We’ve all come pretty far from where we used to just have a more minimalistic 3-step skincare routine — cleanse, tone and moisturise — I mean, how hard could that have been?
But with the introduction of more products into the realm of beauty, thanks to the K-Beauty industry, we’re now open to a plethora of products for a more customised skincare routine. Yes, we’re referring to the 10-step Korean skincare routine that we all love and hate or more recently, the Skip-Care trend (read: The Latest K-Beauty Skincare Trend That’s All Over South Korea) that’s been making waves across the beauty community.
But most importantly, with the inclusion of these additional steps, do we truly know what we’re putting on our faces? Say, ampoules, toners, essences, emulsions and lotions for instance?
Well, for the uninformed, you’re in luck. In this article, we’re dissecting these beauty terms for you so you can differentiate them from one another (and find out which products are worth carting out for your next overhaul).
AMPOULES
WHAT ARE THEY?
Made popular by K-Beauty, ampoules may be small but they do pack a punch! Described as a little pick-me-up for your skin, ampoules are usually used to target skincare issues that vary from fine lines to dullness (and even the texture of your skin!)
Ampoules are usually made to achieve one particular effect, so mixing it with the right products to target your exact skincare needs are just as important. Think of it as a way of amping up your usual “serum” or “essence”.
Although this skin-saviour might bump up the clarity of your skin, these small (and potent) ampoules are highly concentrated with antioxidants and vitamins — basically, you don’t have to use it everyday!
HOW TO USE IT?
It comes as no surprise that many of you would be wondering where ampoules fall when it comes to your skincare routine. Well, in short, they usually come before your makeup to brighten up your look or before your serums or essence for an extra “boost”.
LaneigeFocus Active Ampoule (Amino Acid) – Brighten, $54
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules, $200
su:m37 Water-full Deep Effect Ampoule, 5mlx12, $175
TONERS
WHAT ARE THEY?
At this point in time, we’re definitely no stranger to toners — duh. But if you’ve just been following through the notion of it all, and have absolutely no clue about what you’ve been dabbing on your face this whole time, then it’s probably about time you should.
In the past, many saw toners as unnecessary products that were at times, either too astringent or even drying on the face. But with the introduction of new-gen toners that cater to almost-every skincare need you could think of, toners have been an integral step in any beauty regime out there.
Typically used after cleansing, toners help to remove any residual impurities on the skin which preps the skin for the upcoming skincare steps. New York-based dermatologist, Dr. Arielle Kauvar also mentioned in an interview with Allure that, “most molecules penetrate the skin better when it is wet, so applying active ingredients immediately after cleansing delivers better results,”.
Packed with acids, glycerin, antioxidants and other anti-inflammatories (depending on which toner you’re using), toners help to deliver hydration while removing dead skin cells off the surface of your skin!
HOW TO USE IT?
After cleansing your face, dab on some toner on a cotton pad before dabbing it all over your face.
MAMONDE FLORAL HYDRO AMPOULE NARCISSUS TONER, $32
SULWHASOO CONCENTRATED GINSENG RENEWING WATER TONER, $108
innisfree jeju cherry blossom skin, $25
LANEIGE FRESH CALMING BALANCING TONER, $40
SU:M37 SECRET BALANCING TONER, $76
KENZOKI WAKE-UP SERUM LOTION (GINGER RADIANCE), $51
BOSCIA RESURFACING TREATMENT TONER, $47
ESSENCES
WHAT ARE THEY?
Many tend to get confused between a serum and an essence. True?
Well, in actual fact, they’re both the same thing (wait, what?).
But hold up, before you go Marie Kondo on your vanity table, let’s get this straight — essences are more lightweight and less concentrated than serums and are usually used after your toner (for an extra boost of hydration) right before you apply your serums. Let us heave a sigh of relief.
Essentially, what this lightweight, hydrating liquid does for your skin is to prep and prime your skin to best absorb your fancy serums and creams!
HOW TO USE IT?
An essence is commonly used after your toner, and right before your serum, without a cotton pad. All you have to do is to add some to the palm of your hands, and gently pat it all over your skin which helps with better absorption and boosting the circulation of the essence.
Mamonde Vital Vitamin Essence, $45
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence, $60
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence, $60
SU:M37 SECRET ESSENCE, 80ML, $108
innisfree jeju lava seawater essence, $46
SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE (230ML), $285
FRESH BLACK TEA KOMBUCHA FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE, 50ML, $45
EMULSIONS
WHAT ARE THEY?
The next beauty term to add to your ever-growing list of beauty vocab: emulsions.
Basically, emulsions are more lightweight than you usual moisturisers — where they also offer similar benefits to that of a cream with the additional benefit of its lighter formula.
Now it brings on the question: can it replace your usual moisturiser? Answer is: yes and no. Emulsions are used as a replacement for moisturisers or an in-between step after serums and before moisturisers — with many opting for the latter. Bottom line is, it all depends on your skin type.
HOW TO USE IT?
After layering on your serum, follow through by slathering on emulsion before topping it off with your moisturiser to end off your routine. Alternatively, you can also leave the last step out for a more minimalistic regime.
