People who still haven't settled on which essence to use

I'm actually having a surprising amount of trouble deciding on an essence. Honestly, I used to think using just toner and cream was enough, but since everyone around me keeps saying I absolutely need to use an essence, it’s starting to bother me. Especially on days when my skin dries out quickly after washing my face, I find myself wondering, "Should I use an essence right now?" However, I can't just pick any product because there are so many varieties, which makes the decision even harder. With functions varying so widely—whether for hydration, brightening, or firming—it's difficult to set a standard.

Price is another factor that makes the choice difficult. I get the feeling that expensive products will be more effective, but I would be disappointed if I didn't notice a significant difference after actually using them. On the other hand, if I choose a cheaper product, I worry that it might not be effective enough. Even when I try to check the ingredient list, I don't have the expertise, so I end up just constantly looking at reviews. However, since everyone has different skin types, the evaluations vary widely, which makes it even more confusing.

I feel that texture is also important. Sticky formulas feel heavy, but if it's too light, it feels lacking and leaves something to be desired. Ultimately, I'm still not sure which essence to choose. I think I need to do a little more research and carefully select a product that suits my skin.