When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, finding the perfect blend of colors, quality, and affordability can be a challenge. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying out the Essence “Bronzed This Way” eyeshadow palette, and here are my thoughts.
PS. My friend lives in Europe and she sent me a couple of Essence products as a Christmas gift, so I’m not certain if it is possible to find the same in the US.
First Impressions
The first thing that caught my eye was the vibrant, compact packaging. The palette’s bright orange casing is not only eye-catching but also incredibly practical. It’s small enough to fit into any makeup bag, making it a perfect companion for on-the-go touch-ups. The name “Bronzed This Way” hints at the warm, sun-kissed hues inside, perfect for achieving that summer glow all year round.
Color Selection and Pigmentation
Opening the palette, I was greeted with six stunning shades. The colors range from soft, shimmery champagne to deep, matte browns. Here’s a quick rundown of the shades:
- A light, matte beige for a base or brow bone highlight.
- A shimmery champagne perfect for inner corners or a pop of shine on the lid.
- A soft, metallic bronze for a subtle glow.
- A rich, matte terracotta for depth and warmth.
- A deep, matte brown ideal for the crease or as a liner.
- A dark, shimmery copper for that extra bit of glam.
One of the standout features of this palette is the pigmentation. The colors are rich and vibrant. The shimmery shades, in particular, are buttery and smooth, gliding on effortlessly with either a brush or finger application. The matte shades blend beautifully, creating a seamless transition between colors.
Application and Wear
I decided to put this palette to the test with a day-to-night look. For the day, I used the light beige as a base, the terracotta in the crease, and a touch of the bronze on the lid. The result was a warm, natural look that stayed put throughout the day, even without a primer. For the evening, I amped it up by adding the deep brown to the outer corners and the shimmery copper to the center of the lid. The colors blended effortlessly and created a beautiful, cohesive look that lasted well into the night.
Pros
- Affordability: Essence is known for its budget-friendly products, and this palette is no exception. It offers incredible value for money.
- Versatility: The range of shades makes it easy to create both subtle daytime looks and dramatic evening styles.
- Pigmentation: The colors are rich and vibrant.
Cons
- Brush Doesn’t Included: The palette does not come with an applicator, which isn’t a deal-breaker but would be a nice addition for on-the-go use.
- Longevity of Wear: While the eyeshadows generally perform well, they may not last as long on oily lids without a primer. Over time, you might notice some creasing or fading, especially if you have oily skin.
- Buildable Coverage: Some shades, particularly the lighter ones, may require multiple layers to achieve full opacity. This can be a bit time-consuming if you’re in a hurry or prefer a more pigmented application right off the bat.
- Fallout: Despite the overall good quality, the shimmer shades can produce some fallout during application. This means you might need to do your eye makeup before your face makeup or be prepared for a bit of cleanup.
- Packaging Durability: While the packaging is compact and practical, it is made of plastic, which might not withstand heavy wear and tear over time. The clasp can become loose, and the palette might open unintentionally if not handled carefully.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while the Essence “Bronzed This Way” eyeshadow palette offers great value and a beautiful selection of shades, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, some of these issues might impact your overall satisfaction with the product. However, for the price point, it still provides a good option for those looking to achieve warm, bronzed looks without breaking the bank.
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