What’s an Essence, Why You Should Be Using One, and My Favorites!
What’s an essence? It’s an important part of any skincare’s routine and I think you should be using one! Why? Because they are a great addition to any skincare line up as they’ll add more moisture and prep your skin for serums and moisturizers. But more on this in a bit…..!
Korean skincare has becoming increasingly popular in the US. I’ve been blogging for 10 years now and if you’re read my blog for that long you know how obsessed I am with Japanese, Korean, and other Asian skincare (as well as makeup). I learned quite early on that the 10 step Korean skincare routine is actually a really, really good way to keep my dry, dull skin very happy. I’m not vain, I swear I’m not, but I get a lot of comments telling me, “Wow your skin looks really good!” both in life and on my blog. Again, I swear I’m not being vain, but I agree. Why? Because dry skin is hell. It’s really hard to wear makeup when you have drier skin as powders clings to flakier areas, liquids tend to look mask line, and makeup in general is patchy, uneven, and clinging to drier areas. It’s not fun. But I can’t help but agree, my skin does look good and that’s because I work hard to keep it looking that good!
Here’s where essences come into play and why I think you should use one.
Essences are a lightweight gel-like serum that are considerably less potent than a standard anti-aging serum. After facial mist, the first item I apply is essence. They act as a predecessor to any other skincare and add a light moisture to skin that works to allow other serums and moisturizers to absorb more easily. Have you every applied your moisturizer and felt like it was just sitting on top of your skin? This is where essences steps in to display their very important role and powers. They’ll prep your skin, add light moisture, and allow your moisturizer to fully absorb a lot more easier. They perform a very, very important task in your skincare routine and will allow your other skincare to perform their tasks a lot more easier.
Sounds like hogwash?
It isn’t.
Believe me, essences, especially in drier skin types, are a God sent. After injecting them into your skincare routine you’ll notice your skin’s texture will improve and become smoother as well as softer. You’ll also find that your makeup applies more easily and looks smoother and more even (and less likely to cling to drier areas). And most important dull skin will look brighter and healthier.
Some of my favorites are:
- Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid (Review)
- Sana Hadanomy Collagen Lotion (Review)
- Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion
- Etude House Moistfull Collagen Emulsion
- Goodal Waterest Lasting Water Oil (Review)
- Goodal Moisture Barrier Liquid
- Goodal Water Oil Firming Camellia
Essences like Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion are best suited for PM use as they take a little more time to apply and they are also a little more richer. You can apply them in the AM should you like but I prefer using them as part of my nightly routine.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to essences.
Do you use essence?
Do you have any favorite formulas to recommend?