One of the biggest questions I get via email is, (if I could only pick one), which high-end beauty product you should splurge on. To family, friends, and readers alike, my answer is always exactly the same. SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence. The fountain of youth is probably not a real thing, but this product is more or less as close as it gets. It’s a small addition to your beauty routine that will make a world of difference.
The “magical” ingredient (as is the case with most of SK-II’s products) is actually very scientific: Pitera™. The essence is actually made up of more than 90% Pitera™. It’s a clear liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals… discovered nearly 40 years ago! All of SK-II’s products contain Pitera™, but the Essence contains the highest concentration.
Over the past month as part of SK-II’s OneBottleAwayFrom Journey (with the goal of getting my skin in its best possible shape before I turn – eek – 36 next month), I’ve been diligently using the product morning and night. The biggest benefit I’ve noticed in using the Facial Treatment Essence is the clarity of my skin. Less blotchiness and fewer spots. I’ve started using it twice morning and night and when I do this consistently my skin will take on that Cate Blanchett-esque (note that I said “esque”, I’d never proclaim to look like her.. ha ha!) quality: luminous, smooth and even… letting me skip foundation.
SK-II looks at this as “5 dimensions.” To use their words, spots are less visible, appearance of wrinkles is reduced, skin texture is more refined, firmness is improved, and radiance is beautifully elevated. On top of that, the Facial Treatment Essence penetrates better than a cream.
I think, because it more or less looks like water, the application process can be a little confusing – I get so many questions about how to use it! I apply it morning and night, after cleansing (before serum and moisturizer). After washing my face, I will pat my skin dry and then shake several drops into a cotton pad or my hands. I will then press the essence into my face and neck… gently patting my skin until it’s dry. The product will absorb very easily into your skin. Afterward, I’ll apply moisturizer + sunscreen (morning) or serum and moisturizer (evening). Results aside, I love that using an essence creates a bit of a ritual… patting the product in is very soothing and has become something I really enjoy doing!
I can’t stress enough the importance of starting a good skincare routine while you are young. I’m a big believer in skincare > makeup. If you take really great care of your skin you won’t need much makeup. The Facial Treatment Essence is a wonderful example of this – if I use it consistently morning and night, I don’t need to wear foundation. I’m 35 years old now and have to work very hard to maintain my skin. Sunscreen every day, regular masks and treatments, and of course, my beloved SK-II. It’s so worth it. I’m #onebottleawayfrom radiant skin for 36, so bring it on!
Created in partnership with SK-II but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Photography by Lydia Hudgens.
Really want to try this product out – have heard great things about it so far!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
It’s the BEST! Let me know if you try it… I am a huge fan. 🙂
I need to try this one.
It is definitely one of my all time favorites!
I’ve heard so many amazing things about SK-II products, and your post totally sold me on trying it Grace!
Aw thanks Jenn! It’s one of my all time favorite, holy grail products!
I have heard so many great things about this product!! I’m only 22, but I think this is something I may want to look into…
Kendal // Life With Kendal
You probably don’t need to just yet… but I do think having a good skincare routine from a young age is so important! I started using SK-II when I was 26… I was working for P&G at the time, and we bought SK-II and had a big training on the brand. I became obsessed with it and that was 9 years ago!!
That seems like an amazing product! And I totally agree with you when you say skin care is better than makeup even though it might be hard to believe when someone has loads of problems with their skin (like me a few years ago) but now I totally believe it because I can finally see the results of years of good skin care (even though I still like to pile on makeup sometimes, just for fun haha).
It really makes a difference!! Makeup is still fun, (I love it too!!) but a quality skincare routine is the most important thing as it’s the foundation for everything else.
Wow, this sounds absolutely amazing! I’d never heard of this until now but it sounds great!
I hope you’ve had a lovely Wednesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
It’s an amazing product! Thanks Michael!
Hi! I really want to try this product but am a devoted P50 follower. Can I use both P50 and the SK-II Essence? Which order should I use them in? I usually use my P50 directly after cleansing, before serums ans moisturizers. I would so appreciate your advice!!
Love this review! I am also a huge P50 follower and use it morning and night and love it! Could i use this in addition do you think? Would you apply after P50 and before serums? Would appreciate any thoughts!!
I love your blog! Can I use the sk-ii essence before vitamin c and hyalaraunic acid serums (both skinceuticals) in the am? I will skip at night as I do retinol or glycolic and might be too strong. Thanks!
I think you should be fine, but I’d do a patch test or talk to your derm!