The 5 Best Toners For Under $20

During my strange bought of dry skin a few months ago, I stopped using toner/astringent.  For some reason, I thought by axing toner, my skin would all of a sudden become normal again.  But, I was wrong.  As soon as I incorporated a sensitive skin toner AND a new moisturizer, my skin was like new again.  Which, of course, got me thinking...What makes for an effective toner?

L to R: Garnier, Dickinson's, Nivea, Burt's Bees and Clinique

For those that are new to the term "toner", it refers to a lotion, wash or liquid designed to cleanse the skin of impurities and reduce the appearance of pores.  They can be applied many different ways (from a cotton pad to a spray bottle and even through a face wash) but the effect is all the same: noticeably clean feeling and radiant skin.  Here are my top 5 toners that cost under $20.

#1 Nivea Visage Gentle Toner for Dry to Sensitive Skin - $8

I bought this on a whim one day because I'd never tried anything by Nivea and thought I should.  I was instantly drawn in by the scent, which is advertised as Almond & Calendula Oil but smells like roses to me.  (I should probably mention that any toner with rose is PERFECT for sensitive skin.)  I've been using a dime size amount both in the morning and at night for the past three weeks and my skin feels exceptionally supple.

Pros:

The small price tag

Available at any drugstore

The smell is divine

Completely alcohol-free

Reduces pore size

Minimizes fine lines

The squeeze container is very sanitary

Cons:

Bottle could be bigger

Not best for oily skin

#2 Burt's Bees Rosewater and Glycerin Toner - $15

This was my go-to toner for years and years.  I adore the smell (which, of course, has roses...ha) and it leaves my skin soft, reduces the appearance of blemishes and makes my skin glow.  Plus, Burt's Bees carries a pretty hefty 99.98% natural tag that strikes a major chord with me.  It's such a nice feeling when you know exactly what you're putting on your skin.

Pros:

Paraben-free

99.98% natural ingredients

Beautiful rose smell

Perfect for sensitive skin

Doesn't dry out your skin

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and blemishes

Cons:

Absolutely nothing!

#3 Dickinson's Pore Perfecting Toner 100% Natural - $6

So, I debated about having this as my #2 but, in the end, smell won!  I should mention that this one does not smell good, at all, but man does it ever work.  Because this product is made with 100% natural witch hazel (a flowering plant) it is absolutely perfect for people with acne or blemishes.  With Hazel actually refines pores, removes and controls oil, soothes irritation and lock in skin's natural moisture.  For all acne sufferers, this will become your go-to product.

Pros:

Great for all skin types

Soothes irritation

Reduces pore size

Actually does control oil throughout the day

Will not dry out your skin

Completely 100% natural

Paraben free

Cons:

The smell is not very nice at all

#4 Clinique's Clarifying Lotion 2 - $15

Yes, this was my tried and true toner for a loooonnng time.  Did it help that my mom was a Clinque rep (probably) and that she always had gallons around the house (absolutely).  But, there's a reason that the 3-Step System still remains on the top; it's because it works.  They reformulated the toners and they are much less abrassive now which is very nice for those people with sensitive skin.  The toner itself leaves skin feeling tingly, removes flakiness and refines pores to make your skin look oh-so clear.

Pros:

Trusted brand

Dermatologist recommended

One for every skin type

Leaves skin feeling tingly and clean

Reduces pore size

Curbs redness

Cons:

Can sometimes be a bit abrassive for extremely sensitive skin

Smells a bit alcohol-y

5.  Garnier Skin Naturals Fresh Vitamin-Enriched Toner - $11

I sometimes feel like I'm out of the loop when it comes to certain products.  Like, when did Garnier release a natural skin care line? Anyway, since I hadn't seen it before, I knew I had to get it.  This toner has a fantastic fresh scent, almost rivaling the Nivea one BUT this one is made with grapes instead.  This product brightens your complexion, rinses away dead skin and leaves skin extremely soft to the touch.

Pros:

Very inexpensive

Fantastic smell 

Works to brighten dull skin tones

Leaves skin very smooth 

Removes impurities 

Tightens pores

Cons:

Doesn't reduce redness

How's that for a great list!  I adore toners.  I honestly use them twice a day and have incorporated them into my skin care regime for many years.  Not only do they make your skin feel amazingly soft and supple but they give you skin that much needed moisture after cleansing.  If you haven't started using a toner, I highly recommend that you do.  Plus, how can you go wrong if they're under $20?

XO Christina

I Want Clean Skin

I realize after all this time, I've yet to post about cleansers.

Cleansers are extremely important whether you're a guy or a girl that doesn't wear makeup. During the day, your skin absorbs dust, grime and oil from your surroundings. (Of course makeup doesn't help with this either.) In order to let your skin breathe again, you must remove all those nasty pollutants. This is why cleansing is vastly important to your skin's radiance.

Speaking of radiance, I'm always on the hunt for a smashing cleanser that actually improves my skin's texture and color and, needless to say, I've found it.

The product is Burt's Bees Radiance Facial Cleanser and I use this faithfully about four times a week. This cleanser's main ingredient is Royal Jelly. (Yes, the jelly that is fed to larvae in a bee colony....grossed out yet?) Strange as it sounds, it does work. Within about two weeks, I noticed my fine lines diminishing and my skin appeared plumper. (In a good way.) Anyway, I typically order my Burt's Bees products from their website but you can pick up a sample pack at Shoppers Drug Mart.

My second cleanser of choice is Botanics Skin Brightening Cleanser. I use this one about the three times a week and love that I don't need to get my skin wet. (You apply it to dry skin and wipe off with a cotton pad.) It tingles once on the skin and, after it's removed, my skin feels soft and luxurious. I highly recommend this cleanser for those that want to dissolve redness, irritation and those yucky little skin bumps. Also, this is also the cheapest cleanser I have EVER used as it sells for only $9 in Shoppers.

**Note: As in my previous post, I still use a towelette to remove my makeup first. I find that I use way less cleanser and my skin feels cleaner.

Happy washing ladies!!!

Wow, what a pimple!

I think I breakout more, now, than I did as a teenager. Don't get my wrong...I definitely had my intense pimple period in High School. You know what I mean, the big ones that appeared on your chin and forehead and ALWAYS before the day of something big like the dance, or a date, or, for me, a big dance competition. And, to make it way worse, the pimples were always HUGE. Seriously, ginormous. Big, red welts that looked like something bit you....

It's taken me a long time to understand the cycles and spurts of pimples but, for the first time, I finally got a handle on my breakouts. Here are some of the best (and worst) spot treatments....

1. Toothpaste. This is for my girls who don't want to spend too much money. Dab (and I seriously mean a dab) of toothpaste on the pimple before bed. Overnight, this will take away the redness and irritation. Now, having said this, it will not take away the pimple, since every zit has a cycle it needs to finish, but this will make it easier for concealer in the morning.

2. Moor Spa Blemish Gel. This is an amazing product. I was breaking out like crazy for a few months about two years ago and I lived on Moor Spa. ( I will be doing a post on cleansers so we'll talk about it then.) It's a gel, so applied sparingly to the problem areas overnight, followed by your moisturizer. Once used for a few days, you'll notice vast improvements.

3. Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick. This is an odd product. I use it since Burt's Bees is my favorite product line BUT it really doesn't do too much. If you have recently scrubbed your face and apply this product over top, it will sting a bit, though it does go away. I use this overnight AFTER my night cream and it will take away redness. Oh, one other thing, it goes on like a roll-on lip gloss. Not very sanitary if you ask me, but it is a natural product.

4. Proactiv Refining Mask. Soooo, don't judge me for putting this on my list because it seriously does work. I dislike the entire proactiv line as it is very addictive for your skin and drying, BUT the mask is a dream. The tube, which is really small, can cost a pretty penny, but if used only as a spot treatment will last quite some time. Apply overnight to zit and it will be almost invisible the next morning. It works really well.

5. Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Treatment Gel. Whew, what a mouthful. It works; long and short of it. I have been a faithful Clinique user since my mom was their Rep and honestly, this product is great. Don't use too much as it can dry the skin around the pimple, but it works to reduce redness and irritation.

Give these a try and let me know your thoughts. Also, if you think of something that should be on the list that isn't, let me know that as well. I will be doing another blog about blemish prevention, as well as a post about cleaners for acneic skin. Ciao ladies...xox

Toners I Would DIE Without!!

I love skincare products, as we all know, BUT the act of actually cleansing my face bores me. I hate standing in the bathroom, running the water, drying my skin....blah, blah, blah. The whole ritual seems to irritate me. Having said that, I realize how important cleansing is and will ONLY go to bed with my make-up on if I am a bit tipsy and can't actually find the bathroom...(seriously, it happens). Though I dislike the ritual, I am in LOVE with three different toners right now.

1. Burt's Bees Rosewater and Glycerin Toner. This stuff is to die for. The smell alone makes me happy to tone my face. They claim that it's for sensitive and mature skin, but honestly, I have combination skin and adore it. It's revitalizing, calming and doesn't cause any irritation. I highly recommend it.

2. Boots Botanics Organic Skin Brightening Toner. Completely different from the one above but still one that I use as often as the Burt's Bees toner. This one is phenomenal when used in conjunction with the Skin Brightening Cleanser. (More to come about this in a different post.) This toner does as it says and you will notice a dramatic improvement in your skin's brightness. May not be great for sensitive skin as there is nothing calming about it. Still, I highly recommend it.

3. Sonia Kashuk Eye Make-up Remover. This is the best make-up remover I have ever used. (And trust me, I have tried over 20 brands.) This is great for all skin types and leaves the skin incredibly silky smooth. Now, I have this under toner because you can remove make-up with it and it leaves your entire face exceptionally clean and sweet smelling. (Having said that though, I would still cleanse and moisturize even if you use this as a make-up remover for your face.)

Alright, PRICING information. These products are actually relatively inexpensive which is a nice change. I purchase almost all my skincare from Target in the US since it's cheaper and you get free shipping if you spend a certain amount. (Keep in mind though, that they don't ship to Canada so it might be a good investment to get a PO BOX in the States.) You can also buy everything from Shoppers Drug Mart.