Lots of people still (mistakenly) think that toners are unnecessary frou-frou, but they’re especially vital when it comes to the colder months. Enjoying your winter skincare routine is similar to enjoying your winter evening walks–it’s all about the layers. Toners prep your skin for the layers of moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup that are yet to come, and finding a refreshing, inoffensive and yet moisturizing candidate is often the key to keeping sensitive skin satisfied. Splashes of water and witch hazel are simply not enough; the toners that keep skin supple are the ones that focus on nourishing more than simply refreshing.
LUSH’s Eau Roma Water
For toner novices, it’s hard to come across a better starter than LUSH’s Eau Roma Water ($30 for 250 ml), a spritz so forgiving that it becomes addictive. Boasting one of the simplest ingredients lists ever, this toner is more or less just a mix of lavender water and rose water. With the former good at sebum control and the latter excellent at soothing inflammation and plumping, Eau Roma is a handy little lifesaver that works just as well to revive makeup.
Caudalie’s Grape Water
Caudalie’s Grape Water ($20 for 200 ml) does smell rather rustic at first, but once the slightly sharp scent of young grapes vanishes, the toner itself is fairly impressive. Chock-full of polysaccharides and potassium–both excellent at perking up the face and resetting the moisture barrier–this product is also 100 per cent organic, making it excellent at blending in to your routine without setting off the skin.
Lancôme’s Tonique Confort
Lancôme’s Tonique Confort ($36) admittedly comes in the prettiest bottle of the lot, but that’s not the reason it’s on this list–well, it’s not only one, anyway. It’s blend of honey with sweet almond extract makes this a much richer toner than the others, and a godsend when the dreaded wind chills come into effect. Given its luxurious texture, the sweet-smelling emulsion is also perfect for 10-minute pick-me-ups: just douse some cotton rounds in some Tonique and lie down with them placed atop your eyelids for a little while.
THE FACE SHOP’s Olive Essential Toner
The generous amount of fatty acids in olives means good news for anyone dealing with extra-dry skin: these acids envelop and soak in to protect against further loss from your moisture barrier. THE FACE SHOP’s Olive Essential Toner ($15) is thick and protective without being oily, and has a clean, non-offensive scent to boot.
Fresh’s Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner
One of the front-runners in luxury toners, Fresh’s Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner ($60) is pricey with good reason: with a lineup featuring rosewater, antioxidant-heavy black tea and lychee seed, ultra-calming oats and known powerhouse hyaluronic acid, this tone seems to tick off every single check box on the list. Calming, hydrating and–most importantly–brightening as well due to its use of vitamin-rich Japanese mandarin, this product from Fresh’s Black Tea line is excellent at delivering multiple-benefits without inflaming the skin or overloading it.
Ole Henriksen Nurture Me Facial Water
For some serious winter nourishment, reach for the Ole Henriksen Nurture Me Facial Water ($28). It harnesses the power of cucumber to cool and soothe alongside calming chamomile for a wholly hydrating and all-around nurturing facial mist. Pop this bottle in your purse for some midday nourishment, especially on those days when the temps are dipping well below freezing.
Pixi’s Glow Tonic
The toner of all toners, Pixi’s Glow Tonic ($29) is a glycolic acid-infused miracle worker. There’s a reason most beauty buffs swear by this budget-friendly toner and it’s got everything to do with the natural glow that it creates on your complexion thanks to the five per cent glycolic acid that provides a light chemical exfoliation to cleanse and purify skin. The best part? After a long few Target-free years, Pixi Beauty is going to be available at Shoppers Drug Mart starting in January 2017, which means our editor can stop hoarding bottles whenever she crosses the border.
