[EDIT – I don’t even know is this product is still available for purchase. I have been using it for a while now and finally got around to taking pics and writing up a review! However, essence loves to keep super up to date with trends and they constantly bring out new ranges, and because this product is from a trend edition, it may not be available any longer but I love it so I am posting it!]

 

When the essence Happy Girls Are Pretty range was released, everyone went gaga for their heart embossed blusher. The blusher, to be fair, is absolutely darling, but I had my eyes set on their duo contour set!

essencecontour (4)

essencecontour (3)

The duo consists of a highlighter and a contour. The highlighter is a smaller portion and the contour is much larger. My main reason for wanting this duo was because it is a completely matte powder. These days you find the perfect shade but it has shimmer, or the perfect matte contour but the undertone is off. This is perfectly matte. I actually think I have some weird contour fetish all of a sudden. Just looking at these images has my fingers itching to grab a bronzing brush and start playing!

essencecontour (5)

 

The highlight powder is super pigmented. I swatched the shades on both my arm and fingers because I feel like the arm swatch does not give the shade justice – it really packs a punch! It is also super blendable. On my face I blend it out with a brush but on my brow bone and cupids bow I use my ring finger and it easily blends out. The contour shade also looks pretty deep toned and I think this is slightly daunting to some people. I have seen the majority of reviews on this contour set going along the lines of “I thought this would be too dark/light but its perfect….” so it seems to be pretty universal all around. It definitely is buildable so you can start off lightly and deepen the shade as you go.

I definitely love this as a Summery vibes type of make-up look – the effect comes off as subtle and not overboard. Gone are the days of crazily contoured face – and hello to the new, more natural, yet defined, facial features.

 

essencecontour (6)

essencecontour (2)

essencecontour (1)

 

Can you see what I mean about a Summery vibe makeup look? The shades really add some definition and colour without being too defining on your features.

essence has just this month brought out another amazing contour kit – and this new one also includes a warm toned blusher! So I cannot wait to test that one out against this one.. definitely look forward to a review on that!

 

This set is was/is available at just less than R60. You can find essence cosmetics at most Clicks, selected Dis-Chems and selected Pink ‘n Pays and Edgars stores. 

 

Rayne XX

 

youtube cover1