AmorePacific

I've been using this for years and have loved it since day one. It is pricey, but a bottle lasts me a long time and not much product is needed during each use. This is an exfoliant without the grittiness of most exfoliants. It uses enzymes to remove impurities and dead skin cells. It comes in a powder form (like Dermalogica's Microfoliant) and is activated by adding water. I add a little bit of product in my palm, add a little bit of water, rub between my hands until a foam forms. I then apply it to my face, massaging in circular motions until it starts to thicken into more of a paste-like consistency. Once it has thickened to the point where it is harder to massage on the skin, I then add more water to allow it to foam again and repeat the process. Once the product has been rinsed off, I am left with soft, hydrated and brighter skin. It is gentle and effective. It says it's been reformulated so that it can be used also during the cleansing process but I prefer to cleanse first with my usual cleanser and use this after. If you're not willing to commit to the larger size Sephora has a smaller option.

I bought this on a whim because I wanted to try out essences and had heard the name AmorePacific in passing. Within the first week I noticed that my skin was smoother. After two weeks I noticed that my pores had started to get smaller and any inflammation or breakouts would stop dead in its tracks. After three weeks I started getting compliments from family, friends, and coworkers on how glowing and radiant my skin had become. I am now a faithful user of this essence. Before I started using this, products would sit on top of my skin. Now everything that I use absorbs into my skin. It really has been a miracle worker and is the only skin product I would not want to live without.

I was given a sample of this by the helpful ladies at Mecca Cosmetica Subiaco. I have a lot of trouble finding cleansers that don't aggravate my reactive skin. I only used this once and it stung immediately on application - it even stung my eyebrows which is a first. That night in bed I experienced a stabbing pain in my skin and on waking the next morning my skin was violently red raw. The product claims to be for all skin types, it's not. If your skin is dry or sensitive or reactive avoid this cleanser. Note: Mecca Cosmetica refused to publish this review on their website.