Essence “Metal Shock” Liquid Eyeshadow Review + Swatches

If you’re familiar with drugstore products, you will most definitely be also acquainted with the german beauty brand Essence.

With quite good products for a more than reasonable price, the company quickly rose to popularity worldwide, pumping out new and interesting products fairly often; one of these products being the “Metal Shock” liquid eyeshadow collection (a dupe for Stila’s “Magnificent Metals Glitter&Glow”? Read more about it here!).

Even if the 5$ price point sure is inviting, how does the product actually perform? Is it worth the investment?

Let’s find out!

GENERAL SPECIFICS

5$ | 4£ | 4€
0.11 fl. Oz. (3.5 ml)
6 months shelf life
7 shades total
Metallic / shimmer / wet finish
Dries down
Cruelty-free

For a full list of ingredients, you can visit Essence website.

PACKAGING

There are two versions for this product, so we’ll take a look at both.

The general feeling the packaging gives out is kind of a cheap one, with average aesthetic and weight; we have a clear plastic bottle with all black or black and silver inserts. I am not a big fan of the all black one because I find it to look a bit messily thrown together, but the black and silver one looks a bit better (even if I think it kinda looks childish, all things considered).

We have the product’s ingredients printed on a sticker, and the general description printed directly on the bottle. Once again, I got used to the sticker after using Essence products since I was 12, but I do find it to be quite annoying.

Let’s open this bad boy up, shall we?

The wand is quite maneuverable, and the applicator is just the perfect size; not too big, but not too small, either. The applicator is flat with two curvatures to hug your lid during the application. Overall the product isn’t too big, which makes it perfectly fit for travelling or carrying around in general.

When it comes to smell, it does have a chemical feel to it, but it’s only detectible if you bring the wand to your nose to smell it.

SWATCHES

I am going to include swatches for the two shades I own, ‘Solar Explosion‘ (gold), and ‘Stars & Stories‘ (rose gold). Also, The swatches will include different methods to show how precise the application can get.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In light of everything we’ve seen, do I recommend Essence “Metal Shock” liquid eyeshadows? I definitely do!

I believe it is one of their best products, and would buy it time and time again. The packaging may have not been my cup of tea, but the formulation and performances really did make a huge difference in my perception of this item!

For instance, its pigmentation; pigment is a key factor when it comes to eyeshadow performance, and this one is simply outstanding.

Secondly, how easy it is to use; I appreciate when liquid eyeshadows dry down quickly, and this one will be happy to comply. Another pleasing factor when it comes to performance is how generally easy it is to apply to the eye. The applicator is well maneuverable and adjusts perfectly to your natural curves, so you literally need to put the slightlest effort to put the product down.

The only downfall I was able to detect was the impossibility to be extra precise; for example: if you were to do a cut-crease, you would need to use another brush to clean up the edges and make them super sharp. It’s not really something that bothered me, but it is worth mentioning nonetheless.

I personally believe the “Metal Shock” eyeshadows to be one of Essence’s best products. Great pigment, good application and quite impressive versatility (you should try to use them as an eyeliner!).