The rise of Korean- and Japanese-based beauty has had a major impact on Western skincare routines, and the step we didn’t know we needed (until now) is an essence. Essentially, an essence is a lightweight fluid used after or in place of toner to prepare the skin for serums and moisturizers that follow. The simple act of pressing one of these liquid formulations into clean skin delivers a lower concentration of active ingredients than a serum, but more importantly, adds extra skin-improving oomph to your regimen. Here, the essences to try right now.
Eve Lom Time Retreat Radiance Essence
Packed with nine potent anti-aging actives (including retinol, peptides, amino acids and botanically-based ingredients), this essence is formulated to hydrate, smooth and brighten the skin. (Use after the cult-favorite balm Cleanser for skin that looks healthier and dewier than ever—before you’ve even reached for the serum and moisturizer.)
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
A skincare favorite long before Japanese beauty started trending, this essence features 90% Pitera, a byproduct of the sake fermentation process that has been found to reduce wrinkles, prevent discoloration, promote skin renewal, refine skin texture and enhance firmness. A few shakes pressed gently into the skin delivers hydration and radiant skin you may not want to cover up with makeup.
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion
Originally developed for Asian customers—and now available here—five to six drops of this fluid are all it takes to give your skin a visible boost (in fact 94% of users report healthier-looking skin after just four weeks). Harnessing the power of Estée Lauder’s proprietary Micro-Nutrient Bio-Ferment to energize the skin, this essence absorbs quickly so you can move right on to the next step in your routine.
La Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Life-Lotion
Designed to detoxify, revitalize and basically reset your skin so it can perform at the highest possible level, this hydrating, antioxidant-rich essence smoothes fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture on contact while helping to shield the skin from environmental stress. A decadent skincare experience to say the least, it enhances skin renewal with Platinum Peptides and La Prairie’s signature nutrient-rich Cellular Complex—and makes your skin look and feel like a million bucks.
AmorePacific Single Extract Essence
This antioxidant powerhouse harnesses the superior skin-protecting capabilities of green tea (grown on AmorePacific’s own farm on Jeju Island off the coast of Korea). It takes 50 days to ferment the tea leaves, 50 days for them to cure and 24 hours to extract the essence you’ll eventually apply to the skin—but the wait is well worth it.
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