So, even bargain brand Essence cosmetics – exclusive to Wilko – has an Autumn/Winter collection out housing some trend-led launches. Go them.
Out of the bag of samples that landed on Team Beauty's desk, it was the eye shadow palettes that caught our eyes. Literally. They're unapologetically inspired by the Urban Decay Naked Palettes (the nudes, the rose shades and new 'Smoky' versions) which have claimed cult status – but Essence aren't the first and won't be the last to make their own. The difference is, these palettes are £3.99. Serious.
1. All about NUDES, tried by Lucy:
"I'm not usually one for experimenting with eyeshadows (I've used the same Mac one for about five years now) but seeing these made me want to try them. The shades all complement each other, are super creamy, blendable and the pigment is impressive. I used my usual Urban Decay primer on my lids before applying, and then used one of the glittery shades all over my lid, used a darker one to contour the crease and a lighter shade to highlight my brow bone. It lasted all day, although the colour did gradually fade, it didn't crease at all and it still looked good.
I'm really impressed with everything about these palettes – sure, they do look and feel a bit cheap, but for £3.99 I'd rather skimp on packaging than formula. I'm also wearing an Essence foundation, which I loved, and (what I thought was) eyeliner. My only complaint is that the Tattoo Liner looks more like liquid liner than a nail art pen… and I may or may not have got them confused, but don't worry, it came off easily and I'm not blind."
2. All about ROSES, tried by Bridget:
"I love pinky eye shadows but have never found the perfect compilation in a palette. I often end up using single shadows combined with my Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose (intended for the cheeks), so in theory this version from Essence could well make it into my makeup bag. The shades look pretty enough, although obvs the packaging is very basic. Kate Moss wouldn't approve.
I swept the plummy shade (bottom right) over my eyelid crease and then along the upper lash line using a smaller brush. Next I blended a few of the paler shades over the middle and attempted a bit of shimmer in the middle and along the lower lash lines. On the skin the colour pay-off was pretty true to how it looks in the palette, and the soft – almost silky feeling – formulas were really easy to blend.
I actually love it. If it had fancier packaging I'd totally believe it cost five times the price."
3. All about GREYS, tried by Laura:
"I am a sucker for an eyeshadow palette but I will confess to being a bit of an eyeshadow snob. I love the quality of the Urban Decay palettes and was dubious if these would really compare at £3.99. I love a smoky eye and having recently tested the new Smoky palette, I was keen to see how Essence's budget version compared.
I used the glittery grey pewter colour all over my lid (bottom right) and fell in love with the irridescent glitter in it. I then smudged the blue grey colour (top right) under my lower lash line and used the black shade as a liner. If I hadn't seen the packaging I would honestly not have known the difference between this and Urban Decay's Smoky palette.
Maybe I should do all my makeup shopping in Wilko!"
READ OUR REVIEW OF THE W7 CONTOUR PALETTE VS THE CHARLOTTE TILBUTY VERSION
Bridget March is the Multiplatform Beauty Birector at Harper’s Bazaar, overseeing all beauty and wellbeing content on the UK website and YouTube channel.
From news and interviews to tutorials and treatment reviews, she answers the beauty questions you’re searching for with expert advice (see the renowned #SkinSchool franchise for evidence), taking deep dives into the latest trends (from polynucleotides to Profhilo), and sharing the products A-listers really use (via the ‘Inside my beauty bag’ video series).
Bridget has written for various brands within the Hearst portfolio and beyond, and was formerly Digital Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan. She lives with her husband and two sons (plus a baby on the way!) in the Cotswolds.
Follow Bridget on Instagram @bridgetmarch
Lucy Partington (also known as LP or Lucy P) is a freelance beauty journalist. She started her career as Cosmo’s beauty assistant 12 years ago and has since written for titles including Stylist, ELLE, Red and British Vogue. She’s a big fan of sunscreen (and skincare in general), loves a strong brow and is constantly on the hunt for the glowiest, most long lasting foundation of them all.
Laura is a former writer for Cosmopolitan UK, covering everything beauty and fashion related and specialises in makeup, plus-size fashion and the world of YouTube. Her favourite pastime is reminding everyone of that one time she met Charlie Hunnam and Jason Momoa. Please don't ask to see the pictures...
