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Beauty/Skin/Serums & Treatments

Top 10 Beauty Essences

Get A Glass-Like Glow with a Top Beauty Essence

Get A Glass-Like Glow with a Top Beauty Essence

Korean skincare has long influenced the Western beauty market. For centuries, Korean women have achieved the “I just drank from the fountain of youth” look complete with dewy, pearlescent, and basically pore-less skin. What’s their secret? Well aside from the fact that their beauty routine has 10 steps, the essence is at the heart of their regimen. Okay, we know it sounds so cheesy, but this weightless water-like formula is packed with active ingredients and much more concentrated anti-aging components than many of the serums in your beauty arsenal. Not only do essences offer major hydration, brightening, and softening, they also help prep your skin for any other layered on products and makeup. Best applied after your toner and before your serums and moisturizers, it’s as easy as pouring a few drops into your hands and pressing gently into skin. For the Top 10 essences, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the most highly rated and buzzed about essences on the market right now. Varying in price point, the products on this list also boast fun and unique ingredients like snail secretion and kombucha. Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder but it's also in a bottle of essence. So, pick your potion and watch the magic happen! Opening image: @AMOREPACIFIC.US

Did you like our 10 Best Beauty Essences? Then you’ll love our 10 Best Derma Rollers!

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February 15, 2019

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Rank & Style Approved

amazon.com

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

LOVED FOR: Snail secretion is not only super hydrating, but it also works to repair aging skin.

FUN FACT: This works wonders as an overnight spot treatment for blemishes.


Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence

BEST FOR: Improving overall tone and texture

FUN FACT: The handpicked leaves used to create the original single extract are fermented for 50 days, aged in traditional Korean earthenware for another 50 days and extracted for 24 hours to create a concentrated skin superfood.


Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

BEST FOR: Word on the street is that this essence is an SK-II dupe... and it's under $50.

USERS SAID: "My new Holy Grail in skincare! Saw immediately that it plumped and moisturized my skin. Applied some to one of my hands to compare and it took YEARS off. Filled in smile lines around my mouth. Skin looks and feels smooth and plump. Lightweight and non-fragranced, it is gentle on my skin, very mild and soothing. I use it day and night, it has become a staple in my skincare regiment."


Belif Hungarian Water Essence

LOVED FOR: The deliciously relaxing natural herb scent 

HELPFUL TIP: Want to feel super refreshed? Store in the refrigerator for a cooling sensation! 


Laneige Water Bank Essence

LOVED FOR: This mineral water for your skin offers benefits that go far beyond simple hydration to smooth skin's texture and fine lines

BEST FOR: Dry skin


Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence

BEST FOR: Getting your peony fix even when they're out of season

LOVED FOR: Consistency of a serum with the softening power of a lotion


Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Antioxidant Essence

BEST FOR: Protecting skin from the elements

WHY YOU NEED IT: With all the anti-aging hype around hyaluronic acid, you'd be silly not to have a product with this miracle-working ingredient in your beauty arsenal. 


Son & Park Beauty Water

LOVED FOR: A multi-tasking product for the minimalist

BEST FOR: Prepping the skin before applying makeup, especially if you're after a natural, dewy glow


Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softener

BEST FOR: Clean but powerful ingredients you can feel good about 

FUN FACT: Every essence bought helps contribute to Room to Read, an organization that supports girl's education globally.


SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

USERS SAID: "Only took three days for my skin to look brand new. No breakouts. My skin is more even. My scarring is fading. I don’t know how it’s possible but my skin has never been perfect in my life until now. Will repurchase forever."

HELPFUL TIP: This award-winning essence didn't gain its holy grail status because of it's amazing scent, but that's nothing that can't be fixed. Store in the refrigerator and voila, it's scentless.

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