This may seem like a very silly question to some of you...but how/when is it used?
Thanks (A sample came in one of my gifts.)

By Mommyathome on Friday, January 9, 2004 - 11:48 pm:

Speaking of facial toner. What everyones favorite? The skin under my eyes is really soft, and I can see little wrinkles forming. (can't have that!! LOL)
My friend swears by Sea Breeze, but boy oh boy that stung my face so bad!
What kind did you get with your gift?

By Missy3 on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 12:01 am:

You use toner after you clean your face with whatever you use.

The kind you like is the kind that works for you. I used Clinque products, until I was pregnant. Then I used EVERYTHING and sitll had prego face, Iused Neutrogena facial cloths, not the soap, and it dried me all up for the rest of the pregnancy.

By Hol on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 01:24 am:

As has been mentioned, you cleanse your face, using whatever method you prefer (soap, rinse off cleanser, facial cloths, etc.) Pat it dry, and apply your toner with a cotton ball, or cotton pad. Do your whole face, not forgetting your neck.
Let it dry, and then apply your favourite moisturizer.
Toner has two purposes. It removes any soap film, or oily residue from your cleansing. But the most IMPORTANT function is, that it restores the proper pH level to your skin. The normal pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Neutral, but slightly on the acidic side. That protects your skin against bacteria. Cleansers tend to run a little on the base or alkaline side, and that's what leaves your face feeling tight, and uncomfortable after cleansing.
Seabreeze is VERY harsh, and contains alcohol, which is VERY drying. That's why it stings.
You can pay good money for a lot of fancy toners for your skin type. However, the BEST toner is one of the least expensive...good old Witch Hazel. It is soothing, and can even be used in the eye area, because it is non-stinging.
In the summer, it's nice to keep a bottle in the fridge to wipe your face with. VERY cooling.

As I've mentioned before, I am a licensed cosmetologist. I used to do facials in the salons I worked in.

By Kolbysmom on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 09:12 am:

I've been using Burt's Bees products for a few weeks and I LOVE them. Normally any soap I would use on my face would dry it out, but this makes it softer. The toner is a lettuce toner, it's awesome! You can order online at burtsbees.com

By Colette on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 11:00 am:

Burt's bees products are great as are Aubrey Organics. Witch hazel is a good toner too.

By Mrsclark on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 01:29 pm:

I use St. Ive's Apricot scrub and then Sea Breeze, then Curel (fragrance free) lotion on my face. Anything else and it will break out. I have tried expensive things, cheap things, etc. and my face is never happy unless I use these things.

By Mrsclark on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 01:36 pm:

Maybe I should get some witch hazel and try it. I don't know -- it says it is non-drying and that's what I need so I don't break out, but...I tried to look up what it is good for on the Internet and didn't really get satisfied. Guess I can try and see. Any other "toner" except Sea Breeze and my face is very unhappy.

By Annie2 on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 09:06 pm:

Thanks! The toner I got was Burt's Bees. I do like it.

By Hol on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 10:39 pm:

I, too, love Burt's Bees products. I like NATURAL products, and products that are not tested on animals.

Witch Hazel is VERY natural. It is distilled from a flowering plant.

It is also good for diminishing bruising. If you apply it to a fresh bruise, it lessens the discolouration and duration of the bruise.