I know you must be thinking why just one skincare product in this ‘holiday find and recommend post', that is just because I feel this single product needs one dedicated post to show my appreciation on how my skin is liking and acting to it. Moreover, this is not a new product but it is new to me as is the brand. And what can be the better time to try this in the beautiful holiday packaging, it does come in regular all clear bottle. I am talking about the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.
If you have never heard of SK-II, it is one of the most trusted and bestselling skincare brands in Asia and is quickly becoming a must-have among beauty experts in North America. And if you are not aware and never used an essence before, Essences are clear liquids rich in active ingredients and light in consistency. They are used after the lotion and before the serum in Asian routines but in our western routines, it can be used after cleansing and before the serum or moisturizer. In any case, it is going to benefit if applied before the other rich products in your routine and after cleansing. The key ingredient, PITERA™ is a bio-ingredient derived from yeast fermentation that resembles your skin's natural moisturizing factors; contains over 50 micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic acids to condition skin's natural functions.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is SK-II’s signature product which is essentially unchanged for over 35 years. Facial Treatment Essence is SK-II’s signature and most awarded bestseller. This essence is described to transform all five dimensions of the skin to crystal clear—spots are less visible, the appearance of wrinkles is reduced, skin texture is more refined, firmness is improved, and radiance is beautifully elevated. With over 90 percent Pitera, SK-II's bio-ingredient helps renew skin, boost moisture and radiance, and combat signs of aging. The lightweight formula allows for faster absorption and higher penetration of the product into the skin as compared to serums or creams.
The bottle as you see in the pictures is from the KARAN Limited Edition Collection which SK-II created in collaboration with artist Karan Singh. The limited edition bottle has a pop-art design illustrating the power of PITERA™ and looks so gorgeous, like a work of art which will look great on the vanity even after the product is finished.
For my combination skin which is prone to breakouts, I was not sure what this clear liquid like product will do to it. I am so glad I tried this, though I have read some nice things about this in the past, from my trusted fellow bloggers as well as my friend. I have been using this as the first step after cleansing, preferably with a cotton round as I feel I have more control on the application on all parts of my face excluding the eye area. It absorbs quickly, it did calm my problem areas instantly. I did have few breakouts the time I started using this and it did not irritate but instead calmed the area. For other parts of the face, it just sank into the skin. With the consistent use, I am feeling my face is more radiant, bright, the texture is even, my skin feels balanced. I do use other products in my routine but I do feel this makes a difference. My skin is soft and the products I use after using this essence work even better having this on the skin first. And one more thing, I do feel the difference in how my skin looks and feels if I stop using this essence for a few days. I am very happy and look forward to having this in my skincare routine forever 🙂 No doubt why this essence has won so many beauty and critic awards.
I highly recommend you to check SK-II Facial Treatment Essence if you are looking for something that helps with brightening the skin, preventing the formation of dark spots caused by sun damage, fine lines, smooth and supple skin. It is suitable for all skin types. And a great time to try or to get a backup of this 230ml version of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence KARAN Limited Edition. It is available at SK-II.com, Sephora, and Sephora Canada.
*Press samples