Beauty for All: Discovering Missha's Affordable Skincare Gems

As I approach my late-20s, my perspective on things is starting to shift, I am beginning to prioritise personal growth and fulfilment over societal expectations, I am also starting to prioritise my long-term goals and aspirations over short-term gratification. It's a transformative period, and I think that also my skincare routine is being affected by these big changes. 

In fact, for as long as I have done skincare, I never really used essences much. These so called "Miracle Water", never really convinced me and I always thought they were more of a marketing ploy rather than a must-have product. But as the years go by and they start to show on my face, I decided essences deserved a second chance, especially because I am always on the lookout for a product that can reduce fine lines and even my skin tone, and texture.  

As I started to educate myself on the importance of using a facial essences, I learned that they actually offer quite a lot of benefits, like hydrating the skin and preparing it to better absorb other moisturising and nourishing products. And, in all the blogs and forum I was reading, there was one name that kept popping up over and over, and that is “Facial Treatment Essence”, by the luxurious Japanese brand SK-II. This product is like the OG of the essence world, having been around since the ‘80s and still being a best-seller today, must be a testament to its effectiveness. Only problem though, the $300 price tag… 

Best Essence under $60: The First Essence 5X 

So, of course, as the financially responsible skincare girlie that I am, I started looking for a replacement that could fit within my budget, and that’s how I learned about Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X. Apparently, this essence is one of the most beloved K-Beauty products in this category. It’s the fifth-generation rendition of Missha’s iconic “The First Treatment” essence, that has sold over 13 million units all over the world. The powerhouse ingredient in this product is the Cica Yeast Ferment, a nutritious ingredient that boasts a long list of promised benefits including moisturising, soothing, smoothing, skin tone improvement, sebum level balancing, firming, and wrinkle reduction. So far so good, just a quick research on CosDNA, no irritants, minimal acne potential, very well, carted, purchased! 

Upon trying it, Missha's essence has a watery consistency and subtle aroma that I find quite pleasing, vaguely yeasty. I started to regularly apply the essence as the first step of my skincare regimen, after thoroughly cleansing my face I would saturate a cotton pad with the essence and then lightly tap until fully absorbed. 

Fast forward to one month after I started using it, and I experienced an unexpected reduction in general facial redness, that I believe can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory ingredients like Cica. Additionally, I also feel like my face is much more hydrated and my skin tone also has improved, becoming more even and brighter. All in all, pretty good results for something I always thought was nothing more than a marketing gimmick! 

MISSHA: Beauty is NOT a privilege

My positive experience with Time Revolution The First Essence 5X was just the beginning of what this brand had to offer for my evolving skincare needs. As I delved deeper into the world of Missha skincare, I really started to love this brand. Seriously! 

“Beauty is not a privilege” it says on their official website, and you know I actually never thought about it… we live in a world where beauty is becoming more and more something reserved for those that can afford the increasingly higher price tags, while it really should be something that everyone can achieve. So, it’s really nice to know that there is a brand who has made making beauty accessible their mission. I also like that Missha seems to have understood the importance of customer feedback, listening to the experiences and skin concerns of their customers, they create solutions focused on functionality and efficacy rather than fleeting trends or marketing hypes. So refreshing…. 

Over the years I have incorporated several Missha products into my skincare routine, and not only have they helped me achieve visible improvements in my skin's hydration, tone, and texture, but they've also transformed my skincare routine into a self-care ritual that I look forward to every day. That’s why today I also want to go through some of my personal favourites from Missha’s main lines with you. 

Missha Time Revolution Line 

My positive experience with Time Revolution The First Essence 5X was just the beginning of what this brand had to offer for my evolving skincare needs. As I delved deeper into the world of Missha skincare, I really started to love this brand. Seriously! 

“Beauty is not a privilege” it says on their official website, and you know I actually never thought about it… we live in a world where beauty is becoming more and more something reserved for those that can afford the increasingly higher price tags, while it really should be something that everyone can achieve. So, it’s really nice to know that there is a brand who has made making beauty accessible their mission. I also like that Missha seems to have understood the importance of customer feedback, listening to the experiences and skin concerns of their customers, they create solutions focused on functionality and efficacy rather than fleeting trends or marketing hypes. So refreshing…. 

Over the years I have incorporated several Missha products into my skincare routine, and not only have they helped me achieve visible improvements in my skin's hydration, tone, and texture, but they've also transformed my skincare routine into a self-care ritual that I look forward to every day. That’s why today I also want to go through some of my personal favourites from Missha’s main lines with you. 

Missha Super Aqua Line 

Another line that I think deserves a shoutout is the Super Aqua Line, which I discovered thanks to their Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Ampoule, that I bought in a period when my skin was particularly dry and irritated for its promised powerful soothing effects. I really liked it and I still use it to this day because it’s the only ampoule that is able to hydrate the dryest areas of my face and because I love how well it absorbs into my skin. 

Similarly, all the other products from this line are designed to help with dry and irritated skin, using 10 different types of hyaluronic acid, to penetrate 10 layers of the skin, ensuring that each layer receives an ideal amount of hydration. I recommend giving them a try if your skin is dry and sensitive, as this line is also free of 20 types of irritants that are common in other skincare products. 

Missha Artemisia Line 

If you have been following skincare trends in the last few years you surely know what Artemisia is and what it does. If you don’t, don’t worry I will tell you right now. Artemisia is a plant that you might know under the name mugwort or wormwood, and has been used in skincare for centuries, in many ancient civilizations like China, Korea, and Greece. It is popular because it possesses antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage, helping to maintain skin health and prevent premature aging. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, making it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. 

From this line, I am particularly fond of the Artemisia Pack Foam Cleanser, which not only is very effective for a deep cleanse, targeting dirt and impurities, but also transforms into a soothing pack, thanks to artemisia extracts and clay, refining skin texture. I strongly recommend trying this one, if you still haven’t! 

Missha Sheet Masks 

This mini guide on some of Missha’s best product wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention their sheet masks. Which, although not as popular and beloved as masks from other K-Beauty brands, I believe are still very solid and offer great value for their affordable price-point. 

Missha takes a fascinating approach with their masks. Each one is centered around a key, nutrient-rich ingredient such as Pomegranate, Potato, Lemon, Aloe, and more. This focus on a singular ingredient not only lends uniqueness to each mask but also determines its specific benefits.  

What's more intriguing is their use of Airy Fit technology in their masks. This innovation involves employing a cellulose fiber sheet that molds to your facial contours, offering a snug, second-skin sensation. I appreciate this attention to detail from Missha. It's evident that they're not just creating skincare products; they're thinking about individual skin needs while ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. It's like a mini-spa session at home, and who wouldn't want that? 

Where to buy Missha in Australia?  

All of Missha lines are available in Australia through their official distributor: La Cosmetique, both in-store and online. Head to La Cosmetique’s stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra to try out Missha's products. Or visit Missha Collection Page to get them now!