i had to say something on this issue, when i hear or read about people saying that we don't need a toner, i just have to speak up.
a good, gentle toner does so many good things for the skin. women tend to use the wrong cleansers on their skin and often don't wash all their makeup off in the first place. and more often than not the cleansers are so high in their PH levels that the skins acid level can go up to high or down too low.
this is were a good, gentle toner will help to remove traces of makeup and cleansers that was not rinsed off well and also help to balance out the natural acid level or PH of the skin.
this is also great in and age of long wearing makeup and our climate getting worse every day.
the key is to use the right toner for your skin and no matter what type of skin you have, the toner needs to be very low in alcohol.
take care of your skin, its our shell!

Written on: 03/26/2008 (02:52pm)

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I absolutely agree with using a toner. I think it's important to most skin types, to keep sloughing dead skin cells off and keep your glow! I'm an oily skintype in the summer, and dry in the winter (from my climate) and I use a toner during both seasons. I use Clinique's Clarifying Lotion in whatever strength I need at that time. There are some good, gentle ones for dry skin types out there, like their Mild formula. It's helped my skin texture and reduce breakouts more than any cream or cleanser ever has.

Written on: 03/31/2008 (06:59pm)

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For me, the main thing I love about toner is the way it makes my face feel so clean. I wash my face in the shower, then I dry my hair. Between that time and when I start putting on makeup, I just don't feel as clean as I did when I first stepped out of the shower.

I also use the Clinique Clarifying lotion. It is by far my favorite. I have had products in the past that dried my skin out horribly or irritated it further.

Written on: 03/31/2008 (07:30pm)

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Another Clinique fan over here. I've heard people say it's too harsh but tbh harsh is probably what my very oily skin needs!

Written on: 04/01/2008 (10:23am)

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If you're concerned that a toner will irritate or dry out your skin, consider looking for one that contains no added color, fragrance, or preservative. The Body Shop makes a good, relatively inexpensive aloe-based toner (Aloe Calming Toner) that is part of their skincare line for sensitive skin. I've found that it works well for virtually any skin type, and simply helps to remove any residual makeup left over after cleansing, as well as helping moisturizer penetrate better into the skin. This step is especially important for people like me who like to use a very gentle or cream-based cleanser, which often are not quite as effective at removing makeup.

Written on: 04/01/2008 (11:39am)

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I think it depends on the other products you are using. If you use a PH balanced facewash that rinses clean, then a toner may not be necessary. I also use a mandelic acid serum for my acne & a moisturizer that contains an alpha hydroxy also, so I feel a toner is useless for me. Too many products on the skin can be just that: too much.

If anyone wants a gentle, cheap toner I'd look into witch hazel at a health food store. I use one by Thayer's with lavendar (none of that nasty withc hazel smell, rather it smells like lavendar) and it's been great for my body (I don't use it on my face). Keeps away stray body zits but is super gentle & non-drying, and alcohol free. Interestingly, a far more expensive toner by Murad uses lavendar & witch hazel in it....

Written on: 04/03/2008 (03:09pm)

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Written on: 04/03/2008 (08:00pm)

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I highly agree with using a toner, especially Cliniques, even after cleansing, the dirt and oil that comes off after using the toner is amazing plus it prepares my skin for treatment or a moisturizer.

Written on: 05/09/2008 (09:00am)

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if you like to skip corners like me. try the MD Skincare Cleanser with Toner. does the job

Written on: 05/09/2008 (01:08pm)

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I totally agree with you Vegan Gal, toner is absolutely necessary. Like you said, even if your skin feels clean and fresh, the PH is probably out of balance and using a toner alleviates that problem. The right skin PH prevents a world of problems for your skin! My favorites are Devita, Pangea and Luzern. In the interest of full disclosure, these are the ones that I sell in my e-boutique, www.moiskincare.com. But I sell them BECAUSE I love them, not the other way around! :-) Glad to hear that everyone seems to agree that toner is necessary! A good sign.

Written on: 05/11/2008 (07:27pm)

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