Review: Essence Gel Eyeliner

Essence Gel Eyeliner

Let me start off by saying that Essence as a brand has completely surprised me. I assumed that, since their products were so ridiculously cheap and seemed to be aimed at the teen market that the quality would be questionable. After trying some of their nail products with varying degrees of success, I still wasn’t convinced but decided to try the gel liner as I’d heard a few good reviews. It also seemed like a low-risk purchase considering that it costs only R40! It is an amazing product and all the others I’ve tried from Essence since (like the cream eyeshadows which are brilliant) have made me reconsider my opinion of the brand.

Essence Gel Eyeliner

Suffice it to say that I am absolutely thrilled with this product. It competes with the best high-end gel liners (MAC Fluidline, Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner) in every way at just a fraction of the cost. This is, without a doubt, the best value make-up item that I own.

Essence Gel Eyeliner Swatches
Swatched: Midnight in Paris (L) and London Baby (R)

Formulation: Pigmentation is excellent; the colour is true and dense and as black as the night. It’s creamy and smooth which makes application easy. The formula is smudge-proof and waterproof – not only does it stay put on my eyelids all night (even without a primer or shadow underneath) but it also sticks to my waterline like glue. You get zero transfer once it is dry and it doesn’t fade at all.

Longevity: Excellent – see previous point.

Value for money: It doesn’t get much better than this.

Bonus points: Although they don’t appear on PETA’s “don’t test list”, they do claim to be 100% cruelty free.

Overall rating: 10/10

Price: R39.99
Availability: Clicks, Dischem

Images courtesy of Makeup & Beauty Blog

10 comments on Review: Essence Gel Eyeliner

  • Angela

    Seems like a steal! How did you apply it?

    • Jules (author)

      I usually use a small, fine-tipped eyeliner brush (e.g. MAC 209 or 210) but angled brushes also work well, especially for cat-eyes (e.g. MAC 263 or 266)

      • philipinexoxo

        How do you aly this? Just 1 coat or 2 coats? Coz it tend to smudge like kraykray on me.

        • Jules (author)

          I usually only do one coat using a fine-tipped eyeliner brush and once it is dry, it doesn’t budge on me – and I have really oily eyelids! Do you find that it smudges once it’s dry?

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  • Joyce keung

    Hi. I would like to know at which dischem/clicks did you buy this essence gel eyeliner from because the branches near my area does not have this gel eyeliner.

    Thank you.

    • Jules (author)

      Hi Joyce – I believe I purchased it at Clicks in the V&A Waterfront but I know that they are often out of stock as it is such a popular product. Give the largest outlets near you a try, for example I often find that Dischem in Canal Walk (Cape Town) has lots of Essence stock. Good luck!

  • Zenre

    I really really really want this gel eye liner, specifically the essence brand. I went to their website and also to clicks and dischem website and I cannot find it anywhere! help please.

    • Jules (author)

      Hi Zenre – it’s possible that this product has been discontinued as the review is a couple of years old. I can however strongly recommend the Maybelline gel eyeliner which is also available at Clicks/Dischem and is great quality at an affordable price.

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