This month’s column comes fresh from the USA where I’m currently working. I recently hit Sephora; for research purposes only!
Fashion and Beauty on Female First
The current most sought-after beauty product is ‘skin essence.’ Originating from Japan where it was part of a centuries old geisha beauty ritual, it has been passed down by generations and today 97 percent of Japanese women use an essence.
Skin essence is another layer for your skin directly after cleansing and before your serum or moisturiser and as the name suggests it’s an essential base that helps plump and balance the skin, add extra hydration, radiance and is the perfect skin prep for your moisturiser.
Apply by adding a couple of drops into the palms of your hands and patting lightly on the skin. This has the added benefit of boosting circulation.
Seven best skin essences
- Dior Hydra Life Deep Hydration Sorbet Water Essence: originating from France has been especially formulated to treat dry, rough, dull skin with Hyberlea Leaf Extract, French Mallow and natural fruit extracts.
- Amore Pacific Vintage Single Extract Essence: originating from Korea it is a solution for dullness, uneven skin tone and restores firmness and elasticity. With vintage tea leaf containing catechin found in green tea to help fight damaging free radicals.
- SK-II – Facial Treatment Essence: originating from Japan is formulated with Pitera an ingredient found in sake for baby-soft smooth skin.
- Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Antioxidant Skin Essence: a powerhouse antioxidant pre-prep and pollution defence with Mandarin peel, Kigelia Africana fruit extract and Hyaluronic acid.
- Kiehls Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence: is an anti-ageing facial essence formulated to reactivate skin’s youthful appearance infused with Iris Florntina Extract, Lipo Hydroxy Acid and sodium Hyaluronate.
- My favourite is the essence plumping skin softener from Tacha; the brand created for Geshia Smooth Skin, is a perfect solution for dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, with a concentrate of nourishing green tea, rice and algae – Japans three essential nutrients for skin health and youthful radiance.
- London based – Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood Essence Mist: gives skin a shot of revitalising Vitamin B to boost dull tired skin, give your skin a refreshing spritz throughout the day and on long haul flights where skin becomes dry and tight.
Make an essence part of your morning and evening beauty care routine to enhance the structure of your skin.