If you haven’t already embraced the benefits of a skin essence, now is the time to hydrate your skin with one of these miracle workers. Editor Trudi Brewer. Who believes they are a vital step in any beauty routine.
What’s an essence?
Not to be confused with a toner, an essence lies somewhere between a face serum and a lightweight hydrating lotion. Born in Korea, this step in your skincare routine is after cleansing and before moisturising or applying serums. Don’t be fooled by their watery consistency, an essence is loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and sometimes fermented probiotics, all designed to feed the skin from the outside in, and help the moisturiser you apply sink in faster and work more efficiently.
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How does it benefit your skin?
They quickly absorb into the skin and act as a sponge, drawing active ingredients from your skincare deeper, faster into the skin. Just as drinking water helps create a bright, healthy complexion, essences are a direct source of topical hydration. Best used morning and night, after cleansing and before sunscreen, serums, and moisturisers. The watery consistency often means wastage, so instead of using cotton pads, sprinkle a small amount into your hands' palms and then press directly onto your face after cleansing. Beauty experts consider an essence a year-round elixir that balances the skin's moisture levels regardless of the climate.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Micro Capsule Skin Replenishing Essence, $95.
The newest essence to land on my desk is brimming with Japanese orchid stem cells, red algae and tiny, delicious micro-encapsulated Tsubaki oil ferment bubbles that are suspended in the lotion to instantly hydrate the skin. Together these ingredients re-energise tired-looking skin. Designed to fit into any skincare routine, for any skin type - to use, shake well and then pat on clean skin morning and night.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Micro Capsule Skin Replenishing Essence, $95.
Lancôme Hydra Zen Neocalm Gel Essence, $126.
Lancôme Hydra Zen Neocalm Gel Essence, $126.
Sensitive skin will love the soothing oil-in-water consistency that contains Long Dan Cao root extract, (Chinese gentian root) used in traditional Chinese medicine for its purifying and detoxifying effects. Along with French rose extract, jasmine, cacao, and moringa seed extracts; you have one brilliant healing, hydrating skin fix in your hands.
Estèe Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment, $175.
For minimising, the look of open pores and smoothing fine lines, the blend of Sakura ferment, from Japanese cherry blossoms, sake lees fermented with cherry yeast and a micro-nutrient bio-ferment, helps tone and plump up the dry, fines lines boost clarity and smoothness of the skin. Use both morning and night on clean skin before applying a serum.
Estèe Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion Fresh with Sakura Ferment, $175.
Dermalogica Redness Relief Essence, 50ml $39.
Dermalogica Redness Relief Essence, 50ml $39.
Calm redness while leaving the skin slightly matte relief with licorice root, aloe leaf juice, sage, barley, and oatmeal extracts in this lightweight, refreshing essence. You can expect this essence to reduce sensitivity, by strengthening the skin's moisture barrier, while leaving a matte finish on freshly washed skin. Use am and pm before applying serums and moisturisers.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Antioxidant Infusion Essence, $125.
The seven potent antioxidants in this mineral-rich bio-fermented water, are Idebenone, green tea extract, Thiotaine, L-Carnosine, ferulic acid, resveratrol, and vitamin C. A potent shot of goodness in one anti-ageing essence that offers both hydrating and protecting benefits from the inevitable environmental damage, our skin gets subjected to on the daily.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Antioxidant Infusion Essence, $125.
Find these skin-changing essences at Life Pharmacy both online and in-store.