As a result, I have no further use for ordinary bulbs.
But getting started can be expensive.
And even if cost isnt an object, some of the solutions are complex and difficult to install.
![[Best of 2019] Monster’s LED lighting kits ruined regular bulbs for me](https://img-cdn.tnwcdn.com/image?fit=1280%2C720&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn0.tnwcdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F1%2Ffiles%2F2019%2F01%2F31.png&signature=c2b8e9e95e70b2930affcab67e8b85ad)
Monsters IlluminEssence is neither.
The LED strips even come with a sticky back so you could just peel-and-stick them wherever you want.
Credit: Nicole Gray
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Still, I like the way the boxes look.
Functionally, theres a lot to like about the IlluminEssence lineup.
Lets start with the bulbs.
Also, since they dont get very hot to the touch, theyre safer.
The LED strips work the same as the bulbs, with the exception of how theyre powered.
Instead of inserting them into a fixture you just stick them where you want them and plug them in.
Each kit comes with a remote control.
In theory, this is a fantastic idea.
Unfortunately, my excitement faded as soon as I started using the remotes.
Firstly, they do work.
Even better, you’re free to set individual remotes to control specific arrays of lights.
But the remotes are incredibly frustrating to use.
They have buttons that dont depress, but are instead touch-reactive.
And they are too sensitive by far.
Touching the remote anywhere can trigger an unwanted button press if youre not careful.
I cannot express how obnoxious this is when youve just put an angry toddler down for the night.
However, I do have big clumsy hands, so maybe your experience will differ.
Either way, for my money, Id much rather have traditional buttons on the remote.
Theres a flat pin-connector that slips apart far too easily for my taste.
But, those are my only gripes with the products I tested.
Other than a frustrating remote and the one design issue, I found the IlluminEssence kits to be top-notch.
Also, I recommend the bulbs specifically to any amateur photographers out there.
During my time using Monsters LED lights Ive found them especially useful for creating interesting practical lighting situations.
The above picture was taken with a Samsung Galaxy S7.
Theres no filter, and the only editing that was conducted was cropping it.
It was lit using three Monster IlluminEssence bulbs.
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