Never used toner? Thought it was something just for the ladies? Think again. There are many reasons why toners should be part of your daily bathroom routine, and these are some of our favourites.
Ok, so it might have taken you a while to start washing your face on a daily basis – we’re thinking somewhere around 14? Then came the metrosexual movement and suddenly we’re all (quietly) reaching for moisturizers. Fast-forward to today and guys are far more comfortable looking after their faces, whether it’s using effective facial washes (especially in the age of the facemask), shaving with a little more care, or grooming that manly beard with a little more precision.
Now the next chapter – toner, and no, we’re not suggesting a scandalous affair with the office printer. Toner is something that seems to have slipped through the gaps during our march to grooming self-enlightenment. Perhaps marketers thought that adding yet another component to our daily bathroom regime risked a population-wide revolt. For whatever reason, few guys use toner, even if they’re regularly to be found perusing the chemist aisles in search of serums and vitamin D-packed skin solutions, and that’s a mistake.
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Toner is like cleaning the slate each time you cleanse your face, effectively drying out overly-oily skin, hydrating dry skin, and balancing out those pesky pH levels. To skip the toner between washing your face and moisturising is to effectively eliminating many of the beneficial aspects of both processes. You wouldn’t paint your house without putting down a primer first, a level of protection that ensures that the final coat looks great and stays true. Toner is a lot like that.
So, we hear you ask en masse, what should we be looking for? While there are a ton of great toners – and we have listed a few of our favourites below – the key ingredient to skip is alcohol (or any astringents for that matter). While it’s great in a martini, it will only cause irritation on your face and dry out your skin, and dry skin is old skin.
Toners can be used by every likely lad, but are best for those whose skin flares up, have acne, or is especially oily. It’s also great for guys that work out a lot and build up a sweat, and for those who already have a regular facial regime and want to get the most out of their products.
To use toner, all you need to do is splash a small quantity of your chosen product into your clean hands after cleansing (you can use a cotton pad if you’re worried about wastage) and apply evenly, with a focus on your t-zone, upper lip and forehead. You’ll feel the skin dry out quickly so don’t muck about. However, we’re sure you’ll start noticing a difference when you combine toner with your other favourite products.
Here are some of our favourite toners for modern gents.
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Kiehl’s Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
Light, easy to use, and alcohol-free, Kiehl’s herbal toner‘s formula features hand-picked Calendula flower petals and other herbal extracts which, combined, help to hydrate the skin, soothe discomfort (especially after shaving), and calm skin redness. The face-friendly solution balances pH levels and sets the scene for other Kiehl’s products. Alternatively, Kiehl’s also has an Oli Eliminator Refreshing Shine Control Toner for guys who struggle with excess oil.
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Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner
Not only does this herbal toner from Baxter of California, a company that’s been easing the grooming road for a generation, soothe the skin, but it also adds a touch of minty freshness, and who doesn’t love that? A favourite with Baxterphiles, the toner removes residual dirt, oil, and impurities before prepping the skin for a dousing in moisturiser or serum. The toner is gentle enough to use both morning and night and ensures you’ll stay fresh and cool.
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DTRT So Fine Toner for Men
Designed to combat excessive sebum, an oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands that tends to collect on some guys’ faces, the DTRT So Fine Toner uses natural pine resin to help reduce and then control the amount of oil produced in your facial skin, while also closing pores after you’ve cleansed. Perfect as an aftershave thanks to its soothing properties, including charcoal powder, the toner also boasts both myristic and stearic acids, which help kill bacteria and prevent infection.
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Algenist Hydrating Essence Toner
Packed with patented ingredients, including Alguronic acid, which increases smoothness and generally improves the appearance of the skin, Algenist’s toner features witch hazel and chamomile to purify, soothe and tone the skin, leaving it refreshed, balanced and ready for additional hydration.
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Neutrogena Oil- and Alcohol-Free Facial Toner
Quick absorbing, reconditioning, and noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, Neutrogena’s toner is an easy-to-use daily facial toner that removes impurities and helps rebalance the skin. Hypoallergenic, refreshing, and alcohol-free, this light and easy-to-apply solution will keep the face fresh and clean without drying it out or tightening it.
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