How to use Lancome Absolue Rose 80 essence in lotion

What kind of product Rose 80 is

Lancome sells Rose 80 as an essence in lotion: a thin, watery liquid in the same step as a classic essence or a softener. The name refers to rose, the ingredient theme of the whole Absolue line. Lancome describes its rose ingredients on the box, and we do not add to what the brand says. For the full line, see what is Lancome Absolue.

Because it is a watery first step, Rose 80 behaves like other essence lotions. If you have used SK-II Facial Treatment Essence or a Japanese softener, the routine position is the same. Our SK-II essence vs Absolue Rose 80 page compares the two, and what is a skincare essence explains the step in general.

Note.Directions on the bottle or box are the brand's own guide and take priority over anything here.

Method 1: with your hands

The hands method uses less product, since nothing soaks into a pad. It is the more economical choice for an expensive lotion, and it gives a pressing, layered feel that many people like in an essence step.

1. 1

   Cleanse and pat the face mostly dry.

2. 2

   Pour a coin-size amount into one palm.

3. 3

   Rub the palms together lightly to spread the lotion.

4. 4

   Press both palms over the cheeks, forehead and chin, then down the neck.

5. 5

   Hold for a few seconds each time rather than rubbing.

6. 6

   Repeat with a second, smaller pour if the skin still feels dry.

Method 2: with a cotton pad

A pad spreads the lotion evenly and feels more like a toner step, and some people like the light sweeping action. The trade-off is that the pad holds some of the liquid, so the bottle runs down faster. A thicker, soft pad absorbs more than a thin, pressed one.

1. 1

   Cleanse the face.

2. 2

   Soak a cotton pad until it is damp all the way through but not dripping.

3. 3

   Sweep the pad from the center of the face outward: forehead, cheeks, nose, chin.

4. 4

   Finish down the neck.

5. 5

   Avoid the eye area and the lids.

6. 6

   Pat any leftover lotion on the skin into place with clean fingertips.

How much Rose 80 to use

A coin-size pour, roughly the size of a US quarter, covers most faces with hands. With a cotton pad, you need enough to dampen it through, which usually takes more. If your face is still wet after a minute, use less next time; if the lotion is gone before you reach the neck, add a little more.

To estimate how long a bottle lasts, divide its size in ml by your amount per use, then by uses per day. Our how much serum to use page shows the math for a 30 ml bottle, and the same method works for a larger lotion bottle. To compare value with other essences, use the price per ml calculator.

Where Rose 80 fits in an Absolue routine

Rose 80 is the first leave-on step. Everything else in the Absolue line goes on after it.

See the Absolue serum, creams and refills →

Tips for using an essence lotion well

If you are building a routine across brands, the general skincare routine order page and the routine order builder give the usual sequence.

• Apply the serum while the skin is still slightly damp from Rose 80; serums often spread more easily that way.
• Keep the cap closed between uses and store the bottle away from heat and sun. See how to store luxury skincare.
• Do not shake a lot of lotion straight onto the face; pour into the palm first to control the amount.
• If you use a separate toner, it usually goes before the essence lotion.
• If a new product makes your skin sting or turn red, stop using it. A patch test first is a good habit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I use Absolue Rose 80 morning and night? Essence lotions are usually used twice a day. Check the directions on your bottle for Lancome's own guidance.

Is Rose 80 a toner? It sits in the same early step as a toner, but Lancome sells it as an essence in lotion. If you also use a toner, apply the toner first.

Should I use a cotton pad or my hands? Either works. Hands use less product; a pad gives a more even sweep. Choose by feel and budget.

Can I use Rose 80 with products from other brands? Yes. It goes after cleansing and before any serum, whichever brand that serum comes from.