Transforming and Elevating With ESUM

A closer look at Palette No. 4, Elevate, and Palette No. 5, Transform

First, let me tell you a little something about the brand. I promise, it’s very interesting. ESUM Cosmetics states their products are “Created for professionals by professionals”. Led by professional makeup artist and their creative director Alphonse Wiebelt, whose career spans over 25 years of artistry, education, and product development within the beauty industry. His work stems from firsthand experience, which shaped ESUM’s focus on performance, unique design, and practical tools for both professionals and everyday users. Prior to and alongside building ESUM, Alphonse collaborated with established professional brands. This includes my top-ranked matte eyeshadow brand, Viseart, where he contributed to palette curation and product development. That’s not all. His portfolio is quite compelling. He has also worked with brands such as Chanel, Cane+Austin, and Trish McEvoy. Moreover, there is a well-documented history of professional work connected to some of the hottest industry icons such as Pat McGrath and Kevyn Aucoin. His artistry has also extended to high-profile figures including Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. Beyond private clientele, his work has been featured in leading publications such as Allure, Glamour, GQ, and many others. With a seriously professional and impressive background like this, how can we possibly pass up or overlook ESUM’s products? What I find most interesting is that I noticed their products are not about chasing or riding trends. They are intentional, and designed to function as essential tools rather than fleeting statements. Color me impressed!

I purchased two palettes and a mascara: Palette No. 4, Elevate, and Palette No. 5, Transform. Elevate is composed entirely of jewel-toned shimmer shades that truly bedazzle, and once applied to the eyes or face, they do not budge. Yes, face. These shadows are versatile enough to be used beyond the eyes, which makes it very clear that makeup artists were at the forefront of their designs. Elevate offers a rich range of shades, including saturated pinks, coppers, greens, purples, and blues. That said, the real stars of the palette sit in the top row. These almost transparently-based topper shades draw attention in the best way possible. They are exceptionally well formulated and add a beautiful dimension without disturbing or overpowering the base shades beneath them. Plus, they are as buildable as you would like them to be. I find myself reaching for these toppers every single time I use Palette No. 5, because honestly, it’s hard not to. They effortlessly add that desired extra oomph to my looks.

These shadows may be powder pigments, but their texture is among the creamiest I have ever experienced in an eyeshadow formula. That likely comes from the sugar-cane derived squalane infused into the base, which gives them an unusually smooth, buttery feel. It is, without a doubt,  a distinctive formulation choice.

Between the two, Palette No. 5, Transform, is my favorite. This is an all-matte palette featuring an intensely vivid rainbow of color. Pinks, corals, reds, yellows, teals, purples, and blues come together in a way that feels flowy rather than chaotic. The palette is vibrant, permits expression, and extremely fun to work with. And I mean, it is unapologetically fun. My favorite part was incorporating a liquid mixing medium. When paired with a liquid converter, these shadows turn into the most beautiful, impactful, and long-wearing liquid liner I have ever applied.

Both palettes are incredibly finely milled and highly pigmented, so consider this a gentle warning. A light hand is essential. I recommend dipping your brush into the pan once or twice, then softly patting the color onto the lid. If you are too heavy-handed, fallout can occur. Highly pigmented shadows scattered across the face are not the kind of drama anyone is looking for. I know we all love that beauty drama, but this is not the kind you want. Besides, these shadows do the work for you, so you don’t need to use a heavy hand.

And now, let’s turn our attention to the makeup looks. In early December, I hosted an Orange Crush party. “Orange Crush” ties back to my favorite NFL team, the Denver Broncos. Although the Broncos were wearing their white away jerseys that day, I asked my fellow Broncos fans to show up dressed in orange. Technically, our official team colors are blue and orange, but since Denver was visiting Allegiant Stadium, they were considered the away team. This game felt especially personal because it was against the Las Vegas Raiders. Historically, the Raiders are one of Denver’s biggest rivals in the AFC West division. I absolutely refused to wear white that Sunday. Not only are the Raiders’ primary colors black and silver, but both the team and their fans are also known for wearing white on occasion, especially during Color Rush games. That alone was reason enough for me to lean fully into orange. Perfect timing worked in my favor, my ESUM order featuring the Elevate and Transform palettes arrived just two days before game day. You better believe that for this look, I immediately reached for both. I had every intention of putting on a flamboyant game day face. War paint, if you will. One that boldly declared, BRING IT. I wanted bright, vivid orange shades in every variation, a nod to the 1962 introduction of the iconic Orange Crush uniforms. I paired them with blues ranging from our recognizable sky blue to deep, royal ocean tones. I’m talking full navy, straight out of the 1998 Super Bowl era. That was the year quarterback John Elway led a fire and fierce lineup featuring Terrell Davis, my favorite player of all time, alongside Mike Anderson, Rod Smith, and Shannon Sharpe, all under the direction of the legendary head coach Mike Shanahan.

Right eye

In the photos, you will see that the makeup on my right eye was completely different from my left.

Left eye

For my overall look, I laid down a solid orange base from No.5, Transform and layered it with a spectrum of blues. Transform doesn’t include a true solid orange; its shades lean more coral, and that’s when I quickly realized something exciting. You can customize your own shades! Imagine, ESUM’s palettes come with 15 shades that you can mix and match! I mixed Tangelo, Vermillion, and yellow to create the brightest and most commanding orange I have ever worn on the eyes. For my Super Bowl XXXII blues, I used Cerulean as a base, layered Navy on top, and had far too much fun adding Azure for a touch of that familiar Broncos sky blue. That said, I do not think both Azure and Cerulean are necessary. They look very similar, and I would have preferred a paler, more desaturated blue such as Azureish White, Beau Blue, or Periwinkle. Please note, that is my only critique of the palette. Seriously, these palettes are most exceptional. To finish my Orange Crush rebellion look, I reached for one of the most dazzling blue shades I have ever used, Lyra. This shade glimmers and twinkles beautifully in sunlight, catching light in a way that looks and feels diaphanous. It’s delicate, ethereal and dream-like. Just gorg! Once everything was complete, I felt the look leaned slightly too matte, so I turned to Isamaya’s Core 2.0 palette and tapped Sulfur across the orange portions of my eyes. If the Elevate palette would’ve had a shimmering orange shade, I would’ve used it. On my right eye, I took it a step further and I added splatter effects using ESUM’s The Mascara in Blue Sapphire. I then completely finished my look by coating my lashes with it. At that point, I was done and fully prepared for battle. The final look was impactful, dynamic, and exactly what I had envisioned.

I also used these eyeshadows as a blush. I customized my cheek color by blending Vermilion and Red from the Transform palette. It worked out beautifully. So, how did I do? What do you all think?

I know not everyone is as diehard about sports as I am. After all, I quite literally have a dedicated Denver Broncos game room in my house, along with closets full of blankets, merch, jerseys, shirts, pajamas, coats, jackets, purses, sunglasses, jewelry, caps, and beanies like the one pictured above. It’s one of my favs.

Still, I wanted to share just how creatively ESUM’s products allowed me to express myself on a game day that meant so much to me.

I also included three additional looks here, one of which features my Ugly Sweater Christmas party makeup. Transform also does not include a true green matte shade, so once again, I eagerly customized one. Picture me villainously rubbing my hands together, plotting my next move, because that is exactly what I did. In the end, I blended Teal and Yellow with subtle touches of Viridian. The result was a forest green reminiscent of a bare Christmas tree, waiting to be dressed in ornaments and lights. So wondrous and merry! I loved wearing this shade, and the look drew an incredible amount of compliments.

I’ve had the best time using ESUM’s palettes. These two palettes are made for the creative, artistic, open-minded, and makeup-obessed. They invite experimentation, spark curiosity, and encourage you to explore the most playful side of your artistry. Did I mention they also have outstanding customer service? My Transform palette arrived with a very minor chip in the Navy shade, and their team replaced it right away without any pushback. No questions asked! The process was quick, understanding, and left a very positive impression.

I do plan on buying more products from ESUM. For my next purchase, I have my eye on the Eye Essentialist Trio, along with the Pout Perfectionist Trio. After loving the experience of customizing my own shades, I now find myself craving the ability to create personalized lip colors as well. I haven’t done that since ABH’s Lip Palette, Vol.1. I am also strongly considering The Artistry Blush Palette, No. 9. If you are feeling inspired too, ESUM is currently running a sale, which makes this the perfect time to explore their products. #NotSponsored

Okay, I’ll stop rambling now. By the way, the Broncos went on to win and are now on track for their strongest season since 1998. Tell me honestly though, did these looks hit or miss? And more importantly, has this sparked any curiosity about ESUM Cosmetics for you? Do not hesitate to opine in the comments! Let’s discuss! It’s highly encouraged. 😉 Lastly, GO BRONCOS! 🧡💙