Nothing warms my heart more than budget-friendly beauty products – because impulse buying feels much more manageable when things are cheap. Like low calorie snacks, inexpensive products allow for full-fledged experimentation with a fraction of the guilt.

After strolling through Shoppers Drug Mart, I stumbled on the brand Essence. Although the name didn’t ring a bell, I was quickly sold on the price point. Almost all items were under the $5 mark. Essence, a German brand, is the number one cosmetics seller in Europe. Although it seems that Essence has a younger (read: teen) audience in mind, the affordability and ethical commitment (they don’t test on animals!) can be appreciated by all.

Here’s what I purchased: Essence Eyebrow Designer in 01 Black; Essence Get Big Lashes Volume Boost Mascara; and Essence Eyeliner Pen.

The Verdict
When dealing with inexpensive products, it’s important to temper expectations. That’s not to say that cheaper products can’t be on par with budget-busting ones, but you’ve got to go in with an open mind. Initially, I wasn’t blown away, but Essence products are definitely growers as opposed to show-ers (do with that what you will). Let’s put it this way: If an expensive beauty product is the equivalent of a well-aged vintage wine you only drink once a year, then Essence is the affordable one you drink weeknights after work.

Eyebrow Designer:
As far as standard pencils go, Essence does a good job on the longevity front. Smudging was minimal throughout the day, and pigment glides on well without being severe. This was a pleasant surprise considering some pencils I’ve purchased have left me looking more like Groucho Marx than I would care to admit.

Get Big Lashes:
Sadly, the volume of the actual container was much more impressive than the mascara. My lashes are scrawny, and I didn’t notice a significant difference after application. That being said, curling the eyelashes beforehand is a quick way to make any mascara go the extra mile. I found the wand to be a bit bulky, which may have affected the overall application.

Eyeliner Pen:
This was the standout product for me. I now scoff at all the years I was tied to my traditional eyeliner pencil (blame it on my youth). This pen delivers precision, making for a drama and smudge-free application. Plus, the $1.99 price tag is the icing on the cat-eyed cake.

What’s your verdict on Essence beauty products? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.