New in from essence

My word, essence has been busy these last few months.

They sent an enormous bag of goodies with all their latest launches. These are my favourites:

First up are these two beautifully decorated brushes. Well, one isn’t actually a brush, it’s a Giant Eye Shadow Applicator, R34.95 – a huge version of those little ones you get in palettes. While I don’t rate this one much applying shadow, it is fabulous for blending. The other is a Powder Brush, R57.95, which works a treat for applying the SunClub 2-in-1 Bronzing Powder, R67.50; one of the best highlighting/bronzing compacts on the market, and the new Silky Touch Blush in Summer Dreaming, R47.95, which is the prettiest shade of peachy pink.

The Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, R63.50 delivers a volume boost to even the shortest of lashes. Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara, R47.95 is a genius product that contains tiny fibers to amplify and fill sparse brows.

On the topic of brows, my favourite launch has to me How To Make Brows Wow Make-Up Box, R115.50. This box of joy contains 3 shades of brow powder (Love Blondes, Love ‘em All and Love Brunettes) as well as Lift Me Up highlighter. It also contains tiny tweezers and a dual ended applicator as well as a mirror. Genius!

I Love Nude is my all-time favourite essence collection. Every possible shade of nude has been transformed into nail polish, R34.95 each, eye shadow, R47.95 each, Longlasting Lipstick, R44.50 each and XXXL Lipgloss, R38.95 each. All of the formulas are brilliant for the price point, and you honest can’t go wrong.

Moving onto nails, there are three I love. First is the I Love Trends The Pastels Nail Polish, R34.95 each. Specifically So Lucky (a soft mint) and I’m So Fluffy (a nude peach). Pastels are huge for summer (yet again), so get in there early.

The Gel Nail Polish system if great news for girls on a budget. Like the Catrice one, you apply a the Base Coat, R47.95; then apply any shade of The Gel Nail Polish, R24.95 each; and finish with a coat of Top Coat, R47.95. You’ll end up with SUPER shiny nails and a colour that will last at least a week – no lap required!

I’ve left the cleverest till last because, seriously? Why hasn’t this been done before? The Quick and Easy Sponge Nail Caring Oil, R57.95 is a nail oil version of the Nail Polish Remover pots. No more fiddling about with messy cuticle oil in bottles – all you need to do is pop your finger into the sponge, remove, and hey presto! Perfectly nourished nails. Good, no?

There are a few other new products on shelves now, so pop down to your nearest Dis-Chem or Clicks and discover them all for yourself.