All You Need To Know About... Toners

One thing that always surprises me when bloggers do their skincare routine, is that many don't use a toner. 

When I was a teenager in the 90s and early 2000's, skincare was much more simple. 

It was all about cleansing, toning and moisturising. No oil cleanser, or even double cleansing, because a cleanser and toner was supposed to remove all of your make up and grime from the day. 

Serums weren't mainstream and face masks were used at sleepovers with your friends. 

While I've outgrown sleepovers, my love for toners has never vanished.

A toner is used to bring a healthy PH balance to the skin. Some cleansers can upset the PH balance and a toner helps to restore it. It also removes any make up or cleanser that hasn't been removed. 

There are so many options out there if you're looking at including a toner in your skincare routine. There's one for every skin type and most importantly, every budget!

Mist and Sprays

My preferred toner is a mist or a spray. A mist is much finer and feels like light rain falling on your skin. A spray feels refreshing, but some packaging can make it squirt out rather than a gentle spray.

There's so many different types of mist and sprays available. 

If you have sensitive skin, a mist like the Avene Thermal Spring Water or Uriage Eu Thermale D'Uriage* is fantastic. It's gentle and specific for those that have sensitive skin. 

These two mists are great for sunburn too. I also like to spray it onto irritated skin or after I've shaved. Another great way of using these is to help set make up or use on or after a flight to hydrate and refresh your skin.

My tip: Keep it in the fridge. It feels great on your skin when it's chilled. 

If you're wanting more from your toner, like brightening, then look no further than the Racinne Ultimate Aqua Blanc Tonic.* I've previously used the Akin Hydro-Essential Lavender Cellular Brightening Facial Mist and really loved it. The Puretopia Hydrating & Soothing Facial Mist & Toner has vitamin C, which is great for brightening and evening out the complexion. One that I haven't tried but is on my wishlist is the Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Mist.

If you want an all rounder toner, then look for one that has antioxidants, vitamins and calming ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile. The Baji Rose Kakadu Plum Face Mist is one of those mists that has many great ingredients that do multiple things. 

My tip: I like to spray it and then pat it into my skin. I keep my skin slightly damp and then apply my serum.

Lotion

If you're not a fan of a spray or mist, then a lotion is perfect for you. You apply some to a make up pad and gently apply over your face. One great thing about this method is that you can see on the make up pad if there's any make up or grim that you've missed.

If you're looking for something soft and gentle then the Nivea Pure & Natural Cleansing Toner* or Natio Gentle Skin Toner is what you need. It's really calming on the skin and is a basic toner.

Other toners do more than just rebalance your PH balance. If you have oily skin, blackheads or blemishes then look for ones that clarify your skin like the Biore Triple Action Toner or the Natural Instinct Clarifying Toner*

My Tip: If your skin feels tight after using a toner, it's too harsh for your skin. Your skin should feel hydrated and soft after using a toner. 

There are so many different types of toners that are perfect for your skin type. Here are some more that are great for different skin types.

Honourable Mentions... 

For Dry Skin 

If you have dry skin, make sure your toner doesn't have alcohol in it.

Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner
Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner
Natio Ageless Rehydrating Toner

For Sensitive Skin 

The less ingredients the better! Also look for formulas that have chamomile or aloe vera which helps soothe your skin. 

Simple Soothing Facial Toner
Indio Skin Tonic 

For Combination to Oily Skin

Keep a look out for words like purifying, refining or clarifying.  

Clean & Clear Essentials Toner 
T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner
Dr LeWinn's Refining Toner
Avene Cleanance Lotion Toner
10.0.6 So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser Original Formula

If you don't use a toner, have I convinced you to pick one up? ;)
XO

*I was kindly sent these for consideration. All thoughts and views are completely my own, and are always 100% honest. See my disclosure policy here.

Follow me on Pinterest
Follow me on Bloglovin
Follow me on Facebook 
Follow me on Twitter