You may have seen the term ‘Essence’ popping up, here, there and everywhere. Has it got you wondering ‘What can an essence actually do for me?’.
A huge Korean beauty must-have, this inclusive skincare step is a strong staple in many AM and PM beauty routines for beginners and experts, alike. Hailed as an essential skincare stage for maintaining a comfortably hydrated complexion, here’s everything you need to know about using an essence – including a few our favourite essences that are well worth going the extra skincare step for…
What is an essence?
Essences don’t cleanse your skin. In a nutshell, an essence is technically a ‘pre-serum serum’. Think of an essence as a mini powerhouse for your routine that adds nutrients back into your skin. As a rule of thumb, I like to think ‘Essences put back into your skin what cleansing and toning may take away.’
What can an essence do for me?
An essence treats skin on a cellular level. Once added into your skincare routine, your complexion will reap the benefits of enhanced hydration levels and an improved skin surface. Due to its aqueous texture, essences are usually enriched with very few ingredients, therefore the active ingredients featured in each solution will revitalise, refresh and re-nourish your skin, whilst topping up your moisture levels. Even if you have an oily, dry or dull skin type, there’s an essence out there for you.
How is an essence different to a toner or serum?
The perfect dichotomy between your favourite toner and daily serum, an essence is a skincare step of its own. We know that toners are there to remove excess impurities, makeup and cleanser. Therefore, an essence is used to replace lost hydration and nutrients. Then finally we have serums. Serums are usually thicker than essences as they often contain more active ingredients, technically, they boost the performance of our moisturisers and travel deeper down in the dermis for enhanced concentrated care.
For a brighter complexion…
Skin type: All skin types, especially those prone to dark spots
Concerns: Dullness, sallow tones, dark spots & irregular texture
Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, White Peony
If your current skincare isn’t giving you the radiant results you’re looking for, then the Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence is just what you need to add into your routine. Paired with an infusion of glycolic acid to brighten, white peony to reduce pigmentation and the signature Caudalie grape water to hydrate, this all-encompassing essence sweeps away dead skin and dullness for brighter results.
For added hydration…
Skin type: Dehydrated and dry skin
Concerns: Tightness, dehydration lines, makeup longevity
Active Ingredients: Haberlea Leaf, Mallow Flower
This is one super-powered essence with a difference! The Hydra Life Water Essence actually works threefold, providing you with the concentrated benefits of a serum, the toning effects of a lotion, and the brightening effects of a gentle peel – all in one pump. The unusual pairing of haberlea leaf and mallow flower work together to repair cell tissue and hydrate your skin too – it’s all very clever!
For a poreless complexion…
Skin type: Combination to oily skin
Concerns: Visible pores & a shiny T-Zone
Active Ingredients: Oxyresveratrol, Vitamin C
Now, this is where you see a difference in texture, the DHC Pore Essence is a lot thicker than the above essences, due to its Microcapsule Technology, which uses the power of ion balance to slow-release pore-perfecting ingredients when needed. Still lightweight and still as effective, the concentration of oxyresveratrol keeps your complexion protected from free-radical damage, such as environmental damage, including pollution and cigarette smoke.
To correct the signs of ageing…
Skin type: Ageing skin
Concerns: Lack of plumpness & wrinkles
Active Ingredients: Exclusive Guerlain Black Bee Honey, Guerlain Royal Jelly
More of a gel-water than an aqueous water, the luxurious Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Nectar Lotion instantly softens, plumps and hydrates your skin from within. Interestingly enough, the infusion of pure black bee honey repairs weak tissues in your skin, whilst the royal jelly corrects any signs of ageing, re-balancing your skin’s equilibrium to reveal a luminous, firmer finish.
The ultimate all-rounder
For those that want serious results from their skincare
Concerns: Overall skin health, ageing & irregular skin texture
Active Ingredients: Skingenecell 1P, Uji Green Tea Extract, Star Fruit Extract
Nothing excites me more than a science infused skincare solution, and the FUTURE Solution LX Concentrated Balancing Softer is next level when it comes to skin regeneration. Its job? To instantly penetrate your skin with hydration, dramatically refine your complexion’s texture and slow down the ageing process with the Skingenecell 1P – the only ingredient that inhibits the ageing factor Serpin B3. This concentrated solution also refortifies the surface of your skin to realign your cells, thus resisting cell damage throughout the day, as well as enhancing cell turnover at night.
Discover More
• Beauty Team Favourites – May 2017
• 10 Cult MAKE UP FOR EVER Products You Need To Try
• It’s Time To Start Protecting Your Skin From Pollution
