About
Manifesto
We’re a small team dedicated to bringing affordable, fun, and high quality products into the serious world of cosmetics. So why choose just one lipstick, eyeliner, nail polish, eye shadow, lip gloss, (you get the point!) when you can try them all? Here’s how it all started!2001
essence was started by Christina, a fearless entrepreneurial woman, who wanted to make a different cosmetics brand – a really fun brand that offers both great quality and excellent prices.2002
Launched in its first country – Germany.2007
essence becomes #1 in Germany and is sold in 50 other countries.2008
essence finally crosses the pond and lands in New York!2009
Our first successful test in the United States with Ulta Beauty.2010
We reach $1 million in North American sales and word begins to spread.2011
We win the first of many Allure Best in Beauty Awards.2012
We decide to go north to Canada and launch in Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix.2015
New year, new essence!2016
We launch in select Loblaw stores in Canada.2017
We launch in select Meijer, Bed Bath & Beyond and Harmon stores. Lash princess false lash mascara goes viral!2018
We DOUBLE our assortment in Ulta Beauty stores!2019
Launched in select CVS stores across the country.Beauty philosophies
Beauty is being who you are, who you want to be and having fun while doing it.
We think real beauty with a real story is inspiring – which is why we love our consumers!
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, it doesn’t have to be so serious, it should be fun.
We believe in high quality makeup and great prices
Beauty doesn’t have to cost a lot. We prove every day that excellent quality and innovation is not a question of price.
95% of our products are manufactured in Europe.
Our ingredients comply with the strict standards of the European Union Cosmetics Directive and United States FDA.
We do not test on animals
The contracts with our clients state that they must manufacture products in compliance with European union law, which strictly prohibits testing on animals. Learn More