If you're just getting your head around the steps, facial essences is a key step in Korean skincare regimes - but what's the point of this step?
A facial essence isn't to be confused with a cleanser or toner. A cleanser is to clean the face and a toner is essentially a secondary cleanse to remove any leftover debris on the face. A facial essence, a much more concentrated formula, is then used to replenish the moisture lost through the cleansing process.
If you suffer with dry and lacklustre skin, adding the essence step to your beauty routine is a move we'd definitely recommend to achieve that glass skin complexion.
There's a lot of choice out there and within the beauty community, brands like Caudalie and Kiehl's are among the top performers in this category.
Whether you're looking for a luxury essence to transform dull skin, or you're just looking for something affordable to do its job - we've rounded up the top brands worth considering now below.
Best facial essences if you love Korean beauty trends
1. Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence 98% Toner
For those suffering with sensitive or easily irritated skin, this soothing essence formula is enriched with super-calming aloe extract, which not only hydrates the skin, but protects the defence barrier too.
The lightweight essence leaves skin feeling fresh and supple, it also a top suggestion for acne sufferers as aloe vera boasts antibacterial properties to calm blemishes and halt potential breakouts.
Price: £16.76, Look Fantastic - buy here now
2. Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Popular K-beauty brand Pyunkang Yul is a favourite among beauty bloggers and not without good reason.
The solution is kind to skin, being free from artificial irritants, dyes and fragrances. It also contains over 91% of milk vetch root extract which is pretty much a nutrient party for the face.
Skin is left with a silky smooth finish that is intensely hydrated way beyond the surface.
Price: £17.45, Amazon - buy here now
3. Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Essence Treatment
If you're looking for a highly concentrated formula, infused with the likes of sodium hyaluronate and lipo hydroxy acid among other skin replenishing ingredients - you'll love this.
Kiehl's velvety solution balances out uneven skin tones, reducing the appearance of pores, whilst delivering a much needed hydration boost for skin rejuvenating results.
Dry skin sufferers will benefit immensely from this essence.
Price: £38.50, Kiehls - buy here now
4. Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence
If an oily complexion is something you're trying to reduce, Caudalie's Brightening Essence is one simple solution that works hard in more areas than one.
It features glycolic acid which is great for gently exfoliating dead skin away and balancing out your complexion in the meantime. The formula is also enriched with white peony and grape water to soothe and protect your skin.
As it's quite a concentrated acid formula, you're best using this as part of the nighttime face routine to avoid potentially being red-faced in public.
Price: £22, SpaceNK - buy here now
5. Omorovicza Omoressence
This concentrated and balancing formula from Omorovicza is super hydrating and prepares the skin to lock in vital moisture, as well as protecting the natural defence barrier.
Utilising a complex array of amino acids and silicium, skin is able to retain water more easily, boosting collagen production and leaving you with a youthful and brightened complexion.
It also features lactic acid, which is one of the most hydrating acids out there with exfoliating properties.
Price: £53.95, Amazon - buy here now
6. Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
If it minimises pores and gives thirsty skin a quench, count us in.
The Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner from Fresh is packed with real rose petals that create the lovely amber hue, with equally lovely skin replenishing properties.
The alcohol-free formula features skin loving rose fruit extracts, rose water, rose oil and angelica leaf extract all of which work tirelessly to calm, tone and balance skin.
Powerful hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture leaving you with a silky smooth and supple face.
Price: From: £21, Cult Beauty - buy here now
7. Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
If you don't mind the splurge, we can't recommend this Revitalizing Essence from Shiseido enough.
For skin that's really dehydrated, this lightweight jelly formula boasts anti-aging properties and delivers an intense amount of hydration for skin with a bounce.
This essence is most recommended for those with mature skin.
Price: £77, Shiseido - buy here now
8. PIXI Rose Caviar Essence
This moisture serum from PIXI is lightweight, yet rich in natural oils that give you a deep glow that's long lasting.
Enriched with a unique blend of fresh botanicals and flower oils, not only are you in for hydration that lasts and a glow to envy; you'll have supple skin to the touch too.
Price: £26, Look Fantastic - buy here now
9. Bio Effect EGF Essence
This lightweight formula from Bio Effect is suitable for all skin types, and helps to hydrate the face without leaving behind a heavy feeling of sticky residue.
It replenishes moisture loss, delivering a deep injection of Icelandic water which is fast absorbing and prepares your skin for the rest of your beauty regime.
It's free from oil, fragrance and alcohol making it a luxury option to consider especially if you suffer with easily irritated skin.
Price: £79, Bio Effect - buy here now
10. Dewytree Ultra Vitalizing Snail Essence Water
Good skin by any means necessary, yes, even snail poop.
This lightweight formula from Dewytree features snail secretion filtrate among other (normal) ingredients, making for quite the hardworking formula for a number of skin concerns.
Snail mucin has been used for centuries to treat problems like wrinkles, repairing skin damage and soothing irritated skin. So if you;re on the sensitive side of skin, this might be one to give a go.
With the addition of key actives like aloe leaf extract, this essence helps to hydrate and nourish skin, whilst leaving you with a youthful glow that lasts.
Price: £23.78, iHerb - buy here now
For more products to keep your skin fresh, toned and looking its best - check out the best organic skincare products available in the UK.
