The Day I Decided To Stop Using Toner

As I splashed Simple Soothing Skin Toner on my face while getting ready for work one morning; I stared at my reflection in the mirror wondering if using this product was a waste of my time.I've used Toner for many, MANY years - after Cleansing/Exfoliating and before Moisturizing.

Simple Soothing Skin Toner claims to

1) prepare the face for perfect moisturising and is essential for healthy and radiant skin
2) remove the last traces of make-up and cleanser and help to clarify and refresh your skin
3) soothe, help tone and tighten pores
4) be non drying, leave skin soft and maintain the pH balance of your skin

Early in my make-up journey a Professional Make-Up Artist told me that Toner helps to even out your skin tone.  I don't know about you, but that has NOT been my experience.  Even though my skintone is still uneven, I'm thankful that it hasn't changed for the worse.

I stood there with all sorts of thoughts rushing through my mind and I concluded that I didn't need to use Toner since my cleanser works well and removes all traces of dirt/make-up.  Also, my skin is naturally soft, healthy and radiant, and I don't have visible pores.  In fact, all Toner does is makes my face wet and delays my make-up application as I wait for it to dry.

I'm not a fan of wasting time or money, so I decided that I would stop buying Toner.  The bottle I was currently using was going to be my last!

I was satisfied with this decision, until one morning soon after I had this epiphany.

I was applying moisturizer, but it wasn't spreading easily, and my face didn't feel as soft and as smooth as it usually does.  I couldn't figure out why this was happening and my mind raced trying to solve this 'mystery'.  I eventually realized that I had forgotten to use Toner.

I could not believe it, Toner actually made a difference!

I really needed this product after all!

For one split second I even considered splashing some on over my moisturizer, but had to admit that doing this wouldn't make sense.

That was a close one.  I'm just glad that I realised the importance of using Toner before the bottle was empty.

Click here for tips on prepping your face for make up.



"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

One Important Thing You Must Do When You Prep Your Face

Have you noticed that when some products are applied to the skin, it leaves your skin feeling moist/wet?

All you need to do is wait a few minutes to allow those products to absorb into your skin (i.e. your skin feels normal when you touch it) BEFORE applying the next product in your make-up routine.  This is especially important for your moisturizer, mattifier and primer which prep your face for your make-up.

If you are like me with little time to spare;  you don't have to just watch the clock while you are waiting.  I'm sure you can find some part of your daily/nightly routine to do.

Here's how it usually goes for me:

1)   While waiting for the moisturiser to dry so that I can apply primer, I apply body lotion and spritz on some perfume.  

2)   While waiting for the primer to dry so that I can apply my eyeshadow and foundation, I enhance my eyebrows with browliner.

Waiting a few minutes gives the products time to do what they are supposed to, which should result in evenly applied and lasting make-up.  I don't know anyone who wants streaky, unevenly applied make-up, do you?

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires