Thanks to the onslaught of all things K-beauty, many of us increased our skin care regimen to 10 steps. Despite our extremely busy schedules. Perhaps as a direct response, minimalist routines began to be revealed. But there’s one step worth adding to your skin strategy, even if it’s already jam-packed. We’re talking about emulsions.
So what exactly are emulsions? Well, basically they’re moisturizers with a little something extra thrown in. (Sometimes lots of things, in the best way possible.) They tend to be lightweight, making them ideal for summer. Not to mention for those with oily or combination skin.
If your complexion is more on the parched side, you should also consider working one into your routine. Dry skin suffers tend to favor heavier, thicker creams, especially in winter. But there’s something to be said for thinner emulsions because they spread more easily and absorb quickly. Great if you’re in a rush and still have more steps to get through.
Here are the best emulsions currently on offer.
Emulsions
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Emulsions #1
Clé de Peau Beauté Protective Fortifying Emulsion SPF 22, $160 at Clé de Peau Beauté
This lightweight SPF-infused moisturizer nourishes as it protects skin from damage caused by dehydration and UV rays. It boasts hydration powerhouse hyaluronic acid plus peony root extract to promote healthy skin turnover. Then there’s ginkgo biloba leaf extract, vitamin C ethyl and crataegus monogyna flower extract to reduce the appearance of everything from spots to uneven skin tone.
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Emulsions #2
Clarins Nutri-Lumière Day Emulsion, $156 at Clarins
Use this nutrient-rich anti-aging lotion even day to nourish and restore vitality to your complexion. Its nongreasy formula melts instantly leaving behind soft, radiant skin. Featuring the brand’s Anti-Pollution Complex, it also protects skin from indoor and outdoor pollutants.
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Emulsions #3
Avène Tolérance Extrême Emulsion, $38 at Avène
With only six essential ingredients and no preservatives, parabens or fragrance, this best emulsion is great for all you sensitive skin folks out there. The milky formula soothes and moisturizes. Plus, it helps maintain skin flora balance in your delicate microbiome.
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Emulsions #4
La Mer The Hydrating Infused Emulsion, $250 at Neiman Marcus
La Mer’s emulsion is well worth its $250 price tag. (You’ll definitely want to spring for the large bottle.) It protects and defends skin from dryness by delivering all-day hydration. It’s super lightweight, absorbs quickly and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores. How does it get the job done? With a lot of help from the brand’s kelp-based Miracle Broth and supercharged antioxidant Lime Tea Concentrate.
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Emulsions #5
REN Clean Skincare Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion, $48 at Sephora
This water-activated emulsion supplies ample moisture for visibly plumper skin. Its lightweight formula works with your skin‘s natural processes to reduce dehydration. Hyaluronic acid hydrates as xylitol binds moisture to your skin. Make it a daily part of your skin care routine and you’ll start to notice a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.
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Emulsions #6
Shiseido Creamy Cleansing Emulsion, $35 at Shiseido
Looking to keep the amount of steps in your skin care regimen the same? Order this gentle emulsion that doubles as a makeup remover. It’ll get rid of all traces of makeup and impurities while moisturizing your skin. Its Bio-Hyaluronic Complex also helps your skin hold on to all that hydration. Win-Win.
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Emulsions #7
Glo Skin Beauty Oil Control Emulsion, $50 at Glo Skin Beauty
If your skin is on the oily side, meet your new favorite skin care staple. It offers lightweight hydration and shine control courtesy of its blend of humectants, antioxidants and oil-absorbing agents. Simply apply to your skin after cleansing and toning twice a day to see real results.
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Emulsions #8
iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion, $95 at DermStore
Pharmaceutical-grade botanicals, peptides, marine extracts and antioxidants are the secret to this emulsion’s success. They work together to smooth, hydrate and plump parched complexions. The formula absorbs in a flash and helps fight the signs of aging and fine lines.
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Emulsions #9
Etude House SoonJung 10-Free Moist Emulsion, $17 at Amazon
Relying on 93 percent naturally derived ingredients, this best emulsion is ideal for super sensitive skin. There’s panthenol and squalane to hydrate and bring back elasticity, respectively. It also repairs skin damage, which makes the $17 price tag pretty incredible.
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Emulsions #10
Hanacure Nano Emulsion, $47 at Hanacure
Improve your skin tone and texture with this lightweight emulsion. Packed with peptides, squalane, sodium hyaluronate and patented "ruby of the forest" mushroom extract, your skin will feel hydrated and rejuvenated. It even reduces the signs of aging and damage.
