essence Ready for Boarding Collection (Review, Swatches & FOTD)

Hey Everyone, 

How has your Friday been so far? Mine had a super early start when my dog decided to wake me up at 6am by standing at the side of my bed and whining. Of course, after inviting him to sleep in the bed with me, he hogged all the cover and kicked me in the face numerous times, until I decided to just get up and get ready for the day. *YAWN*

Moving on, as you probably already know, I am a huge fan of essence cosmetics. Not only are their prices amazing (everything is under $5 CND), the products are always super pigmented, of great quality and easy to work with. So, when I found out that essence was releasing a new, limited edition, travel-inspired line, I did a little happy dance (imagine a football touchdown dance with a little more rhythm). 

The collection, which consists of one eyeshadow palette, two kajal eyeliners, two lip and cheek creams, five nail polishes and the cutest makeup bag you have ever seen, can be purchased exclusively at Shoppers Drugmart here in Canada. Below is more information on the collection including swatches and a 'Ready for Boarding' face of the day. 

essence Ready for Boarding Cosmetics Bag ($4.99):

What They Say:

"A mini-cosmetics bag helps you keep your packing organized, and favourite products stored safely in your suitcase or carry-on bag."

What I Say:

When I first saw this postcard inspired, mini makeup bag, I knew I had to have it. Not only is it ridiculously cute, it is small enough to fit in any purse or carry on bag, and is lined with a plastic-like material which prevents it from getting too dirty.  At $4.99 I think this is a steal, and would encourage anyone who wants one to rush to the store before they are all gone. 

essence Ready for Boarding Eyeshadow Palette ($4.99 CND)

What They Say:

"This cool eyeshadow palette contains six fresh and shimmering summer eyeshadow colours with post stamp design. Also included is a practical dual-applicatior for different and exciting looks wherever you are. 

What I Say: 

To be honest, I didn't think I was going to like this eyeshadow palette at first. The colours, though all gorgeous, don't look like they would work together very well, and a lot of them are super shimmery. As usual, I was wrong. Not only do the shadows look gorgeous on their own (they are shimmery, but not glittery), they actually look amazing when paired all together (see my face of the day below for an idea of how to wear them together). Like all of essence's shadows these are soft and easy to work with, and with the right eye primer (I use Urban Decay's Primer Potion), last nicely throughout the day. My only complaint would be the dual-applicator, which I personally feel is unnecessary and kind of cheap looking. My favourite shadow in this palette is, by far, the shimmering minty green, which remind me a lot of Inglot's #23, an eyeshadow I have been trying to get my hands on for ages. 

essence Ready for Boarding 2 in 1 Kajal Pencil in' Via Airmail' ($1.99 CND)

What They Say:

"Last call for passenger kajal pencil-please head to gate 2in1 immediately! With two contrasting yet harmonious colour combinations in brown-grey, these kajal pencils are sure to make heads turn. 

What I Say: 

This is the first eyeliner I have ever tried from essence and I have to say I quite like it. While the brown side is similar to a number of brown eyeliners I own, the grey side is super unique (it appears almost white on the lid). These pencils are really soft which prevents any tugging on the eyelid when applying them. My only warning is to be careful when using this pencil on the inner water line. While Kajal pencils are supposed to be waterline safe, this one really irritated my eyes, making them red and itchy. 

essence Ready for Boarding Lip & Cheek Cream in 'Sending You Kisses' and 'Beauty on Tour' ($3.99 CND)

What They Say:

Time zones and jet-leg? Not with the lip & cheek cream in two fantastic colours. Use it to give your lips and cheeks a fresh glow. Apply these flirty shades directly on your cheeks and lips for a kiss of colour. 

What I Say: 

I am a lover of all things cream blush, so when I saw that essence was bringing out not one, but two, new lip and cheek creams, I was really excited to try them. While both creams feel somewhat greasy upon first swatch, they surprisingly last nicely on the cheeks throughout the day. Personally, I don't like using them as lip creams as I find them to be somewhat drying, and have to re-apply them every 40 minutes or so (note, most lip products don't last on my lips very long). 'Sending You Kisses' is a really pretty bright berry pink with red undertones, while 'Beauty on Tour' is a lighter coral-pink with orange undertones. 

essence Ready for Boarding Nail Polish in 'Exits on Your Right' and 'Destination Sunshine' ($2.49 CND):

What They Say: 

"Fasten your seat belts: [these] ultra glossy nail polishes won't just cause a sensation on the plane, they are super to put you in the mood for the beach too!"

What I Say: 

I love essence nail polishes, and truly think they are some of the best polishes currently out on the market. Not only do they come in a variety of fun colours, they are really pigmented, meaning you only need 1-2 coats for a perfect application. 'Exits on Your Right' is a soft, pastel minty green that surprisingly works nicely for fall. 'Destionation Sunshine', a light pastel yellow, is probably better for spring and summer (or for a vacation down south). There are three other polish colours in this collection that I plan on grabbing before they are gone. 

Ready for Boarding Eyeshadow Palette

Ready for Boarding 2 in 1 Kajal Liner in 'Via Email'  

Ready for Boarding Lip and Cheek Cream in 'Sending You Kisses' and 'Beauty on Tour'

 Ready for Boarding Nail Polish in 'Destination Sunshine' and 'Exits on Your Right'

 Eyes: 

Ready for Boarding Eyeshadow Palette (Lid)

Ready for Boarding 2 in 1 Kajal Liner in 'Via Airmail' (Inner Lower Lash)

Cheeks: 

Ready for Boarding Lip and Cheek Cream in 'Beauty on Tour'

Lips:

Ready for Boarding Li[p and Cheek Cream in 'Sending You Kisses'

Have you tried anything from essence's Ready for Boarding collection? Do you want to? Which product would you most like to get your hands on? Be sure to let me know in the comment section below. 

xx

Alicia

* Please Note:  These products are PR samples sent to me for consideration. As always I am 100% honest  in my reviews and all opinions are my own *