You all know how much I love essences. They're one of my necessary and most loved categories of skincare. I actually went over essences in detail HERE. I love an essence as a way to get a nice extra hydrating layer that's light in my routine. I find using one twice daily really adds that extra plumping oomph. Plus it adds no weight to the skin, only plumping hydration. It pains me to only pick three as my favorite because there's so many of them I enjoy and they're all really lovely in general. I could probably pick a top ten more easily. So I picked top three out of a few categories.
Top serum, anti-aging or treatment essence is African Botanics Infusion. This is a serum-meets-toner essence so it has a really liquid texture yet delivers serum like benefits to the skin. No other essence manages to soften, soothes, hydrate, brighten, rejuvenate, improve texture all in one. Plus it helps protect against environmental stress and pollution with adaptogens and antioxidants. It's full luxury meets effective skincare as African Botanics always delivers. I just cracked open bottle number two. Review HERE.
My favorite antioxidant essence is Fresh Black Tea Kombucha First Treatment Essence. This is a thin essence but it's still pretty hydrating as it has lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The star of this essence is powerhouse antioxidant and free radical fighter kombucha (fermented black tea). I love fermented skincare as it's rich in minerals, amino acids, beta glucan and vitamins. It encourages cell turnover for hydrated, brighter and a more even skin tone. This is definitely a great essence to start with if you've never tried one before. You can even do multiple layers. This is bottle two for me as well. Review HERE.
My favorite hydrating and soothing essence is YOU Skincare Moisture Replenishing Essence. This has a thicker slippery essence texture which I tend to gravitate towards. It's still really light and easily layerable. This one is ultimately great for soothing, hydrating and barrier repair. This also has unique soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Thanakha, Horsetail & Yucca root. I love that this got repackaged with a pump versus the old spray. This is bottle number two for me. Review HERE.
It's really hard for me to only pick three because this is one of my favorite genres of skincare. However if I could only have three this is what I narrowed it down to, plus I had repurchased seconds on all of them and will continue to have them consistently in my stash.
