Is Toner still a thing?

[Bbq1]

I have been looking after my skin since I was about 14/15 and I'm now almost 50. Back in the day I used always to use toner between cleanser and moisturiser. For many years now I've just splashed water on my face after cleansing. I remember my skin would feel a bit tight after toner but once moisturised would just feel really clean. Does anyone still use toner and do you think it's better than water?

I use a body shop toner. I don't think it really does much tbh but I like it and find it refreshing.

Toner is the one thing I cannot use , no matter the brand my skin installs reacts . I have to miss this step out

Can anyone recommend a lovely toner under the £10 mark? I have used Vegan by Happy Me which is amazing but also £34, so the cost of living crisis put paid to that

I LOVE a toner (specifically a facial spray) and spray my face during the day to refresh and keep in moisture. It's one of the things I credit with really helping my skin barrier which massively improved my rosacea and acne.

I think when PPs mentioned 'old school' type toners they were thinking of the type of thing you would use as a second cleanse, to removed traces of make up and cold cream. A lot of people use acid toners now to exfoliate but using a toner to add moisture is really effective too IMO.

I use rose water or Simple Facial Toner and add extra glycerin (a really effective humectant, like HA but absolute pennies to buy). I've been laughed at on here before for using the Simple toner but it really works for me (and it even contains niacinamide and allantoin).

I use this one, it’s fantastic for sensitive, upset skin.

@ParadiseLaundry Do you mind sharing the face spray you use please? I've been on the lookout for one that doesn't make my face feel dry!

@michaelmacrae not at all! I use the Simple toner pictured or Rose water (I haven't used this particular one pictured but this is the sort of thing I mean) as a base and pour it into a spray bottle then I add the glycerin and give it a good shake. I add niacinamide serum too sometimes (niacinamide is a very stable product so is fine to use this way to make the spray extra soothing)

The more glycerine you use the more moisture it will hold in but it can sometimes make your face feel a bit sticky, I don't mind this as I know how well it works and makes it great to spray on before make up but some people might not like the feel of it.

You can use both of those together, one is a traditional toner, the other an acid one. (build up to the Pixi though, it's 5% glycolic. I use it a couple of times a week)

Love your ideas! More goodies to try!

My mum used to mix with hazel and rose water to make her own. No idea if it's like the modern ones, I don't really use them. Maybe I should!

My skin doesn't like rose so I've had to avoid it for years.

Witch Hazel that should say.

I use a hydrating toner. It's lovely imo. But it definitely doesn't make my skin feel tight.

I'm not a fan of stripping toners.

I use either Elemis or L’Occitane, both very gentle.

I have used the toners that came in my M and S beauty calendar (Pixi Glow was one of them) and TBH it makes no difference to my skin. If I wear make up I use cleanser then soap and water, then serum then moisturiser. My skin feels no different if I use a toner.

Oh wow, I didn't realise you made your own! That's a great idea, i'm a big fan of DIY products. Thanks for the idea :)