The Truth About Toners!

In today's post I'm going to be revealing the truth about toners, what they do and if they really work. So hold on to your hats... it's going to be a bumpy ride!

I only just started using facial toners this year, so I'm not an expert but I do know that they're an essential part of any skincare routine. Initially I was wary as I wasn't really sure how and when to use them or what the benefits were. So I tried a few which have all been fine however, I'm still experimenting and trying to find the best one for me. As always, getting the right product for your skin type is super important as everyone has varying skincare needs and react to products in different ways. It's just one of those things that you need to trial and test before you find your ideal match! And once you find that "wonder product" I suggest you stick with it... unless you can get a similar product for a fraction of the price, of course ;) A bargain's a bargain at the end of the day!

To break it down a toner is a skincare product that you use after cleansing and apply by sweeping a cotton pad over your face and neck. Its main purpose is to sooth and refresh the skin by tightening the pores, whilst removing traces of makeup and impurities from the skin. Alot of toners are good for preventing spots, as after you've cleansed the skin the toner then tightens the pores which reduces their chances of getting clogged up. Since using toner I've noticed that I get fewer breakouts and that when I do they clear up faster- although that may be due to a combination of products. 

So now that I've explained what toner is and how to use it, I'm going to share with you a few of the ones I've tried so far :)


My first toner... 

Garnier Soothing Botanical Toner with Rose Water (*£2.29, Superdrug)

For: For normal to sensitive skin
Verdict: I was originally drawn to the fact that it was such a good price but also because I was intrigued by the rose water extract as I'd never tried a product with that particular ingredient. It sounded like it was very natural and gentle on the skin. I was not disappointed! I loved the smell as it was floral and delicate without being overpowering. I also noticed how fresh and firm my skin felt. It immediately felt soft to the touch and thoroughly soothed. It definitely did what it said on the bottle! However, I soon realised that it wasn't very well matched to my skin type as I don't have dry skin.


So after that I then purchased...

Simple Soothing Facial Toner (*£1.69, Superdrug)

For: Sensitive skin
Verdict: I mainly got this toner because it was the cheapest option at the time, however, although it looked pretty basic it was nice and refreshing and really woke up my skin. I loved that it had so many naturally derived ingredients, such as chamomile and Witch Hazel known for their soothing and toning properties. Witch Hazel is also great for oily spot prone skin. I didn't notice a real change in the appearance of my spots however as a first-time toner it's ideal, as it's very basic and suits most skin types. However, I soon realised that I needed something more targeted at oily skin. 


This epiphane then led me to...

Nivea Purifying Toner (Discontinued)

For: Combination to oily skin
Verdict: I know it doesn't look very good to be reviewing a product that's no longer in production, however I had to include it as it's been my favourite toner so far and has done wonders for my skin! Perhaps this will inspire you to try out other Nivea products or toners for similar skin types. First of all I have to say how lush the scent is! It smells like a gentle sea breeze on a tropical island :) I love applying it as it absorbs quickly and immediately makes my skin feel fresh and pampered. It's made a huge difference to the regularity of my breakouts and I find that nowadays they are few and far between. It's just ashame that it's no longer being stocked, as I really thought that I'd found the toner for my skin :(


Other toners that I have and want to try are...

Garnier Refreshing Botanical Toner with Aloe Extract (*£2.29, Superdrug)

For: Normal to combination skin
What it does: This particular product is enriched with 96% aloe vera extract which is known for it's hydrating properties. It pretty much does the same as other toners by removing traces of makeup/impurities and toning the skin, whilst also purifying at the same time. 

Expectations: I bought this toner in the hopes that it would suit my oily/combination skin type as well as being made from natural sources. I've used other aloe vera enriched products before and found them to be very soothing and moisturising. I've also tried the rose water toner within the Garnier Botanical range and discovered that it was very compatible with my sensitive skin, so thought I'd give this one a go and see if it makes a difference to the overall condition of my skin.


As a back up I have also purchased...

Sebamed Clear Face Facial Toner (*£5.69, Birchbox Shop)

For: Oily and impure skin
What it does: This is a medicated PH balancing formula to specifically treat acne and spot prone skin. It works to prevent new spots from forming by removing excess sebum and dirt particles. It has a range of scientifically tested ingredients to combat the appearance and formation of spots, including Panthenol, Hamamelis virginiana, silk protein and Allantoin.

Expectations: I bought this product online where I'm signed up to a monthly beauty box. I'd never heard of the brand but was attracted to it because of the science behind it as a treatment for acne. I've used it once but I'm waiting to finish my current toner before I give it a proper go. I read multiple reviews after buying it which were mostly negative, with alot of people experiencing a stinging sensation, whilst others found it sticky and medicinal smelling. My first try was the opposite; I liked the smell, found it very gentle and not at all greasy. Watch this space for my full review!


There are a couple more toners that I'd like to try, however I don't want to overwhelm you, so for now I will focus on finishing my Nivea Purifying Toner before moving on to my new toners (above). When I'm done trying them I will then write a Skin Deep Snippet on my Facebook page to discuss my findings :) I hope this post has given you an insight into toners and what they do. Hopefully it has encouraged you to be brave and try them for yourself. Trust me, they're not nearly as scary and mysterious as they seem!

*All products listed are based on their current retail prices

Who Cares, We Care, Skincare :)