essence
Budget“Trend-led drugstore at unbeatable prices.”
By Viktoria @vioda.makeup · Published · Updated
essence is a budget makeup brand from Germany, founded in 2002 by Cosnova (Christina Oster-Daum & Javier Gonzalez). It's best known for its Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, Juicy Bomb Shiny Lipgloss and Skin Tint Hydrating Foundation.
essence is the original Cosnova brand, launched in 2002 in Sulzbach, Germany by the same family-owned business that later created Catrice. The line is built around the lowest possible price point in European drugstores — most items sit under five euros — paired with relentless trend turnaround and a packaging refresh approach that keeps the lineup feeling new on shelf at all times.
The Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara has been one of the most-recommended drugstore mascaras on Amazon US for years, often outranking prestige competitors by review count. essence is sold in over 90 countries across more than 270,000 doors, including Target, Ulta, Walmart, and Amazon in the US, plus dm, Rossmann, and Müller across Europe. It's a perennial entry in any drugstore-makeup roundup and a top dupe brand for everything from mascara to skin tint to lip gloss.
Popular Products
What essence is bought for. The ones we've found dupes for link through to the comparison.
- Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
- Juicy Bomb Shiny Lipgloss
- Skin Tint Hydrating Foundation
- Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara
Known For
Brand Philosophy
Trend-led, ultra-affordable color cosmetics — viral packaging, sub-five-euro pricing, and a constant lineup refresh built for high turnover in European drugstores.
FAQ
essence Official Channels
Where to buy, and how to reach essence customer service directly.
- Website
- essencemakeup.com
- Customer service
- [email protected]
- Contact form
- Open form
- Headquarters
- Sulzbach (Taunus), Germany
- Sold at
- UltaTargetWalmartCVSBrand.comAmazon US