These Toner Hacks Are Actually Really Useful

Toners are a must-have in our skin-care routines. Not only do they help remove dirt, excess oil and leftover traces of hard-to-remove makeup, but they also work to balance the skin’s natural pH levels, hydrate and exfoliate the skin. The multi-purpose product’s benefits don’t stop there, though. Turns out, there are a handful of unexpected uses for toner, too. Ahead, we’re sharing our favorite toner skin-care hacks, from makeshift face mists to prepping your lips for lipstick, that will likely make toner one of your most-used products in your skin-care stash.  

Skin Toner Hack #1: Make It a Face Mist

Grab an empty spray bottle and pour in your favorite toner with a two-to-one ratio of distilled water. Spritz your face before bed or throw it in your beach bag over spring break for a light, hydrating and refreshing DIY face mist. Plus, you won’t waste product by pouring too much on a cotton round. (Pro tip: Store your toner in the fridge before a beach day for a cooling effect.) For this, we like the SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner. 

Skin Toner Hack #2: Wipe Your Lips 

Chapped lips and winter go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, this can make lipstick look less than ideal. Exfoliate your lips, get rid of flaky dry skin and hydrate all at once by swiping a cotton pad with toner across your pout. Make sure to follow up with a lip balm or hydrating lipstick to seal in hydration. 

Skin Toner Hack #3: Amp Up Your Body Glow 

Extend your toner to your neck, chest and décolleté to give your skin extra glow. Some toner formulas can help exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving you with bright, smooth skin that’s ready to absorb subsequent products. For this hack, we like the Lancôme Tonique Radiance Exfoliating Toner. 

Skin Toner Hack #4: Use It to Prep for Your Spray Tan 

To keep streaking at bay, apply toner on rough patches of skin like your 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 ended up with a spray tan gone wrong and need to even out dark patches, wet a cotton pad with an exfoliating toner and rub in gentle circles until the color starts to fade. 

Skin Toner Hack #5: Soothe Shaving Bumps and Blemishes 

Whether you have razor burn or inflamed pimples, a hydrating and soothing toner can help calm redness and irritation. Make sure you opt for a toner that is free of potential irritants and astringents. Choose a hydrating option with aloe vera or witch hazel that can soothe the area. We recommend the Vichy Pureté Thermale Toner. 

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