Welcome to Beauty Finds, a series where we share our latest discoveries in all things beauty, from makeup to skincare to hair to fragrances.
Beauty finds is back and this month is inspired by my love of scouring the beauty section at Dischem. I have a huge appreciation for brands at a lower price point. Catrice has been a long-time favourite of mine, but recently I discovered Essence is pretty great too. Why spend R500 on one product of a higher end brand, when you can spend the same amount on five and have them work just as well?
These are the latest things that caught my eye…
Essence Blend & Line Eyeshadow Stick
The Details
These are long-lasting shadow sticks that are sharpen-able. They come in four gorgeous shimmery shades, a brown called 04 full of beans, a green called 03 Feeling Leafy, a gold and a Ruby.
Good For
Easy eyeshadow and liner looks.
The Review
I picked up the green and brown but I’m definitely going to purchase the other two as well. They apply so easily, blend excellently, last well and work as both a shadow and eyeliner. They are effective on both the lid and waterline and because it’s a chunky crayon like stick, applying it to your waterline doesn’t feel like you might accidently stab your eyes. The shimmer is also beautifully subtle as opposed to sparkly glitter. I have not yet tried to sharpen it so can’t speak to those claims.
Get them here (R63.95)
Essence Lip Glow Stick
The Details
This is part balm, gloss, sheer color and lip treat in one. It comes in two shades, a pink called 01 Smilin’ Bright and an orange. I tried the pink.
Good For
Subtle color, high shine and no stickiness.
The Review
I wanted this as a combo product for lip and cheeks. It is gorgeous, adds a barely there tint to your lips, gives a great glossed look, smells like a pleasant mix of fruity coconut-y-ness, and feels great on the lips. I love the highlight it gives to cheeks but the colour payoff is a bit weak to be a full blush replacement.
Get it here (R69.95)
Essence 8h Matte comfort Lipliner in Classic Red
The Details
This is a retractable waterproof lipliner that is supposed to be comfortable and long lasting.
Good For
Lining or filling in lips.
The Review
I’ve been meaning to buy lipliners for a while and at under R50 I thought it couldn’t hurt to try this. I bought it in 07 Classic Red as a liner for my very high end Dior red lipstick. It was a great match, lined the lips easily, filled in the lips easily and provided a very comfortable base for the lipstick. I had this combo on for a dinner and by the end of the night there was still a nice red tint to my lips. Without any touch-ups during the night, it had obviously faded but the fade was even across the lips and there were no streaks or smudges. I will most definitely be getting this in more shades.
Get it here (R46.95)
Essence Makeup And Baking Sponge
The Details
A beauty blending sponge that has the added benefit of a flat side.
Good For
Blending foundation, powders, contour and blushes.
The Review
I needed a new sponge and the generic ones in the beauty isle are a little too tough. This is just squishy enough and I’ve been loving having a flat side too. These sponges are great for making foundation and concealer look more natural – because they pick up excess product it gives you diffused coverage.
Get it here (R76.95)
Catrice All Round Concealer Palette
The Details
This concealer palette comes with 5 shades to help you conceal dark shadows, redness and blemishes.
Good For
Concealing everything
The Review
These colour correcting concealers have always intrigued me but I’ve never tried them before. Peach is supposed to conceal dark undereye circles and green is supposed to conceal redness.
Although the texture of this concealer feels good and blends well, this product is sadly a miss for me. The peach absolutely does not work on my skin tone and made my undereye area appear quite red and punched looking. The green I found to work decently on red marks, but it wasn’t any more special than a great concealer so why add another step? Maybe I’m not applying it correctly but be that as it may, I call it a skip.
Get it here (R88.95)
