Laneige • Water Bank Essence • Skincare - Face

rated 3.8(78 reviews)

Average Rating.3.8
Would buy this product again.64%
Package Quality4.3
Price3.5
Ingredients

rated 5 of 5 MushroomFace on 5/29/2013 3:44:00 PM more reviews by MushroomFace

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Olive   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

Skin: Dry Condition: Eczema (mild) Laneige is my daily cleanse and moisture routine. I love this essence, as it absorbs quickly and moisturises. It is very light and doesn't flake my skin. The packaging is small enough to pop in your handbag, but not too small (60ml). It is designed with a hand pump and a little goes along way, I only use one pump to moisturise my whole face. PROs: very hydrating CONs: £30. Could be costly if you buy all the other items for full face routine.

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rated 4 of 5 styra on 5/19/2013 12:27:00 AM more reviews by styra

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this for years! To be exact, for 6 years now and I love it. I try many products often and I always use this as my base just in case the other products are not suitable for my skin or dries it out. It provides moisture yet it isn't oily or anything. It's a must for any skin type (mine's combination) and weather!

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rated 5 of 5 listentonothing on 5/12/2013 2:56:00 PM more reviews by listentonothing

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is one of my HG moisturizers. I have hormonal acne and everything from the water bank line is the best. It doesn't feel greasy and thick as it is a light gelish liquid. I use this in conjuction with water bank eye cream, water sleeping pack, night time perfect renew and the emulsion as well (sometimes when I feel I really need it). This shit is seriously the best.

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rated 5 of 5 ze07 on 5/11/2013 12:10:00 PM more reviews by ze07

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

First of all, I'm a huge fan of Laneige. What I love about this essence is that it's easily absorbed into my skin and I can actually feel the softness of my skin after applying this. Most importantly, it's not sticky! Well, before I apply a layer of moisturiser on it. So it's the moisturiser's fault, not this essence's fault. I bought this because of their 'water pump system' which circulates moisture throughout the skin and part of me wanted to believe it. And I'm glad to say that I did not regret buying this and definitely will repurchase. By the way, also love their packaging. It's hygienic as it comes with a pump dispenser. Overall, pretty satisfied with the results.

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rated 4 of 5 ellfabric on 5/11/2013 9:51:00 AM more reviews by ellfabric

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I got a small bottle as a sample when I purchased the water sleeping pack and I really liked how it feels watery upon application and how it absorb into my skin without leaving any oily residue.My skin will feel so lightly hydrated! Hence, I've repurchased the full-sized several times because it works well with my oily skin.

Initially, I used this essence with the Water Bank (WB) gel cream on top but it gets too much for my very oily skin. I tried using just the WB gel cream alone, but it's still too much. Then, I slowly stopped using the gel cream and re-experimented to use just this WB essence as my moisturizer and my skin was okay! I know this is not a "moisturizer" in the strictest sense, but it works for my oily skin. That's good enough for me! Love the smell too! Okay, I do admit that my skin still turns oily after a few hours but I'll just pat my skin dry with a tissue. If I use my HG Biore UV Perfect Face Milk on top of all my skincare, my skin does not get oily for a very long time!

However, yes, I've been itching to try a new moisturizer..something new and exciting for a change!! But I've still not found one with the same watery/absorbent feeling as this..so I'm sticking to this for the meantime! :) Hope my review helps!

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rated 3 of 5 mivaro on 12/16/2012 12:55:00 PM more reviews by mivaro

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

First of all - this is not a moisturizer. In Korean skincare, an 'essence' is a serum that you use before your cream. A 'toner/refiner/lotion' and then an 'emulsion' come before the essence to tone/minimize and supply an initial layer of light moisture so that serums applied after will sink right in.

I've found this serum to add a little hydration to my skin when used before my cream. It's not one of my favorite Laneige products, but I'd suggest it for young people who need just a little dose of hydration in addition to their moisturizer. It's oil-free, so if you use an oil-based cream this can help even that out. Also, it smells great!

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rated 2 of 5 Jocelyn90 on 11/3/2012 8:26:00 AM more reviews by Jocelyn90

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I brought along a small pump dispenser sample size on a flight to test out its effectiveness (partly because it is the most compact moisturizer essence I have at that time). The Waterbank Essence was no match against the dry cabin air and I had to apply once every hour or so just to ensure my skin stays moist. I also didn't like the shiny appearance it left on my skin after application (it wasn't oily at all, just shiny) and I had to powder it off with my MAC P+P Translucent Powder.

I continued to use the product when I was back on land in Singapore. My skin felt supple but the shiny appearance it left still remained and it got quite annoying because for an essence that isn't oily in texture, the shiny appearance which it left on my skin was puzzling. I will recommend this to people with dry and sensitive skin. The only saving grace of the product is its relatively hygienic packaging, coming in a pump dispenser and the light scent that comes with all Laneige products. The Water Bank Essence retails for SGD65 for 50ml at Laneige counters.

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rated 1 of 5 lachrymist on 10/24/2012 1:49:00 AM more reviews by lachrymist

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Black, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I used it a few times in the summer and did have small pimples but I thought it was my hormonal breakout but recently this is the only thing I added back to my routine and I am breaking out again (and the pimples are different from my hormonal ones). Now I finally realize it's the essence that is breaking me out. So disappointed.

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rated 1 of 5 reishi on 8/29/2012 10:27:00 PM more reviews by reishi

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Tried this product because I'm planning to replace my Sothys brightening fluid because its expensive but I guess I'm sticking with Sothys. After using this product for a day, I woke up with small pimples on my cheeks. I thought my skin was just adjusting so I continued to use it. The pimples went away after I treated them with salicylic acid but my face still continue to get small bumps all over my face now. Very disappointed.

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rated 5 of 5 l0vebuzz on 8/16/2012 6:22:00 PM more reviews by l0vebuzz

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Perfect! The skin on my cheeks and chin have been really dry lately and this product has really helped. It keeps my skin moisturized all day and it's really light so it never feels oily.

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rated 5 of 5 jeanjeantata on 7/13/2012 1:52:00 AM more reviews by jeanjeantata

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

really surprising this essence works for oily skin type as well. it gets absorbed into the skin much faster than i have expected. this does not grease up the skin and makes your skin really supple. smells great too!

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* spackle_n_smear on 7/12/2012 9:14:00 PM more reviews by spackle_n_smear

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Oily, Dark, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I normally use Laneige's Power Essential Light Skin Refiner and Emulsion--I love it because it's very lightweight and non-greasy, but it gets all slippery and shiny (mind you, NOT oily) in the humidity or when I sweat.

I received a Water Bank sample kit containing the eye gel, gel cream, and essence when I ordered some BB cream from Korea. I tried them out of curiosity. I tested the EX version of the product though I'm not sure what the difference is since it has, I believe, the same active ingredients.

The essence is rich and cooling going on, I almost thought the product was too thick, but when it dried, the finish was matte and my skin looked smooth. It even plumped out the pesky wrinkle in the middle of my brow. I would've passed this over if it weren't for the fact that it did NOT go all slippery when I stepped out into the streets and into the humidity. I started sweating on my forehead, and the product did not break down into a greasy slippery mess. Same goes for the Water Bank Gel Cream.

I'm giving this a try here in this year's humid summer months. Unfortunately they don't have the Gel Cream at my local Laneige counter. Either they have it or they don't with my counter. I guess I'm forced to order it online from here on. 4 lippies because the Essence is still a bit on the pricey side. Then again, serums are generally an ounce big. The essence is twice that.

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rated 5 of 5 SweetSmellingToilets on 5/30/2012 6:47:00 PM more reviews by SweetSmellingToilets

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

This is such a good light moisturizer. In the summer, it is the only moisturizer I use and in the winter, I use it as a base layer and add night cream on top. It makes your skin so supple and soft and it's super gentle. However, I still like the waterbank_ex more. It's a lot more watery.

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rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* bubblegumpoo on 5/18/2012 6:09:00 AM more reviews by bubblegumpoo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I always get a big sample size of this as a freebie when I purchase Laneige goodies, and plan on buying the full-size when I run out. It's actually more of a gel consistency than a watery one, with a very slight fragrance to it. After application, it doesn't leave a greasy or even dewey finish, which as an oily-skinned gal, I am very happy about. It just absorbs right in and gives a bit of an oomph to my compexion. It feels so amazing on and ultra refreshing too. If you have oily skin, I really recommend this product.

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rated 4 of 5 porcaq on 4/27/2012 2:16:00 AM more reviews by porcaq

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Absorbs easily, and is good in warm, humid weather. But for drier skin types, this might not be enough. It comes in a good-value package at DFS stores and of course, Korea. Not sure if i would repurchase it though since my skin is dry most of the time. The fragrance can be a bit strong if you are not a fan of scents.

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rated 5 of 5 jingleszz on 3/25/2012 11:34:00 AM more reviews by jingleszz

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I wouldn't call myself a beauty junkie but I do love to try new products as and when. Which means that i seldom repurchase products. So to me this is a really good product as I just got my second bottle of it.
When using this it just feels like I'm feeding water to my skin, and it feels so good and fresh for my skin.
I love love love this as it truly keeps my face feeling hydrated and comfortable. Will repurchase!

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rated 4 of 5 LannyZhang on 3/2/2012 12:37:00 PM more reviews by LannyZhang

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I really love this product because it really balance my t-zone area (make it not so oily) and at the same time didn't make my check dry (keep moisturise). Really love it and i already use my second bottle.. Love the packaging but i think it's quite pricey.. I can use this essence without aply any moisturiser and keep my face from acne that cause by too many moist in my face.. So this water bank essence is the perfect formula for my face so far.

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rated 2 of 5 Takumi on 2/16/2012 12:37:00 PM more reviews by Takumi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Nice smell, nice packaging and design, but moderate effect. Skin feel smooth after using, but oily after sometimes. My skin appear to have breakout more than usual..disappointing

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rated 4 of 5 chynnadoll21 on 2/6/2012 7:02:00 AM more reviews by chynnadoll21

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Great smell as always with Laneige products. Does what is says, hydrates, and again (as with my other Laneige reviews) doesn't seem to do much else for me. Recommend to ppl with existing good skin.

However I will repurchase as moisturizes for nights when I'm going out and I need a quick moisturizer base before my makeup and I don't wanna apply my whole skin care regime knowing I'm gonna have to wash it off in a couple of hours.

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rated 4 of 5 kiaratesoro on 7/16/2011 1:02:00 PM more reviews by kiaratesoro

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

this essence really works for my oily skin. I really hate using moisturizer since it leaves me feeling sticky but not with this essence. It is very light and sinks right into your skin - making it soft, supple AND less oily. Highly recommend this for oily skin types.

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