Do you use toners? If I’m honest, some nights I’m so tired I’m lucky that I get my makeup off every night let alone use a toner. I always knew it was probably good for my skin but seemed like the extra step wasn’t worth the results. Not true. It can take your skin to a whole new level.
Here at Pretty Simple Ideas I truly like to bring life back to basics, especially when it concerns out beauty routines. Below I will simply why we should all use a toner and then tell you what I think is the best store-bought, homemade and one-ingredient toners out there. So why should we use a toner?
(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here. )
To Remove Excess Makeup and Dirt
Washing your face doesn’t always get all your make-up and dirt off. You’ll find this out after you wipe your skin with a toner and look at the pad or cotton ball. When we don’t use a toner we end up going to bed with that gunk still on our face. On a less gross note, by removing the excess dirt and makeup we can help keep our complexion clear. To make your toning even more effective start with a good face wash, like this DIY Rose & Almond Face Cleanser.
To Help Tighten Pores
By making sure our skin is free of anything when we go to be we’re ensuring our pores won’t get clogged either. Know what clogged pores equal? Larger pores. Let’s clean them out, tighten them up and make them look smaller.
To Deliver Good Stuff to Your Skin
The right toner can restore the pH balance of your skin, allowing your face to look smoother and brighter. Certain ones with ingredients like witch hazel or rose can also clear up acne.
When looking for a toner make sure to avoid ones with chemicals and alcohol. Those are bad news bears for your skin as they will dry it out or cause reactions that lead to blotchy faces. Instead, opt for all natural toners for the best results.
Below I’ve listed my top five favorite toners and why.
1. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
I’ve been using this toner for a couple of months now and really like it. Not only does it help clear my face, but it leaves it feeling refreshed instead of dried out. Also, it helps soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing the skin with the anti-aging ingredients found in our glycolic acid-based toner. Get it over on Amazon or in many different stores from Anthropologie to grocery stores.
2. Burt’s Bees Rosewater Toner
Mm, who doesn’t love a product that smells like roses? Not only that but rose water can help fight acne and eczema while hydrating, moisturizing and smoothing out your skin. It also helps to heal scars while fending off fine lines and wrinkles. Thank you rose water.
3. Homemade Tea Tree Toner
If you’d rather make your own tea tree is a great natural astringent and acne fighter. Just combine ½ filtered water with 2 teaspoons vegetable glycerine and 15 drops tea tree oil, all of which can be bought easily on Amazon or at a local health store.
4. Witch Hazel
Sometimes you only need one ingredient for great results. Witch hazel is the earth’s natural toner, helping remove excess makeup, dirt, and oil. My favorite is T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Astringent for about $5 from your local drug store or on Amazon.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
No product do I hate and love more than apple cider vinegar (ACV). The smell makes me sick but it is sure a miracle worker in the beauty world. Apple Cider has cleared my skin overnight on several occasions and leaves it looking fresher than the daisies. Yes, you will temporarily smell like a salad but speaking from experience, it’s worth it. For even more ways to clear acne, check out this post on 10 Ways to Get Clearer Skin that You Might Not Be Trying.
ACV is simply the by-product of fermented apples. Yummy, right? Well, it’s also full of acids and enzymes that naturally exfoliate your skin and are a lot more gentle than scrubs or microdermabrasion. ACV also lightens sun and age spots, evens skin tone, breaks up dead skin cells and reduces the appearance of pores.
Just a bit of caution, if you have sensitive skin try mixing it with water first.
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Ooh, I need to try the Burt’s Bees toners. I am running out of mine right now and I would prefer one by a cruelty-free brand.
I definitely love trying something new when one of my favorites runs low.
I should definitely start using a toner! I had no idea that apple cider vinegar should be used on the face. What a great trick to know! Thanks!
Absolutely, I should add though that if you have sensitive skin you should mix it with a little water first.
Didn’t even know Burt Bee’s had a toner. I don like their products.
It’s hit or miss with their products for me.
I never knew I could use Apple Cider Vinegar on my skin! I may have to try that since I still suffer from the occasional breakouts that are horrible. Thanks for the info 🙂
I’ve been using a witch hazel toner the last couple months and have DEFINITELY seen an improvement in my skin! I love it!
Me too! Witch hazel is amazing and so simply to add to our routine.
So interesting about apple cider vinegar! I use it for so many things, but I haven’t thought about my face! I really should start to use toner, I’m getting old. Lol.
haha! Yes, it can be great for skin (Although caution to mix with water if you have sensitive skin!) And yah, toners are really helping me fend off some wrinkles I’ve noticed since hitting 30.
I am just kind of hopping around on your blog today! haha! Lots of great product recommendations here! I am thinking I need to try the ACV as toner. My face has been a bit fussy lately, and I bet this will straighten it out quickly!
It works great for me! Although I have heard it stings for people with sensitive skin so maybe mixed with a little water is best.
I love using witch hazel and apple cider vinegar as toners! Takes some getting used to the smell, but worth it!
Natalie, Agreed – the smell is terrible! haha But yes -worth it in the end
I love Burt’s Bees toners, especially the rose. It smells so good! I use witch hazel now since it costs a lot less.
And witch hazel works great too!
I love my toner! It’s such an important product. Happy Friday!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
What???? I didn’t know apple cider vinegar was a good toner! I just purchased some to drink in the morning (in warm water). But, had no clue of skin benefits. So going to try it!
Yes, ma’am! You’ll love it!
I started to use them pretty late, i love more creamy stuff for my face, but must admit they are equaly good xoxo
https://theninebyivana.blogspot.com/
Thank you for these suggestions. I’ve never used toner before but now I am interested in trying.
I had no idea toners could do so many different things! And I really love the diy rose facial cleanser!
Peyton – it’s my favorite!
I should try the Burt’s Bees toners! I’ve been using a Pixi’s Glow Tonic, and since I’m almost out, I can try some of these!
| diaryofasouthernmillennial.com
Cameron – i’ve been wanting to try Pixi’s glow too! I’ve heard such good things.
I always use toner samples but I never really knew what they did lol, so thanks for putting this together! I’ve always wanted to try the Burt’s Bees rosewater one, and it’s good to know it’s good for eczema!
That rosewater toner sounds really nice! I’m bad about including this in my skincare routine.
I just recently got a new toner from Lush! 🙂
http://www.melissamchee.com
Nice! I’ve never tried their toners but now I want to.
I had no idea I could use ACV on my skin! I’ll have to try that out. My grandmother used to use witch hazel as well, but I have never tried it. Thanks for the insight! 🙂
Rosewater toner is my favorite. I’m interested in trying the Burt bee’s tomato toner. I’ve never knew tomato has skin benefits
I never knew you could use apple cider vinegar as a toner. How cool!
Great tips! I’ve heard this before about ACV, but have never tried it! Maybe today will be the day — I have a big bottle in my cupboard! Thanks for sharing!
I just started getting into toners about a month ago and I can already tell the difference they make in my skincare routine. I will have to give some of these a try!
I haven’t actually tried any of these toners! I currently use a MaryKay one, and I have a Clinique one I love and another one from a spa. I’m ADDICTED to toners. THey make a real difference!
Coming Up Roses
Erica – Yes! Such a small step with big results
I love toners and have been wanting to make my own as well! Thanks for all this advice, its so helpfuL!
Great post! I know the benefit of toners but have yet to add one to my skincare routine..ugh!! I need to ASAP!
This post was so helpful! I have to admit, I totally have toner at home but I was never really sure what the benefits were of using it haha! I was just using it blindly! Love the idea of apple cider vinegar…I’m going to have to try it out!
Jenn
http://www.honeydewblog.com
Jenn, it’s amazing stuff. For acne or wrinkles, too.
Thank you for this! I literally just started a skin routine last night and had no idea what toners were supposed to do!
haha well I’m glad it was helpful, Karen!
i’ve been told by many people to use toners – you just gave me the perfect place to start!
Ohh I need to try out that rose water toner! I have to be super careful not to use toners that are too astringent because my skin will freak out.
Joanna – then rose would be a great choice!
I used to use a toner but have stopped over the years. I just didn’t find it that effective but should try one of these products.
This was very helpful, thank you for sharing! 🙂 My husband tends to stay away from me when I use ACV, lol.
Anya – hahahah! I could see why!
Great post! I’ve been curious about toners and how exactly they work and if they’re something I should incorporate. Thank you for the great info!
Katie, you’re welcome and you definitely should!
Toner is something I always make sure not to skip in my skincare routine! Also I knew apples were good for your skin but had no idea about all the benefits of ACV! I’m definitely going to look into using this stuff more often!
great post, i’m a fan of making my own and i love that you added the witch hazel and apple cider vinegar options!
I am obsessed with toners right now! After over a year trying to find the right one that worked for me, I found Fresh’s rosewater toner. Life changer. IDK where toners have been all of my life.
They’re awesome, right? I also love the Fresh company.