Review (5/5): It actually does something.
So, essences have always been a bit of a mystery to me (and, honestly, seemed like hokum) but my curiosity always led me back to research them. I've even bought them over the years and abandoned them because I just didn't know how to use them or if they were working. (And these are other best sellers with high price tags.) I finally revisited essences, caved in, and bought this super seller just to see if there was a fuss to be made over it. There is.
The very first time I applied it, I had a minor healing blemish on my cheekbone and it tingled at that spot. (Cool, it's not just water, lol.) I applied all my other stuff and knew it at least imparted moisture - my skin felt supple and hydrated. I noticed a change after just about a week using this - my skin was more even, a bit smoother (I have roughness on my cheeks that never seems to go away, no matter what), and dewy. I went camping for a few days - the dirty kind - and, after neglecting it, my skin needed help. I noticed everything bounced back much faster than it ordinarily would. I typically get a breakout after a trip like that but my skin stayed clear, it was just rough and sallow. Once home and finished with my usual routine, everything was back to normal and radiant again.
I know there are conflicting thoughts on how best to apply it; I won't put it on a cotton pad as I feel that would just waste too much product. (I first used this on May 6th and the picture is from 3 days ago - that's ALL I've used in about a month.) Right now I'm using one little drip of product for my whole face and neck; I just pour it in my hand, pat my hands together, and apply to a slightly damp face after toner. I must be experiencing what people are describing as a "water burst," because I put that tiny amount on my face and it's like I'm splashing water from a running faucet, that's the only way I can think to describe it; like the amount of wetness I'm getting exceeds the amount of product I used. I'm going to put some in a spray bottle with a fine-mist nozzle and use it that way, which is also how I'm going to travel with it. (Though, I've traveled with this large bottle and it's never leaked - and it lays on its side in my bag.)
For the price and the small amount I use, I will absolutely be repurchasing this.
(For reference, my once very-oily skin became dry then combo over this last winter, and now it's back to moderately oily, so it runs the gamut. I also have some unevenness, roughness on my cheeks, and dullness - all of which are improving everyday, and even my one or two monthly hormonal blemishes have been minimal and, if I get any small breakout, it's gone in a day or two and never fully forms to begin with.)
Update 10/23/17: the 2nd picture is from last night; more than 5 months of daily use (sometimes twice a day)
Update 4/12/18: the 3rd picture is from last night - May 6th will be a year since I bought this bottle and I still have about 1/4 left. (Sorry, can't get those pictures upright no matter what.)