Essence is easy to buy both online and in-store, and most reviews agree it’s a very affordable but hit-or-miss drugstore brand, with some real standouts for the price.

Where to buy Essence makeup

You can usually find Essence in:

  • Drugstores and budget chains (for example, Wilko‑type stores, Ulta‑style drugstores, and similar retailers in many countries).
  • The official Essence online shop, which ships a wide range of face , eye, lip, and nail products and often runs low free‑shipping minimums.
  • Large online beauty retailers that carry multiple drugstore brands and run frequent discounts.

Many forum users also mention seeing Essence “everywhere” in local malls and pharmacies, especially in Europe, New Zealand, and the UAE, often on promo stands or with heavy discounts.

Quick review snapshot

Across blogs, videos, and forums, a few themes come up again and again:

  • Essence is considered a “cheap but good” starter or everyday brand, especially if you are experimenting with makeup and do not want to spend much on each item.
  • Several reviewers say some products rival higher‑end makeup, particularly mascaras and certain cheek products, while others feel more basic or inconsistent.
  • YouTube creators frequently do “best & worst Essence” or “full face of Essence” videos, highlighting that there are clear favorites and clear skips within the line.

Standout products (from reviews)

From recent review videos and posts, these categories get the most praise:

  • Mascara & eyes: Lash Princess mascaras and other eye products are repeatedly called out as very strong for the price.
  • Cheeks & glow: Blushes, bronzers, and highlighters (including baked and “soft touch” lines) are often recommended as smooth, blendable, and flattering on the skin.
  • Base & primers: Some skin tints, primers, and powders are described as surprisingly long‑wearing and comparable to more expensive options, though not every launch is a hit.

What to keep in mind

  • Quality can vary a lot between individual products, so checking a “what to buy and what to avoid” style review before purchasing is helpful.
  • Because the price is low, many reviewers frame Essence as a low‑risk way to try trends, colors, or finishes you are not sure you will wear often.
  • New seasonal collections (for example spring/summer lines) are released frequently and often include trendy dupes of higher‑end brands.

Bottom line: shop Essence at local drugstores or the official site, lean on recent “best & worst” videos and forum threads to pick the winners, and treat it as an affordable way to build or refresh a basic makeup kit.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.