We like her tone: Emily Blunt and her enviable skin. Photo: Getty
If there happened to be an award for most improved skincare product in 2012, it would hands-down go to skin toners. While tonics have traditionally been touted as a balancing product designed to keep oily skin in check, the latest crop of lotions are packed with the same kind of hydrating and correcting ingredients you’d expect to find in a powerful serum. And they're targeting multiple skin concerns, such as congestion, pigmentation and dehydration, in one clean sweep.
There’s just one catch: while splashing the skin with a hydrating toner or mist feels incredibly energising, when applied solo on the skin, the water eventually evaporates. So, to maximize the hydrating benefits of any toner, it’s essential that you apply a moisturiser or serum immediately after spritzing while the skin is still damp.
Here are 3 Toners To Try Now
Moving on from the drying astringents you used as a breakout-prone teen, here are three multi-tasking tonics that go above and beyond the call of duty.
1. Biotherm Pure-fect Skin Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner, $32, 1300 668 450
Its hero ingredient, L. Digitata, is a purifying marine algae that boats anti-bacterial properties to help minimise imperfections such as blemishes, but the real hook is the matte-looking finish which works a treat at down-playing the appearance of enlarged pores.
2. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner, $28, www.kiehls.com.au
Although it’s designed to keep shine on the lowdown, the oil, paraben, fragrance and silicone-free formula makes it ideal for using on all skin types. If you’re short on time, save it for the evening and use it to cut through makeup, primer and sunscreen for a squeaky-clean finish, without leaving the skin feeling tight or irritated.
3. SKI-II Facial Treatment Essence, from $100 (75mL), 1800 012 169.
The ‘miracle water’ as it’s known around the beauty traps, boasts a high percentage of Pitera – the hero ingredient in the SKI-II range, plus amino acids, minerals, organic acids and vitamins, that are designed to boost the skin’s moisture intake. Proving it’s just as big on convenience as it is hydration, all you need to do is pour a small amount of the lotion into the palm of your hands and press it into the skin before following with moisturiser.
On a side note, if you’re battling adult-breakouts, it’s worth checking out the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, $85 (150mL), 1800 012 169, which contains AHA’s to help improve skin texture and clarity.
