Help With Skincare!

Feb 10, 2013

Courtney B.

I just want to know how important are toners. And what is your skincare routine? (:

Feb 10, 2013

Courtney B.

Hey, we have the same name! Haha.
Anyway, I think a toner is important, although I admit to forgetting to use one sometimes. I'm not trained in skincare at all, but it's my understanding that a toner is meant to get rid of whatever your cleanser may leave behind-- dirt and residue, makeup, and even some of your cleanse that may not have rinsed off all the way. I use a homemade toner of ACV that's diluted with water, and it works well for me. There are many other options ranging from cheap ones you can make at home to pretty expensive, so it's important to find whatever works best for your skin. Also, a toner without alcohol is probably the best thing to try and find. Since you don't rinse your toner off, you don't want anything too harsh to be sitting on your skin all day.

My personal skin care routine is still being tweaked, but as of now it's this:
MORNING
1. Wash with either Purity or Cetaphil (whichever I grab first) with my Olay ProX
2. Toner
3. Argan oil (on cheeks)
4. Moisturizer (currently I'm trying out Bliss' The Youth As We Know It, which has SPF)
5. SPF (if the moisturizer I use doesn't have any)

AFTERNOON/EVENING
(If I have on makeup)
1. Makeup wipe
2. Oil cleanser (currently I'm using Josie Maran with some extra argan oil added)
3. Exfoliate (as needed, currently I use Amore Pacific's Treatment Enzyme Peel 3 times a week)
4. Toner
5. Argan oil all over
(If I don't have on makeup)
1. Wash with Purity or Cetaphil with hands
2. Toner
3. Argan oil all over

If I notice my skin seems like it may break out soon ( I have mild hormonal acne once a month) I will use Murad's Clarifying Cleanser at night, either after oil cleaning if I have on makeup or in place of Purity/Cetaphil if I don't. Once a week I do a heavy duty exfoliant (Jack Black's Face Buff Energizing Scrub, and yes I know it's "for men", but whatever, I like it) and a clay mask (Queen Helene or Aztec Secret are what I rotate between) followed by a sheet mask (My Beauty Diary has great ones).
I know this is a TON of stuff but I think taking care of your skin is super important. My skin looks great and most of the time I don't wear anything on my face other than moisturizer and a translucent powder to help with any shine. Everyone's skin is different so it's really important to find products that work for you, and to give whatever you're using enough time to work. Don't just ditch a new product after a week because your skin doesn't look immaculate right away.

Feb 11, 2013

Courtney B.

Thanks love!

Feb 11, 2013

Payton K.

I think its more up to you to decide if you need a toner or not but my skincare routine is cleanse (use a gentle cleanser), tone (use toner), hydrate (simple moisturizer), and protect (sunscreen). I do this mornings before applying makeup(:

Feb 11, 2013

Payton K.

Oops forgot to add what I do before bed. I just use wipes to remove my makeup then wash my face. (:

Feb 11, 2013

Janet M.

Toners are important to me, I feel like it balances out the ph level of my skin. My skin care routine generally is take off make up/residue on face from sleeping, cleanse twice, exfoliate, tone, moisturize/SPF during the day, and a rosacea cream. as well I usually use a mask usually twice a week, if I have time hah

Feb 11, 2013

Etienne S.

Same with Janet, toners balance the ph level of your skin. :)

Feb 11, 2013

Emma R.

I am a beauty therapist so I am trained in skin care. A toner isn't necessary if you can't afford it, but if you can then I say deffinatley use one. It restores the pH balance on your skin to help re-hydrate it from a day of wearing makeup. I recommend a witch hazel toner, although the smell is strong, you will get used to it after a while and witch hazel is great for acne, but just skin in general :) hope this helped!