Essence Cosmetics - Affordable makeup

This is for all my ladies on a budget. I know when I wasn't working and was at home with two little babes (and being obsessed with makeup) I really would have loved to be able to treat myself to a new products as a pick me up - but alas, it was just not in the budget at that time. In New Zealand we haven't had a lot of options for affordable makeup. "Drug store" products in the U.S for example, would still be upwards of $40 for a foundation. That's if we could even get our hands on it.

Essence Cosmetics is a European makeup brand that launched a couple years back in NZ. They are cruelty free and super affordable so I was keen to give the products a go! I was sent three of the Velvets eyeshadows in Mr Mocca-Bean (a cool toned dark brown), Taupe Secret (the perfect matte taupe colour) and Fluffy Clouds (a highly pigmented true white). These shadows are all matte, velvet in texture and have great colour payoff, especially at the price point of just $4.50 each! 

The contour palette (RRP $8.95) consists of a warm toned matte bronzer, a matte highlighting powder, and a peach toned matte blush. I found the bronzer to be well pigmented, and easily blendable. The highlight powder & blush were not as pigmented as I would prefer, but ideal for those who may not be so confident with makeup or who may be heavy handed with application. The products are definitely buildable too.

Last, but not least I tried the Velvet Matte long lasting lipgloss, which is unique in the way this felt on the lips. Colour payoff was fab, longevity was great and it was actually hydrating too (unlike most liquid lipsticks on the market). I was confused at first as to why it was called a lipgloss when it has no shine whatsoever, but it feels like a gloss on the lips, even though it is essentially a matte product! These retail for just $5.20 so I will be heading out and picking up more colours for sure.

Essence Cosmetics is available at selected Farmers Department Stores.