Our expert guide to elevating your skin care routine with an essence

Thought you knew everything about skin care? Think again. If you’ve never heard of an essence, your grasp on all things hydration and glow is about to level up. 

Settling in between your cleanser and serum steps, an essence works to hydrate skin and optimise the performance of other ingredients simultaneously. But it’s one thing for us to tell you that, and another to test out the theory IRL. And that’s where our Super Crew comes in…

For the past few weeks, our panel of skin care experts have been incorporating the Jurlique Activating Water Essence+ ($80 at Adore Beauty) into their routines.The lightweight formula features a blend of marshmallow root extracts, lavender and calendula. It’s made to prompt hydration and subsequent moisture retention for enhanced product efficacy and penetration. 

So, does it live up to its claims? Here’s the Super Crew verdict…

#1/ It helped with hydration levels

Our panel found the hydrating properties of the Jurlique Activating Water Essence+ to be very impressive, both upon application and as the day wore on. “It goes on smoothly without irritation and feels silky and non-sticky,” said @abeerafarooq11 of her experience. “My skin stayed hydrated all day long and it feels instantly fresh when you apply it.” 

@misscharlot echoed this, calling it a “fantastic lightweight hydrating addition” to her routine. A few also noted that their skin stayed comfortable for longer, thanks to the blend of soothing ingredients. “Not only is it super hydrating but also very calming and moisturising,” @missnellebelle explained.

#2/ The rest of their routine was elevated

Can an essence really enhance the performance of other products? Our Super Crew were surprised to find that this one certainly did. 

“It definitely helps the skin absorb moisturiser, serums, etc so much better,” said @ailenecamino. “I usually go straight to serum after toner but this additional step makes my skin care routine so much better.”

@missnellebelle found the ingredients really worked to leave skin conditioned and “super prepared” for her other skin care products too, which helped greatly with their penetration. “This beautiful silky, lightweight essence is not inexpensive but is well worth the splurge,” she concluded.

#3 / The luxurious scent and packaging were an added bonus

Efficacy aside, our Super Crew found the Jurlique Activating Water Essence+ to be a pleasing sensorial experience overall.  “Such beautiful packaging,” commented @abeerafarooq11, who was also pleased to note “the essence is free from all artificial colours, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates.”

Yep, the luxurious scent is all thanks to the natural blend of ingredients only. “I’m not good with describing scent but I believe I’m smelling lavender,” said @ailenecamino. 

@missnellebelle also described is as a “light floral scent that doesn’t linger”.

The verdict: Worth an extra step

Our Super Crew gave the Jurlique Activating Water Essence+ a 4.5/5 star rating overall, which is pretty impressive for a skin care step they didn’t realise they were missing.

And the best part? They think it would be suitable for all skin types.

@misscharlot says that those with skin concerns of dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness and loss of firmness in particular will find it worth it.

So there you have it folks, an essence sound like ‘essential' for a reason.

Like the sound of this skin-prepping, hydrating essence? Read more Jurlique Activating Water Essence+ reviews.

Main image credit: @missnellebelle