Essence Cosmetics: Metal Glam Eye Shadow Review

This spring essence launched some interesting new eye shadows to create edgy, glamorous looks. The Metal Glam collection includes 6 eye-catching shimmery shades that are made to be “high coverage,bold, soft and long lasting.” 

The colors I have are: 02-Coffee to Glow which is a bronze with silver shimmer, 01-Jewel up the Ocean which is a stunningly bright blue and 03- Frosted Apple.

The first layer of shadow has a lot of mesmerizing glitter but keep in mind that this layer is an over-spray and will wear away as you use it. Although the top layer of glitter is enticing, to get to the solid metallic pigment underneath you have to dig a bit deeper but once you do the texture is silky smooth and the colors are shimmery. 

Each eye shadows retails for just $2.99 and they are rather large. I did find that some of the colors have more pigmentation than others. The shade coffee has subtle color pay-off whereas the blue and red appear richer. Frosted Apple also shows up as more of a metallic pink.

Swatches (with primer)

To get the most out of these shadows I recommend using a good primer and layering them on with a sponge applicator for a bold look. I have purchased a few great shadows from essence in the past including the 3D shadows and the single eye shadows which are some of my favorites. The Metal Glam line is great for such affordability and I had no trouble working with them. The shadow also lasted all day without creasing.

Below is a makeup look I created using the Metal Glam shadow in the shade Jewel Up The Ocean. I love how pigmented it is! 

Other essence products used in photos include:

*essence Get Big Lashes Triple Black Mascara (reviewed below)

*essence Lash Mania Reloaded False Lase Mascara (reviewed below)

*essence Sun Club bronzing highlighter (review coming up!)

*essence Long-Lasting lipstick in the shade Wear Berries (Stay tuned for review!)

When applying mascara I usually apply it in a few layers. The Get Big Lashes mascara has an ultra black formula and a mega fiber brush "for maximum volume." Although I did not get ultra thick, voluminous lashes it did separate well without clumping and retails for just $4.99.

The Lash Mania Reloaded false lash mascara has an "innovative star shaped brush" that is meant to create a "dramatic push up effect" while "separating, defining and adding volume and length." The brush did a great job gripping my lashes and combing them upwards to create decent length although using both mascaras together was most effective. It retails for $3.99.

To check out these shadows and more great products from essence click HERE

Currently essence is running a contest; you can enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card! Details can be found by clicking HERE. Contest ends June 5th 2014.