Origins Toner review

If you care about your skin, you must know there is one kind of treatment called Toner. It can have different names such as treatment lotion, purifying lotion, tonic, or just toner. The names are based on both its usage and on the way the companies want to advertise their products. But don’t be confused, just consider it as the second step in your skincare routine after your face wash, and you will be good to go for your moisturizer. 

In fact, some people consider it as an extra step to make their skin totally clean. Some people wonder whether they need toner or not. The answer is "It depends", but it depends on what?

First of all, you must read the label to see what its usage is, or what it will do for your skin. Some toners are for oily or acne-prone skin and they usually deep clean your skin, or purify your skin to help prevent oil and pimples. Some others for dry skin type may help hydrate your skin and prepare you for the next step which is applying serum or moisturizer. 

Secondly, it is up to you to use toner or not, and at which time during the day. If you have normal skin type and don’t usually put on make –up, then a good cleanser is enough for you. You don’t need extra step for cleaning your skin every day (though you still need face scrub sometimes), and your skin doesn’t need more moisturizing from a treatment lotion, unless it comes in a set which provides a specific effect such as lifting or brightening your skin. Also, I don’t usually use toner in the morning since I don’t find it necessary when my skin is not too oily or dirty (or maybe laziness is another reason)

Here are 2 of my favorite toners:

Zero oil Pore Purifying toner

This toner leaves you with a super clean skin. You may not like it in the winter if you have extremely dry skin when the season comes, but it is great in the summer. Any remaining grime, dirt, or oil that your cleanser may have missed will be removed with this toner. Honestly, it smells a bit like alcohol and creates a cooling effect on your skin when it dries; but some people said when they get used to it, they feel like the smell really cools them down in the hot summer. It does tighten your pores, and make your skin look clearer and brighter. The Salicylic acid in the toner also helps remove dead skin cell, prevent you from break out, and if you do have some occasional pimples, they may go away faster.

United State Balancing tonic

It is not easy to compare these two, because they are both great. Though this one may give you a little more moisture than the other, it still controls oil and makes your skin feel squeaky clean but not dry. That is the reason I prefer this one in the winter. The only difference I feel between them is that I feel like the Zero oils is better in preventing acnes, and United state is better in balancing the skin just like its name says. It is gentle, refreshing and has nicer smell. The pore will be less noticeable is another great point. Finally, the skin is balanced and smooth without being oily. 

I can’t really tell a big difference between my two favorite toners, and I use them up to my mood. I may buy this one time and the other another time. A perfect world and Make a difference treatment lotion are generally good but are not the types of toner I can use every day. They will be reviewed soon in another entry, together with other products in the same skincare line.