I have been using this mascara for a while now, so I thought it would only be right to share the greatness of this inexpensive gem of a mascara with the world. The name is quite a mouthful, I know. But perhaps it’s to make up for the fact that this mascara is cheap as chips and ridiculously good quality for such a low-low price (€3.49!)
So here is what Essence says about this particular mascara on their website:
the i love extreme mascara’s “crazy” sister – for even more volume! the deep-black, creamy texture covers each individual lash with color and the extra-large plastic brush provides sensational volume. opthalmologically tested.
Now I can’t really say anything about this mascara’s less than crazy “sister”, but on its own merit it’s pretty gosh darn good. Just as Essence claims on its website, every lash is easily covered, the colour is super inky black and it does provide a fair amount of volume. I tend to prefer a lengthening mascara rather than a volumising one, so I’m please to say that this mascara provides the best of both worlds with regards to that.
As for negatives, there isn’t many. However, I found that this mascara did dry out somewhat quickly, maybe faster than other, more expensive mascaras that I have owned in the past. I didn’t mind much, but it could be a point of contention for someone else, so bear that in mind.
This isn’t the best mascara I have ever used, but considering the price, you really can’t go wrong. It’s a testament to how much budget brand make-up has improved since my teenage days, when similarly priced mascara would basically do nothing when applied. While it’s no Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara (sure, what is, really?!), this mascara could still be a worthy addition to your make-up bag if you’re in need of a decent volumising mascara without a hefty price-tag attached.
Last night I went on a little trip to Eddie Rockets for some delicious burgers with a friend, so i thought why not share what the heck I put on my face since that is the nature of this blog! Sorry for the quality of my phone camera, it isn’t the best. Sorry also for the somewhat weird angles, I could not resist the urge to give myself a fringe and I’m not sure if I’m quite loving it right now.
Products used:
Face
Revlon Colorstay Foundation for combination/oily skin in Ivory mixed with NYC All Day Long Foundation in Classic Ivory
Essence Fix and Matte Translucent Loose Powder
Cheeks
Bourjois Blush in 54 Rose Frisson
Eyes
Soap and Glory Eyeshadow Pallette – Mudhoney and Smokin’
Rimmel Glam Eyes Black Liquid Eyeliner
Maybelline Gel Eyeliner in Black
Rimmel White Eyeliner Pencil
Eyebrows
Gosh Eyebrow Pencil in 01 Brown
Lips
17 Lasting Fix Lipstick in Hawaii Pink
To celebrate the summer season (I’m a bit late with this, many apologies), in May the budget friendly make-up brand, Essence, launched their limited edition Guerilla Gardening Collection. Presumably they were following the logic that even if one isn’t the most green-fingered of individuals, they can always mimic the sentiment of doing a nice spot of gardening in summer through the medium of make-up. As someone who is absolutely useless at gardening that is also a sucker for affordable make up, I appreciate their efforts.
The collection includes a multi effect nail brush, eye shadows, cream to powder blushes, brow gels, lip creams, nail varnishes and velvet nail effect powders in a variety of earthy and bright shades, you know –colours that scream BOTANY. Feeling spoilt for choice at my local Essence stand; I decided my nails were in dire need of a summer makeover. I ended up purchasing a nail polish in Floral Glam, the nail effect powder in Mission Flower and also the multi effect nail brush.
You’re probably wondering if they’re any use. The answer to that would be that they’re fine. They’re absolutely fine, if a bit gimmicky. I’ve long been a fan of the Essence nail polishes, they’re cheap as chips, good quality and available in a variety of colours, so adding a tomato red shade to my collection was a nice treat. I’ve always been a bit sceptical about velvet textured nail powders, so this was my first time venturing into the world of fluffy nails.
Honestly, I wasn’t too impressed. As per the instructions, I sprinkled the powder onto my nails while the nail varnish was still wet. Following that, I removed the excess powder using the nail brush. My nails dried and they looked red and pink and furry – for about an hour. I didn’t even need to wash my hands for the powder to come off. Within a few hours my nails were basically red again, albeit slightly textured. The nail brush was just plain unnecessary, the excess nail powder easily fell off my nails, rendering the fan shaped brush pointless.
Had I paid more for the products I would be quite annoyed. However, since I bought everything for less than ten euro, I won’t be spending too many sleepless nights lamenting my purchase. If you’re at all tempted by the nail products in this collection, my advice would be to bypass the gimmicky stuff and stick with some good old fashioned nail polish.
WHY IS SKIN SO HARD 