Toner: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

No matter what your skin type or your skin care concerns, the right toner is one of the best things you can apply to your face.

I know, I know, I can hear the arguments pouring through the computer (ha) but I still stand behind my first sentence.  I say this with such conviction because I've been using the same toner for over 10 years with fantastic results AND have seen the results without using a toner.

Still my favorite toner, after all these years 

For those that aren't aware, toner is designed to refresh your skin while buffing the loose skin away, creating a super clean palette to either apply your makeup or your serums/moisturizers.  Depending on how potent of a toner you require will determine the ingredients in.  Most toners are mainly water and a glycerine type product and then, if using a stronger toner, an astringent will be added as well.  Astringents (alcohol) are added to decrease the oil production on the skin and are great for oily skin individuals.  Of course, there are other ingredients aside from these three - essential oils, specialty anti-aging products - but these 3 items are the base of any toner.

When picking the right toner, you should know these following things before shopping:
1) What type of skin do I have?
2) If I have sensitive skin, do fragrances irritate it?
3) Pricepoint
4) What benefit am I hoping for?

One of the best toners for Sensitive Skin

Most people know their skin type and, if they don't, usually can tell if they are oily, combination or prone to breakouts.  If you are prone to breakouts, your choice in toner would be different then the person who has never had a blemish before.  The issue with toners is when you have two problem areas - like sensitive skin AND are prone to breakouts.  This means you can't use a toner with a high astringent level because your sensitive skin will go crazy but you still want to kill the blemish-causing bacteria.  Apply all toners to the back of your hand FIRST before your face.  Give the toner a chance to blend in your skin and then see how it feels afterwards.  Remember, no matter what toner you buy, if your skin has a reaction return the item and try something else.

How To Apply a Toner 

I'm about to get blasted by people for saying this but I dislike gimmicky products.  By this I mean a toner that you spray on your face.  Yes, it's convenient but the idea of a toner is to scruff off the dead skin sooooo how would this work exactly?  It doesn't, at all.  About 95 % of toners should be applied with a cotton pad.  As you know, a cotton pad has two sides - one is non-grooved and should be used if you have sensitive skin OR a blemish/breakout area.  The grooved side is perfect to use on your T-zone, your nose and areas where your skin is NOT broken out or sensitive.  One of the best parts of my day is looking at that little cotton pad to see all the debris my toner removed...ha.

One of the best toners for Oily Skin

I ONLY use toner for my skin in the morning.  I use it to remove my night cream and debris from sleeping.  That's it.  If I used it anymore for my skin I'd worry about it drying out.  Remember the key to skin care is finding the routine that best works for you!

What's your favorite toner?  When do you usually apply it?

    

Review: Biotherm BioSource Cleanser and Toner

My skin has not been a happy camper. I'm not sure if it's wedding planning stress, work stress or just stress in general, but a few months ago my skin broke out like crazy.

I am very happy to say that as of a month ago today, I have been completely blemish-free. Woohoo!  My fabulous clear skin can be attributed to Biotherm.....truly!

Biotherm Cleansing Gel - Can you see the blue microbeads?

A long time ago, before the start of this blog AND trying new products weekly, I was an advocate for Biotherm.  My only issue with the product line back then was the price: When you're spending about $30 on a cleanser and $30 on a toner, they better be worth the money.  And they were, as my skin was always clear BUT the size of the items were just too small.  I put Biotherm on the backburner and began trying new things.

Then the breakouts came.

I decided it was worth it to go back to basics with my skin and really figure out the root of the issue.  I bought both the Biotherm BioSource Tonifying Exfoliating Cleansing Gel and the BioSource Hydra-Mineral Lotion Toning Water (as I used them before AND they are for normal/combination skin, which my skin is.)  I began using the cleanser every evening and the toner twice a day (morning and night).  I still used my Clinique Turnaround Concentrate and my Clarins moisturizer.  However, aside from these items, I used nothing else.  My skin is back to looking like a million bucks.  Did I also tell you that Biotherm recently changed their pricing and these items are only $19 a piece!!!!  So amazing...

Cleanser and Toner

Pros:

Cleanser has microbeads in it which makes it feel like an exfoliator as well 

A little bit goes a long way

Both toner and cleanser have a nice clean smell 

Cleanser lathers well

Toner makes your skin feel super soft

New price of $19 per item makes it worth it 

Blemishes fade as does any scarring 

Don't need powder or concealer anymore 

Cons:

Absolutely nothing!

 I talk about skin care products a lot and am definitely a fan of many different items out there.  But there has never been any product line that's given me these kind of immediate results.  Not only will I never be using any other skin care line aside from Biotherm but I highly recommend you try these items as well.  I guarantee you'll love them as much as I do.

Have any of you ladies tried these before?  What are your thoughts?

 

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

DIY Beauty Fridays: Homemade Toner

I adore toner. For me, it completes my skin care regimen. After I've toned my face, my skin feels clean, smooth and looks clear of all imperfections. Yes, the latter is more of a wish but you can't deny that clean feeling you have after using a great toner to swipe away excess oil, dirt and makeup (left behind after cleansing). However, toners can be quite costly particularly, if you're like me, and have 6 different toners open (and being rotated) in your cosmetics closet. Regardless of the number of toners I have, I'm always looking for that "next great one" that delivers amazing results AND doesn't break the bank. Who knew that the next one I'd like would be homemade. This DIY toner is so easy that your boyfriends could make it....ha 5 tablespoons water 5 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Fresh mint Ensure that you use equal parts water to vinegar. ( I like to make a bit more so that I have it, ready to go, in my fridge. However, you can make smaller amounts if you'd like.) Mix everything together and pour into a container/bottle that's kept in the fridge. Shake up the contents prior to applying on your face. That's it!! How simple right? I will say that this toner smells absolutely terrible but the scent will dissipate as it dries. Why this toner works? It ensures your skin is kept at it's natural pH level. Not too many toners/astringents can do that. Happy toning ladies and bottoms up! XO

Gotta Love Dickinson's

As of yesterday afternoon, my "best toner list" has a new number one.

I spent Saturday morning, in Bellingham, shopping with a girlfriend. As per usual, I created my "need" list about four days in advance, so as soon as we crossed the border, we immediately beelined to Rite-Aid. (This was my first time in a Rite-Aid pharmacy and holy crap it's cheap.) My list included a ton of different facial moisturizers and a new toner.

I ran to the facial section and after looking for a few minutes, noticed they didn't have the toner I was looking for. Instead, I saw a lone bottle of Dickinson's Witch Hazel Facial Toner on sale for $4.29.....(I know, I know. I doesn't matter that I have four different toners at home. How can you NOT buy something this inexpensive...) So, I bought it.....

Once home, I washed my face, dried it and grabbed a cotton pad. I opened my new toner and was completely appalled by the scent. (Seriously, it smells like pee....not pleasant.) I was committed; I had to try it. I put some on the pad, applied to my face and was sooooo happy I did. This is one of the first toners I've tried that doesn't make your skin tight after use or cause irritation. Not only that, but your pores minimize and your skin becomes extremely soft. This brand is also 100% natural, fragrance free, acid free, and paraben free. And to think, I was contemplating throwing it out due to the minor pee smell....

Try try try this product. Though I bought mine across the line at Rite-Aid, you can also purchase it at Wal-Mart. Go out, get it and be sure to plug your nose before applying....ha

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.