To Tone or Not To Tone?
Customers often come to me with the questions, “Do I need to be using a toner? What does it even do? Is it just a superfluous step in my regimen?” The short answers? Yes. Important stuff. No.
More eloquently, there are a couple of reasons we recommend using a toner in your regimen. First, a well-formulated toner balances the pH of your skin. Our skin’s pH lives somewhere in the slightly acidic range of 5.5 and cleansing your skin, while absolutely necessary, can alter that number. Toners help balance you and prep your skin to accept the next step in your regimen.
Second, toners help get that last bit of grime off your skin. Believe it or not, even with my extensive cleansing routine, which you can read about here, after toning, I still manage to get some residue off my skin. Yes, that fact does amaze/horrify me, but that is why I can’t live without toners.
I’ve tried most of the toners we carry, and the following are my top picks.
This toner has it all. While it says that it’s formulated for normal to dry skin types, this toner is truly suitable for everyone. It’s alcohol-free which means it won’t dry you out. Also, the vegetable extracts help soothe irritated skin, meaning it will be your staple as the harsher weather of the changing season affects your skin.
Sometimes we barely have time to wash our face let alone tone. I get it. However, with this amazing cleanser, you can cut out the middleman. This seemingly nondescript product is a miracle in a bottle. It can cleanse and rebalance your skin all in one step! Yes, you can still use a separate toner after using it, but you don’t have to feel guilty if you skip a day.
If the idea of rubbing something on your face without it actually DOING something drives you bonkers, don’t worry. I’ve got your back. Insert this beauty of a toner. We are constantly talking about the wonders of chemical exfoliation, and this is another way to get it into your routine. This 2-percent glycolic solution is gentle enough to use twice daily. Toner + resurfacing agent = glow-y, beautiful skin. What more could you want?
Not seeing something for you? Come into Bellacara and talk to us about what toner is right for you!
- About the boutique
Located in historic Old Town Alexandria, for more than 17 years Bellacara has been Northern Virginia's preeminent boutique for high end cosmetic, skincare and haircare products. At Bellacara you will find premiere beauty products that have been carefully edited by the store’s owner, Angela Sitilides, who personally tests all the products sold in store. The boutique carries only the best product lines – Kiehl’s, Jouer, Dr. Dennis Gross, Christophe Robin, Moroccan Oil, Bumble & Bumble, Fresh, Molton Brown, Skinceuticals, Smashbox, Stila, Mario Badescu, Clarins, Dermalogica, Kevyn Aucoin, Kai, Child, St. Tropez, Smith and Cult, and many more.
1000 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.299.9652
