You know how you apply a primer before your foundation, and it just preps your skin for flawless application by signalling to your face ‘hello, it’s time to look smooth and fabulous, because the base is on it’s way’? Of course you do, you’re a beauty junkie. Well, an essence is the skin care equivalent of that, able to let your complexion know the good stuff is coming in hot.
The ironic kicker though, is that by applying an essence (post-shower, after cleansing but before treatment topicals), your skincare will actually be coming in , as the calming formula will work to soothe skin, reduce redness and help your complexion to chill out after the warm water has got it all hot and bothered.
Not sure what you’re actually dealing with here? Let us break it down.
What is an essence?
Essences are water-based solutions designed to slot in between your exfoliation and hydration steps (AKA when you’ve washed your face, but are yet to moisturise) that are designed to aid in the ingredient absorbtion arena, while also helping to hydrate, balance and plump the skin.
It’s their impressively low molecular weight (they’re light as air) that makes them a dream to layer – you won’t be piling on yet another product that could potentially just cause congestion, but rather starting the skin care show with a refreshing warm up act for the rest of your line-up.
So what are you waiting for? We’ve rounded up the inflammation-easing essences we can’t get enough of. Grab yours, pat it into skin, then enjoy both the soothing sensation and the fact that it just took the results of your entire routine up a notch.
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Clarins
Clarins Multi-Active Treatment Essence
This fast-absorbing essence features awesome anti-ageing benefits, able to illuminate, smooth and firm your face in a flash.
Dermalogica
Dermalogica Redness Relief Essence
Designed to soothe sensitive skin types, it’s formulated with irritation-easing ingredients like aloe vera leaf juice and sage extract.
Jurlique
Jurlique Activating Water Essence
Check into hydration station with this marshmallow root extract-powered moisturising essence, great for giving skin a glossy finish.
Dr. LeWinn’s
Dr. LeWinn’s Eternal Youth Luminosity Golden Essence
Lightweight in feel but packed with powerhouse ingredients (hey there, 24 karat gold), this luminising essence is energising but not overwhelming, so it’s perfect for combination skin types.
Minenssey
Minenssey Hydrating Dynamic Facial Essence
Hit skin with a shot of post-shower cooling goodness with an application of this plumping essence – it’s packed with a hydrating trio of hyaluronic acid, jojoba and flannel flower.
Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence
Reduce fine lines and revive radiance with this moisturising formula – it’s concocted with iris florentina root, an ingredient that works to increase hydration and improve skin’s barrier function.
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Youth Restoring Essence
If silky soft is the texture you’re after, this formula contains a smoothing blend of ceramides and minerals that will get you there – the calming combo of aloe vera complex and hyaluronic acid doesn’t hurt either.
Haven't tried essences before, I use serums but I wouldn't mind giving an essence a try.
I tried the Jurlique Activating Water Essence which I think is a lovely product, but I wasn't sure if it did much for my dry and older skin. I might give it another try one day.
The Clarins bottle looks so good!
Love jurlique essence
I usually use a spray on toner. How is that different from an essence?
I use essence from time to time but I don't really think they make a huge difference. Some of them are quite pricey too!
Will have to give at least one of these a try
Dermalogica or Jurlique are worth a try
I'm really loving Vanessa Megan's group 11 Active Mist for this at the moment – plus its a spray so easy to use
Haven't tried these before. Looks promising. They got me at "designed to slot in between your exfoliation and hydration". Makes me feel like I have to get it.
Recently started incorporating an essence in my routine. Always room for one more product.
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