While the likes of SK-II have been creating essences for years, the rise of K-beauty has seen this humble skincare step enter the mainstream.
Designed to provide extra skincare benefits post-toner and pre-serum, an essence usually contains one concentrated ingredient to treat anything from pigmentation to ageing.
This week the BEAUTYDIRECTORY team tried and tested essences. Read our thoughts below.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence – Georgie
What it is: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence was the first SK-II product to be released. It was launched in Japan in 1980 and the formula has not changed since. Rich in Pitera, it contains 90 per cent, which is the highest concentration in the whole range. It works to boost skin's moisture intake, smooth skin texture and renew dull looking skin. Japanese woman who have been using the product for more than 20 years, refer to it as "miracle water".
My experience:
This product was an absolutely must for me in the lead up to my wedding last year. I had been recommended it by so many people and read a thousand and one glowing reviews on beautyheaven before I started using it. I was particularly interested in this product's ability to balance the skin's PH, as I was travelling a lot and to different climates which would undoubtedly wreak havoc on my oily-prone T-zone. Thanks to this essence, which I combined with my regular moisturisers and serums, my skin has honestly never looked better than it did during that time. My redness dissipated, my skin tone became more even and I noticed the dark circles under my eyes reduced in appearance. I enjoyed using this every morning and night in the knowledge it was making a real difference to my face. I thoroughly love this product and absolutely did the right thing incorporating it into my pre-wedding routine. Five stars!
La Mer The Treatment Lotion - Zoë
What it is: an intense hydrating lotion formulated to renew and soften skin.
My experience:
I was amazed by how many incredible, nourishing ingredients were packed into this bottle. The Treatment Lotion (which has the same watery feel as an essence) boasts La Mer’s Miracle Broth (a nutrient rich broth that is bio-fermented for 3-4 months containing a combination of sea kelp, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, lecithin, vitamins C, E and B12 plus oils of citrus, eucalyptus, wheat germ, alfalfa and sunflower); as well as 73 sea minerals.
After just a couple of weeks my skin is super hydrated and soft. One effect I’ve also experienced is a reduction in redness – something the product doesn’t advertise but can definitely be attributed to.
Philosophy brighten my day all-over skin-perfecting brightening essence – Emily
What it is: an essence that helps enhance skin’s ability to reflect light, reduce dark spots and minimise enlarged pores.
My experience:
My skin tends to be quite troublesome due to hormones. I find my skin-tone uneven, my pores seem massive and its overall texture isn’t the best it could be. This essence has changed my routine with morning and night application! It has made getting my desired skin texture and tone much easier, and it has significantly reduced the look of my pores without needing to use a whole bunch of products like I normally would! This is a new essential in my skincare regime and I couldn’t be happier with the results I’ve achieved so far!
Jurlique Activating Water Essence – Rachel
What it is: An essence which hydrates, softens and revitalises skin, and prepares it to absorb the full benefit of serum and moisturiser to follow.
My experience:
The Jurlique Activating Water Essence exceeded all my expectations! I’ve been using it over the past week and have noticed a difference in my skin, which now feels and looks more hydrated and softer. The plant-based water infusion with added marshmallow root extract is calming and instantly absorbs into my skin, which I can also feel enhance my serum and moisturiser. This is the extra step in my skin care routine that I now won’t be missing!
The Body Shop Drops of Youth™ Youth Essence-Lotion – Tiarne
What it is: A lotion with a gel-to-water texture that smooths and moisturises the skin.
My experience: I have always been a huge fan of The Body Shop, so to say I was excited to try this product is a bit of an understatement. I wasn’t disappointed either – the Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion is absolutely amazing! I have oily skin that breaks out easily, so I’m always concerned about trying new skincare. I needn’t have worried though, as this product has a beautiful thin texture that absorbs into my skin effortlessly and quickly without leaving any trace of breakouts. I apply it in between my usual toner and serum, and it adds the perfect extra layer of moisture without becoming oily. It’s been a few weeks now and I’ve noticed my skin is softer, more nourished and looking healthier.
Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Refining Vita-Glow Activator – Tash
What it is: An essence harnessing the latest discoveries in cellular biology to restore rough, dull exhausted-looking skin.
My experience:
I love my skin care and everything Japanese, so I was excited to try Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Refining Vita-Glow Activator. Essences are new to me but I do mix up the layers in my skin care consistently and it was easy to slot this in. I enjoyed massaging the essence into my face rather than dabbing. And as the name suggests the essence helped my skin to look glowy and alive.
