Esmi's Viral Skincare Has Just Dropped at Adore Beauty - Here’s a Beauty Editor’s Review
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
It's no secret we're living in a saturated skincare market. It often feels like a new skincare brand crops up each week.
While an exciting (and potentially overwhelming) time for us skincare lovers alike, it's easy for a launch to get lost within the noise.
With this in mind, it makes a success story like esmi Skin Minerals' one all the more impressive.
Since its launch in 2016, esmi (pronounced Es-may) has fast become a standout in Australia's beauty scene - and with good reason.
Founded by former skin therapist Evette McEwan, their Australia-made skincare strikes the perfect balance of utilising clean, vegan ingredients (should be the new norm, am I right?) with forward-thinking scientific formulas.
They're equal parts good for you (and the environment) as they are efficacious.
The brand's innovative use of probiotics (their Probiotic Skin Mylck is next on my must-try list) and emphasis on skin barrier health has cemented themselves as industry leaders and garnered quite the cult-following.
Their targeted formulas speak to sensitive, acne-prone, and glow-getting complexions alike.
I’ve been putting a few of their bestsellers to the test (including that iconic Hyaluronic Serum you've likely seen on Instagram), and suffice to say - I'm hooked.
Here’s everything you need to know before adding them to your routine.
Esmi Skin Minerals 24K Gold Nourishing Oil.
I'm calling it - this is the gold standard (excuse the pun) of what a facial oil should be: firming, repairing and leaves skin soft and supple.
This luxe oil is infused with 24k gold flakes (bougie much?) which boost skin elasticity and stimulate collagen production. The formula heroes a blend of potent antioxidants and rich-fatty acid like jojoba, avocado and coconut oil to reduce signs of ageing and strengthen the skin barrier. Added rosehip oil aids in skin repair and anti-inflammation.
I've thoroughly enjoyed using this oil. I find the texture to be relatively lightweight and seeps into the skin quickly without leaving a greasy or oily film.
Bonus points for layering well with my other serums and moisturisers - there was no pilling (which is one of my usual gripes with facial oil).
I've been using this as final step of my night-routine and have been waking up to radiant, pillowy-skin. Heaven!
Fast Facts:
- 24K gold leaf flakes enhance skin elasticity and boost collagen.
- Potent antioxidants protect skin against environmental stressors.
- Anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin while helping to repair damage.
- Infused with ylang ylang and geranium for a calming, spa-like feel (Note: there is a scent here. It’s not overpowering but is notable).
Esmi Skin Minerals Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum.
We know, skincare often takes time and patience (if we haveee to) to yield the best results.
So - I was pleasantly surprised when I found this cult-serum was improving my skin... imminently.
A placebo effect? No! It’s their unique Triple Action Hyaluronic Acid complex that really does hydrate and plump the skin in real-time. esmi have said this delivery enhances skin's hydration by 25% within two hours and attracts moisture to deeper skin layers. Yes please to that!
The impressive complex is paired with niacinamide (to improve skin clarity), allantoin (to promote cell longevity) and good-old aloe vera extract (to soothe and heal).
The texture is ultra lightweight and water-gel like, which feels both cooling and smoothing on the skin. I apply it first-thing in the morning on damp skin and have noticed a lasting hydration and enduring dewy finish.
It’s no surprise one of these bad boys sells every 6 minutes...
Fast Facts:
- Triple-Action Hyaluronic Acid that holds 1000x its weight in water, ensuring deep moisture retention and plumper skin.
- Supports skin healing and prevents moisture loss.
- Strengthens the skin barrier promoting long-lasting hydration and protection.
- Suitable for all skin types.
Esmi Skin Minerals Afterglow Rejuvenating Bakuchiol.
I’m a relatively new Bakuchiol convert (KORA's Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum has been a quick favourite in my routine), so I'm pleased to report this nifty oil-based serum has continued my faith in bakuchiol's brightening power.
For anyone new to Bakuchiol, it’s a plant-derived ingredient that works similarly to retinol. It stimulates collagen production, promotes cell turnover, and improves skin tone and texture.
Think of it as a gentle (vegan) alternative to retinol that promises minimal irritation. It’s a great option for those who have sensitive skin (it’s me - I have sensitive skin!) and is safe for use while pregnant & breastfeeding.
This particular formula is enriched with lush botanicals like blue tansy, prickly pear cactus and blue chamomile that work in tandem to calm and rehydrate skin, while the Bakuchiol is does its thing.
It wears like a dry-oil on the skin, think: silky - not slippery.
It's early days for a true testimonial (I like to give 2 months+ for retinol / retinol adjacents) but my skin does have a little more clarity and I'm impressed with the evening of pigmentation so far...
Fast facts:
- Bakuchiol: A natural retinol alternative for smoother skin that brightens and evens skin tone.
- It's ideal for dry, sensitive skin types.
- Safe for pregnancy & breastfeeding.
- Defends against environmental stressors and premature ageing.
Esmi Skin Minerals The Uncomplicated Cleanser.
When selecting a cleanser, I look to formulas that are equal parts good for my skin as they feel good on my skin. This no-frills, every-day offering from esmi ticks all the boxes.
True to name, this cleanser is uncomplicated. The ingredients are simple and effective (how a cleanser should be!) and is enriched with aloe vera and chamomile to refresh and calm skin.
The velvety cream formula (it's seriously smooth) gently lathers to effectively remove debris, grime and even the most-stubborn-waterproof-mascaras with ease.
It gives skin a thorough, proper cleanse without being overly stripping or drying. The cleanser is lightly scented and leaves skin feeling fresh and balanced sans any tightness.
Bonus points for hydrating and balancing the skin's barrier.
Fast Facts:
- Aloe vera and chamomile work to soothe and calm sensitive skin.
- Creamy texture creates a light lather that gently cleanses.
- Effectively removes makeup without stripping moisture.
Esmi Skin Minerals Hydrating Hydra-Fluid.
Just in case the cult Hylauronic Hydrating Serum wasn't enough...
This water-gel moisturiser is brimming with hyaluronic acid to deeply (and intensely) hydrate and moisturise skin while balancing oil production. The formula is supercharged with squalane and blue tansy to revitalise skin cells, firm texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Don't be deceived by it's gloopy, mask-like texture, the fast-absorbing formula sheers out completely.
My veers-on-the-dry-side skin absolutely lapped this up within seconds. The formula felt weightless and like a incredibly-thin veil, locking in all of my skin's moisture.
It layered beautifully underneath foundation (and SPF) and gave skin that coveted sheen. I would recommend this for all skin types looking to boost moisture levels.
Remember: hydrated skin = glowing skin!
Fast Facts:
- Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps the skin.
- Lightweight, silky texture absorbs quickly without greasiness.
- Perfect for dry, sensitive skin that needs a hydration boost.
- Helps improve skin softness and nourishment without being heavy.
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