Hi all, I thought I might write about something more practical today; skincare products that all of you can rely on for every season! :) I haven't really suggested cheaper alternatives on my previous posts, but this time I'll include some for the budget-minded.
I'm splitting this post into many so it's not too long, this one contains tips on toners. I plan on covering serums and moisturisers as well as part of this series. So let's get started :)
Soothing and Calming Toners
I've noticed that some people believe that they don't really need to use a toner if their skin's clean. Well, toners are more than that actually. In short, you need them for balancing skin's ph levels, retexturising and improving the efficacy of the all the goodies you put on next. A soothing and calming toner is an essential since our skin is constantly exposed to irritants such as pollution, all kinds of stress, poor diet, UV rays, seasonal weather/environmental/hormonal changes, dermatological procedures, medications and chemicals. Even if you think that yours isn't, it just means that your skin's a little more tolerant, but that doesn't mean your skin doesn't get stressed or sensitised.
I bought a jumbo size Darphin Intral Toner (500ml, with Chanmomile) in earlier this year. I've continued to purchase this toner over the last few years since I just love it >_<. The scent isn't overwhelming, and it does its job, it soothes my skin without leaving any heavy greasy film on my skin. Unlike other Darphin products, it isn't very active in essential oils, which makes it even more gentle.
If you don't bother using cotton pads when using toner, then I have another recommendation for you. Especially if you love uplifting rosy scents, you should try Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. It's packed with anti-aging ingredients, and very controllable when spraying ie. it doesn't make a mess and it sprays relatively fine without hurting your skin. As you can tell from the name, you can also use it as a mist throughout the day as needed. So if you a multi-tasker type, this is the one. Just a few things to be noted though, as I mentioned it's strongly rose scented with a bit of aroma hue. I actually got a bit sick when I first started using this years ago because of this. I also got some reactions on my skin like a numbing feeling and a few minor breakouts.
My skin got used to it later on so I don't have those problems any more. I've also noticed it cools and calms down heated skin as well as soothing dry skin very well, not dramatically, but you do certainly feel better afterwards. I don't recommend this for overly sensitised skin though. It's best not to use any mist with active ingredients in that case, I would recommend something like La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water instead.
By the way, my skin isn't very tolerant of active aromatic or botanical products. What I'm trying to say here is that if you believe that anything organic and natural is always the best solution for your skin concerns, then you should think twice. They can be good or bad, so don't construct wrong ideas on yourself :P.
Budget recommendations
Thayers Alcohol-free Toner Cucumber Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera formula (355ml)
This smell strongly of cucumber so if you don't like cucumber, this probably isn't for you :P. The toner itself is excellent, it hydrates skin very well in a gentle way. It also contains witch hazel, a natural astringent, which makes it great for a problem prone skin too. I use this toner, and I think it works brilliantly! If cucumber isn't your thing, Thayers also carry different toners.
Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray
I used to use this spray a lot when I was a teen. Now that I enjoy using cotton pads with my toner, I don't really use it anymore. However, I must say it was THE BABY, which saved my skin from strong UV rays back in Australia. Oh, by the way, if your skin's severely sensitive, you better not even use cotton pads for a while until your skin barrier's strengthened. This is perfect for that case; just spray, and done! Quick and easy XD.
Where to buy
Recommendations
- Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid, Cream & Oil Balm
- IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning (First Essence Lotion)
- Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream (Alternative to La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion & Soft Cream)
- Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Facial Cream & Lotion (Dry/Sensitive/Eczema/Baby Skin)
- Sisley Sisleÿa Essential Skin Care Lotion (First Essence)
- Luxury Skincare (La Mer VS La Prairie VS Swiss Perfection VS Sisley)
