Many often get confused between the use of toners and essences to prep skin before layering serums, moisturisers and facial oils. But what exactly is the difference between the two? Although they may look and feel the same, toners and essences perform different functions in your skincare routine.

If it helps you tell them apart, you can categorise them according to their primary functions: Toners are alcohol-based products that help provide a deeper cleanse, while essences are water-based skincare products that contain high concentrations of antioxidants and minerals to boost moisture and hydration for your skin.&nbsp;

Like toners, essences are used post-cleansing and pre-serum to aid the more viscous products that follow to absorb faster and more effectively. On top of that, they also help to rehydrate your skin cells, protect your skin barrier, boost the overall health of your skin, rebalance your skin&rsquo;s pH levels, and smoothen your skin&rsquo;s epidermis.&nbsp;

If that sounds like the product for you, here are four essences you can try to elevate your skincare regime:

Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

This tiny pink drink sure packs a punch! Sunday Riley&rsquo;s Resurfacing Essence&nbsp;contains skin goodies like peptides and antioxidants &mdash; EGCG, a powerful antioxidant found in green tea, in particular &mdash; that resurfaces, balances, and firms your skin. Along with that, active ingredients like fermented honey, pink yeast filtrate, and chlorella are used to fully support your skin&rsquo;s microbiome.

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Clinique Even Better Brighter Essence Lotion

Your go-to product for glowing skin. Clinique&rsquo;s brightening essence lotion uses ingredients like Glucosamine and Molasses to illuminate your skin from within while simultaneously&nbsp;reducing traces of dark spots. It also contains Sodium Hyaluronate, Licorice Leaf Extract and other humectants to keep your skin feeling fresh and dewy. Perfect if you&#39;re going out on a hot summer&#39;s day.&nbsp;

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Bio-essence Bio-Gold Rose Gold Water

Lightweight and powerful. Bio-essence&rsquo;s Bio-Gold contains Eijitsu &mdash; a Japanese rose extract &mdash; that hydrates skin and refines pores. The additional presence of its 24K Bio-Gold allows your skin to defend itself against free radicals to prolong signs of ageing. Talk about a skinvestment.

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Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Biome Essence

It&rsquo;s all about hydration with Dr.Jart&rsquo;s Biome Essence. Formulated with its Vital Aid&trade; probiotic technology, this product introduces healthy bacteria to balance your skin&rsquo;s microbiome levels. This allows your skin to strengthen its barrier and improve its&nbsp;ability to retain moisture. Perfect&nbsp;if you suffer from dehydrated skin.&nbsp;

Why Essences are Integral to Your Skincare Routine

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