Essence 2017 Collection | Eyes & Brows

When I first started to dive into this Essence collection last spring, all of my eye shadow dreams came true. My eyes are a true hazel, so these warm purple, bronze and burgundy shades are very flattering for my colouring. None of these eyeshadows were a bust, and I also found some unique brow products to suit my dark blonde hair.

Shape & shadows eye contouring palette, $9.99

Essence is such a whimsical and fun brand that incorporates the best level of "millennial" with their kitschy titles and fun packaging design. The Shape & shadows eye contouring palette costs a mere $9.99 and really reminds me of Benefit's palettes and box sets. Pigmentation is glorious, and the brow shades themselves are OK. I prefer these as eye shadows, but the double-ended spoolie brush is wonderful for your travel bag.

Essence all about eyeshadow in 06 Toffee, $5.99

I was nervous to try the All about eyeshadow palette in Toffee because I had a feeling that the shades would run really grey. Luckily, they are creamy powders that apply beautifully and definitely run more neutral-warm than too cool-blue.

See this palette in action in my video below, where I also used an Essence Long Lasting Lip Liner in shade 10 berry on my mind as my eye liner!

Smoky Eye Set palette in shade 03 Smoky Rose, $3.99

The little Smoky Eye Set palette in shade 03 Smoky Rose is outstanding. I keep this in my handbag and travel bag to use as the perfect day time or evening eye look that I can practically do in under a minute. These shades are extremely versatile and flattering, the bright shade goes in my inner corner and brow bone, the darker matte pink goes in the crease, and the shimmery bronze is applied to the lid. I popped some of the striking shimmer shade on my lid in the video above as well.

My favourite palette before this one was the Quattro eyeshadows in the neutral brown tones. I truly love all eyeshadows form the brand, including their mega-convenient 2-in-1 Eye Shadow & Liner in 06 "She's Got The Mauve".

Eyebrow Gel Colour and Shape in 01, $4.99

I still haven't found an outstanding Essence brow product for daily use, but the Eyebrow Gel Colour and Shape in 01 Brown swatched above is pretty cool. It has nice pigmentation, works great on many hair colours (can be sheered out or built up for more depth) and has a soft wax texture that secures the hairs in place.

Swatches from top to bottom: Essence Eyebrow Designer - $2.49 in 03 Blonde, Make Me Brow Jumbo in Blonde, Contouring eye pencil in 01 caramel meets frosting - $4.49
Second photo: Essence Super precise liquid liner in 01 black - $3.99, Rock 'n Doll duo stylist liner in 01 Black - $3.99

I don't recommend the regular Eyebrow Designer pencils from Essence since they're too dry and waxy, especially in the light taupe shades, but I do like the Contouring eye pencil on my face (under cheekbones and to highlight my brow bone) which I used in the same tutorial video linked above.

The Make me brow eyebrow gel mascara $3.99 is a cult-classic from the brand as well.

As for liquid liners, both their  Super precise liquid liner and Rock 'n Doll duo stylist liner are really awesome for only $3.99. I don't wear black liner often, but I'd recommend both of these.

Essence make me brow duo eyebrow powder in 01 mix it blonde and 02 mix it brunette, $4.49 - I only tried the dark brown, and colour payoff is pretty good. Would recommend if the colours match your hair tone.

Essence cosmetics are sold at Shoppers Drug Mart, and online for Canadians.

See all of my other Essence reviews here.

xx

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