(L) to (R) – Sweet as Candy, Beauty on Tour, Walk of Fame; Sending you Kisses
If you remember my post from last week, I’m doing a series on nail developments – particularly new and easy ways to make your nails look presentable! There are so many different ways to do your nails now – at home manicures, mini-brushes, magnetic nails, stick on art, etc – that it’s almost catering to the user. It’s so much easier to do your nails at home when the process has become so simplified.
Take a look at the previous posts in this series:
- Part 1: At Home French Manicures
Again, I’m looking for products that aide positively with the following questions inexperienced users, like myself, have:
- Do they make your life easier?
- How simple are they for beginners?
- Are they worth the time?
- Are they worth the money?
This week, I take a look at miniature nail polishes – specifically, the Essence brand’s line of mini bottles!
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Essence Cosmetics is a newer cosmetic brand to the Canadian market. Located in Shoppers Drug Mart, the brand covets some of the best eye shadows and eyeliners that I have ever used. So when I saw these tiny nail polish bottles, I knew I just had to try them.
On a packaging level, they’re just too adorable.
Product: Essence Colour and Go Nail Polish / Essence Ready for Boarding Nail Polish
Price: $1.99 (CAN) – $2.49 (CAN)
What It Claims: “…ultra-glossy colour; gel-shine effect, ultra fast drying, durability and extreme coverage”
Review: Can we take a moment to discuss the price? These tiny bottles cost approximately a toonie each. I was completely floored by the price. It’s completely amazing for a drug-store find, and great for newbie’s like me to experiment.
The tiny brush makes application a breeze. Personally, I found that the tiny brush offered better control over coverage, and it make it easier especially when hands were shaky. Seeing as I am very inexperienced when coming to nail application, this was such a bonus.
The polish itself is thick enough that only two costs (maximum) is required. The texture is ‘gloopy’ and doesn’t run – seeing as I had had very good experiences with Essence products in the past, I wasn’t worried about the quality here.
In regards to longevity, the colour sustains – if left alone, it would probably last about 3-4 days without touch ups. Unfortunately, I chipped some of my nails within a day, but I would chalk that up to my own carelessness rather than product durability.
Individual Colours:
Individual Colours:
- Essence Ready for Boarding in ‘Sending You Kisses’
Holy colour! This tiny bottle is so pigmented; I’d be surprised if you needed anymore than 1 coat. The colour is rich and vibrant – a perfect pop of colour for any outfit.
- Essence Colour and Go in ‘Sweet as Candy’
Love this colour. It’s such a sheer pink, that it can go with any outfit. This colour is probably my favourite of the bunch. With two coats, it’s almost completely opaque.
- Essence Ready for Boarding in ‘Beauty on Tour’
Very orange. Again, you’ll only need a coat or two for this colour to be completely vibrant. This colour might be too orange for my tastes.
- Essence Colour and Go in ‘Walk of Fame’
The colour is a mix of grey and purple. On first coat, it applies very sheer. I like this colour because you can either use it as a sheer colour or use it as a darker grey colour. When it’s dark, it tends to be a bit harsh on my skin tone, but I still love it. Good for the office too! Fun fact: I broke this bottle 2 seconds after taking this picture. Oops.
Overall Verdict: Approximately a toonie each? Can I have one in every colour? Amazing for newbie’s – this is definitely the brand to use to experiment with colour and application.
Well, this was a longer review! Has anyone else used the mini bottles from Essence? What did you think? Email me at ashley@torontobeautyreviews.com.
I’ve seen the mini-sets at Christmas – I think they’re great!
Hey Kat! Have you had a shellac mani before? It really is tougher to get off AND I would say my manis actually do remain chip free however after two weeks the polish can peel off b/c your nails do grow. So when I get shellac done I tend to get more neutral colours b/c then when your nails grow you have bare nails at the cuticle part and the rest of your nail is polished so it can look kind of dumb with darker or brighter colours. Just something to think about before investing in one of those kits!
As for the little bottles – mark by Avon actually makes even tinier bottles which I think are perfect! Come to think of it Avon does too but they’re usually sold in sets at Christmas time I think.
What a good idea, Kat! Let me know if you decide to get it, and what it’s like. Chip free polish for a month sounds incredible!
Thank you ellesy! It’s definitely my favourite! 🙂 I’ll take a look for the Modern Romance one.
FINALLY! i’ve been complaining for YEARS that they should cut the size of nail polish bottles in half because seriously, who really uses all that color?!
i’ve also been eying gel nail colors with that led lamp kit thing. i heard that gel color lasts 3wks longer and is a b!tch to take off but if it means i’ll have chip-free color for up to a month, i’m down. i haven’t pulled the trigger to get a kit but thinking about it. maybe as a birthday present to myself.
i have a few of the essence polishes (including walk of fame) and i really like them. the sheer pink polish looks great on you. i have one that’s similar called modern romance that is really pretty. 🙂
It’s great eh? I’m really impressed with the drying times. I want to purchase a whole bunch of colours and experiment!
Literally, dropped it on the ground and it cracked and started to leak. I’m so glad it’s only $2.00 to replace though!
When Essence first arrived at Shoppers Drug Mart, I bought about 8 of the colours due to the fantastic prices. I like the fact that it dries quickly. I can paint my nails before going to work and it will be dried by the time I get to work. I also love the brush because one coat can cover your entire nail. With certain colours, I will use just one coat.
Oh no can’t believe you broke the bottle! I think that was my favorite colour of the bunch LOL! I agree I think shorter brushes are way easier to control. And you definitely can’t beat the price.
At $2 each, you can get all the colours of the rainbow and you won’t break the bank. I love the mini bottles, ridiculously convenient. I couldn’t believe the price of some polishes today.
I think I will pick up Walk of Fame. At $2 each, if I don’t like it, who cares. Sometimes it’s better to spend less for polish because most people only wear it once or twice before the polish gets all gloopy.