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

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