This Is Why Caroline Hirons Wants You To Use An Essence

What Is An Essence?

“An essence is a lightweight, transparent liquid that sinks into skin in seconds,” explains Erica Maccallum, Master Aesthetician at Eve Lom.

Not to be confused with toners (which are typically used to clarify oily skin), an essence is infused with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate and prepare skin for following skincare products – such as a serum or a face cream.

What Are The Benefits Of Using An Essence?

The main benefit of an essence is that it helps to make the rest of your regime more efficient. Think of an essence as a primer for skincare, once applied to skin, this damp layer makes it easier for skin to absorb other products, so while it may seem like an unnecessary, additional stage, it will really benefit skin in the long run. Loaded with high concentrations of active ingredients, vitamins and minerals, essences are able to penetrate on a deep cellular level while serums and oils tend to only nourish the layers of the skin closest to the surface. “By treating the different layers, you guarantee long term hydration and plumper, more radiant skin,” Erica explains.

“The ingredients in The Amplifer are purposely selected to supercharge key actives,” says Caroline. “Whether it’s retinoids, vitamin C, peptides or hyaluronic acid, the essence makes them more bio-available for the skin, and ultimately, more effective.”

So, if you’ve been religiously using a vitamin C serum to help brighten a dull complexion or have been incorporating a retinoid into your routine to tackle fine lines and texture, you might want to opt for an essence to enhance the process and secure visible results.

How Do I Use a Facial Essence?

As a rule, the most efficient way to apply skincare is by starting with the thinnest textures first and building up to the thickest. We recommend applying an essence straight after your cleanser, but before any serums or moisturisers. “I have always advocated for applying your skincare to damp skin,” says Caroline, as this further supports hydration and helps each product to absorb into the surface of the skin.

Erica adds that when applied after cleansing, an essence will immediately hydrate and calm the skin, whilst encouraging cell turnover. You can either moisten a cotton pad and sweep the essence across your face and neck, or alternatively dispense a couple of drops directly into your hands and press into cleansed skin using the pads of your fingers.

What Are The Best Essences?

Essences usually target a specific skin need, from treating pigmentation to warding off wrinkles, making it really easy to select one to suit your skin. Think about what you want to get out of your skincare routine and use an essence as a first port of call.