8 Reasons to use toner NOW

I didn’t use toner for years. Another product? Another step? No way.. I already have/do too many. I don’t need that (with laughter filling my head).  Sound familiar?

Then I did an experiment. I took a clean cotton pad after using my best cleanser, applied some hydrosol and I wiped. Hmmmm how can that be?  Then I applied all my skincare products and went to grab some much needed beauty sleep.

The next morning, knowing my face was as clean as a whistle I took a cotton pad, applied some more hydrosol and wiped.. YIKES!

How was it possible with a clean face and doing nothing but sleep, I still have sweat & dirt on my face. That was the day I started using toner.

Here’s a picture from this morning.. Guess my mascara wasn’t all off last night. Thank you toner.. I have to say I love you!

WHY Toner..

1. Tightens, refreshes & firms skin

2. Keep pores clean (minimized) & helps prevent breakouts

3. Help pulls moisturizer deeper into skin when applied AFTER toner

4. Combat & repair anti-aging and sun damage

5. Gently exfoliates, soothes & disinfects

6. Is it’s own skin treatment –  adds ingredients like vitamins & antioxidants 

7. Takes off excess dirt, sweat, mascara, misc. makeup & oil (is your 2nd cleanse)

8. It will be your secret weapon (proof is in the pad, see photo above)

WHAT Toner..

Oily skin: Love most of these, astringent & alcohol-free 

Dry skin: Love adding hydrasols & these are great options

Normal skin:  These are good for normal skin – neroli is my favorite

Did I change your mind? Or do you already use toner? Please share with me in the comments below.

Clarisonic lovers – Good News!

Anyone receive a Clarisonic for a recent holiday or birthday gift? This is one of my top Beauty Picks for 2013! I can’t live without mine.

confession: I never go to bed without washing my face. Even if I fall asleep I wake up, wash my face and go back to bed.

Good news: Clarisonic introduces the NEW Cashmere brush head! (whoo hoooo); claims to clean your skin SIX TIMES better than using your hands! (yes, re-read that) and even for sensitive skin, it is gentle enough for daily use.

Here are 4 tips to get your skin “squeaky” clean.

1. Wash in the pm 2x
The first wash takes off makeup & dirt. Second gets residue & lightly cleans pores (I use Clarisonic for second wash)

2. Add a salicylic acid lotion or wipe to your routine
Perfect 2nd wash. Exfoliates & cleans deeper into pores.

3. Use the Clarisonic
This product pushes impurities out while topically smoothing & buffing skin. I see a huge difference in the skin condition of clients that use it regularly.

4. Finish with a cold water “splash or pass”
On skin commercials you always see the beautiful splash of water in slow motion. Yes, that can be messy but cold water after a cleanse actually closes the pores and helps tighten the skin (as well as following with a Vitamin C serum after drying face).