Want to Invest in Luxe Skin Care? These Brands Are Worth the Splurge

Japan is always ahead of the game when it comes to beauty innovation. Japanese brand SK-II has been using active ingredient Pitera for decades, creating one of the first potent essences on the market. The Facial Treatment Essence ($270) is made of over 90 percent Pitera, which gently exfoliates the skin with each use. It's recommended that you soak a cotton pad and press it into the skin instead of rubbing, or pour into the palm of your hand and gently press it into the skin.

Other products to try: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask ($17) and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion ($76).