DIY Skin Care: Toner

A toner is a concoction of water, essential oils, and miscallaneous skincare ingredients (lactic and glycolic acids, alcohols -- for oilier skin, salycilic acid -- to fight breakouts, and/or vitamins). There is much debate over whether a toner is a necessary item, but people use it for makeup removal hydration, to fight acne/aging, and to refresh their skin. Here are a few DIY Toner recipes to make at home so you don't have to break the bank for gorgeous skin.

DIY SKINCARE Hydrating Toner

1. 1/4 Cup Tap Water

2. 1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel

3. 1/2 Teaspoon Vegetable Glycerin

4. 5 drops clary sage (salvia sclarea) essential oil

5. 5 drops grapefruit (citrus paradisi) essential oil

6. 5 drops german chamomile (matricaria recutita)

Boil water rapidly for 3 minutes to sterilize, then let it cool. Combine all ingredients in a small (2- to 4-ounce) spray bottle and shake well to blend. To use, shake well and spray directly onto clean skin, or spray onto a cotton pad and apply. Follow with a skin-type-appropriate moisturizer. Store in a cool, dry place for up to two months.

DIY SKINCARE Rose Facial Toner to clarify & invigorate

1. 3 1/2 cups witch hazel

2. 1/2 cup dried rose petals

3. 5 sprigs fresh rosemary

Put ingredients in empty water bottle and shake thoroughly. Let it sit for a few hours, then strain the leftover water into a small spray bottle. Spritz on your face after cleansing skin.

DIY SKINCARE Apple Facial Toner for sensitive skin

1. 2/3 cup witch hazel

2. 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

3. Several drops of lavender essential oil (or oil of your choice)

Mix, and add to clean bottle. Shake bottle well before using, and then dampen a cotton ball or pad saturated with your toner, and swab over face. Witch hazel is a gentle astringent, apple cider vinegar will help restore your skin's natural ph balance, and lavender soothes sensitive skin.

DIY SKINCARE Apple Cider Vinegar Toner for acne

1. 4 oz apple cider vinegar (Bragg's brand)

2. 4 oz water

3. 4 bags of green tea (all natural, no additives)

4. 1 bag chamomile tea

5. 10-15 drops tea tree oil

6. 10-15 drops jojoba oil

7. 8 oz container/dispenser

8. 10 plain aspirin pills

Pour the Apple Cider Vinger into the container of your choice. Heat the water to a boil, set aside and steep the tea bags in it for at least 30 minutes. When cool, remove tea bags and be sure to squeeze them (your own washed fingers work best) to get the trapped bit of tea liquid out. Add to the ACV. Add the Tea Tree oil and Jojoba oil. The 10-15 drops is just a basic amount... add more or less to your liking. Crush the aspirin pills into a fine powder and mix well into toner. Strain the toner through a strainer or mesh coffee filter to filter out the left-over aspirin bits. Shake your container good to mix it all up. After cleansing, apply this toner; after it dries, apply your moisturizer if you use one. (If this is too harsh or drying on your skin, use less ACV).

Recipes courtesy of wholeliving.com, pioneerthinking.com, spaindex.com, and acne.org