"It's not easy being green" - that's what Kermit always exclaimed. But someone's gotta be. Let everyone be green with envy when you pick up a sweet deal, just don't let them in on the secret. Essence Cosmetics is a brand I first noticed in Amsterdam and Italy, but we never had a proper playdate. As luck would have it, Essence Cosmetics now graces the shelves of Priceline; we're not talking about small seasonal cardboard stands anymore, the full range is upon us.

For less than $10 AUS I purchased eyeshadows in Kermit Says Hello (lime green) and Jazzed Up (holographic mint green with hints of shimmery blue) and a duochrome nail polish in Where is the Party? (deep algae greenish blue and purple-y grey).

I honestly didn't know what to expect with this budget beauty brand; I kept an open-mind throughout the process and finally had that long overdue playdate.

Essence eyeshadows are soft to the touch and the shadow comes off the pan quite easily; there wasn't much to and fro from pan to eye. The colour payoff is average -- if you're looking for an element of intensity with Kermit Says Hello, I'd seek an extra helping and maybe even dessert. Creasing was non-existent thanks to NARS' Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.

If you want to stay on trend with your eye look, Essence has what you're looking for.

With respect to Essence Colour & Go polish, I cannot comment on performance because I was lazy and opted to wear Dior's Crocodile Leather Effects polish longer than I expected. Nihrida was disappointed with the final look of Where is the Party? and provided funny commentary on the end result. My only take away from swatching Where is the Party was the fact it dried fast.

I went with an Autumnal effect by smoking out the corners of my eyes with MAC's Mystery (I also use this colour to fill in my brows). Recognize the rest of the makeup? No? Check out my NARS' Fall 2012 review from a few weeks ago :)

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Essence Cosmetics' Kermit Says Hello, Jazzed Up and Where is the Party?: