[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!
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!
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.
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
Loved this! Glad the tone suited you more than my paleeee face! This range was so cute love the blush x