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Here’s Exactly How To Use An Essence & 4 To Add To Your Routine

With the abundance of YouTube videos about beauty routines and TikTok reviews of new items on the market, some new skin care products can definitely seem like a scam. There are just so many products out there now that promise to deliver gorgeous, radiant, and youthful skin, and you’re not alone if it keeps fueling your skin care delusions. Are you actually adding the newest, most advanced serum to your face, or are you really just putting on an over-glorified moisturizer?

Has anyone ever heard of an ‘essence’ product before? Hailey Baldwin’s rhode debuted its new facial essence, Glazing Milk, a couple days ago, and I cannot stop thinking about what essence exactly is. Although it appears to be a milky cream product, is it capable of providing more benefits than just moisturizing? Here are some of the benefits of why you should actually incorporate this beauty product into your daily routine, and some other essence products you could use.

What Is A Facial Essence?

According to Healthline, facial essence is “a water-based skin care product that contains a high content of active ingredients to hydrate, protect, and boost the overall health of skin.” This lightweight hydration serum-toner hybrid is designed to penetrate deep into the skin and provide a concentrated dose of active ingredients. It is typically applied after the cleansing step to prime the skin for further treatments.

How To Use A Facial Essence

To incorporate a facial essence into your routine, begin with freshly-cleansed skin. After patting your face dry, pour a few pea-sized drops of the essence into the palm of your hands. Gently press the essence onto your face from the center, and work your way outwards. This pressing motion helps the essence to absorb effectively into the skin. Before continuing your skin care routine, make sure to allow the essence to fully absorb into your skin.

Essences have gained much popularity over the last few years, and they are a staple to the several skincare routines, including Korean beauty regimens. Everyone wants that glowy look, and it seems like this luxurious skin primer might be the solution. Say goodbye to dry skin and hello to dewy skin, as this product is perfect for both elaborate and simple beauty skin care routines.

Facial Essences To Try

Rhode glazing Milk ($29)

The newest permanent item in rhode’s line of skin care is the Glazing Milk. Made with ceramides, beta glucan, hyaluronic acid, and a magnesium, zinc, and copper blend, this product is sure to leave your skin barrier protected and hydrated.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($245)
sk-ii facial treatment essence
SK-II

Known for its high concentration of Pitera, a yeast-derived ingredient, this essence claims to improve the skin’s texture, clarity, and overall radiance through over 50 micro-nutrients.

Fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence ($82)

The incredible combination of Africana fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, and mandarin peel extract works together to enhance your skin’s elasticity. Its hydration not only boosts your facial brightness, but also fades wrinkles and other fine lines.

Laneige Radian-C Brightening Treatment Essence ($39)

Lastly, Laneige’s essence effectively enhances your complexion through vitamin C. The combination of Vitamin C EAE, Super Berry Complex, and caffeine help your skin visibly absorb, soften, and tone better.

Facial essences are not necessary for everyone, but can be a beneficial addition to a skincare routine for those seeking a glowing complexion.

Lily Brown

Emerson '25

Lily Brown is a writer at the Her Campus National Writers Program. She writes for the Culture, Style, and Wellness verticals on the site, including beauty, decor, digital, entertainment, experiences, fashion, and mental health coverage. Beyond Her Campus, Lily is a rising senior at Emerson College in Boston, MA, majoring in Journalism with a Publishing minor. She works as the Creative Director for the on-campus lifestyle publication, Your Magazine, where she establishes and curates the conceptual design and content for the entire publication ranging from style, romance, music, pop culture, personal identity, and college experiences. She has written and photographed for Your Mag along with several other on-campus magazines. Lily was recently recognized for her work on YM and awarded two EVVYs for Outstanding Print Publication. In her free time, Lily maybe spends a little too much time keeping a close eye on captivating red carpet and runway fashion, and binge-watching her favorite shows. She also enjoys expressing her thoughts through creative writing, exploring new destinations, and blasting ABBA, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, and Lady Gaga on Spotify. Additionally, she actively contributes to fostering a sense of community among college residents as a dedicated Residential Assistant.