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.
So this is completely different to a serum? I’ve never used an essence, but I’m always willing to try new things. Time to research!
Have never ever heard of Skin Essence before! Beautiful packaged products would definitely give them a try.
Thank You BH for some great information.
I like the souinds of them!
Have used essence in past. Use it instead of a toner before serum. Big in Korean and Japanese skin care routines.
These sound good but is it just another way to get our money? There’s no mention of where this fits with toner.
Some are so dear, I see Lancome have a new one for $150
Probably won't add these products to my skincare. I'm not convinced they are necessary.
Not something I've tried before.
Does an essence replace toner and serum? Or is it just another layer to add?
I received a sample of the Jurlique one and loved it! I've just ordered the full size product. Waiting patiently for it to arrive. Yay!
AmorePacific make the best essence but my Mum loves the Clarins one
My skin would LOVE one (or all) of these!
To try any one of these would be a bonus for my skin especially the Clarins Multi-Active Treatment Essence.
So is it similar to a toner?
Would love to try Elizabeth arden ceramide one =)
I would love to give all of these a try 😀
I've been using an essence for some time now, although nice, I'm not sure I really need one
I quite like the SK 11 version
I haven't used essences before. They sound lovely.
I love to apply essences and toners before serums, seem to make my skin feel much better and products sink in better
Some great brands above! I currently use Missha Essence as part of my routine
I was lucky enough to be on the trial team for the Minenssey essence – such a lovely hydrating essence. I normally use essences from Korean brands. Essences make quite a difference to my skin as I tend to layer hydrating products and it really preps my skin for those.
I love essences and I always use that straight after cleansing
I used to use the SKII one, which was fantastic. Not sure why I stopped, maybe the price.
I use Shiseido on & off. I must admit I have only used it at night before night cream. Now I have read this I might give it a go after the shower.
I use the jurlique essence, I love it.
I’ve used the Jurlique essence before and am currently using the Clarins essence, absolutely changed the way my skincare absorbs.
It goes in between. I use the Clarins one listed and love it, my serum absorbs so much better.
I don't use essences that much because of the price and when I do, I usually skip toner. Like other ladies questions here, I do not know if that is correct. Is a essence supposed to take the place of a toner if you are using one? Or supposed to be used after?
I like the Jurlique one but its expensive.
I'm hearing a lot about the Clairns and Jurlique. I would like to try them in the future.
These all sound lovely. Would love to try the Clarins and the EA.
Would love to try some of these. I used to use a green tears Innisfree essence on my skin which is not bad.
I'll have to try the Dermilogica Redness Relief Essence for my red cheeks. I hadn't realized essences were water-based before
That Clarins bottle looks great!
I need to up my game an add an essence into my routine!! Thanks for the suggestions BH.
I am a bit confused about this. Does an essence go before a toner, or after? And if you use a serum, do you need an essence?
Is this same as mist?
Interesting… But I doubt I would ever need this…
I have the Minnenssey one, but I see no difference between that and a toner. Also I tend to use a lot of AHAS/BHAs plus Vitamin C Booster and Retinol to burn the heck outta my face, so it's kinda pointless lol (I have very oily acne prone skin that can handle a lot)
I love the Clarins essence its so beautiful but would love to try the Minenssey Hydrating Dynamic Facial Essence – it has to go on my must try list.
Dr. Davin said essence is not important at all and also dr drey she said the same. Such an unnecessary step.
I've tried Dr Lewwins Essence booster and it was so so good but so pricey.
I use the jurlique one 🙂
There are so many lotions and potions now to apply before even thinking about make up. I have only just gotten used to using a serum prior to a moisturiser and now there is essences to apply too. Does it all help, especially when we are in the more mature age group? Maybe the more mature ladies should have been offered to trial this to get a real result.
Never even knew essences were a thing! seems like a luxurious step but still really beneficial!
Might have to try
I prefer light essences & serums to moisturisers but I'm dubious about the so-called skincare benefits of gold.
I've marked Oliviahannah & Wendychapman's 2 posts as SPAM!
The Dermalogica essence is awesome. It is super cooling and effective 🙂