Victoria Beckham Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Photo: James Cochrane
While you’re shoving moisturizers, cleansers, and toners into your beauty basket, don’t forget to add one less obvious skin savior: essences. Hailing from Korea, the water-like formulas are the jewels of K-beauty skincare. But what exactly are they?
“Skin essences are lightweight formulas spiked with potent doses of active ingredients—including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and other natural extracts—that penetrate deep into the dermis to lift, firm, hydrate, and smooth,” explains La Prairie’s beauty expert, Maya Stanley. They absorb quickly too, meaning you can jump right into the next step of your skincare routine. Not exactly a toner nor a serum (essences are meant to be used before your serum and after your cleanser), they inject moisture and nutrients back into the skin and restore its PH balance after you’ve stripped it of its oils.
“To use, apply two or three drops of the formula into the palm of your hands and gently pat into the skin,” suggests Stanley. Wait for it to absorb, then apply your serum, moisturizer, sunscreen—essences are so lightweight, you can pack on as many creams and potions your heart desires. “Skin essences are such an imperative step in the notoriously elaborate skincare regime of Asian women, and today the trend is expanding to the rest of the world,” says Stanley. Major beauty brands—including La Prairie, Shiseido, and Esteé Lauder are ahead of the trend, having rolled out their very own skin essences that target everything from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. Read on for the new complexion-boosting essences that will give your skin a lift.
La Prairie
Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion
US $240; AED/SAR 882
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Formulated by an expert team of La Prairie scientists using a steam-distill technique, this product includes caviar extracts to boost skin’s elasticity.
Shiseido
Revitalizing Essence
US $56; AED/SAR 206
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In addition to providing intense moisture to dry skin, this formula comes in a decorative glass bottle that will make a beautiful addition to your vanity.
SK-II
Facial Treatment Essence
US $99; AED/SAR 364
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Dubbed “miracle water,” this award-winning formula is SK-II’s best-selling product thanks to its beauty benefits, which include hydrating, smoothing, and firming.
Estée Lauder
Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion
US $96; AED/SAR 350
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This alcohol and fragrance-free product is ideal for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, and can even reduce breakouts if used in place of a thick cream moisturizer.
Fresh
Peony Spot-Correcting Brightening Essence
US $67; AED/SAR 246
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Infused with vitamin C, peony, and licorice roots extracts, this essence aims to tackle dark spots and uneven skintone. Potent levels of hyaluronic acid provide a welcome dose of moisture to lackluster skin.
