Essence: An Essential Step In Your Skincare Routine
ANOTHER skincare step? Yup. Another one.
But you’re gonna want to hear me out before you start mentally counting all the steps you already have.
I’m sure you’ve heard of this before. It may have confused you. You may have assumed it was a hydrating mist or a toner or a serum. You may have bought this and used it all wrong. But believe me. You NEED this in your skincare routine.
What is it you ask? It’s an Essence. And it’s about to change your life
Just to give you a quick little background: this step in a beauty regime originates in Korea and is deeply rooted in Asian beauty culture. And we all know Korean beauty is taking over in North America. And we all know there’s good reason for that. So listen up…
What is an Essence?
An essence is a concentrated formula that penetrates deep into the skin to specifically target wrinkles, fine lines, and dull and uneven skin tones. The product is loaded with active ingredients to treat skin on a cellular level. It’s typically created to optimize your skins natural cell turnover rate.
And most important to note: It is not – I repeat this is NOT – a toner.
Most essences will feel just like water. Some may tend to be a little thicker and some possibly a tad grainy. But for the most part, they will feel like water
How Do I Use an Essence?
First, let’s start with how NOT to use an essence. Because applying this step properly is essence-tial (Get it? *Wink)
You’re using your essence all wrong if you:
- Apply it to a cotton pad and wipe it all over your face
- Stick a spray cap in there and spritz it on your face
An essence should be applied after a toner and before a serum. So, remove your makeup, cleanse, tone, and then:
- Dispense just a few drops into the palm of your hand
- Kind of warm it up in your hands for a second
- Press on to skin with hands and pat/tap your face (tapping is another method rooted in Asian beauty culture)
- Allow product to fully absorb before applying your serums
Oh, and this can be used both morning and night!
The Results?
Smoother, brighter, revitalized skin! A key perk of this step is that it helps your serums and moisturizers to absorb. So if you’re using a hyaluronic acid, this will help to even further boost hydration. If you apply a vitamin c serum every morning, expect even brighter, glowy-er skin.
The Difference Between an Essence and a Serum?
Basically, essences are more lightweight and add a layer of hydration before applying your serums. Again, an essence treats skin on a cellular level and helps to boost the concentrated ingredients in your serum.
As North America is creating space on shelves everywhere for this new step in our skincare regime, the actual term can be hard to define. Some say they are just marketing words now. Some companies may use this term for a facial mist or a toner. Others for a light serum. But they still serve different purposes.
To quickly break it down:
Toner – removes excess dirt and oil left behind after cleansing
Essence – Treats skin on cellular level to promote cell turnover rate. With a watery consistency, it penetrates skin deeply to provide hydration and amp up the active ingredients of products applied afterwards
Serum – Delivers a high concentration of active ingredients – these ingredients depend on the type of serum you buy (ex: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, lactic acid, etc)
What’s Worked For Me
I’ve had the pleasure of trying a few essences now. I’ve loved every one of them but by far, I’ve loved Monat’s the most. Full disclosure: I have now partnered with the company and do sell it, yes. But this wasn’t until I had already tried, loved, and shared the product. I should also point out it’s more affordable than most you’ll find on the shelves at Sephora!
When I first started using this one, I think the biggest thing I noticed was my skin felt super plump. I couldn’t stop touching my face! I looked fresher, younger, and dewy. Also, I had to relearn how to use my makeup all over again because I needed half the amount of foundation (partially because my skin tone was more balanced and partially because it was so hydrated and wasn’t soaking up all my makeup anymore)
A little more about Monat’s essence in particular:
+ Contains natural fruit acids (AHA’s), chamomile, and colubrine extract
+ Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
+ Targets signs of aging
+ Minimizes pores
+ Targets dull complexion
+ Boosts hydration
+ Skin is smoother, plumper, softer.
If you have any questions about the line, please feel free to email me or DM me. Or if you feel like taking a super quick and fun skincare quiz, check this out.
Before You Go:
+ Why you should be consuming collagen
+ Serums: Why you need them and how to use them
+ DIY plumping lip scrub
+ Enhance your skincare routine affordably
