To be honest, there are better first essences out there. Iope's Bio Intensive Essence blows this one out the water -- mostly because it, well, does anything. Aside from looking pretty and having a nice scent, I didn't find that the Laneige first essence actually effected any change in my skin. The Iope is much more expensive, admittedly, but if you apply it with your fingers and not a cotton pad it'll last a loooong time!