Pages

09 October, 2012

Essence eyeshadow inventory and swatches!

It was over a year ago I first discovered Essence cosmetics and initially went completely gaga over their uber affordable rainbow of nail polish shades.  Of course I also tried a few eyeshadow pans because they were so cheap too - gotta love a good bargain!  I was surprised by their quality and colour selection and over the past year or so my collection has grown more than a little. Time to do an updated inventory then!  Here are my eyeshadow pans, and just because I like sorting things, they're sorted by finish.

Shimmer Effect
I think the reference to shimmer's a bit misleading - for me anyway because it automatically conjures up visions of tons of shimmer or frost.  Yes these shadows are shimmery and have a glowing finish but I think they're are best described as a satin, as they appear rather silky when swatched.  Pigmentation is medium but quite buildable and there are quite a few shades in the range with this soft finish.  These shadows are perfect for daytime looks.
Shades as shown left to right and swatched in the same order:
  • 58 Cappucino, please - Mushroom beige
  • 54 Yes eye can! - Silvery blue
  • 46 Taupe of the pops - Khaki taupe
  • 16 Go glam - Pink toned lilac
  • 32 Jazzed up - Shimmery mint green


Metallic Effect
The Metallic Effect eyeshadows are incredibly pigmented and do have a definite metallic sheen to them.  One swipe and you get a lovely depth of colour and shine on your lids.  I use these as crease shades and prefer to use them for evening eyes. 
Left to right and swatched in the same order:
  • 14 Irresistible - Gunmetal grey
  • 35 Party all night - Warm golden taupe


And the rest...

Matte Effect
I only have one of these so I can't generalise.  The pigmentation is soft and a little on the sheer side and the finish isn't 100% matte as I can detect a slight satiny sheen. 
Holographic
I don't know about holographic but this has a gorgeous, duochrome look on the skin and has great coverage.  Stunning and very glam for an evening eye!  I'd buy more of these if I see them because I love the multidimensional iridescent look.
Sparkling Effect 
Sheer and powdery with a hint of sparkle.  Unfortunately mine is extremely crumbly too.
 Left to right and swatched in the same order:
  • 21 Colour splash (matte effect) - soft lime green
  •  43 Mystic lemon (holographic effect) - iridescent golden yellow
  •  02 Dance all night - Ivory with subtle sparkle

 Australian readers can buy Essence cosmetics at Target and Priceline stores nationally.

Until next time.

Vita :)

16 comments:

  1. Wow good collection I have only tried essence eyeliner n I really liked it ..I really liked 35 Party all night and 21 Colour splash..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know, I actually haven't tried their eyeliner, except for a glittery liquid liner, although I do love their lipliner pencils cos they're so soft! I can totally see you in those E/S shades Saumya :)

      Delete
  2. I already bought Cappucino please! cuz' of you. Now I need Mystic lemon too! :D

    passingfancyy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mystic Lemon's a unique and very pretty shade. You'll love it Sara!

      Delete
  3. Mystic Lemon is the dupe for Nars Albatross. I have quite a few of this, both from their core collection and a few others from their LEs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really want more of the holo eyeshadow because it's such a lovely finish. Great to know I have a NARS dupe in my collection!

      Delete
  4. Pretties! I didn't have too many essence shadows, but I was just sent a bag from them filled with beautiful goodies so I may have just as many as you now! I love their holographic shades, so unique in this market.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I look forward to seeing what you've got in your goody bag! I'd never refuse a bag of Essence goodies - lucky girl! :)

      Delete
  5. I own a bunch of these too. I usually buy them when they go on sale before being discontinued, and that way I get many colors I wouldn't normally buy, to experiment because they are very cheap then. Love their quality and shade selection

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm quite impressed too! Although I don't think we have as large a selection as you do in Europe - some of the colours I've bought have already been discontinued down here :(

      Delete
  6. I swatched some of these and was pleasantly surprised by how shimmery they were - in a good way! I think this brand is the perfect introductory makeup - wearable shades, good quality for great value. Fun for us as well though, because it's tempting to buy the entire rack due to affordability!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm trying not to buy them all, but I do want some more holos, hehe! You get what I mean about the shimmer, right? It's much silkier rather than a frosty finish so very wearable! :)

      Delete
  7. I love them too! Did you go to the Heat Group sale recently? I'm told they're opening a factory outlet shop soon too. eek! x Marnie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heat are opening an outlet?? Keep me posted on that one!!

      Delete