TERRIFIC TONERS

By Abigail Baker

Like many, I have a long history and complicated relationship with my skin. Some of my earliest memories are of marvelling at how soft and clear my mother’s skin was. I was in awe of the perfection of my grandmother’s makeup, and curious about the beauty concoctions that crowded my aunt’s vanity cupboard. It all seemed so enticing, and I was counting down the days until I could delve into some pampering of my own…

Choosing the best pamper products and regime can be a challenge when there are so many options on the market. As a general rule of thumb, a sound skincare routine should include the following steps:

1. Cleanse

Remove all dirt, makeup, and oil from the skin

2. Moisturise

Add hydrating and healing serums, eye creams, and moisturisers to the skin.

3. Protect

Never forget to apply sunscreen in the morning! There is one more product on the market that adds to each aspect of a skincare routine but is often overlooked: toner. It’s a multi-faceted skincare solution, which - depending on the ingredients used - can act as a:

• Second cleanser to remove excess dirt

• Moisturiser to hydrate the skin before the application of heavier creams • Exfoliator to clear the build-up of dead skin cells

• pH balancer to prepare the skin to absorb nutrients effectively • Replenisher to restore the skin’s outer lipid barrier

The ingredients in each toner will characterise the results you can expect. Whether you are buying your toner or making it yourself, it is important to note what goes into your toner, and which ingredients will target your skin concerns best.

If you want to feel like a real alchemist, craft your own perfect-for-you toner by mixing a couple of these allnatural ingredients together:

- Witch hazel (alcohol-free) to calm irritated skin and acne breakouts - Aloe vera to moisturise and hydrate your skin - Rosewater to gently balance your skin’s pH - Apple cider vinegar to naturally exfoliate and brighten your skin - Chamomile to calm the skin and fight bacteria - Green tea to reduce inflammation and redness - Cucumber to cool and soothe irritated skin - Rice water to assist with hydration

Once you’ve mixed up your concoction, pour the mixture into a clean glass bottle for safekeeping. Your mixture should keep for three to seven days, but remember to keep it out of sunlight in a coloured glass bottle or cupboard.

Apply your toner sparingly by coating a cotton pad and dabbing it onto your skin, or spritzing it over your face as a refreshing touch.

Our favourite all-natural toners for…

Sensitive Skin

Wellness Rejuvenating Toning Mist This alcohol-free formulation harnesses the soothing properties of witch hazel and chamomile to help calm skin irritation, inflammation and sunburn.

Combination Skin

Simply Bee Facial Toner Filled with witch hazel, lavender, cypress and rose, this gentle toner will remove any impurities and balance pH levels.

Dry Skin

Curaloe Aloe Vera Facial Toner Brimming with the healing properties of aloe vera, this toner will treat even the most extreme flakiness and boost the plumpness of your skin whilst fighting bacteria and inflammation.

Mature Skin

Pradiance Balancing Facial Toner Infused with kigelia, this toner assists with uneven skin tone and dark marks, while reducing fine lines and wrinkle depth through elasticity promotion.

Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Hugo Apothecary Hydrating Toner The cypress essential oil in this all-rounder acts as a powerful pore cleanser, naturally drawing out toxins and impurities from the skin.

SHOP THE RIGHT TONER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE IN STORE, OR SCAN THE QR CODE TO PURCHASE IT ONLINE

Be good to your “ skin. You’ll wear it every day for the rest of your life.“ - Renee Rouleau