Which is the best facial essence for my skin type?

First made popular by trend K-Beauty 10-Step skincare routines, facial essences have now become somewhat of a staple in many beauty collections. With a water-serum like consistency, facial essences add an ultra-lightweight veil of moisture to your skin making them perfect for adding a little more hydration into your routine.

Apply onto your skin straight after cleansing, facial essences work to prep your skin for the rest of your skincare. As they leave your skin slightly damp, essences allow the serums, oils and creams you apply afterwards to penetrate more deeply into your skin and work their magic.

Which is the best facial essence for my skin type?

With so many different formulations available, we have selected a few of our favourite essences so you can find the perfect facial essence for your skin type.

Best facial essence for dry skin

PIXI Rose Caviar Essence 45ml

14

£26.00

COMING SOON

Rich in natural oils to nourish the skin for a glowing finish, the PIXI Rose Caviar Essence is so lightweight but has the moisturising properties of a serum.

Working to restore your skin's natural radiance and create a lit-from-within glow, the blend of fresh botanicals and flower oils offer long-lasting hydration and leave skin plump, fresh and glowing.

Best facial essence for dehydrated skin

Rodial Dragon's Blood Essence 100ml

3

£38.00

COMING SOON

Multi-tasking and ultra-hydrating, the Rodial Dragon's Blood Essence can in so many ways to add much needed moisture to dehydrated skin types. Combining vitamin B with rice proteins, the essence spritz plumps and hydrates the skin leaving it bouncy and so soft with a radiant glow.

The lightweight formula also includes Rodial's hero skincare ingredient, a ruby red natural tree resin known as dragon's blood which soothes the skin and minimises redness making it the perfect choice for those with dehydrated or sensitive skin types.

Best facial essence for mature skin

As our skin ages, we need much more moisture to help tackle skin sagging and creasing to help prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Developed specifically for ageing skin, the Estée Lauder Micro Essence melts into the skin, boosts moisture levels and helps to improve skin water retention for a smooth and supple skin finish.

Suitable for all mature skin types, the fragrance-free formula simply soothes, hydrates and conditions the skin perfectly prepping it for your favourite serum.

Best facial essence for dull skin

Both exfoliating and hydrating, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence works to transform dull, lacklustre complexions.

The lightweight formula is infused with glycolic acid which effortlessly sweeps away dead skin cells to refine the skin, minimise dark spots and promote a brighter, more radiant skin finish. It also includes the brand's signature ingredient, grape water, which soothes the skin leaving it soft and supple.

Best facial essence for sensitive skin

If you struggle with redness or very sensitive skin, the Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence 98% Toner is perfect for calming and soothing irritation. Enriched with aloe extract, the lightweight essence hydrates the skin and reinforces your skin's natural defence barrier to help protect against further irritation caused by external aggressors.

Leaving your skin soft and refreshed, it works just as well on dry sensitive skin as breakout-prone sensitive skin as aloe vera possesses antibacterial properties to heal blemishes and prevent further breakouts.

Best facial essence for oily and combination skin

Working to balance and refresh the skin, the Lumene Valo Nordic C Glow Boost Essence is infused floral water, peppermint and nine organic essential, lightweight oils.

Improving skin tone and texture, the essence sweeps over the skin to minimise the appearance of pores, balance the skin and restore natural radiance. Without leaving any oily residue, it leaves oily and combination skin types refreshed and refined.