Toner

So this is a topic I've been wanting to post about for a while now. And I decided to now since I have been talking to a friend about toner.  The basic foundation to a good makeup application is good skin. One thing everyone should do before they put on makeup (or atleast twice a day) is cleansing their skin, toning their skin and moisturizing. Most women do cleanse and moisturize but they don't tone! In fact, most women don't even know that toner exists or what it is.

I will be honest, I did not know what toner was until I started cosmetology school and I just recently started using it.

(Image from Amazon.com)

This is the toner that I use. Olay oil minimizing toner. Let's start with the basics. Toner is basically like a cleanser. You use it after you cleanse your face. It picks up all of the extra dirt, makeup and oil that you missed when you washed your face. It also helps to close your pores so that extra dirt doesn't get in after washing. It preps your face for moisturizing as well. Over time it can make large pores smaller. If you have oily skin, it will take the oiliness away which also gives you less pimples.

Now how would you use toner? Simple. It depends on what type you get. It can be in a spray, on a wipe or in a bottle like the one above. If it's a spray, just spray it onto your face and you're good to go. If it's a wipe, wipe your face with it. If it's in a bottle, simply pour it onto a cloth or cotton ball and wipe your face with it. But do not wash toner off.

Most toners have alcohol in them so they might have a slight burn, but after you apply toner your skin will feel clean and refreshed. 

So toner isn't difficult and it will really help your skin. It also isn't expensive. Depending on the place you buy it and what brand you get, it could cost you $5 or less.

A few toners I recommend:

 
- Olay Oil Minimizing Toner (I personally use it) [Image from amazon.com]
 
- Neutrogina Pore Refining Toner  [Image from amazon.com]
 
- Acne Free Acne Astringent Toner Pads (specially formulated for acne prone skin, It's in a wipe to make applying easy and quick when you're in a rush. It unclogs pores and helps prevent breakouts. One of my friends uses it and loves it) [Image from Consumr.com]