Ten of the best essences
If you want to bring out the glow in your skin, add an essence to your beauty regime
Beneath the surface: a good essence penetrates and hydrates the skin at a deeper level. Photograph: Alamy
Beneath the surface: a good essence penetrates and hydrates the skin at a deeper level. Photograph: Alamy
Sun 2 May 2021 01.30 EDT
The beauty industry’s obsession with skincare can largely be credited to countries such as South Korea and Japan, and their meticulous approach to formulations. One such innovation is the essence. It’s something I swear by and yet, a few years ago, thought exactly what you are probably thinking right now: “What is this? And why on earth would I add something else to my already onerous skincare routine?” Let me explain. An essence (also called a lotion or, as in the case of Shiseido, a softener) is essentially a moisturiser except it has a very watery consistency and it penetrates and hydrates the skin at a deeper level. Many essences also incorporate other benefits such as brightening and texture refining. The best way to use it is post cleansing/toner/liquid exfoliator. Simply pat it into the skin with your hands. (I wouldn’t bother using cotton pads.) It’s great on all skins: drier skin will welcome the intense shot of hydration; oily skins will be more balanced – and everyone will discover a glow they never had. My favourite benefit, however, is that an essence also “primes” the skin, meaning any products you layer on top will work more effectively. So, yes, it is yet another step, but it is a worthy investment and your skin will thank you, and Asia, for it.