As I’ve mentioned before, when it comes to skincare, I truly believe less is more… but that doesn’t mean I’m against adding essential steps to my routine – especially if I notice them paying off. I would say my skincare routine is probably one of my favourite parts of the day. It feels like a true pamper without being exhaustive.
I’ve recently added a new step to my routine: toner. I’ve never really used toner because I’ve always connected it to that stinging, stringent, parched feeling my skin would get after using this type of product in my younger days (I’m not lying when I say I’ve been doing skincare since my teens).
When it comes to skincare, I thought I had it all covered.
I cleanse, exfoliate, use serums, moisturisers and night creams. My favourite hobby is putting on a clarifying mask and reading a book (and usually sipping a glass of wine), but I always had one skin woe that I could never get to the bottom of: small, pesky, flesh-coloured bumps. Mostly on my forehead and lower cheeks, I couldn’t crack the cause of these annoying hitchhikers.
After reading about the benefits of toner in your skincare routine, I was partially swayed and extremely curious.
My research revealed that a good quality toner could easily help with these small bumps (which are actually a build up of dead skin cells…ew), AND help my serums and moisturisers penetrate deeper into my skin.
Not long after researching did I remember that I had been gifted a couple travel-size Pixi Glow Tonic toner in my previous job – the perfect way to test out a product. And guys, my mind was blown. This may be gross to some, but I could see the dirt that the toner had swiped off my face on the cotton pad after I had cleansed.
It has been roughly one month since adding this step to my skincare routine.
I feel confident it has made a definite difference in my skin. My pores are reduced, my skin appears glowy and the small bumps are almost completely gone!
Promising an energised, smooth and glowing complexion, I thought the Pixi Glow Tonic really did deliver. The best part? Unlike my many toners past, this one is completely alcohol-free. In fact, it feels hydrating thanks to the inclusion of ginseng and aloe vera. My next order of (really important skincare) business? Find reusable cotton pads!
While I’ve run out of Pixi Glow Tonic, I decided to give the REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic a try. It has only been one week so the verdict is still out, but I won’t lie, this is definitely a step I’ll be continuing for the foreseeable future. My skin looks plump and feels baby soft thanks to these magical tonics.
As always, I’m already dreaming of my next beauty purchase and I’ve got my eyes on the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream. When I saw it recently won the Best Eye Cream in the Clean Skin category of the Allure Magazine Awards, it solidified my decision to add it to my beauty bucket list (but not until I’m done with my GLAMGLOW Bright Eyes cream – which I’ve also been loving). Biossance has such a strong line up of dreamy products, I’m resisting the temptation to try one of everything.
Do you use a toner? If so, what’s your favourite brand?
Krista Thurrott 