Sometimes, there can be quite a bit of confusion on facial toners. From it drying out your skin, striping off the natural oils, to actually even using one.
And there is a HUGE difference between using a toner and using alcohol. Yes, alcohol.
I have read and read and found this to be helpful:
‘You might have heard that skin toner can do a number of things. Most confusion about toner stems from the fact that the term “toner” can be used to refer to several different types of beauty aids, including traditional toners, astringents and fresheners.
Traditional toners consist of moisturizers, oils and extracts that help soothe your skin. Astringents, which are generally alcohol-based, tighten the skin and pores and remove oil. Fresheners work similarly to astringents by tightening the skin, but they are made of ingredients like caffeine and green tea instead of alcohol. Because all of these different products can fall under the toner umbrella, it’s easy to see why toner is touted for tightening and moisturizing the skin — as well as maligned for drying it out. You may have heard a lot about toner working to balance the skin, particularly after using a cleanser that can throw off your pH balance. In all actuality, toner is not really necessary here, and your skin should balance itself out.
Depending on what product you’re actually using, it can do any of these things. In order to choose the right toner for your skin, look at the product ingredients carefully. Alcohol, for example, is a dead giveaway that you’re dealing with an astringent.’
I do have a few that I love and some that have had awesome reviews.
Mac Lightful Softening Lotion (currently using)
It conditions the skin for a smoother, more radiant look and feel. Impact increases over time.It is called Softening Lotion, but looks, feels and smells like a toner….think of it as a hybrid of the two.
After washing face, put just a little in your palms and rub on. Tends to soak in super fast to a cotton pad.
I have talked before about how much I really like this brand.
It smoothes & revitalizes allowing skin to fully optimize benefits of your moisturizer. Contains vitamin E acetate, natural oat & meadowsweet, botanical extracts known to purify & smooth the skin and help reduce fine lines. This specialized formula contains a blend of aloe leaf and yeast extract, known to clarify & soothe the skin. Use a cotton pad and apply after cleansing.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion
Can you say hello to high school memories? Seriously.
But this stuff really is great. Helps clear away pollution, dulling flakes for smooth, glowing skin. Helps pores look their smallest. Skin accepts moisture better. Grows more resistant to impurities. Stays healthier, younger. Dermatologist-reformulated to be comfortable, non-drying.
Now the ‘want to try’ toner:
I have read nothing but awesome reviews of this product….like everywhere.
Exfoliating facial glow tonic. It helps tone, firm and tighten the skin. It removes dead skin cells for healthier looking skin. For normal to dry, aging and sensitive skin. Alcohol free.
So, it is definitely next on my list.
What toners are you loving and hating right now?