I am a big fan of the high street makeup brand Essence, usually found in your local Wilkinson or Wilko store and online via Feelunique*. The last collection I was kindly sent was the Crystal Power collection, one that I had put away in a box during my bathroom renovations to prevent it from getting damaged. Having now rediscovered it, I have been able to take photos to share within this blog post.
The entire Crystal Power Collection is really pretty and with crystals very much being the theme of this collection with their ability to shine and shimmer, the shades and colours are quite something. I have four products from the range which includes two palettes, a lipstick and some nail polish.
The first item is the Crystal Power Blush and Highlighter Palette (£5.99) - With a pretty geometric design on the front, a handy mirror on the inside of the lid alongside four blushers and highlighters.
The first highlighter is the shade Glowing Energy which is a really pretty champagne gold shimmer which is quite pigmented. The second highlighter is called Shine Bright and this is a white glittery highlighter which has a slight silver tone to it in the light. The two blush shades are also quite shimmery, the first is called Superpower which is a warm berry shade, it looks darker in the pan than it does on the skin which is a bonus. The final blush is called Inner Happiness and it is more of an apricot/peachy shade despite looking quite rosy pink in the pan. I don't tend to wear a lot of blush, but I do really love how pigmented both of these shades are and the highlighters are the products I have used the most.
The Crystal Power Eyeshadow Palette is next and again, inside cardboard packaging which is fairly study, it too features a mirror which covers the entirety of the top part of the palette. It consists of eight shimmering and matte shades which range in colour from rose gold to green-blue hues and shimmering whites - for eyelids that shimmer like crystals.
The powder texture is super soft and easy to blend. It can be applied with a brush or fingertips depending on your preference. I really love the difference in shades on this palette as there is something for everyone, the shades are from right to left:
- Never Give Up - Bronze Shimmer
- Sparkle All Day - Light Gold Shimmer
- Good Vibes Only - Khaki Green Shimmer
- Reach For The Stars - Mermaid Blue Shimmer
- Make It Happen - Warm Terracotta Matte
- Love Yourself - Rose Gold Shimmer
- Chase Your Dreams - Lilac Shimmer
- I've Got The Power - Purple Shimmer
- Believe In Miracles - Snow White Shimmer
It is a lot of shimmer and impressively the colour payoff really shows, especially with Good Vibes only being a Khaki Green and my favourite shades which are Make It Happen and Love Yourself.
Next in the collection is the Crystal Power Lipstick in 01 Be Happy - Described as being an innovative lipstick, it is one which changes colour depending on the pH of your lips, so with this one it could be anything from a subtle pink to a really bright fuschia.
I have used other branded versions of lipsticks like this one and have had mixed feelings as to whether or not they work. However with this one thankfully I don't get a bright pink, but there is definitely a hint of colour and because it was formulated using Vitamin E to nourish and hydrate the lips, it feels more like a lipbalm than a lipstick and I have found myself using it more than I thought I would.
Finally within this collection is the Essence Crystal Power Nail Polish in the shade 02 Be Strong. There are 6 shades in the collection altogether and this one is stunning.
The Essence Crystal Power Nail Polish in 02 Be Strong is best described as being a super glittery pink-hued champagne shade and it is one of those shades which is perfect for wearing all year round. It isn't gloopy or runny and whilst Essence state you only need one coat, I find it looks a lot more intense with two and then I use a Gel Top Coat over the top to make it last much longer, being a non-gel polish, it does chip.
I really like this collection, it is a lot of fun and I love that there is something for everyone. All of Essence makeup is cruelty-free and around 70% of it is now Vegan too.
I really like this collection, it is a lot of fun and I love that there is something for everyone. All of Essence makeup is cruelty-free and around 70% of it is now Vegan too.
*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.