Hi friends,

I was inspired by Taylor Wynn’s (@taylorwynn), recent “Full Face of Essence Cosmetics” video and I had to try out an (almost) full face for myself! Coincidentally, Taylor’s video coincided with a B1G1 50% off sale on Essence at Ulta, so I was able to snatch up all of the below products, plus the Wet n Wild foundation and Maybelline powder that I already had in my collection (that were both also purchased previously on-sale), for a grand total of $46.67 before tax. With that being said, all of these products retail for $62.86 before tax, so you can get an amazingly affordable, full face of makeup for under $70, no matter if there is a sale or not. However, I of course always recommend you holding out for a sale and keeping your eyes opened to all available coupons! Now, let’s get into what I think of the makeup. 🙂

Essence Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil: $1.50 (Normally $2.99)

I got the nude shade of this pencil, and while it is very pigmented, it was a bit more crumbly than I would have liked and irritated my eyes a bit. However, I think that was partially due to having not worn makeup in quite a few days (keeping it real here in quarantine), so I will continue to test.

Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara: $1.50 (Normally $2.99)

I’ve used this brow gel once before and I still love it. Fantastic amount of pigment for the price with a nice, small brush.

Essence The Blush: $1.50 (Normally $2.99)

I really loved this blush formula! I got the shade “Befitting” and it compliments my skin tone really well.

Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder: $3.99 (Normally $4.99)

Okay, y’all, I adore this bronzer. Easily my favorite product (besides the highlighter). I got the shade for blondes and it warms up my complexion so well, without being orange at all.

Essence Primer + Studio HD Hydra Primer Spray: $2.49*

A decent setting spray! Does bring some glow to your skin and settles the powdery look down to make you appear more skin-like.

Essence Fresh + Fit Awake Primer: $2.99

This thing brings the glow in a really intense way! I like it so far, but will have to let you know more once I have more time to test these products out.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: $4.99

I used this mascara once in the past, but recall not liking it because it was difficult to take off. However, with my current DHC oil makeup remover, I had no problem at all. I do like the amount of volume and length that it brings to my lashes for every day, but I like my Urban Decay Perversion mascara for more volume for night.

Essence Camoflauge + Matt Concealer: $3.99

On first impression, I really like this concealer for every day! It is definitely medium coverage and has a really thin texture.

Essence Brighten Up! Banana Powder: $4.99

This stuff really does brighten your under eyes right up, but it did make my under eyes look a little dry. However, I did add more powder than I normally would since I’m trying to stop the inevitable mascara transfer from my oily skin during the summer, so that experimentation could be a factor (or it could be the concealer. TBD!).

Essence Spice Up Your Life Eyeshadow Palette: $4.99

I liked the eye look I ended up with for the three shades I used, but the shades I did use were definitely the hardest to blend that I’ve used in a long time and are quite crumbly. However, for $5 for a palette with this amount of shades, that is a heck of a deal. But, if I’m honest with myself, I would personally purchase one of Melted Chrome Eyeshadows in retrospect, as I think I would have gotten more use out of that.

Essence x Ulta Beauty Collection Girls United High Shine Lip Gloss: $1.50 (Normally retails for $4.99)

The shade that I purchased is no longer available on Ulta’s website, but I do like the formula. Essence’s lip gloss formula is supposed to be great in general, so I don’t think you can go wrong there (but you may be able to prove me wrong!).

Essence Pure Nude Highlighter in Be My Highlight 01: $4.99

This highlight is just so great! It brings a really natural glow to your face.

Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Liquid Foundation: $3.25 (Normally retails for $6.49)

Mentioned my thoughts on this foundation here.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder: $4 (Normally retails for $7.99)

Mentioned my thoughts on this powder here.

What are your favorite Essence products? I will keep y’all updated as these products make their way into my collection (or go into the donate pile).

Love y’all,

CEW