What is the essence of...

Go To Post     What is the essence of an essence? ✨ Essences have long been a mainstay in Japanese and Korean skincare routines, the extra skincare step before serums or creams that quenches, preps, tones, and infuses the skin with high doses of the good stuff—from HA and peptides to ferments and extracts. Finally the whole world has caught up and nearly every notable skincare brand now carries its version of an essence. Do not be fooled by their lightweight, water-like texture. Essences are actually liquid treatments—devoid of the astringent-y feel of toners—that can come with even more potent ingredients and skincare actives than serums. And because they’re light and thin and most of the time calming, they are great for skincare layering whether you have a brightening or an anti-aging essence and work even for those with reactive skin. Essences have changed my routine and skin condition entirely since I started regularly using them three years ago. I used to doubt them thinking how could something that looks so watery and smell quite strange (SKII was my entry to essences), make a difference on my skin? But when I started using the #EsteeLauder Micro Essence (my staple) continuously for about 2 months, the improvement was apparent and I was convinced that essences could be just as essential as moisturizers—if not the only moisturizer you could need. Here are some of my other favorite essences that I rotate: #Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence, the legendary mother of all essences housed in a gorgeous vintage design bottle; #Fenty Fat Water, which instantly give a glowy veil and smells delicious; #Nars Skin Multi-Action Hydrating Toner, an alcohol-free formulation that sweeps dirt and dead skin for a smooth surface; #Fresh Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, rich in antioxidants and protects against pollution; #Acwell 5.5 Licorice Toner; and my favorite brightening essence, (not pictured, but see earlier posts) is 111Skin’s Vitamin C Booster, which feels and looks like water and you believe it is until you see your skin the morning after. Fenty and Fresh are @sephoraph. Shiseido, Estee Lauder, and Nars are @rustansthebeautysource. 111Skin is at @bff_mnl.