Founded in Germany in 2001, Essence Makeup set out to provide fun, affordable, high-quality makeup to consumers. Given that Essence is the top-selling makeup brand in Europe in terms of units sold, the brand clearly hit the mark. But does the brand truly live up to the hype? Keep reading for my honest Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette review.
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Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette
Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette Claims
- The Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette* is inspired by Rio de Janeiro
- Claims to be highly pigmented and blendable
- Includes 9 shadows – 4 mattes & 5 shimmers with a “glittery” finish
Packaging & Price
- Comes in sturdy cardboard packaging
- Includes a small internal mirror
- There are no shade names in this palette
- Retails for $9.99
Inside the Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette
Ingredients
The top two ingredients in the Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette are Talc & Mica. This palette is paraben-free. Also, the Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette* is manufactured in the PRC.
Is Essence Cruelty-Free & Vegan?
Essence is Cruelty-Free. Although I could not find common animal derivatives listed in the Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette ingredient list online, the palette packaging clearly states that this palette contains Carmine. Therefore, the Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette is not Vegan.
RELATED: Check out this ultimate roundup of affordable Cruelty-Free brands.
Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette Swatches
Please see the below finger swatches of the Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette.
Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette Swatches
Application
- Use a fluffy blending brush to blend the matte shadows in the crease
- Pack deep colors in the outer crease using a dense angled brush
- Apply shimmers to the eyelids using a flat packing brush or your fingers
Wear-Time
- When worn over an eye primer, the Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette lasts on the lids for roughly 8-10 hours without creasing
- The palette fades within 4-6 hours of wear-time
P.S. Don’t mind my wild-looking, natural hair. I may do my makeup every day, but my hair is another story.
Where is the Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette sold?
- International: Essence
- US: Ulta Beauty, CVS Health
Final Thoughts on the Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette
As much as I wanted to truly love this palette, my Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette* review is mixed.
The Good
First, Essence is one of the most affordable Cruelty-Free brands on the market. Therefore, I am happy to support a brand that makes Cruelty-Free beauty available to the masses.
Second, I love the inspiration of the Ola Rio Palette, as well as the other destination-themed palettes. In particular, the colors in this palette are super soft, feminine. Finally, I have been reaching for this palette regularly due to the ”wearable” and easy color story.
The Bad
First, the 9-pan ColourPop Palettes are comparable in price ($12.00 vs $9.99) but considerably better in quality. In fact, the Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette fades on the eyes around the 4-hour mark. Meanwhile, the shimmer shades look more like satins than metallics. Also, from an application standpoint, this palette produces fallout.
Second, the shade range of the Ola Rio Palette is atrocious. More specifically, for a palette inspired by such a vibrant and diverse city, the color story does not fit the destination. Moreover, individuals with deep skin tones may find most of the palette too icy or ashy.
I do enjoy this palette. However, I am not in love with this palette. That being said, I still recommend this palette to beauty buyers on a budget who feel drawn in by the color story and are unable to purchase from brands such as ColourPop. Finally, see where this palette fell in my e.l.f. and Essence palette ranking.
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More Affordable Cruelty-Free Reviews Here: ColourPop Sweet Talk Palette | ColourPop x iLuvSarahii Through My Eyes Palette | ColourPop x Disney Villains Palette | ColourPop x Disney Midnight Masquerade Palette
Have you tried the Essence Ola Rio Eyeshadow Palette? What are your favorite products from Essence? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.