I wear essence liquid lipstick 03 Almost Real – which is quite frequent for real – and it’s like jumping back to the glossy early ’00s but with less mess! What’s hot with this lippie? Essence Cosmetics suggests how ‘the innovative formula of the liquid lipstick unites the best of two lip pros by combining the coverage of a lipstick with the shine of a gloss. The packaging also underlines its duo-characteristics…‘. That’s clear, but now it’s my turn to have my say…

The product: packaging

Essence liquid lipstick 03 Almost Real comes in a captivating packaging: a crystal tube, where an optical trick makes the product looking like a lipstick from the outside.

The tube contains 4 ml of lip colour and the cap details recall the shade. The applicator is a tiny sponge with a spear like silhouette and reaches every corner of the mouth. The pack concept reminds me of ice cubes…

Formula & texture
The particular texture makes essence liquid lipstick a sort of hybrid: thick and sticky like a lip gloss, but intense and long-lasting as a lipstick. Its consistency is dense but spreads effortlessly.

Shade & finish
Almost Real is a nude shade, a caramel nuance with a delicate touch of pink and a predominant peachy warm tone. The overall pigmentation is very rich, to be a nude, with a buildable final effect. Its finish is creamy and shiny and it’s similar to 2000s vinyl lip gloss. This water shine makes lips instantly looking plumped and when the hours pass by, it becomes more natural while enhancing lips’ volume!

EXTRA

This essence liquid lipstick has a delicious vanilla aroma that lasts for a while and tempts you to apply it over and over again… you could but it’s easy to overdo and mess around as this liquid lipstick tends to outline your lips. Thanks to its thick formula, this essence liquid lipstick lasts for almost 4 hours even if you drink. It doesn’t dry my lips and leaves them well hydrated throughout the day and even after its removal. This nude shade leaves a subtle tint while fading.

PROS

long-lasting
compact packaging
handy applicator
wearable shade
hydrating formula
pleasant scent
optical plumping effect

CON

may outline your lips

For most of you, essence liquid lipsticks’ dense texture could represent a nasty con, but it allows it to last for hours and hours, coffees after coffees! The shade 03 Almost Real is very natural and can be used day and night, it’s a subtle option to match stronger makeup looks; its flavour lets people fall in love.

Valentina Chirico wearing essence cosmetics liquid lipstick in 03 Almost Real

– Products featured in this look -Face: Pupa Professional Primer 02 Green + essence cosmetics concealer pen #2 Sand + Pupa Like a Doll compact powder 003 Natural Beige + Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo in #508 Night Fever & Hot Stuff
Eyes: essence cosmetics eyebrows stylist set in #01 natural brunette style + Viva La Diva Move Me Jungle eyeshadow kit (Tahiti, Fiji, Tobago) + Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon in #41 Earth(quake) #43 Brown(ie) + Avril Le Mascara Bio
Lips: essence cosmetics liquid lipstick 03 Almost Real

Do I recommend it? What a silly question: yes, absolutely! Essence liquid lipstick in the shade 03 Almost Real is definitely worth my hype and worth a try for its price! 2.45€ for a long-lasting lip colour that – unintentionally – plumps up your lips is a dream. One side note: do not listen to that little devil on your shoulder: don’t apply too much, despite it’s a real delight.
Go for it, go nude … it’s (almost) real!

Valentina Chirico aka Valens