5 Toner Hacks You’ll Use All The Time
July 18, 2023
Toners are a must-have in our skincare routines. Not only do they help remove dirt, excess oil and leftover traces of hard-to-remove makeup, they also work to balance the skin’s natural pH levels, hydrate and exfoliate the skin. But the multi-purpose product doesn’t stop there: Turns out, there are a handful of unexpected uses for toner, too. Ahead, we’re sharing our favorite toner skincare hacks, from makeshift face mists to prepping your lips for lip color, that will make toner the most reached-for product in your skincare stash.
Not sure which toner is right for you? This article will help you find the best toner for your skin’s needs.
Make It a Face Mist
Grab a clean, empty spray bottle and pour in your favorite toner with a two-to-one ratio of distilled water. Spritz your face before bed (you won’t waste product like you do pouring it on a cotton round) or throw it in your beach bag for a light, hydrating and refreshing DIY face mist. We love the Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner in Rose Petal.
Treat Your Lips
Flaky lips won’t do your lipstick any favors. Luckily, you can exfoliate, remove dry skin and hydrate all at once by swiping a cotton pad with toner across your lips. Make sure to follow up with a lip balm or hydrating lipstick to seal in moisture. For this, look for a toner with both exfoliating and hydrating properties.
Smooth Body Skin
Extend your toner to your neck, chest and décolleté to smooth your skin and make it look radiant and even-toned. Here’s why: Some toner formulas can help exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving you with bright, silky skin that’s ready to absorb subsequent products. For this hack, we reach for the Kiehl’s Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner, which contains lipo-hydroxy acid and almond milk to gently exfoliate and nourish the skin. Follow up with your body lotion or oil for enhanced absorption.
Prep For a Spray Tan
To keep streaking at bay, apply toner on areas prone to rough patches like elbows and knees before a spray tan. It will help hydrate, smooth and soften the skin so that your tan applies more evenly. On the reverse side, if you end up with a spray tan gone wrong and need to even out dark patches, you can wet a cotton pad with an exfoliating toner and apply to the target areas in small circles until the color starts to fade.
Soothe Shaving Bumps and Blemishes
Whether you have razor burn or inflamed pimples, a soothing toner can help calm redness and irritation. A fragrance- and alcohol-free option with aloe vera and witch hazel, like the Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Unscented Facial Toner, is a safe bet for keeping irritation at bay.
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