21Apr 2014

REVIEW: Essence Metal Glam Eye Shadows (Photos & Swatches of the Entire Range)

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Essence is one of the most affordable beauty brands available at drugstores worldwide, but that doesn’t mean that the quality is ever compromised. Their new range of Metal Glam Eyeshadows are a perfect example that good makeup doesn’t always have to break the bank. Before I go any further, I do want to preface that the effectiveness of these shadows can be called into question if they are used incorrectly….so if you plan on picking up any of these budget-friendly eye shadows, make sure to read the suggestions below on how-to best apply them, cause the method certainly made a difference for me. These shadows are not high-end quality shadows but for just a few bucks, you seriously can’t go wrong. They are definitely great value for the money…..


Range: 

The Metal Glam Eyeshadows by essence are available in six metallic shades: 

01 Jewel up the Ocean
02 Coffee to Glow
03 Frosted Apple
05 Chocolate Jewelery
07 Golden Up!
08 N’Ice Frosting

My favourites in the bunch are “Coffee to Glow” and “Chocolate Jewelry”. Both shades are absolutely beautiful and also happened to be the easiest to apply. 

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essence Metal Glam Eyeshadows – $2.99 USD / $3.99 CAD
Texture & Pigmentation: 
These shadows have a glittery top layer which isn’t visible in any of the photos above because the over spray has since disappeared. There is definitely glitter present in them though, which I’m normally not a fan of but it’s nothing unwearable and it looks more like a fine shimmer/metallic sheen once on the eyes. The formula is pressed and the texture is soft & velvety, which actually makes blending them out with a brush a bit tricky. The initial application was problematic but I experienced no fall out and no chalkiness after I mastered how to apply them. These shadows also have excellent pigmentation (especially when used wet) so using a primer is entirely optional. 
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essence Metal Glam Eyeshadows – Packaging

Application:


As mentioned above, applying eye shadows with this type of texture can be quite challenging. I would discourage using a regular shadow or blending brush when applying these shadows onto the eye lid or in the crease area. Instead, what I do is pat the colour on using my index finger and lightly blend out if necessary using a big fluffy brush. Since these shadows can be worn wet or dry, you could also spritz your finger with some MAC Fix+ to elevate the colours intensity. The latter would be more appropriate for a fun night out. Whether you apply these wet or dry, either way….the result is a lovely finish with a metal sheen that lasts.

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essence Metal Glam Eye Shadow Swatches (L-R)

#01 Jewel up the Ocean, #02 Coffee to Glow, #03 Frosted Apple, #05 Chocolate Jewelry, 

#07 Golden Up! & #08 N’Ice Frosting
Have you tried these eye shadows? 
What are your go-to essence products? 
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