Should you use a face mist if you’re already using a toner?

Although both face mist and toner can improve the overall health of the skin, their roles in skincare differ. If you’re often left wondering about when to use, and how to use face mists and toners - especially now that both are available in spray bottles - here’s a quick guide for you.

We’re diving deep on the differences between the two products, how to use toners and face mists in the correct way and order, plus how you can pick out the best toners and face mists that will balance and provide the right type of hydration. 

What You'll Learn in This Blog

• Toners Vs. Face Mists
• Toners and Face Mists for Oily Skin
• Toners and Face Mists for Dry Skin
• Toners and Face Mists for Combination Skin
• Toners and Face Mists for Sensitive Skin

Toners Vs. Face Mists

Here’s an easy way to put it: a toner is used before make-up, and face mist after applying make-up.

Toners

Applying a toner is an essential part of a skincare routine. Used after cleansing, toners - also called astringent - get in the business of deep cleaning and shrinking your pores. Toners help create a smoother-looking appearance.

Toners look like water, but they’re packed with glycerin, acids, anti-inflammatories, and antioxidants. These ingredients can penetrate quickly to hydrate the skin, and remove dead cells.

Think of a toner as a “primer” that helps the skin absorb serum, and creams better. When you use a toner, you help bring back your skin’s natural acidic state and moisture levels. When the face is cleaner and more hydrated, products can effectively do what they need to do in your skin.

Face Mists

On the other hand, face mists come in handy when you need to freshen up during the day, but they do little for the pores. Also known as facial sprays, face mists are made with nourishing ingredients like fruit extracts, essential oils, and vitamins to give your face an instant burst of hydration. Face mists are a must-have if you need a mid-day pick-me-up for dry skin, tired face, and all-day make-up.

Keep both in your stash - the toner for that daily skin revamp, and the face mist for hydration wherever, whenever.

Toners and Face Mists for Different Skin Type

Adding both toner AND face mists to your skincare ritual makes it easy to deal with specific skin concerns like drying, oiliness, and irritation. Here are some things to consider when choosing a toning and hydrating product for your skin type.

Toners and Face Mists for Oily Skin

Find a toner that deals with excess sebum gently. Look for key ingredients like beta-hydroxy acids, alpha-hydroxy acids, glycerin, and salicylic acid as they help clean the pores, exfoliate the skin, and control sebum production. As for face mists, consider oil-free and silicone-free options to prevent oil build-up and clogged pores.

Toners and Face Mists for Dry Skin

Skip the alcohol-based toners as they can be extremely drying. Opt for toners with hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E, chamomile, green tea, and hyaluronic acid. For face mists, Dr. Samer Jaber of Washington Square Dermatology recommends products infused with oils.

 Contains soothing linden extract that clarifies your skin, removes excess sebum and completes the cleansing process. The toner includes castor oil that will make your skin feel soft, and supple.

Toners and Face Mists for Combination Skin 

Combo skin needs the loving of both mattifying and hydrating ingredients. Look for toners and face mists that feature ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, witch hazel, and natural oils.

Toners and Face Mists for Sensitive Skin

If your skin is prone to tightness and irritation, chances are you’re not going to reach for a toner. But there are toners that actually alleviates skin sensitivity. Go for toners with aloe vera, witch hazel, rose water, glycerin, and flower oils - ingredients that are tough on impurities but gentle on the skin.

With all the necessary skincare steps, you may shrug off the need for toners and face mists. However, these products are one of the secrets to achieving supple, glowing, youthful skin! Don’t miss out on the next level hydration for your skin - include a toner and face mist to your holy grail hydration products!

Need some help putting together the best skincare routine for your skin type? Try our skin quiz!