The Korean skincare routine differs from our usual steps of cleanse-tone-moisturize, going up to as much as 10 steps per routine. It sounds crazy, but there is some logic behind all of it. Korean skincare systems are a bit intimidating to try for the first time because they’re so extensive, but I’ll save the meat of everything for a later post this week. For now, I’ll write a bit about the Bello-Vita Cell Optimizer S-Essence* which I got in my latest BNT box.
This serum is “formulated with Biocell System Originated in Fermentation Science.” Because most of the information is in Hangul, it’s hard to decipher what this serum/essence is for. Going from my understanding of the many-stepped Korean skin care process, I’ve gathered that “essence” is usually a pre-moisturizer step, to prep the cleansed skin that’s stripped of moisture for the bigger molecules of heavier moisturizer. These usually come in a light, more liquid-y form that’s easily absorbed by the skin, and allow for easier absorption of the follow-up moisturizers.
The Bello-Vita Cell Optimizer S-Essence is not a popular product with my fellow BNT Girls, Kine and Joanne. The formula is quite heavily perfumed, which detracts from its performance. I don’t like heavily-scented skin care, so instead of spraying it directly on my face, I spray this essence on my hand and pat it on my face.
I quite enjoy it for daytime use, along with a light moisturizer or emulsion. The scent is pretty heavy, but I don’t mind it as much when I spray it on my hand and pat it all over my face instead of spraying it directly on my face, which is something I never really liked doing anyway. I like this essence a lot, but I feel like its performance would be more obvious if it were tested with the rest of the Bello-Vita Cell Optimizer line.
* PR Sample. Product was sampled and reviewed as part of the terms outlined for the BNT Girls.
Other BNT Girls: Joanne, Kine, Doris, Bella.
I have no information regarding Bello-Vita’s animal testing policy.
Softly Sometimes 
I go back and forth with how many steps I can take in my daily routine. Half the time I add in a step because I just want to use the bugger up ;P
This essence looks very nice, sad to hear about the strong scent.
HAHA I know what you mean. If the layer is thin enough, there’s no harm, right…?