*This post contains gifted items.
If you come here often, you will know that Essence is one of my all-time favourite brands, and what's more, they are super affordable! I have put together some of my must-have Essence products for the Summer months...
Let's begin with skincare, and the Essence Daily Drop Of Energy Ampoule Face Serum* (£3.95 for 15ml), a skin-revitalising serum, specially formulated to renew and brighten dull and grey complexions. The serum is enriched with 2% Vitamin C for a smooth and radiant complexion and has an invigorating fresh citrus scent to it. You simply apply a few drops of the serum to the face, neck and décolleté before applying your moisturiser in the morning for the ultimate energy kick for a perfect start to the day.
This is actually the second tube of the Essence Hydro Hero Under Eye Stick* (£2.75 for 4.5g) I have owned as I am obsessed with it as I get very tired eyes in a morning and this works wonders. This is a skin-nourishing undereye stick, which has been enriched with Panthenol, Niacinamide and Aloe Vera for an intensely hydrating, nourishing effect. It comes in a practical stick, and the transparent texture is easy to apply, and can be used both morning or evening. I find this instantly refreshing and it really helps to lessen the bags under my eyes.
I tend to wear a lighter foundation or tinted moisturiser in the warmer months and the Essence Hydro Hero 24H Hydrating Tinted Cream* (£3.95 for 30ml) is an excellent option! It combines foundation, moisturiser and sunscreen in one product, providing buildable light to medium coverage without clogging pores. This BB Cream creates an even complexion with a fresh, natural finish with hydration that lasts up to 24 hours. It is formulated with an SPF15 filter for protection from UV rays, and the weightless, oil-free texture comprises 88% natural ingredients, and has been enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to keep the complexion hydrated. It comes in a squeezy tube with a push down applicator and as it is a tinted moisturiser, there are just three shades to choose from as you don't need to be exact.
You may have seen the Essence Kissed By The Light Illuminating Powder* (£3.79 for 10g) on one of my other Essence blog posts, but this one is a different shade - the shade 02 Sun Kissed, a brown-toned shimmer. This product combines highlighter, bronzer and blush in a single product, giving the complexion a unique all-over glow or setting individual highlights above the cheekbones, under the eyebrows or above the Cupid's bow of the lips. I chose this shade because it is warmer and so is better for me when I have more of a tan thanks to the sunshine. I do love a multi-use product, and this can also be used on the eyelids too for a wash of shimmer.
Ever worried about your eyebrows washing off in the pool? Fear no more! The Essence Brow Like A Boss Ink Brow Gel* (£3.79 for 4ml) lasts for up to 72 hours and has a waterproof formula! This Brow Gel provides the brows with fullness, density and a natural long-lasting finish. It is easy to apply accurately with the angled brush it comes with, and the lightweight texture is comfortable to wear, smudge proof and waterproof - hurrah! There are four shades to choose from - Blonde, Brown, Dark Brown and Ash Brown, so there is one to suit the majority of hair tones.
In Summer, I tend to change from black eyeliners to brown, as it gives a much more natural look, yet still defines the eyes. The Essence The Dip Eyeliner* (£2.45 for 2.5ml) in brown and is also another waterproof product, so there is no smudging or budging throughout the heat. This creates ultra-precise eyeliner looks and perfectly curved lines with its fine, firm tip. The colour intense texture is long-lasting and waterproof, ensuring your eyeliner is on point all day long. As the tip is so fine, it is also entirely suitable for eyeliner novices.
I have worn contact lenses for years, and sometimes mascaras can be a little irritating on my lashes, and so the Essence Sensitive But Wow! Volume Mascara* (£3.49 for 8.5ml) is a wonderful option. This mascara has been ophthalmologically tested and confirmed as suitable for use on sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. This caring mascara provides the lashes with natural volume and nourishment from ingredients such as Calendula and Chamomile Blossom Water. What's more, is that this mascara can be easily removed without eye makeup remover - warm water is all you need, so there is no pulling or tugging at the lashes.
Just as much in Winter, my lips dry out in the warmer months and I have been loving the Essence Cranberry Lip Oil* (£2.50 for 4ml). This Lip Oil glides effortlessly over the lips to give them a glossy finish and provides moisture due to the Cranberry Oil and Vitamin E the formula contains to leave the lips feeling soft and nourished. The formula reacts to the natural, individual pH value of the lips and intensifies the colour, so you will get a shade that is meant for your skin tone. Magic! Even though it is a lip oil, it doesn't feel oily on the lips and there is no greasy residue left behind.
Another super cool product is the Essence Electric Glow Colour Changing Lipstick* (£2.99 for 3.2g), which comes in a transparent neon green case. This Lipstick nourishes the lips while giving them a natural, radiant finish complete with a delicate rose shimmer. Enhanced with glitter particles, the texture reacts to the individual pH value of the lips and changes colour as a result, creating a unique, individual look. It is a very comfortable formula to wear and I find the lipstick mesmerising to look at, with its jelly-looking formula and glitter suspended in it.
As someone with fine lips, I sometimes struggle with matte lipsticks, but the Essence Hydro Matte Lipstick* (£2.45 for 3.5g) is a gamechanger for me. This is a long-lasting lipstick, enriched with moisturising Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, nourishing Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil and a vitamin complex, so there is no drying out of the lips, and they are super comfortable and moisturised. This texture creates a creamy matte finish and gives excellent colour pay-off. There are eight shades to choose from, and here I have 401 Mauve-ment, a beautiful mauve shade and I am obsessed with the neon pink packaging!
I love to have nice nails, but as I am not working at the moment due to waiting for my surgery, I can't afford to go to the nail salon. The Essence Nails In Style* (£2.79) are an excellent alternative. For a perfect fit, you get 12 artificial nails in six sizes and as they are clear, you can paint them any colour your heart desires! They come with adhesive tabs too, so there is no messy glue that can damage your nails. You can get the perfect manicured nails in just a few minutes and they are so easy to apply!
You can find Essence online here.
All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx