Most would have heard the pro-makeup artists say 3 steps towards an amazing skin is Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing. While all of us have heard the first and last steps, the second is quite a mystery. For people who don’t know what a toner is, we’ll go from the basics:
What is a Toner? What does it DO?
Definition wise, a toner is a constringent (makes skin cells contract) liquid that does the following-
- Cleanses the skin by removing dirt and grime.
- Shrink the pore size. Hence, reduce the oiliness of the skin.
- Balance the natural pH level of the skin.
- Nourishes and re-hydrates the skin (especially after a face wash).
- Preps your skin for moisturizer.
- Gives an energy boost to your skin and make it look fresh.
- Prevents ingrown hair.
So now, the ultimate question- To Tone or Not to Tone?
Think of toning as a bridge between cleansing and moisturizing. It does a bit of both steps and more.
If you have normal to dry skin, you can go ahead and skip toning but only if you are using a good face wash capable of removing all the impurities from your skin. Even then I recommend using a mild toner like diluted rose water.
But if you have oily skin, you should not skip this vital step. Because toning will shrink up your pore size and hence reduce the amount of oil produced. As a result, your makeup will last longer.
The Best Toners Recommended By YSG:
Are you expecting a list of very expensive brands? Oh come on girls, when have I suggested splurging your money when there is a much more economical yet super effective alternative.
Oily Skinned and Normal Beauties:
Go stock up on Apple Cider Vinegar. Yep! The most economical yet effective toner you’ll ever find. Mix 1 part ACV and 3 parts water. Apply it on your face using a cotton pad after cleansing your face. You can use it twice a day max., preferably in the morning and at night.
Also, steer clear of toners with alcohol, citrus and scents (if you are going to buy a toner).
Dry Skinned Beauties:
You can use ACV 2-3 times a week. Otherwise, you can use rosewater, the gentlest toner you’ll ever find. Dilute it in the same ratio and apply using a cotton pad after cleansing.
YSG TIPS:
- If you find dirt on the cotton pad while toning, it’s a clear indication that your cleanser is not doing its job.
- The thing with natural toners is that you’ll have to experiment a little with dilution. If you find 1:3 ratio to be causing a slight burn dilute it more. On the other hand, if you find it not doing anything to your skin like tightening your pore, cleaning well etc. make it a little more concentrated. After all, all our skins are different.
You can always get ACV and rosewater with great discounts from Nykaa, Flipkart, Amazon, Jabong.