Huxley: Oil Essence Essence-Like, Oil-Like

Made in Korea 🇰🇷

So far this is the best essence that i have used. It has a gel texture much thicker than the other essences. Almost like a serum, very smooth and easily absorbs. There is a lovely light fragrance.

I have only tried the sample once so i cannot comment much on its effectiveness but I’m already in love with it.

Product Description

An oil essence with the optimal balance of oil and essence, containing prickly pear seed oil, energizing and revitalizing the skin.

1. A new type of oil essence developed with the optimal formulation of oil and essence

2. It provides the skin fresh and smooth, silky feel like oil, but it is not greasy and absorbs faster than oil.

3. It keeps the skin refreshed all day long

Maximize the pros and supplement the cons of conventional oil and essence

A new type of antioxidant oil essence that keeps the skin refreshed all day long, strengthens the pros and supplements the cons of existing oil and essence, and is formulated with the optimal balance of oil and essence

Ingredients

01. YERBA MATE LEAF Antioxidant, Strengthening the immunity

02. ACAI BERRY Antioxidant, Strengthening the immunity

03. CAMU CAMU Antioxidant

04. QUINOA Hydration, Nourishment supply

Opuntia ficus-indica stem extract, butylene glycol, glycerin, methyl gluceth-20, alcohol, water, dimethicone, 1,2-hexanediol, ppuntia ficus-indica seed oil, polyquaternium-51, ilex paraguariensis leaf extract, prunus mume fruit extract, euterpe oleracea fruit extract, myrciaria dubia fruit extract, chenopodium quinoa seed extract, theobroma cacao (cocoa) extract, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, betaine, hydrogenated lecithin, xanthan gum, ethyl hexylglycerin, sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, dextrin, disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, fragrance.

Corsx: Galactomyces 95 Whitening Powder Essence

Made in Korea 🇰🇷

This product was boasted in whitening the skin tone. I said boasted here because a few of the people I know confidently said it very whitens, or over whitens.

Galactomyces, another new ingredient I come across here. And to be honest, it does not whitens the skin as some people’s claim.

The essence is slightly more mucus than the toner. It is better to use on a cotton pad than using your fingers. The feeling is cool and hydrating after putting on.

This brand is not too expensive as compare to some other essences. Hence it’s ok to use.

I am not sure about other people, but for me, there’s no magic here.

Product Description

Galactomyces ferment is an advanced antioxidant that helps to softening, smoothing, and enhancing lustre.

“Effect of natural fermentation getting into the skin, Awakening with whitening skin”

Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence is made up of fermented component with a structure similar to skin, achieving dual functions of whitening and anti-wrinkle at once as dual function fermented essence.

It is formulated with 95% high concentrate of the best yeast for the skin, that is, Galactomyces filtered & fermented ingredient, endowing the previously dark, dull skin glow and transparent.

Ingredients

Galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, betaine, panthenol, glycerin, 1, 2-hexanediol, allantoin, butylene glycol, xanthan gum, ethyl hexanediol, adenosine.

Innisfree: Perfect UV Protection Essence

Made in Korea 🇰🇷

I heard many recommendations about Asian brands sunscreen for Asian skin because it’s lighter, higher protection and velvety smooth. Essence and water based sunscreens are highly favourable.

This sunscreen is light to use and easily absorbed on the skin. It has a mild fragrance that is pleasant enough compared to traditional sunscreen smell.

The SPF 50 means it has a good protection however, I found it a bit oily on my face which can be easily fixed with the no sebum face powder.

I’m neutral about this product. If it is less oily then it would be perfect. Will I use it again? Probably not!

Product Description

∙ Sunflower oil and Jeju green tea extract protect your skin against UV rays.

∙ Hyaluronic acid and ceramide provide abundant moisture to keep your skin moisturized and refreshed.

∙ Portulaca oleracea and centella asiatica extracts soothe your skin that has been exposed to UV rays and other harmful environmental conditions and offer a strong astringent effect.

Ingredients

WATER, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HOMOSALATE, GLYCERIN, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, OCTOCRYLENE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CURCUMA LONGA (TURMERIC) ROOT EXTRACT, SALVIA HISPANICA SEED EXTRACT, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, FRAGRANCE, SACCHARIDE HYDROLYSATE, PROPANEDIOL., TROMETHAMINE, CARBOMER, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CERAMIDE NP, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, PEG-10 RAPESEED STEROL, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, GLYCERETH-20, T-BUTYL ALCOHOL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) LEAF EXTRACT, OCTYLDODECANOL, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, ORCHID EXTRACT, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT, ECHIUM PLANTAGINEUM SEED OIL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES, CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM FLOWER/LEAF/VINE EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE

L’Oreal: White Perfect Clinical Essence-Lotion

Made in France 🇫🇷

Interesting how many major brands have specific lines catering for Asian skin such brands like L’Oréal, Biore, Garnier, Nivea etc…

This White Perfect Clinical is specially formulated for Asian skin and does not sell here in Australia.

I got this product because of my curiosity when I heard about the use of essence.

Although it was described as essence-lotion, but the texture is very thin like the toner.

Warning for those with sensitive skin. Since it contains Glycolic Acid, it has a tingling effect when you applied it on your face. It is not recommended if you use after facial peel or exfoliation otherwise it will have a burning feeling.

At first I didn’t read the ingredients carefully, I used it after facial peel, I had a burning sensation. A few other times there are tingling feelings too. I was kind of worried and almost throw it out. But when I used a couple of different products that contain the same ingredient, it has similar effect, so I believe it is ok to use.

About the whitening and banning spots, it may take a bit more time to see the effect.

Product Description

A whitening concentrated essence water formulated with Glycolic Acid to gently refine skin texture. Blended with Hepes to stimulate skin renewal. Infused with Vitamin CG to banish spots & enhance skin radiance. Unveils a smoother, clearer, whiter, even-toned & more translucent complexion. Dermatologist-tested on Asian skin.

Payot: Absolute Pure White Travel Set

Made in France 🇫🇷

Absolute Pure White Kit:

• 1x Lotion Clarte 30ml/1oz
• 1x Mousse Clarte 25ml/0.84oz
• 1x Clarte Du Jour SPF 30/PA+++ 15ml/0.5oz
• 1x Concentre Anti-soif Clarte 10ml/0.33oz

Thi set is very convenient to use when travel. It includes the basic products for your skincare routine.

The cleanser is very soft and and foamy. Cleansed very well. Toner is hydrating and leaves your skin supple. The serum and moisturiser is silky soft and smooth.

Overall, I am quite happy with this travel set. It is quite pricey but once they’re on special thay are good to buy.

The Body Shop: Vitamin E Aqua Boost Essence Lotion

Made in the UK 🇬🇧

So far this is my most favourite essence. Unfortunately, The Body Shop has discontinued manufacturing this product, although they still keep the Vitamin E line. Unlike Asian, the Australian may not be too keen to add on many steps in their skincare routine.

This essence is slightly thicker than the Korean essence. It has a mild scent with a pink colour texture. It glides on the skin smoothly and readily absorbed. I fell in love with it once I put it on my face. Hard to describe but my face feels hydrated and supple.

Product Description

This essence lotion is the perfect addition to your skin care routine – add this step in after cleansing. Lightweight, non-greasy and comfortable on the skin, this product’s gellified formula provides up to 48 hours of moisturisation, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

Skin feels instantly replenished with moisture
Skin feels softer, smoother and more supple
Penetrates quickly with a non-sticky feel
Antioxidant properties protect against free radicals
Paraben-free
Powered with Biofermented Hyaluronic Acid
Based on a self-assessed study on 108 women Learn more about the moisturizing benefits of Vitamin E for skin.

Ingredients

Aqua/Water (Solvent), Glycerin (Humectant), Propanediol (Viscosity Controlling Agent), Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract (Skin Conditioning Agent), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), PPG-26-Buteth-26 (Emulsifying Agent), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent – Emollient), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil/Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil (Emollient), Potassium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (Emulsifying Agent), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Emulsifying Agent), Betaine (Hair Conditioning Agent), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Sodium Hyaluronate (Humectant), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Controlling Agent), Isohexadecane (Emollient/Solvent), Carbomer (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder (Skin Conditioning Agent – Humectant), Polysorbate 80 (Surfactant), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance Ingredient), PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate (Emulsifying Agent), Trideceth-6 (Surfactant – Emulsifying Agent), Sorbitan Oleate (Emulsifying Agent), Benzyl Benzoate (Fragrance Ingredient), Hydroxycitronellal (Fragrance Ingredient), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Biotin (Skin Conditioning Agent).

L’occitane: Immortelle Brightening Essence

Made in France 🇫🇷

I bought this product prior to the understanding of the use of essence. So when I received it, I didn’t like it because I thought it was too runny.

The essence has a yellowish gel like texture. It comes in a droplet-form bottle which is pretty convenient until you are finishing it up.

I have realised there is a bit different between Korean essence and other Western brands essence. The Korean essence are much thinner, while L’Occitane the or The Body Shop essences are much more thicker, more on the verge of serum.

The essence is easily absorbed on the skin, it has a mild scent. I cannot comment on the brightening effects of it. However it is a nice essence to use.

Product Description

Our new formula also includes Garden Nasturtium extract that helps smooth and even the complexion, stimulating the skin’s natural ability to reflect light for a more luminous, youthful glow. – Wintergreen leaf helps natural exfoliation and smooth skin L’OCCITANE’s Immortelle Brightening skin care line provides beauty benefits from the Mediterranean “flowers of light,” Immortelle and Bellis Perennis (Daisy). Immortelle is a golden yellow flower that never wilts or withers. Its essential oil is rich in active molecules with unique cosmetic anti-aging properties. The Daisy opens its petals each day with the sunrise and closes them at dusk. Its flower offers a brightening extract that contributes to regulated skin tone.

Brightening Essence combines the “flowers of light” – Immortelle and Bellis perennis- to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, to help even out skin tone and illuminate the complexion. The reformulated serum helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles while making the complexion more even-toned and brighter thanks to its ultra-concentrated formula.

With use, a more luminous complexion emerges: skin better reflects light especially thanks to Wintergreen leaf and Garden Nasturtium extracts that help natural exfoliation and smooth skin micro-relief.* Tested under dermatological and ophthalmological supervision. Non-comedogenic.

Lancome: Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Essence

Made in France 🇫🇷

I received this as a promotional free gift in a sample size when I bought some products from Lancome and it was so nice that I decided to buy the full size. I was amazed that the full size is so huge for the price that is quite affordable.

Lancome has always been my favourite brand, both for cosmetic and skincare, although I like to venture around with other products but Lancome is still my number 1.

This essence is thick liquidy with a soft fragrance. Once applied to your face it feels smooth and supple. No faults at all. I have been looking for it in Australia but at no avail, so I have to order from the UK.

Product Description

A fresh, nourishing & soothing gel Formulated with patented Cohesium® that delivers instant & 24-hour hydration Immediately soothes & invigorates skin without greasy sensation Contains an exclusive botanical NeoCalmTM complex & White Jasmine extract Helps improve elasticity of skin Protects skin from the stresses of our daily environment Skin appears softer, plumper, brighter & more comfortable Perfect for all skin types, even sensitive one.

An invigorating facial essence that delivers essential hydration for a smoother, calmer complexion.  Designed to help fight the visible signs of stress, this essence provides intense hydration for skin that feels soothed and comfortable. The refreshing formula hydrates, improves the look of fine lines, and revitalizes, resulting in a smoother, suppler, healthier-looking complexion.

Ingredients

Aqua/Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Peg-20, Peg-8, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root E

Clarins: Booster Detox

Made in France 🇫🇷

I am not sure what to classify this as so I just put it in the essence category. I must say this little one is quite expensive in comparison to other Clarins products because it costs $45 for a 15ml tube.

This comes in a droplet like bottle where you add a few drops to your cream and mix prior to applying to your face.

When I see something new, I would like to try but to be honest, I am not sure if it’s needed, let’s just hope it will do the work that is “detox”.

Product Description

Congested skin? Partying, overindulging, smoky environments, extreme pollution—when life takes a toll on your skin, give it a tailor-made beauty boost! Mix 3-5 drops with your Clarins moisturizer, mask, serum or foundation.

Flush out impurities with a detox! Detox Booster offers an ultra-concentrated formula enriched with extract of green coffee bean, a natural plant source of caffeine revered in the millennia-old tradition of the African tropics for its detoxing properties. Blend with your usual face care.

Booster Detox helps refresh and revive skin that’s had enough. Its unique formula is enriched with green coffee extract, a plant from tropical Africa, rich in caffeine, and known for its detoxifying properties:

• Detoxifies
• Revives radiance of a dull complexion
• Plumps the skin

Ingredients

Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Avena Sativa(Oat) Kernel Extract, Coffea Robusta Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton)Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, EDTA

Green Coffee is the name given to the two seeds produced by the mature fruit of the Coffea (Coffee tree), a shrub cultivated across subtropical regions of the world and whose “robusta” variety is particularly rich in Caffeine. The legend of the Coffee tree dates back to Medieval times. It tells of a Yemeni shepherd whose goats had been running off more than usual, who noticed they had been eating the seeds of a mysterious small tree. The shepherd was curious, prepared an infusion with the seeds and discovered a delicately flavoured, invigorating drink that would eventually come to be known all over the world as coffee. Green Coffee extract is obtained from the seeds which are dried in the sun then lightly grilled. This very simple process effectively preserves the plant’s active molecules and its highly stimulating action in the field of cosmetics.

Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence

Made in Korea 🇰🇷

When I learned about the essential of “essence” I decided to try it out. This is the first essence product that I bought just because the Korean started the trend with using essence.

This product was rated 5 stars ✨ by customers from different parts of the world so I assume it is a worthy product.

The texture of this essence is thicker than the toner and slightly sticky.

Does this essence do me any good? It is hard to tell because there too many factors involved:

• The fact that I am lack of sleep due to having a young baby
• The use of different types of skincare in the routine
• Imbalance hormonal changes

However, my skin didn’t get any worse even though I don’t get enough sleep and people have been complemented that I look good. This could also due to the power of makeup 💄.

Background

Green soybeans rich in antioxidants are indigenous to Jeju Island. They have been known to be well-suited to fermentation. These green soybeans have been reborn by innisfree’s natural fermentation science from a 620m height of Halla Mountain where temperate climate and polar climate meet. Jeju green soybeans’ fermented extract from 300-day fermentation and 4-step high concentration process provides an excellent anti-aging effect to tighten skin, and strengthens the skin barrier with soybean oil generated in the fermentation process to make skin elastic and radiant.

1. 91% of highly concentrated, fermented extract of Jeju soybeans tightens your skin.
2. Added fermented oil of Jeju soybeans makes skin more elastic and radiant.
3. All-in-one anti-aging effect of Soybean Energy Essence for a naturally-radiant skin!
* Naturally-radiant skin: Skin with a healthy balance of radiance, surface texture, cleanliness, elasticity and moisture
* Increased up to 104.7% of natural radiance index after applying Soybean Energy Essence for 4 weeks!
4. 9-Free system: Free from harmful additives such as parabens, animal ingredients, mineral oil, silicon oil, synthetic color, polyacrylamide, imidazolidinyl urea, triethanolamine and fragrance

Ingredients

Bacillus/soybean ferment extract, propanediol, arbutin, polyglycerin-3, avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, betaine, adenosine, water, ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24, sodium polyacrylate, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, 1,2-hexanediol,