This post contains affiliate links. I won this product in a giveaway.
It took me some time to appreciate essences. I used to think of them as just another word for serum, but now I see them as an extra opportunity to nourish or hydrate the skin. If you are confused about the differences like I used to be, check out this video.
I’m currently exploring TIA’M Snail & Azulene Water Essence. I haven’t had it for too long, so this post is more or less first impressions. The essence promises to hydrate, soothe, and cool the skin. By cooling they mean extra relief after sun exposure, not an actual drop in temperature (as far as I can tell, anyway). Azulene is a very interesting and wonderful ingredient (which also gives this product its unique color). It reduces redness and inflammation and can feel great on the skin, especially if stored in the fridge. It’s non-irritating and even has some antibacterial properties.
I won this essence through Picky (highly recommend that app. Sign up here using invitation code 982961C6). It’s available on YesStyle (use my reward code KBHOBBIT for extra savings) and from the official TIAM Amazon store.
How to use:
Apply to skin after cleansing
Can be used as an essence (after toner) or instead of toner
Also suitable for a DIY mask - soak cotton pads in the essence and apply to desired areas for 10-15 minutes
Follow with the rest of your routine (serum, moisturizer, etc)
The texture is not what I expected. When I see “water essence”, I imagine something with a very liquid, watery consistency. However, this essence has a thicker, jelly-like texture that’s quite common for snail products. It’s similar to Purito toner or the Klairs Unscented one (these products are so popular that I thought a lot of people would know their textures). I don’t really notice a scent. To be clear, the consistency isn’t a deal breaker and I actually like it, it’s simply incongruent with the “water essence” product name in my mind.
My impressions
This is a lovely addition to my evening routine. It would be fine for mornings as well, but I keep the AM products to a minimum (I’m tired and lazy). I don’t store mine in the fridge, but it’s a great option, especially for people who run warm or after a day outdoors.
I have combination skin with an oily t-zone that gets even oilier if dehydrated. This essence offers a good amount of hydration without making my face oily or sticky, which is awesome. It also layers well over more watery toners and under any of my serums.
If you are a fan of the 7 skin method (applying a hydrating product up to 7 times), you’d likely see the same benefit after just 2-3 layers of the TIA’M Essence. I think it’s worth a try and I’m excited to see what other longer-term benefits my skin may get from this product.
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TIAM Snail & Azulene Water Essence ingredients: Snail Secretion Filtrate(87%), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, Allantoin, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album (Mistletoe)Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Chlorphenesin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate(15ppm), Disodium EDTA