Recommendations for a new toner?

Dec 28, 2016

Dana E.

I'm looking for a new toner in my skincare routine! Currently I have the Clinique cleansing lotion and its okay but nothing special.

I have normal to (kinda) dry skin. I have some hyperpigmentation and occasional cystic breakouts on my chin.

I'm looking for a toner that would fit into my current routine (down below) that I can preferably find in Target, Ulta, or Sephora. I would prefer not to have to order online but I'm open to suggestions :)

-Mario bedescu acne facial cleanser with clarisonic
-Paula's choice 2% BHA lotion
-cerave am and pm moisturizers
-algeneist eye renewal eye cream

Dec 28, 2016

Anna D.

I'm not too sure sorry, bit I heard that The Body Shop does really good toners... ♡

Dec 28, 2016

Danielle H.

I use the cerave hydrating cleanser and I used to Paula's choice 2% BHA liquid formula but have now switched to the AHA one. I use the Paula's choice balancing toner (I think that's what it's called). It's the blue one and I found it fit perfectly into my routine. I have dry skin that can break out and it hasn't caused me any problems. I also have the toner for dry skin but I'm still using the balancing one up, I've had it a long time, haha. I hope this helps! :)

Dec 28, 2016

Leuca S.

Are you feeling you need hydration or just something to prep your skin?

Dec 29, 2016

Dana E.

Thanks everyone :)

And Leuca I think just to prep my skin? I find my moisturizer does a pretty good job at hydration!

Dec 29, 2016

Leuca S.

How has your skin been reacting to the BHA?

Dec 29, 2016

Dana E.

I think well!

The first time and first week I used it I didn't think it was working because I felt nothing. I thought I was supposed feel a "tingling" sensation or something since I've never used it before. I still only use it once a day though. I definitely think my complexion looks a bit brighter and more even

Dec 30, 2016

Leuca S.

Have you seen improvements to any clogged pore issues?

Dec 30, 2016

Leuca S.

Looking at toners I can find at Target's website, the only one that I thought was interesting was the Derma-E Purifying Toner. It's under 10$ from what I can see from the price comparison at Ulta, but it only contains 2 oz of product. Does contain some fragrance but it's all the way at the end so if it's not super smelly to your nose it's probably negligible.

Toner at Ulta that looks interesting is the Skinfood Tea Tree Toner. The only problem I can really see with this formula wise is if your skin is sensitive to tea tree, but it can help with acne. They did include quite a few anti inflammatory plant extracts and it's in a water base so it's unlikely to clog your pores. Not seeing anything that was added specifically for fragrance. I would actually be interested in trying this myself. The pump in the picture looks weird, but it's hard to tell what the packaging intended.

Another toner you can find at Ulta (and Sephora) is the Clinique Moisture Surge Facial Mist. You can spray this into a cotton pad or your face; would probably make a fine prep for the rest of your routine but is a bit more pricey.

Very little at Sephora intrigues me in the skincare department. The vast majority of it is overpriced for basic ingredients, laden with fragrance and/or alcohol, or is just exorbitantly expensive for the name.

I generally don't bother looking at any toner that goes above the 30$ price range unless budget is literally a nonfactor for you.

Dec 30, 2016

Dana E.

Lol, yeah I only mentioned Sephora just in case!!

Thank you! The skinfood one sounds interesting to me because I like the idea of the tea tree. I found when I used tea tree oil on cystic pimples it helped them go away actually. So maybe if I incorporate it into my routine it can help prevent future spots.


Thank you again!! You are always so helpful and informative.

Dec 30, 2016

Shona S.

Sense by USANA have an amazing toner, loved it so much I started to sell it... Not sure if I'm allowed to share that on here?? Someone just tell me if I'm not allowed sorry!!