Facial Essences: Why You Need to Try This Skincare Phenom Now

When it comes to my skin, I consider myself a minimalist. My bathroom cabinet contains three things: a gentle cleanser, scent-free moisturizer and acne spot treatment. I mostly stick to the basics to keep my ultra-sensitive complexion in check. But with the shift into spring, my pared down routine hasn't been working out so well. Now my skin behaves like the weather—it's totally unpredictable. On any given day it can be dry and itchy, red and splotchy or just all-around dull. In need of a fix, I talked to my friends, all of whom seemed really into essences—AKA the secret weapon of Korean skincare regimens that have recently made their way into US stores. The clear liquid-y formulas are meant to be applied after cleansing, as an extra step before your moisturizer. While they look like water, most essences are packed with potent ingredients, like hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C and collagen-building algae extracts to supercharge your skin. I couldn't get my hands on a bottle fast enough.