Essence Cosmetics Matt Matt Matt Lipstick Review

Matte finishes and bold lip color have been on-trend for a while so I'm excited to share the pretty new lipsticks from Essence. There are 8 vibrant shades to choose from for just $4.49 each which is easy on the wallet and gorgeous on the lips!

Left to right: 04 fuchsia, 05 bright classic red, 01 nude, 07 dark plum and 06 deep red

The lipsticks are sheathed in chic matte tubes corresponding to the color and the scent is mildly fruity. I love that they are embossed with the essence logo (for a little extra flare) and the pigment is rich and vivid. The color swatches full-coverage on my hand and medium intensity on the lips with buildable saturation. You may need a few layers for consistency but the Essence Long Lasting Lipliners are great for shaping. 

The formula is quite smooth and a tad creamy but the lipsticks may shift in the tubes with application so make sure not to twist them up too far. If this does happen, I gently move it back into place with my finger and pop it in the fridge to reset.

Although the finish is matte, the lipsticks retain moisture to prevent discomfort and dryness. The color adheres well for longer wear and fades into a light stain. Rough, chapped skin may be emphasized so exfoliating is a good idea and for best reapplication I recommend wiping off the stain completely and starting fresh.

The red and pink tones are flattering on all skin tones

The neutral shade has a soft peachy undertone while the deep plum has a dramatic purple base.

If you are looking for affordable matte lipsticks I recommend giving these a try. Essence is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Ulta Beauty in the U.S.

Essence Shape Your Face Contouring Palette, Luminizer Palette & Satin Touch Blush Review

This spring Essence has released a beautiful array of products with improved formulas and trendy shades!

The new Face Palettes are all about sculpting, fresh seasonal hues that enhance the complexion and radiant shimmer. Ready Set Pink includes a sheer bronzer that requires some layering to intensify but once built-up it provides nice definition and the soft powder is easy to blend. The matte highlighter is also quite faint but you can pack it on to boost brightening or use the Luminizer Palette for more sheen. The blush has a light dusting of glitter (but nothing too sparkly) to awaken dull skin with a rosy tint.

Ready Set Peach has the same bronzer and cream powder with a coral blush that doubles as highlighter for a luminous orangey-gold frost. In terms or pigmentation the blush has great vibrancy but the other two powders could have been more saturated. If you aren’t a fan of extreme contouring or baking, these mild, natural finishes may work for you and the palettes retail for just $6.99 each.

The Light Up Your Face Palette has two high-impact shimmery highlighters and a matte powder. The champagne and golden hues are suitable for all skin tones and although I don’t really use the sheer beige (far left), you may enjoy having a subtle option. The pigmentation is buildable so you can sweep it on lightly or amp it up for vivid radiance. The palettes retail for just $6.99 so if you are new to highlighters this is a great starting point.

The new Satin Touch Blushes are silky, smooth, fresh and gorgeous! The color payoff is good with a nice level of saturation and although these shades appear quite similar on the skin they are mild and flattering.

On days you don’t feel like wearing bright cheek color these soft hues boost the complexion without all the drama. The deeper color is called Satin Love and the lighter shade is Satin Coral. The blush retails for $3.99 each.

The new Make Me Brow Duo Powder comes in two shades and is great for travel. The brown is a bit ashy (for a more natural effect) but the color is deep enough for dark hair and can be blended to fill sparse areas for a fuller, sculpted look. The pigmentation is good so I have no problem achieving the coverage I need and when used with my brow pencil or gel it totally works! The compact retails for $4.49.

Essence is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Ulta Beauty in the U.S.