New in #106: Essence Spring/Summer 2021

Skin Lovin' Sensitive Primer 

A primer designed for sensitive skin. It contains no fragrance, alcohol, silicones, parabens and mineral oil, while it does have the goodies glycerine, lactobacillus ferment, vitamin E and aloe vera. It's a medium thick, creamy moisturising primer that applies easily, doesn't feel greasy, most of it absorbs fast (on my dry skin) and is a nice base, but it's only hydrating/nourishing and that's it. There's no blurring and I also don't notice any prolonged staying power. It's just a simple face moisturiser called a primer, but a nice one, it might also be for all skin types, since it doesn't feel heavy on the skin, but for oily skin that Milky Face Moisturizer below will feel nicer.

AQUA (WATER), COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, C13-15 ALKANE, PROPANEDIOL, BETAINE, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, BORON NITRIDE, CETYL ALCOHOL, LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT, GLYCERYL STEARATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROLYZED JOJOBA ESTERS, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE.

Skin Lovin' Sensitive Concealer

10 Light

Texture: a light liquid formula that is very easy to blend and can also be applied on large areas as a foundation. There is plenty of time to blend, as it takes time to set. It can be layered easily and it doesn't get cakey with more layers. This is a concealer for normal/dry skin, those with an oily skin type will prefer to stick to their Camouflage matte version. 

Coverage and finish: Coverage is medium-full, finish is glowy for a while even on my dry skin and then sets to satin. On oily skin this might slide from the face fast. 

Staying power: It lasts surprisingly well for such a moisturising formula. It was still on my face when I checked at night, both times when I wore it on its own and when I had mineral powder over it (when I wore them with powder on one side and the other without, both sides weren't matte then anymore and the side without looked better). It didn't look too dry under my eyes, which I appreciate a lot.  

Shade: I have shade 10 light, the medium shade of 3 available, there is also 05 Fair which would suit me better and 20 medium. 10 light is not a bad match for me, but it is a darker than 10 at camouflage+ healthy glow concealer and less yellow, more beige.

AQUA (WATER), ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, COCONUT ALKANES, GLYCERIN, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 DIISOSTEARATE/POLYHYDROXYSTEARATE/SEBACATE, DIISOSTEAROYL POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIMER DILINOLEATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, STEAROYL INULIN, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, ALUMINA, PHENOXYETHANOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE).

Skin Lovin' Sensitive Mineral Powder

Blurring & mattifying

01 transluscent

This promises to blur the skin and a matte finish, it's also talc free. This is softer than your average powder, so you can grab a lot at once. When I applied a ton on my face because I wanted to see if it has any coverage (it is translucent, but there is a tiny bit. Only this shade exists), this never looked too much or cakey. So this is a powder you can really go to town with and not worry about over application or a fake powdery finish. Blurring is minimal, more a consequence of mattifying and reducing shine that can emphasize pores, but that's it and it doesn't make you skin look like a you used a filter. As far as mattifying goes, though my skin isn't oily, this didn't hold up that well. After 6 hours mat finish was gone, so I have serious doubts this will hold well on very oily skin, but it's hard for me to say, you'll have to find other reviewers. It's a nice powder for dry skin and for those who hate very flat, matte and obvious looking powders because it's one of the most natural powders I've tried, but staying power is not impressive.

MICA, ZINC STEARATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SILICA, TAPIOCA STARCH, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, KAOLIN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE).

Out in the Wild Eyeshadow Palette

01 Don't stop Blooming

There are two versions of these palettes, the other is a in a green packaging, but also with natural hues. There are 12 eyeshadows ranging from matte to glittery, more specifically 3 glitters, 3 mattes and the rest are shimmery/frosts. Like usual for Essence they vary in quality. Like we've seen in the Witch Side palette, they make fantastic creamy matte shades and their shimmery/frosts are also excellent, a little bit on the too dense, but still very pigmented and easy to pick up with a brush. You get a lot of colour payoff quickly, usually no more than two coats are needed and I don't use a primer. It's the glitters that are again problematic and I don't know why exactly they insist at using this formula in both Catrice and Essence palettes. It's too creamy and too hard, so very difficult to pick up with a brush and unless you want sparse glitter, it takes a while to get the intensity going to the eyelids. They aren't useless, but they could be a lot better. Overall though, it's nice palette, especially if you love neutrals and rosy shades, thought this one is mostly neutral and it has a nice range of depth of shades.

Other version:

Brow powder & define pen

02 Warm dark brown

This combines two types of products. On one side is the pencil which is shaped like a triangle, so not one of those precise ones, as it's quite large. Pigmentation is light-medium, so no worries you might overdo it. On the other side is a sponge applicator with a powder, which is stored in the cap (it's the same system Catrice used to have for their eyeshadows and ArtDeco still has it). This one is more intense than the pencil, so it's best to go slow with it and wipe some of it off the applicator before applying. Shade is called warm, but it's actually more neutral brown, so no reddish tones. There are 4 shades: 01 blonde-medium brown, 02 warm dark brown, 03 cool dark brown and 04 deep brown.

Lash Like a Boss False Lashes

01 OMG

There are four versions of false lashes available, these are the most bold ones and there are two which are much tamer and I'll just say it - I wish I got one of those two instead because at least I could show you on the eyes. I honestly tried with these, but they are waaaay too big for my eyes, both in length and width. I could of course cut them shorter and give them a try, but even so, they look odd on my small eyes. The band is moderately soft, it's not rigid and you can work with it, but it's not super soft, so I had problems with getting these close to the lashes in both of my corners. It'll attribute these problems to the size as well and it possibly won't be a problem on others. A glue is included, but I haven't worn these long enough to tell you how well it holds. They feel well made and I have no doubts they would last several uses. 

Other versions:

What the fake! Plumping Lip Filler

01 Oh my plump

A lip size enhancing gloss that like pretty much all the others contains ingredients that sting your lips. Unlike the minty ones that to me feel pleasantly cooling and tingly (those few I tried), this one feels more intense. It takes a minute or two to get it going, but I have so say first use a bit shocking how strong the stinging was and unlike at most such products I've tried, this just keeps on going. I can feel it stinging an hour and more later, but I got used to it after the first 10 minutes and now I don't mind it as much. I see no increase in volume of lips, maybe it works on someone who has more sensitive skin and it could cause a slight swelling reaction, but on me all I get it an optical illusion of slightly plumper lips that I get from all glosses due to the shine. It's a clear gloss with tons of silver shimmer that makes your lips lighter, which actually on my pale skin makes my lips less in focus. Only one shade exists. It holds on the lips well, since it's a thicker formula. Avoid if you have sensitive lips, for all the rest it's up you if you want to give it a go. 

BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, POLYBUTENE, TRIDECYL TRIMELLITATE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, HYDROGENATED MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, DIPENTAERYTHRITYL HEXAHYDROXYSTEARATE/HEXASTEARATE/HEXAROSINATE, SILICA, GLYCERYL BEHENATE/EICOSADIOATE, VANILLYL BUTYL ETHER, SODIUM HYALURONATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, HYDROGENATED JOJOBA OIL, MICA, ETHYL MENTHANE CARBOXAMIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, AQUA (WATER), VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE).

Lip Care Booster Lip Serum 

A creamy, balmy glossy product that has a nice thick formula, which stick on the lips well and nourishes dry lips. I felt a tiny bit of stinging the first time I tried it, but I had none since and it's now just a lip balm in a glossy form. If you apply it in a thick coat, which those with dry lips undoubtedly will, the pale peach hue lightens the lips, so it's not a completely clear product. It smells strongly of a fake peach scent, which as a fan of peaches I'm disappointed about, but at least it doesn't have a bad taste. Honestly, if you want a great lip balm, just get the next one on this list, the coconut one. 

 POLYISOBUTENE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, PRUNUS PERSICA (PEACH) KERNEL OIL, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CANOLA OIL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, BUTYLENE/ETHYLENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA (CARROT) SEED OIL, BETA-CAROTENE, DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA (CARROT) ROOT EXTRACT, ALUMINA, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), LIMONENE, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, CI 15850 (RED 6 LAKE), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE).

Lip Care Booster Lip Butter

This one has a similar liquid vaseline balmy texture like Laneige when it's on the lips (Laneige is thicker in the pot, but on the lips they feel the same) and it really sticks on them well. It lasts hours and nourishes the lips, though it can't quite manage as long as overnight like Laneige, but it's good enough. It feels so pleasant on the lips, despite the thicker texture it doesn't feel sticky and it also smells so nice of coconut. It's a sweet coconut scent, like Rafaello, which is not that common in coconut scented products, in fact I've only seen it once at a Yves Rocher lip balm in a pot, the rest tend to be more plastic or fresh. This was an excellent addition of the line by Essence. One thing that is a bit bothersome - the packaging. It's the type you almost have to involve using fingers if you want an even application, though with some dabbing you can spread it with the tube too, it's just not comfortable like with those with a slanted applicator.  

OCTYLDODECANOL, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, POLYISOBUTENE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, CERA MICROCRISTALLINA (MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX), SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, BUTYLENE/ETHYLENE/STYRENE COPOLYMER, RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, ALUMINA, CITRIC ACID, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE).

Hello Good Stuff! Milky Face Moisturizer

A very light moisturiser, formula-wise closer to a typical serum and suitable for all skin types. It absorbs very quickly and is a nice base for makeup, though if your skin gets very dry during the day, this alone won't be enough. Ingredients are nice, it's a hydrating and calming formula with turmeric (which is also great for unclear and sensitive skin due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities), glycerine, oats, pantheon, vitamin E and allantoin. It has a milky oriental scent. 

AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN, CURCUMA LONGA (TURMERIC) ROOT WATER, GLYCERYL STEARATE CITRATE, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) SEED WATER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PANTHENOL, TOCOPHEROL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, ALLANTOIN, OCTYLDODECANOL, XANTHAN GUM, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SORBITAN STEARATE, SUCROSE COCOATE, COCONUT ALKANES, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, SODIUM SULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CITRIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), CI 15510 (ORANGE 4), CI 45350 (YELLOW 8).

Hello, Good Stuff! Depuff Eye Serum

A gel with caffeine, plant collagen and hyaluronic acid. It's a simple, somewhat refreshing product to use under the eyes. The gel is thicker than at Hada Labo. Caffeine is supposed to temporarily constrict the mini blood vessels under the eyes, thereby reducing puffiness and redness, but whether it truly has an effect when applied on the skin it's a matter of conflicting research. I've been using Balea's Roll one (which I got for niacinamide, not caffeine) and I see no difference, nor do I see it with this one, but it's still a nice hydrating product to put under the eyes.  

AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) JUICE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CAFFEINE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ACACIA SEYAL GUM EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE).

Pretty Fast Nail Polish

03 Ready Steady Red

A new line of nail polishes, but it only has 6 shades for now. It promises fast drying and states a very ambitious 40 seconds. It's not dry after that time and I mean that with just one coat, but it is in about twice that time, which is still fast enough, however, if you like most apply two coats it's going to take several minutes just like every other nail polish. I said many times that nail polishes last very well on me, almost all over a week and longer, but this one starts getting mini chips after 2 days (no top coat) and it was unwearable after 4 or 5  days. Really not impressed. Their Shine Last & Go is considerably better. 03 Ready Steady Red is a warm, tomato red that is pigmented enough to be a one coater and it applies with ease, but red shades are good by default and to see what this formula is really like, I'd have to try a pastel. 

Other shades:

French Manicure Click & Go Nails

Babyboomer Style

Fake nails that already have glue on them. There are two versions of these in a white box, the other have a classic French manicure with a defined white line and a shaped with a square top. There are also two new other versions of artificial nails in a black box. These are in general too big for me, the one for the little fingers fit on my index and ring finger, the ones for index finger are already too large for my middle fingers, so wearing these I look ridiculous, like a child played with mom's fake nails, but I have very slim fingers and assume they fit average size nails. Glue doesn't seem very strong because I was able to get these off with little effort and it didn't remove my nail polish under it, but they were only on my nail for a minute. These need shaping because the tips are a mess.

Other versions:

24/7 Hand Cream & Mask

When I saw the promo picture with this with the gloves (which if they weren't so ugly I'd buy them because I'd like something like it), I imagined a completely different texture, since Essence recommends this also as an overnight treatment. It's a very light hand cream, it takes less than a minute to absorb and for me this is a formula to maintain the condition of the hands, but it's far from an intense treatment or a rich formula you get at L'Occitane Shea hand cream. Even in a large amount it doesn't take very long to sink in. It's light hand cream for those who hate heavy formulas (though even some heavy formulas sink in fast like L'Occitane and Balea Urea). For my taste and needs it's too light.   

AQUA (WATER), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE CITRATE, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, PANAX GINSENG ROOT WATER, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, PANTHENOL, TOCOPHEROL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ETHYLHEXYL STEARATE, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROGENATED STARCH HYDROLYSATE, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CITRIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, BENZOIC ACID, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE).

Gloves:

Have a great day!

*PR products