Beauty

[Shanus]

I'm a hydrating toner user in the morning to cleanse my face....especially now that my skin is more dry and sensitive from masks. My face doesn't get "dirty" while I sleep, so for now, a cleanser even my mild ones, don't seem necessary.

[Katcat1]

I started using Mario Badescu toner faithfully after I cleanse to pick up any left over makeup, to hydrate and address redness and dryness.  It does not contain alcohol.  Different toners do different things for your skin,

[AngelPuppy1]

In my 20's and 30's when I was using Clinique I used their basic 3 step system and so I always used a toner.  My skin was really good then and somewhat oily and I had no issues with it.  I remember that it felt very good on my skin and refreshing.  I always thought it was to remove any excess dirt, makeup, etc. that perhaps the cleansing did not get, and also to close up the pores!  

Since then, I have not really used toners.  My skin has totally changed.  It is fairly dry, extremely sensitive and I have rosacea and my derm. really doesn't want me to use much of anything because most things cause irritation to me. So, I can't say really if toners are necessary or not.  

I would say if you like the way your skin feels after using it and you think it gives your skin a bit of added cleansing, then why not?  I doubt that it is necessary though.  

[noodleann]

I like a toner as a final cleansing step. Always use it after a full wash, and usually even after using micellar cleanser. I feel it removes any lingering trace of cleanser or exfoliant and it's also hydrating--good before applying moisturizer.

I love Dr. Denese's toner, $19, which I'm usually able to get for $13 when she runs semi-annual sales. I also really like L'Oreal's pink toner and Neutrogena's blue toner, both inexpensive ($5 or $6), both widely available, even in supermarkets.

I don't feel that using a toner is vital the way that cleansing and moisturizing are vital, but it's something that I really like to do as part of the routine, and I miss it if I don't do it.

[software]

Not sure where you buy but it's on sale on Pharmaca now.

$7.50 for 1 ounce.

I've found the more pricey beauty products require smaller amounts to do the job.

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@magicmoodz wrote:

I have posted before I am addicted to Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner. I love the way it makes my skin feel after applying and the smell is divine (not sweet, not flowery, just kind of holistic).

It's a little pricey at $37 + tax for 3.4 ounces, but to me it is so worth it.

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[Shanus]

Re: Toners. I find moisturizers and skincare go on better on damp skin. That's also why I like a toner in the morning...sometimes at night, too. Mine has no active ingredients to interfere with my Retin A, acid pads or exfoliators I may use in the morning or with my night time skincare routine.

[Shanus]

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@SilleeMee wrote:

Originally used as a final cleanse, toners removed what soap and other old time cleansers left behind. Today cleansers have improved with so many types on the market. Toners have become almost obsolete. 

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@SilleeMee   Apologies for disagreeing, but during facials, if a client has enlarged pores or oily skin, I use a toner as a final step, even after a double cleanse. I do sometimes see extra residue on the pad from the extractions or steaming steps. I will use a witch hazel based toner on these clients and a hydrating toner on those with more dry skin types.

***Paula's Choice has a wonderful "Pore Reducing Toner" for oily skin...minimizes enlarged pores and has light hydration. She also has a "Enriched Calming Toner" for dry skin with anti-oxidants. They are both great depending on the skin type. 

[SilleeMee]

@Shanus 

I guess it just depends on the skin you have and how much stuff is on it. I believe that if you cleanse your face with the right type of cleanser, or cleansing product,  then you don't need a toner....for myself that is true anyway and it would be overkill for me to use a toner.

[Drythe]

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@Harpa wrote:

I use toners for hydration. Oils do not deliver hydration, but water does. Toners are mostly water, which assists in the penetration of other skincare into deeper layers.

My favorite toner is one I make myself - from green tea. I add other beneficial, tested ingredients that actually do something for the skin. But I've never used a toner to get what my cleanser left behind. That wouldn't be a good cleanser.

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@Harpa 

Would you share your recipe?

[Harpa]

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@Drythe wrote:

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My favorite toner is one I make myself - from green tea. I add other beneficial, tested ingredients that actually do something for the skin.

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@Harpa 

Would you share your recipe?

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@Drythe 

Proportions are appoximate....

1 cup of green tea, steeped longer than 3 minutes...(Republic of tea - honey & ginseng or any other)

1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice (for preservative & sunscreen. Green tea is already a ss.)

1 tsp. each: oat beta glucans & green tea extract (I get these from Garden of Wisdom. the o.b.glucans prevents moisture loss; the g.t.extract boosts the green tea benefits.)

15 drops each: frankincense, geranium & myrrh (studied for antioxidant protection, moisturizing & wrinkle prevention)

Any variation of the above.

When all is said & done, I put into a 6 oz. spray bottle that was an empty rose toner bottle.

If I didn't have any of the extras, I would just use plain green tea. Not because it's inexpensive, but for its skin benefits.