Why you need toners in your beauty routine

Plus the best ones to try

Thanks to the wave of new 10-step Korean beauty regimens, toners are now more popular than ever before. After all, the K-Beauty skincare ritual is made up of phases such as cleansing, cleansing again, exfoliating, toning, tapping in oils, applying treatments, masking, using an eye cream, moisturising and slathering on an SPF - all before leaving the house (phew!). Notably, this regimen includes the vital step of toning the skin, and for very good reason. So, if you can't quite face a full on 10-step K-Beauty commitment, one step you most definitely shouldn't shirk is toning!
A toner is basically your in-between buddy for use after cleansing your face but before moisturising the skin. And a great toner comes with a plethora of benefits that will delight the most skincare-savvy of us. From rebalancing the skin after cleansing, to prepping your skin for moisturiser and serum, to removing those last bits of stubborn make- up and dirt (that your cleanser quite simply can't get rid of), to removing excess oil, the benefits are immense.
Depending on your skin type, there are now a range of toners in the market to suit your own individual needs - so our advice to you is to shop with care and make sure your toner targets the areas where you need it the most. If you suffer from dry skin, a toner to target this would have more hydrating qualities. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, a toner designed with this in mind would contain ingredients that minimise oil production. Whatever your skin type; oily, dry, acne, sensitive or ageing - there are toners specifically for you.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, you may wish to tone just once a day in the evening so you are sure to remove every last trace of makeup before you sleep. Otherwise, applying a toner twice daily after cleansing your face will leave it feeling super clean and as fresh as can be.
Nowadays, with many of us being so time-strapped, adding to our already lengthy daily skincare regimen may sound like an impossibility. However, a toner can be applied with a cotton pad and swiped over the face and neck area with ease in a matter of seconds - so there really are no excuses!
Here are our current top picks:

Herbal Essentials Refreshing Toner with Cucumber extract & Rose Water - Dh110.00
Available at Boots and www.herbal-essentials.com.
This is a refreshing toner that revitalises and provides long lasting hydration to your skin, making it the perfect base for your moisturiser. It contains Rosa Damascena Flower Water which helps moisturise dry skin, and cucumber extract, known to calm the skin.
Rodial Dragon's Blood Micellar Cleansing Water - Dh205
Available at Harvey Nichols Dubai and Bloomingdale's Dubai.
This one helps lock in hydration, while plumping and smoothing the skin. It's great when it comes to getting rid of water-proof makeup too.
Doll Face Clarifying Balancing Toner - Dh78.75
Available at www.glambeaute.com.
This balancing toner is perfect for all skin types as it sweeps away product residue, excess oil, dead skin cells and blemish-causing bacteria.
Swiss Image Essential Care Refreshing & Mattifying Toner - Dh28.30
Available at www.glambeaute.com.
This anti-shine toner is formulated to give an instantly refreshed feeling and long lasting mattifying effect.
wknd@khlaeejtimes.com