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Wallets and Pockets Won’t Protest These Two New Essence Mini Lipgloss Sets

August 1st, 2011 by Karen 50 Comments

essence mini lipgloss set

When you find a man who’ll carry your lipgloss for you in his pocket without protest, you best hold on to that boy! I’m dead serious.

Most of the dudes I dated before El Hub were pretty rigid about what they’d put in their pockets. Keys went here, wallet and phone went there — there was a system at work, and they didn’t like it when things disrupted the system.

The keepers, though, won’t mind holding your gloss for you, even if it messes up their routine.

Which brings me to these two new Essence Mini Lipgloss Sets ($2.99 each). I wouldn’t be surprised if the peeps at Essence had male/female pocket politics in mind when they dreamed up these tiny tubes of sheer, long-wearing lipgloss. Dudes might even appreciate how streamlined (and pocket friendly) they are.

Essence makes what I feel are some of the best drugstore lipglosses out there today (have you tried their Stay With Me Lipglosses? Fantastic!), and these non-sticky newcomers are right up there with the best of ’em in terms of value and quality.

Don’t let their diminutive stature deceive you. These tiny tubes are towering titans of hydrating, durable gloss. The six micro-glosses that come in the Devil’s Love & Kisses and Angel’s Kisses in Heaven Sets (three tubes per set) even last me through a meal.

essence mini lipgloss set boxes
Devil’s Love & Kisses Set on the left and Angel’s Kisses in Heaven Set on the right

essence mini lipgloss set boxes open
Devil’s Love & Kisses Set on the left and Angel’s Kisses in Heaven Set on the right

essence mini lipgloss set in hand

essence mini lipgloss set swatches
Swatches of the Angel’s Kisses in Heaven Set (three swatches on the left) and the Devil’s Love & Kisses Set (three swatches on the right)

essence mini lipgloss set
Wearing the nude shade from the Angel’s Kisses in Heaven set

essence mini lipgloss set
Wearing the pink shade from the Devil’s Love & Kisses set

The shades might be a little sheer for some, but I’m okay with that. I think they’re great for layering on top of other colors. Plus, it means I’m able to easily apply them without a mirror (the doe-foot applicator also helps).

All in all, I think the sets are a steal for $3. The faint fruit punch flavor and scent isn’t obnoxious, either, which is sometimes the case with cute gloss sets like these.

Way to go, Essence! You’ve got another winner on your hands. 🙂

PRICE: $2.99 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Ulta stores, Fred Meyer, HEB stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A

Let me be blunt

So far I’m really loving my new blunt bangs, but I gotta tell ya — I’ve realized a few things I wish I’d considered before my haircut:

  1. These bangs look terrible in the morning. Just terrible! Hair sticks out in weird directions, and it’s…almost unbelievable how bad it looks. I think it frightens Tabs, LOL!
  2. They also really tickle my forehead. Maybe I just have to get used to them, but for now I keep wanting to scratch my forehead.
  3. Sometimes when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I think I’m looking at Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber!

Just an FYI in case you’re contemplating bangs! 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Wallets and Pockets Won’t Protest These Two New Essence Mini Lipgloss Sets / Originally published August 1st, 2011

There are 50 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: essence

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Comments

  1. NeutraKris says

    August 1st, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    Oh woman, your bangs are nothing like Lloyd Christmas’. LOL. I’m loving your new cut! I have tried any Essence products yet – I need to get movin’!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 1st, 2011 at 5:26 pm

      Dude… I seriously feel like Lloyd Christmas right now.

      Re: Essence — the glosses are a great place to start.

      How was your Monday, btw?

      Reply
  2. Jessi says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    I still haven’t come across the Stay With Me lip glosses yet, but I already want these, too. I definitely think Essence’s lip products are the star of their line!

    And your bangs are super cute! I know that I could never get them because I am extremely low maintenance when it comes to hair and hey would drive me crazy!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 1st, 2011 at 5:27 pm

      Ooh, you have to try Stay With Me glosses soon! They’re awesome and super cheap.

      How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?

      Reply
      • Jessi says

        August 1st, 2011 at 6:13 pm

        I didn’t do anything fun- unless you count sleeping late fun. Which sadly I kinda do these days, haha! How are your plants doing? Has Tabs eaten them all already?

        Reply
        • Karen says

          August 2nd, 2011 at 8:32 am

          Actually that’s my idea of a good time, LOL! I slept in until 10 on Sunday and was like, “Yay!”

          The plants are doing great, thanks for asking. Tabs is definitely getting his fiber on! We’ve found out that Baby Cat (his nickname) hates cilantro and love basil. The things we learn about our pets…

          Anywho, you have a good Tuesday. 🙂

          Reply
  3. Amber says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    Ooooh, darn you Karen. I reeeeally don’t need any more glosses, but they’re so adorable! And cheap! Still haven’t found the brand at any of my usual haunts, though, so I guess I am safe for now. 😉

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 1st, 2011 at 5:27 pm

      Hi Amber,

      I was actually just thinking of you, and then you pop up here in the comments. How funny! (Maybe I should start thinking about winning the lottery, hmm…).

      Anyway, how have you been? Good, I hope.

      Reply
      • Amber says

        August 1st, 2011 at 6:34 pm

        Ha! I am always reading, just been in a commenting slump. 🙂

        I am pretty good, thanks — left the job that was making me crazy and am just waiting to get cleared to start my new job!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          August 2nd, 2011 at 8:33 am

          Glad to hear you’re doing okay. I was worried there for a second.

          Congrats on the new job! I’m very happy for you! When is your start date?

          Reply
          • Amber says

            August 2nd, 2011 at 10:13 am

            Thanks! Not sure yet. It was supposed to be the 1st but the background check agency is dragging its feet. Hopefully I can get cleared this week and start next Monday. It’s nice to have some time off!

    • Nina says

      August 1st, 2011 at 5:40 pm

      HEB has em! 🙂

      Reply
      • Amber says

        August 1st, 2011 at 6:35 pm

        Ooh, I didn’t see them the last time I looked there. Sounds like I need to make a trip!

        Reply
  4. Sonya says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    I just got my first Essence products, the full-size “Stay With Me” lipglosses, yesterday and I really, really like them! (It would be straight up love if not for the scent…).

    I think your new haircut is great! I always wish I could get blunt bangs but I have to stick to side-swept bangs due to the fine-ness of my hair, poop.

    Reply
    • megan says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 6:51 am

      I know what you mean, the scent is rather sweet. But not as sickly sweet as the NYX gloss! The pigmentation of the Essence gloss(Trendsetter) is fantastic!

      Reply
      • Karen says

        August 2nd, 2011 at 8:34 am

        I know what you mean about the NYX glosses. I would love them (great colors, price point, texture) but I just can’t get past the smell. It literally makes my stomach churn.

        Reply
  5. Liz says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    Haha, Karen you have long bangs, not short ones!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:34 am

      LOL… they feel Lloyd Christmas-y, I swear!

      Reply
  6. Caroline says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    Haha Lloyd are my hero 🙂 Be proud Karen!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:35 am

      Thanks, Caroline!

      Reply
  7. Nicky Bromow says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    I wore bangs for years and I tell you, on some mornings, they just have a mind of their own, so I used to keep a headband close to wear them up those days

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:35 am

      I’m wearing one right now, LOL! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Nina says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    nooo Karen … your new hair is gorgeous! 🙂

    and those mini lipglosses – adorable!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:36 am

      They’re super cute! Plus, I love that I’ll actually be able to finish a tube rather quickly.

      How are you doing today? I hope you’re feeling better!

      Reply
  9. Heidi says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    I love the bangs on you, but I remember when I had bangs the itching would drive me insane!

    These gloss sets are adorable!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:37 am

      I’ve had bangs before but none that hit my forehead quite this way. How long did it take before the itching stopped for you?

      Reply
  10. Laura says

    August 1st, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    I LOVE your hair!!! It looks so great!!! I also have blunt bangs, but they’re longer and straighter so they don’t tickle my forehead, but they do stick out in the morning. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Vijaya says

    August 1st, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Cute hair! =D

    Reply
  12. Chris25 says

    August 1st, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Essence really impresses me! Good quality at a great price? E.L.F, I think you’ve been usurped!

    Reply
  13. laksh says

    August 1st, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    These mini glosses are so cute, and again, I….we <3 bangs. I wanna go get bangs too, but maybe once summer is done and over. Bangs are ticklish and a little hard to style during hot humid weather.

    Reply
  14. Gummy says

    August 1st, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    Aw, your bangs are SO CUTE! =) I love them! I just had bangs cut a few weeks ago too, and didn’t like them at first, but am getting used to them and making them work for me. What do you do to your bangs to make them better from the way they look when you first wake up? I ask, because 1) yours look great, and 2) I have the saaaaame problem! Help a homegirl out here! ^_~

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:39 am

      Hi Gummy,

      I just got my haircut so I’m still trying to figure out what works for me, but so far it seems that doing a quick blowout in the morning with a round brush and some Bumble & Bumble Tonic helps to smooth them out.

      Reply
  15. Christina says

    August 1st, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I wish I could pull of bangs like you! I got them once before…but my hair curls the shorter it is and man…I felt like a frizzy Lloyd. lol!

    I’m so happy you are reviewing Essence. And that you like a good portion of the products you try. 🙂

    Hey…have you tried birchbox at all?
    I can’t wait for my next box! 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:40 am

      Hi Christina,

      I haven’t tried Birchbox, but I know a few gals on here like it a lot! Is this your first time getting a box from them?

      Reply
  16. Christy says

    August 1st, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    Those are really cute lip glosses, but I know my guy wouldn’t let me put them in his pocket. Actually, he usually asks me to put his stuff in my purse.

    I love the bangs! I had blunt bangs for winter and found them much easier to style than side swept bangs. Since its summer, I went back to side swept bangs because I didn’t want to get them all sweaty.

    Reply
  17. Denise says

    August 1st, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    We have the same-ish type of bangs! You’re right about it in the morning. I scare myself when I look in the mirror.

    Those glosses are so cute! Really wish Essence was available here. I’d haul a cart-load of these in a flash!

    Reply
  18. jen. says

    August 1st, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    Okay, as far as the bangs go- I was with you on #1. Item #2 made sense as well. But #3? Hmmm. no way, missy! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:40 am

      Dude, seriously… I feel like Lloyd Christmas!!!

      Reply
  19. Vonvon says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 12:07 am

    I thought I left a comment……

    The gloss sets are so cute!

    Reply
  20. Vesna says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 1:59 am

    You look so different with new hair style. I think I need to get used to it, lol 😀 And I agree how bangs look terrible in the morning. I had them for a short while (until they grew back on me) and I just hated them, though, I really really wanted to pull them off. But it was impossible since my hair is really thin and silky so I’d usually end up with empty space in the middle of my forehead. Yuck! 😀 I just begged for them to grew as fast as possible 😀 Lol 😀

    Reply
  21. Crystal says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 2:30 am

    I need to get this gloss cause its so cute! I love the bangs! So cute:)

    Reply
  22. KPrice says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 6:05 am

    I love your bangs! Trust me, they look great on you and you will get used to them.

    Reply
  23. Chelsea says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 8:40 am

    CUTE! I love bangs. I had mine cut about a year ago and they almost drove me crazy! (itchyyyyyy!) You’ll get used to it pretty fast, tho.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 2nd, 2011 at 8:41 am

      How do you style your bangs, Chelsea? Do you like using any special hair products/tools?

      Reply
      • Chelsea says

        August 3rd, 2011 at 8:24 am

        I usually keep them pretty short, so a flat iron works best. A little wax helps keep ’em in place and gives them some texture. =) Hope you’re having better luck with them today!

        Reply
  24. Mary says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 9:15 am

    I think you look really cute with bangs!

    I used to have bangs way back in grade 7, but I had to grow them out because I guess hair on my forehead was just bad for my skin. It made my forehead oilier and created pimples. Once I grew out the bangs, my forehead cleared up. It’s interesting, though, how some people never have this problem. Maybe they have a different skin type.

    Anyway, I love the look of bangs and wish I could sport them without it messing up my skin. You’re lucky!

    Reply
  25. Sheena says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 9:39 am

    Cant wait to try these out, the colors are great and they look like great quality considering the price.

    Reply
  26. Abby says

    August 2nd, 2011 at 10:26 am

    My husband and I have a deal that usually I carry a purse and he gets to put small things into it, but whenever I’m in a wedding, he has to let me use his pockets as a purse. He’s definitely a keeper in those cases– cheerfully carries my lipstick, lip gloss, the text of my wedding toast (I’ve given a lot of those lately) and my keys.

    Reply
  27. Miss Delirium says

    August 4th, 2011 at 5:41 am

    Aww I really lice Essence products! Too bad they’re not available in Norway..:/ Lovely colors, thanks for the review!

    And I have to say, you don’t look like Lloyd Christmas:p But it would be very fun if you did! haha ^_^

    Reply
  28. Lucy says

    August 4th, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    OMG I love your banggs! Wish I could get bangs like that but I gots a fro. :/ Anyway I have been eyeing these at Ulta but I was like ehhh I’m gonna wait for a review on them. I need to go get these now in Devil’s Love & Kisses

    Reply

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