Essence

Drugstore

Ultra-affordable makeup with standout mascaras and concealers.

Verdict

Essence is the drugstore brand that consistently delivers solid basics for pocket change — think $5 mascaras and $6 concealers that actually perform. The Lash Princess mascara has been a long-time favorite for its dramatic, false-lash effect, though some find it doesn't last on their lashes. Their concealer offers lightweight, natural coverage that blends easily, but the loose setting powder can be drying and clingy for some. If you're okay with occasional misses, Essence is a low-risk way to stock up on everyday staples.

All products

47 products
$5.99
Silky Blur Hydrating Longwear Concealer1606090+2
6 creators
$5.99
Flawless Skin Trio Loose Setting Powder
5 creators
$4.99
Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara Waterproof
5 creators
$5.99
Soft Touch Butter Bronzer20 golden buttercream10 whipped buttercupWhipped Buttercup
5 creators
$6.99
Foundation Stick170Medium Light03
4 creators
$4.99
Brighten Up! Banana Powder
3 creators
$4.99
Pure Nude Highlighter
3 creators
$5.99
Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer
3 creators
$5.99
Cream EyeshadowPearlOysterCocoa
3 creators
$4.99
Hydra Kiss Lip OilCookie SparklePink Champagne
3 creators
$5.99
Soft Touch Bouncy GlowSoft Glaze10 Soft GlazeGlazed Dew
3 creators
$5.99
CONTOURING duo stick
2 creators
$4.99
Lash Without Limits Tubing Extreme Lengthening & Volume Mascara
2 creators
$4.99
Fix & Last Instant Matte Make-Up Fixing Spray
2 creators
$4.99
The Super Peptide Glossy Lip Treatment
2 creators
$4.99
Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara
2 creators
$4.99
The Slim Stick
2 creators
$5.99
Soft Touch Bouncy Blush
2 creators
$4.99
Wow What a Brow Pen Waterproof
2 creators
$6.99
Soft Baked Blush
2 creators
$5.99
Hello, Good Stuff! Glow Serum Primer
1 creator
$5.99
Magic Filter Glow Booster
1 creator
$5.99
Pure Nude Baked Blush
1 creator
$4.99
I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Waterproof Mascara
1 creator
$3.99
This Is Nude Lipstick
1 creator
$5.99
Jelly Grip Refreshing Aloe Spray
1 creator
$5.99
Baby Got Bronze Liquid Bronzer
1 creator
$4.99
Jelly Grip Undereye Primer Stick
1 creator
$4.99
Fix & Last Keep It Perfect Make-Up Fixing Spray
1 creator
$4.99
Fix & Last 18H Long-Lasting Make-Up Fixing Spray
1 creator
$5.99
Bouncy Plump Smoothing Primer
1 creator
$4.99
Hydra Kiss Lip Tint
1 creator
$4.99
What a Tint! Lip & Cheek Tint
1 creator
$4.99
Juicy Bomb Glossy Butter Balm
1 creator
$3.99
8h Matte Comfort Lipliner
1 creator
$4.99
Satin Blend Gel Eyeliner
1 creator
$4.99
Correct & Conceal under eye brightening concealer
1 creator
$3.99
All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder
1 creator
$14.99
The Art Gallery Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Palette
1 creator
$5.99
Meta Glow Highlighter
1 creator
$3.99
Jelly Grip Eyeshadow Primer
1 creator
$2.99
Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil
1 creator
$4.99
Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara
1 creator
Quick Wing Stamp Eyeliner
1 creator
$3.99
Extreme Shine Volume Lipgloss
1 creator
$4.99
Bright Eyes! Under Eye Stick
1 creator
$4.99
Stay & Play Gel Eyeliner
1 creator
Details
47products
21creators

Verdict

Essence is the drugstore brand that consistently delivers solid basics for pocket change — think $5 mascaras and $6 concealers that actually perform. The Lash Princess mascara has been a long-time favorite for its dramatic, false-lash effect, though some find it doesn't last on their lashes. Their concealer offers lightweight, natural coverage that blends easily, but the loose setting powder can be drying and clingy for some. If you're okay with occasional misses, Essence is a low-risk way to stock up on everyday staples.