Written by Clémence Rubiella | Published on 15 April 2024 | Skincare
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Dear readers,
Some of you may have never heard about an essence before, so let me introduce it. An essence is very similar to a toner in texture, however, the main difference between toner and essence lies in their functions; a toner helps with skin cleansing whereas an essence nourishes and hydrates the skin. Toner readies the skin for your skincare regimen, while essence plays a crucial role in retaining moisture, optimising the effectiveness of your other skincare products.
Now that all is clear, let me introduce to you the best Korean essence I have tried so far. The choices are somewhat limited compared to toners but there are still a few K-products that are extremely nice.
The best Essence recommendations:
1. Best Essence: I'm From Mugwort Essence
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Highlights:
Very hydrating
Non-scented and non-irritating
Soothing
A lot of product quantity
Easy to use
What we don’t like:
Price tag
My top top favourite! I probably used 6 bottles of this product and I just ordered a new one. Fun fact about this product is that in Korea, mugworts are called 'tea tree' for its soothing and cleansing effect. It detoxifies your skin and delivers an instantaneous calming effect to your skin. You really feel the product giving that soothing effect to your skin and sinking in to moisturize every little inches of your face. Consistency-wise, it is a little thicker than a water based toner. It is animal Creulty-Free, vegan Friendly, silicon-free, steroid-free, artificial coloring and fragrance-free. It is recommended for troubled, red or agitated skin but works with every skin types.
2. Best for Brightening: Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence
Rating: 4 / 5
Highlights:
Intense moisturization
Brightening effect
Skin-plumping effect
Non-irritating
Non-scented
What we don’t like:
Price tag
There are a few Korean products line that I really love and the Neogen Real Ferment Micro is one of them. It is consistent when it comes to delivering what they claim to do. A deeply hydrating and brightening essence that contains more than 93% naturally fermented ingredients, delivering instant moisture and skin-plumping benefits. It is full of natural brighteners like rice extracts and antioxidants. This essence will give you a glowing, supple honey skin (one step above the glass skin). Amazing product, recommended for those who are looking for hydrating, soothing, plumping and brightening your skin. A little genie in a bottle.
3. Best for Mature Skin: Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment 5X
Rating: 5 / 5
Highlights:
Highly hydrating
Gentle on the skin
Whitening skin
Helps with skin balance
Nice packaging
What we don’t like:
Formula a bit slimy (some people may like it)
This product was my first ever Korean essence I ever tried back in 2018. And why did I go for the Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment 5X whilst I knew absolutely nothing about essence? Well maybe because this product was/is a mega big best-seller in Korea for a very long time and I got curious. And boy let me confess that I did not get disappointed at ALL! So much so that I fully integrated essence in my skincare routine from that day. This Missha essence is super duper highly concentrated rejuvenating essence that combines basic skin care with anti-aging and whitening benefits to provide a dense moiturization to the skin and maintain its balance. It is made of 97% of fermented cica yeast and I noticed my skin was soothed and smoothened and felt firmer quickly after starting using the product. If you really have no idea where to start with essence, I will go with this product. Also, if you happen to like it, then you can also try the rest of their Time Revolution line which is targeting mature skin.
4. Best for Tightening the Skin: Aromatica Vitalising Rosemary Concentrated Essence
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Highlights:
Very gentle on the skin
Non-sticky and liquid formula
Firming effect
Helps with the skin glow
High moisturization
What we don’t like:
Bottle handling difficult because of the large body and narrow bottle tip
Last but not least, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Aromatica Vitalising Rosemary Concentrated Essence. Long name yes but everything is in it! It is truly a vitalising essence that is concentrated with rosemary's antioxidant, known for providing vitality and moisture to the skin. Also, it helps reducing the minimisation of skin irritation, appearance of sun spot and combat aging. The formula is super liquid and gentle on the skin (as all Aromatica products are) and it smells very nice. You feel soothed and it gives a light glow t your skin as well (extra glow never hurt anyone). However, I felt it took some time before I could see some noticeable results. Another point I did not appreciate about this product is the bottle shape. Not very handy at all especially the thin tip that slips from the hands easily. So I would recommend this product is you are a fan of Aromatica (like I am) or are just looking for a very natural skin care.
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