to remove my make up, the mascara was very easy to wash off using just my usual cleanser and water. 

msrp is only $3.99 for .40 fl. oz tube; a great deal!

   Next I tried an eyeliner in feel the eclipse, a deep, dark blue, which is one of two new colors in the kajal eye pencil line. I loved how easily it went on, very smooth and vibrant and easy to lightly smudge with the tip of my pinkie for a great effect. The kajal eye pencils are available in a total of 8 vibrant colors which are great for highlighting your eyes.

msrp is only $.99 for a 0.035oz full-sized pencil; excellent!

   I then tried the essence quattro eyeshadow which is my favorite product!  This great eye shadow comes in a palette of 4 complimentary colors, ranging in texture from matte to shimmer, all in the same perfect sized container.  I received the color palette over the taupe which is perfect for my deep brown eyes, and offers so many different possibilities.  This powdered eye shadow is very easy to apply, goes on silky smooth and lasts a long time!  There are 6 different color combinations available, all in beautifully rich shades of color.

msrp is only $2.99 for this whole palette of 4 colors 0.17 oz;  wow!

   Last, but not least, was the lipstick.  I received this icy, light pink shade called frost (01) which is one of 15 luscious colors offered.  It went on easily and left my lips feeling soft and satiny;  and it has a very pleasant scent as well!  I was impressed with how long the color stayed on my lips, only having to reapply it after eating.

msrp is only $2.49 for a full 0.14 oz tube; a steal!

    All in all I must say that I am very impressed with the essence cosmetic line!  The essence cosmetic brand is made by the German cosmetic company, cosnova.  Right now essence is distributed in over 55 countries worldwide, and continues to expand into in North America.  Their products can be purchased at ULTA, HEB, Fred Meyer, (either on-line or in the actual stores) and in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart stores.  Their products are extremely affordable for such high-quality make up, with suggested retail prices ranging from $.99 to $3.99. None of their products are tested on animals, and that includes from any of the individual ingredients to the final product.  You can learn all about essence cosmetics as well as see all available products on their website (www.essence-cosmetics.com) or by clicking here .   Check out the essence cosmetics Facebook page and follow them on Twitter (https://twitter.com/essence  US)/ here (essence worldwide @essence_us).

eye shadow & mascara

 1 eye without mascara vs 1 eye with mascara

Frost (01) lipstick

   **** I received these products for the purpose of review. I was not compensated in any way, and all opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.*****