Essence A New League and Catrice Cruise Couture

The Essence A New League collection just arrived at my local supermarket, which was a bit of a surprise as it was supposed to have been the trend edition for May/June 2012.

Let’s hit the court! If you’re into the college look and British tennis and golf chic, you’ll love the new essence trend edition "a new league". In May and June 2012, the focus is on high-class colors like white, green, red and blue as well as stripes and diamond patterns. This trend edition is inspired by the clean, retro-sporty preppy look of the 30’s, which is enjoying a true revival at the moment! And as the special highlight of this trend edition, let us present the colorful and transparent hair ties – game, set and match for "a new league".

The most interesting item in the collection is the Multi-Color Bronzing Powder 01 Go Classy, Go Retro with a argyle mosaic design comprising four tones. There are also three shimmery cream eyeshadows, two eyeliner pens and a red lip tint, plus a pocket brush and hair ties.

There are four nail polishes in red, blue, green and brown.

The more grown-up sister brand of Essence, Catrice also had a new seasonal collection, Cruise Couture, on display.

Sunbathing on a yacht, diving into the deep blue ocean to cool off and heading to the most exclusive parties in town in the evening… welcome to St. Tropez! The Limited Edition “Cruise Couture” by CATRICE whips you away on a short trip to the Côte d’Azur in May 2012. The world of colors combines nautical blue shades with fresh pink and coral nuances. In the fashion industry, this maritime color combination is called the “French New Wave” and this year, the interpretation by high-end fashion designers is even more luxurious and glamorous than ever before! The matching CATRICE look is an absolute must as beach wear and stylish city looks merge into one. Whether you’re heading for the beach or going on a shopping spree, these fresh colors in various blue nuances as well as coral, apricot and pink shades are stylish and elegant!

I swatched the eyeshadow palette and lipsticks but they didn't impress me much. The eyeshadows all seemed sheer. The nailpolishes also looked rather ordinary.