These 4 Essence Hacks to Will Help You Level Up Your Skincare Game

If you’re into skincare, you know how important a hydrating, nourishing essence can be to your routine. But did you know you could do more with your essence than just pat, pat, pat it on? Essences are some of the most versatile skincare products out there, so play around with some of these essence hacks to maximize your skincare game.

A good essence is the cornerstone of any skincare routine. It’s that product that takes your skin to the next level, sort of like adding cheese to pasta or dipping your wings in ranch dressing (OK, maybe I’m hungry, but you get the point).

Anyway, an essence isn’t just for slapping on your face. There are so many different things you can do with it. Decant it and use it as a mist! Make a sheet mask with it! Mix it with your favorite serum or oil! Essences, in my opinion, are one of the most versatile skincare products out there. Get your money’s worth with some of my favorite essence hacks.

The 7-skin method

By far, my #1 top most favorite, most amazing, most game-changing way to use an essence is to use the 7-skin method. What is the 7-skin method you ask? Well, it’s when you apply anywhere between three to seven layers of your favorite toner or lightweight essence right after washing your face. I know, I can hear you from over here — like, why in the world would I want to put on seven layers of essence, is this some kind of Buzzfeed viral video situation? But no, it is not. Trust me, when I first saw the trend making the rounds I was quite skeptical. But then I tried it for myself and I have seen the truth, the way, and the light.

The theory is when you use all of these extra layers of essence, you really saturate the skin in moisture and hydration, so your skin is extra plump, dewy, and glowy, without the need for a heavy moisturizer. It works for all skin types! If you’re dry, you can load your skin up with yummy hydration and then throw an oil on top to seal it all in. If you’re an oily-skinned person, you can most likely skip using a moisturizer completely, as your skin will be well-hydrated.

Just make sure the essence you're using is lightweight and more watery than viscous. My favorite essence/hydrating toner to use for the 7-skin method is the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner. Honestly, this product has saved my skin this winter. I literally slather it on in the morning and my skin drinks it up. No greasiness, no mess, just wonderfully soft and hydrated skin.

Mist it up

It is very well-documented: I LOVE me a mist. If you have a watery essence that you love and you wish you could take with you everywhere, you can decant it into a spray or mister bottle. Imagine your makeup needs a bit of a refresher before you head out to happy hour and you just had a purse-sized bottle of the Missha FTE at your fingertips. BIG MOOD. If you search on YesStyle, you can find empty A’Pieu and Holika Holika bottles for very cheap! Live your best life, OK!

DIY mask, two ways

This year, we are sheet masking our lives away (or at least I am). Sheet masks are not only beneficial for your skin, but for me, they allow me the time to sit still and focus on only one thing — something my anxiety-ridden, scatterbrained mind desperately needs. There are two ways you can use your essence to make the world’s most hydrating mask.

1. Soak a cotton sheet mask in some glycerin and your favorite essence, and apply. It does require that extra step of glycerin, which acts as a humectant and seals in all of the essence.

2. Take some thin cotton pads, put them in a clean bowl, and soak them in your favorite essence. Take the cotton pads and place them strategically around your face, or wherever your skin is in need of an extra hydration boost. For me, that’s my forehead, cheeks and around my mouth. Either way you choose, your skin will thank you!

Waste not, want not

We’ve all used that essence that doesn’t quite hit the spot. Maybe it leaves your skin a little sticky, maybe it’s not as hydrating as we hoped. Well, fear not! We are not wasting our money this year, so let’s repurpose that essence into something else.

Mix it with your favorite oil to turn it into a lush occlusive to use at the end of your routine, or you can use it on other parts of your body that need a little extra love, like your chest, neck, and hands. If you’re short on time and want to combine some steps together, you can mix your essence with your serum and go to town. The possibilities are endless!

What are your best essence hacks? Let me know in the comments!