So now that I’m doing the makeup thing again, I need to build up stock and one of my new staples is essence stay all day long-lasting concealer (20 soft beige). I was sent this concealer along with essence silky touch blush (50 sweetheart), and essence eye sorbet (04 illuminating plum).

Just before receiving these items, I bought essence long-lasting eye pencil (01 black fever), after asking Twitter for advice. I’m all about accentuating my eyes, but also have the bad habit of rubbing my eyes. I can honestly say that this is a brilliant eye pencil, although I do prefer a liquid or gel version; they take a little longer to apply because you need to be so much more precise, but it does last fantastically.

I was pretty excited about my little essence package. I’m not much of a blush user, but this one is very soft and subtle, and on certain days I’ll layer up a nice rosy glow.

I’ve not felt brave enough to try their eye sorbet – a “highlighting eye colour”. It’s a little shimmery, and since I really don’t know much about applying eye shadow as it is, I may donate this to someone who would put this to good use.

But the star of the parcel was without a doubt the concealer. It lives up to its long-lasting claims and covers shadows and imperfections without feeling heavy or cakey. This cream-fluid concealer comes in a tube with a sponge-tip applicator and contains light-reflecting pigments.

Considering that every item in this article costs less than R50 and has really impressed me, I think I may find a way to be a gorgeous frugal shopaholic after all! Next on my list are a couple of stays no matter what jumbo eye pencil & shadows, mascara (my main staple), the waterproof eyeliner pen or even the i love punk jumbo eyeliner pen, their CC cream, and I’m honestly intrigued by the volumizing lash powder.

What’s your favourite essence product?