What is the point? Why these trending products should be on your radar

You don't have to be a beauty aficionado to guess the purpose of essential skin care products like cleansers and moisturizers. Let's face it, the name says it all - cleansers help cleanse the skin, and moisturizers help hydrate the skin. . While the benefits of many skincare products speak for themselves, there are others that aren't easily understood by their name alone. Is it a point? Essence. I mean…what is an entity anyway? Keep reading to find out! 

WHAT IS ESSENCE?

In the Korean 10-step skincare routine, essence is used after toner and before facial serum, providing the skin with an extra layer of hydration - and, ironically, the product itself is a cross between the two. In terms of texture and application, essences can be similar to toner, but their formula is similar to serum, only in a less concentrated version. Intermediate between a toner and a serum, an essence, also sometimes referred to as a concentrate, can help prep and prep your complexion for serums and targeted formulas that you can use on a day-to-day basis. Now it's not so confusing, is it?

HOW TO APPLY THE ESSENCE

Now that we've covered what an essence is, let's discuss how to use it in your routine. As we mentioned earlier, essence is an intermediate between toner and serum and can help prepare the skin for subsequent serums and moisturizers. To use, we like to apply a quarter of the essence on a cotton pad or ball and gently wipe the contours of the face, like a toner. If you prefer not to use cotton pads, you can also spray the formula directly onto your face, or even spray the product in a spray bottle and spray it onto your face. 

WHY YOU NEED THE ESSENCE TO WORK

Essence can be a fun way to personalize your skincare routine to help manage skin problems and maintain a healthy complexion. We like to use essence as needed – for example: if our skin seems too dry, we add a moisturizing essence to our routine – but your use of essence is entirely up to you. Just be sure to scan the packaging first to make sure you're choosing an essence that's formulated with your specific skin type in mind. 

Good news! You don't need 10 skincare steps or a plane ticket to South Korea to incorporate this K-Beauty trendy elixir into your daily routine. With the six essences below from L'Oreal's portfolio of brands, you can enjoy the various benefits of essences in the USA.

KIEHL'S IRIS EXTRACT ACTIVATED TREATMENT ESSENCE

Kiehl's Iris Activating Essence, containing Florentine Orris Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Lipohydroxy Acid (also commonly referred to as LHA), helps nourish and rejuvenate skin. Using the fast-absorbing, velvety liquid concentrate as the first step in an anti-aging routine—after you've cleansed your face with a mild cleanser and prepped your skin for hydration with a toner, of course—can help tackle the appearance of dull complexions, rough textures, and fine lines. lines and also leave the skin hydrated.

Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Essence. MSRP $45.

LANCÔME HYDRA ZEN BEAUTY ESSENCE

Formulated for normal to combination skin, Lancôme's Hydra Zen Beauty Essence can help revitalize, refresh and immediately hydrate the complexion upon application. Result? Skin is soft and smooth, ready for moisture. 

Lancôme Hydra Zen Beauty Essence. MSRP $49.

SHU UEMURA TSUYA YOUTH GENERATOR ESSENCE

With Tsuya Youthful Radiance Generator Essence by Shu Uemura, you can get rid of tired skin. Formulated for dull skin, this luxurious facial essence contains rhamnose and enju flower to help make skin softer, smoother and healthier over time. 

Shu Uemura Tsuya Youthful Glow Generator Essence. MSRP $85. 

THE BODY SHOP DROPS OF YOUTH YOUTH ESSENCE LOTION

Highlight your face with Drops of Youth Youth Essence Lotion from The Body Shop. Composed of 3 plant stem cells - edelweiss from the Italian Alps and sea holly and sea cristus from the coast of Brittany - this nourishing facial gel essence helps skin look fresh, rejuvenated, plumped and cleansed.  

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Essence of Youth Lotion. MSRP $24.

DECLÉOR NIGHT ESSENCE ENERGY, RADIANCE AND SKIN RENEWAL

Looking for an essence for your nightly routine? Look no further than Decléor's nighttime essence of energy, radiance and skin renewal. Unlike other essence formulas, this luxurious essence should be used as a 30-day ritual to restore complexion, hydrate skin, and give it a natural glow.

Decléor Night Essence Energy, radiance and skin renewal. MSRP $150. 

THERMAL WATER VICHY AQUALIA

When it comes to pharmacy essences, Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Essence is definitely one of our top picks. Containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid and signature mineralizing thermal water, this refreshing formula leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.

Thermal water essence Vichy Aqualia. MSRP $30.