This is a sponsored post with affiliate links. All opinions are my own and honest.
MISSHA’s Time Revolution essence is an iconic product. If you’ve heard of MISSHA, you’ve probably heard of the essence. I had one of the prior versions years ago, then recently finished a bottle of the First Essence 5x (the fifth generation of the best seller). And now there’s a new player in town - MISSHA Time Revolution Enriched Essence. Both are sold on the brand’s official US website - 5x here and the Enriched here. Save on your order with code KBEAUTY27.
MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence 5X is made using the three step EXTREME FERMENT α™ method and promises to improve moisture levels, tone, and texture in 14 days. It contains 97% Desert Cica Yeast Ferment, rich in antioxidants to hydrate, brighten, and reduce the visible signs of aging. Niacinamide offers a multitude of benefits from improving the appearance of pores to helping hyperpigmentation, and a duo of ceramide and glycerin supports healthy barrier function. This essence should work for all skin types.
The First Essence Enriched is an upgrade to the 5X and features XTREME FERMENT β™ with new ingredients like beta glucan and fermented black year extract. It aims to brighten, smooth, and improve elasticity. It’s recommended for people with mature/aging and dry skin, but can be used by normal and sensitive types as well. Full lists of ingredients for both essences are provided at the end of the article.
How to use (these instructions apply to either essence):
After cleansing, pour a generous amount on a cotton pad or into palms
Gently pat into the skin
Apply more layers, if desired
Follow with the rest of your routine
You may be used to seeing essences go after toner, but these are first treatment essences meant to be used right after cleansing. A toner can still be applied after, if you wish. As far as cotton pads, those are the official MISSHA instructions, but I prefer to use my palms to minimize friction and product waste.
The 5X version is light and watery with no noticeable scent. It absorbs almost instantly, and my skin looks and feels more firm when I use it (the results do take a couple of weeks to start showing, so be patient). More immediately, I notice improved hydration and an overall glow. MISSHA Time Revolution Enriched Essence has a thicker consistency and a very light, barely noticeable scent. It takes a bit of shaking to get it out of the bottle (while the 5X pours out like water). Both essences come in glass containers which adds a certain feeling of luxury to my skincare routine.
My impressions
I’m a big fan of MISSHA essences. I have combination skin with some dry and oily areas, freckles, and early signs of aging. Both of the essences - the 5X and the Enriched - work well for my skin. I reach for MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence 5X when I want something light and airy, to step up my morning routine without causing any congestion, or when I plan to layer lots of other steps afterwards. I prefer MISSHA Time Revolution Enriched Essence when my skin is feeling extra parched and I need as much nourishment as possible, or as part of an evening routine. Sometimes I use it in the mornings now that it’s cold and dry (Winter season).
I’m super excited to experience more of the Enriched essence and see what kind of long term benefits it can provide. So far, I’m seeing hydration and plumping, and of course niacinamide can improve the appearance of pigmentation and pores. And a restock of the 5X was welcomed as well, because I love how well it works for my combination skin during any time of day. It hydrates my skin and makes it look more even. If you need an essence, definitely try one (or more) of the MISSHA ones.
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MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence Enriched ingredients: Yeast Ferment Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP
Copolymer, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol,
Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Water,
Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment, Beta-Glucan, Glycerin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Sea Salt, Aspergillus Ferment, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin.
MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence 5X ingredients: Water. Glycerin. Propanediol. 1.2-Hexanediol. Niacinamide, Yeast Ferment Extract. Diethoxvethyl Succinate
Bifida Ferment Lysate, Sodium PCA. Butylene Glycol. Ethylhexylglycerin. Adenosine. Xanthan Gum. Ceramide NP. Hydrogenated Lecithin