5 Essence products under R60 that I enjoy!

I’ve always loved makeup. Ever since I could first get my hands on it, I was obsessed. For me, it’s never been about hiding your face but celebrating it. Even now, doing makeup is not a chore. It’s a pleasure for me! You know when people ask you: “So what are your hobbies?” I always used to sheepishly say makeup and worry that people saw me as superficial. Now, I don’t hide it as much. I celebrate that this is who I am and it’s something I am passionate about. As life has gotten a bit busier in the last few years, I’ve found I’ve started to naturally have my go-to products that I enjoy and trust. Items I’ve repurchased many times! So I thought I’d start sharing with you items that I really do enjoy, both high-end and pocket-savers. Because I’m a firm believer that you can be a Pennypinching Pam and a Splurging Susan at the same time. One of the pocket-saving brands that I really do enjoy is Essence. And lately, they’ve been bringing out some killer products.

Not only are Essence products highly affordable, many of them are really excellent quality too. I can’t vouch for every product of theirs (I’ve even included the Matt Matt Long Lasting lipgloss on my pro-verbial not-repurchase list). But there’s nothing wrong with it really, I’m just not a huge fan of the formula and how long it lasts. But I do like the shade! To top it off, Essence are cruelty free too. If you’d like to learn about other cruelty free brands in South Africa, I wrote a blog post on that not too long ago.

So which Essence products do I really enjoy at an affordable price tag?

1. Essence Camouflage Full Coverage Concealer (R55)

Yes, yes this product doesn’t win any packaging awards. It almost looks cheap or childish, I know! And I’m not a fan of the shade orange in general (I’m a rosy cheeked girl and it really clashes with me). Hence the orange lid doesn’t do it for me. But this concealer is amazing. Forget about the packaging because what’s inside really packs a punch. It’s a lightweight formula but gives really high, full coverage and doesn’t dry out or crease later on in the day at all. The product sets fairly quickly and doesn’t look cakey or thick. It takes a lot for me to part from my beloved LA Girl concealer but I think Essence has won me over.

2. Essence Liquid Ink Eyeliner  (R54,95)

I absolutely adore liquid eyeliner. I basically wear it everyday, even if it’s just a little bit. I’ve repurchased this Essence Liquid Ink eyeliner quite a few times because I find the brush / handle very easy to use. And with liquid eyeliner it can get messy pretty quickly. Cost-effective and a good formula, (Í’ve used a few that peel / go a bit flakey towards the end of the day) this product is a great alternative to some of the other higher end products out there. My only gripe about this product is that I find it dries out quicker than some other brands, so you have to replace it fairly often.

Two slightly more expensive brands that I love for liquid eyeliner are Inglot and MAC. 

3. My Must Haves Soft Satin Blush in Rosy Glow 03 (R34,95)

This little blush is actually meant to be apart of a collection that you can pick and choose to make your own palette. However, I purchased it one it’s own because it’s so nice for travelling and only cost just over 30 bucks. It is a very satin, soft formula and applies really nicely for day or night time wear. I really enjoy this shade because it’s not too dramatic and works well with many different looks. If you’re looking to have a good all-rounder blush and have a limited budget, this one is really super.

4. Longlasting Eyepencil in Black Fever (R29,95)

I don’t use the eyepencil all the time but I have repurchased this one quite a few times over the years. I really like some of MAC’s eyepencils as well as Yardley and NYX, but I like to keep this Essence one in my makeup bag too. The turn-mechanism works really well and it doesn’t leave smudgy eyes after a few hours (my pet peeve!). The formula is also really soft and applies really easily.

5. Quick Dry Top Coat (R54,95)

Now, I am not even going to lie. I am hopeless at doing my nails. I think it’s a left-handed thing but I really suck. Well, at least that is my excuse. It’s such a pity because I really love my wedding ring but never want to show it off because my nails are so bland and boring! So, at the very least I either just use clear Sally Hansen “Hard as Nails” or try a nude shade (Sorbet have some great ones) with a top coat. This Essence one really does quick dry and doesn’t flake off after a day (Which is the most disheartening thing for a girl who really takes a few hours to do her nails…). The things we do.

Okay ladies that finishes off my Essence roundup. If you’ve tried any of these products, let me know if you agree that they hold their own against some more expensive brands out there. 

All these Essence products can be found at your local Clicks or Dischem. Is there an Essence product that you think I need to try next? Let a gal know!