Essence constantly changes their assortment and I sometimes wonder, if it's even worth writing a full review, since it might get discontinued soon. Essence Stay 8h Lipliners Waterproof have been added in the range at the end of this year, so they are fairly new.

Packaging

Pencil comes in a matte plastic packaging in the color that represents inside shade. Tip is pointy and it comes out by swirling the bottom. It also has small sharpener on the end with which you can always sharpen up the tip. 

In it is 0.28 grams of product and it costs 1.99€.

Colors

It comes in 8 colors, mostly just nudes, a red, pink and burgundy. 

03 so default is light medium warm brownish pinky nude that will go with most looks and skin tones. It may look cooler and warmer depending on your skin tone. On me it looks warm. It's that very wearable slightly darker nude with just enough pink to it.

Formula

This is supposedly high pigmented formula that withstands breakfast, lunch or coffee break. It glides on the lips with ease and stays in place for 8 hours without feeling dry on the lips. 

It's creamy, but feels thicker and it sticks to the lips really well. It applies smoothly and there is no patchiness. Pigmentation is very good. With one swipe you get intense color and you can actually almost use it on its own as a lipstick.

Finish has a bit of sheen in the beginning, but it becomes completely matte on my dry lips as soon as it dries down a bit.

Performance

It feels a bit sticky, because it's that thicker formula that really grabs on the lips, which makes it very long lasting. If you apply lipstick on top, the stickiness won't bother you, on it's own, it can be annoying. I tried it under a running water and it's definitely waterproof as well as transfer proof.


Formula actually reminds me a bit of their old Longlasting Lipliners, but it's definitely more long lasting. This really sticks to the lips and it will stay in place well. Pigmentation is great. Shade selection could be better. I think staying power has to be its best feature and for that reason alone, I might get some more shades. I just wish there were more nude versions available.