Moisture is the Essence of Wetness

If anyone immediately got this post's title, we need to hang out...

Seriously... call me...

Or at least tweet me- @leslieb24 #BrainyBeautys

Got that? Good!

Now moving on actually to Essence and more specifically their fab cosmetics! Essence got its start as a UK brand famous for its winning combo of affordability and quality. It hopped the pond back in 2010, making its debut at ULTA stores, where it can still be found today. As if we needed another excuse to visit that make-up mecca!

The XXXL Shine Lipgloss in Nude Kiss smells like warm vanilla and gives the kisser just the right amount of subtle oomph. Plus, it's non-sticky!

If you want something more dramatic definitely grab Stay With Me Longlasting Lipgloss in Kiss Kiss Kiss, which gives a bright, punchy, glossy pop of color that's perfect for spring.

The Stay All Day Longlasting Concealer is also a winner, although be a bit wary when using the applicator as it grabs a generous amount in one small dose. I preferred to dab it on the back of my hand and then switch to a smaller concealer brush to apply to problem areas.

Liquid liner and cat-eyes are a big trend this season and Sun Club 100% Splash Proof Eyeliner Pen in Ultra Black is a valid ticket. It works like a marker, with a felt tip end, and allows for an easier application.

Essence is a little tween-y in its appeal, but offers a quick, cheap fix for trying out a look you might not be sure of committing to.

Close-up of the marker-esque eyeliner pen:

One Stuffed Stocking

Santa was exceptionally generous this year and 

filled my mantle-hung booty with all sorts of irresistible products!!

Check out what the big guy gifted me:

TIGI Dual Bronzer- This combo pack provides whatever you need on any given day! Feeling like you need a bit of bronze? Hit up the right side of this gem! Simply looking for a highlight to your cheek bones? Use the left! For a perfect, sunkissed glow, blend the two together!! This is a must have-especially during the winter when our skin lacks a bit of mother nature shed vitamin D.

Essence, Stay All Day Concealer-Santa really did think of everything!! I love this long lasting stick that hides my facial imperfections. It's easy application and beautiful blendability (is that a word? it is now!) make it a new key player in my arsenal of products!!

Lady Gaga, Fame- When she isn't belting out kick-butt pop and dance jams, abusing the piano in the best possible way, or rocking a meat-suit, Lady Gaga is designing perfumes! Contrary to popular belief, this is not a bottle of blood and semen scent, but rather a feminine fluid with notes of saphron, honey, and apricot!

Essence, Color & Go- Any super busy gal on the go who also loves a fresh manicure needs this polish in her life!! These cute little bottles of fun come in endless hues and really do provide a quick drying, professional finish.

Avon, Luxe Clutch Eyeshadow-This adorably packaged, mirrored compact contains 10 tempting shades of shadow, ideal for day or night! I plan to make this my go-to for eye lid hues at home or travel!

Essence-Stay All Day Long Lasting Eye Shadow-Santa knows I'm a hard working chick, who often puts in some long days, so this delicate yet powerful shadow is a must have to keep looking fresh faced throughout it all! I'm loving the shade "For Faries", but per the usual, Essence has an eye shadow in every flavor imaginable!

Mineral Powder Foundations

Maybelline NY Mineral Power Powder Foundation

Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation

L'Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup

The foundation that appears to be advertised the most these days is some sort of mineral powder. I thought I would try a couple different ones to see if there is a difference between brands. Overall, my favorite out of the 3 is the L'Oreal brand.

Mary Kay's version of mineral powder foundation comes in a short, wide, round container. Doesn't fit well in my travel makeup bag, but I can get over that. It also does not come with an applicator. Apparently you have to have your own, or buy one of theirs separately. The good thing about the wide container is that you are able to get your applicator brush in the powder without it going all over. It also covers well. Unfortunately, the color I tried didn't match my skin color well, but I used it a couple of times on the weekend at home to get a feel for it. If you like Mary Kay products and have some of their product already, I am sure that you will have no problems using their mineral powder foundation.

Maybelline New York's Mineral Power Powder Foundation (that is a mouthful) comes with an applicator and is in a smaller container. I personally thought the brush was a little rough and awkward. The applicator brush is just the top of the brush, but it doesn't fit on/in the container. The makeup itself was light and covered well. It didn't look like I had a ton of foundation on, and still managed to even out my skin tone.

*As a side note, I also tried the Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer. It comes in a lip gloss-like tube with a soft applicator brush. Creamy concealer that covers well and LASTS. Love the fact that it is compact enough to carry in my little wristlet purse.

L'Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup is the one have been using on a regular basis. It comes in a small container with the applicator brush on the cover to the makeup. I realized after trying 3 different mineral powder foundations that it is inevitably going to get all over. I like the idea of the brush as part of the container, but I think it might be a little too big. I have decided to just use a brush I already had. I found that the L'Oreal brand goes on smooth and light, covers well, and lasts all day. The color also matched my skintone well.

Overall, I like the idea of a mineral powder foundation. It blends well into your skin and doesn't look or feel like you have any foundation on at all. Very light, very subtle, and very necessary as part of your makeup collection.