DISCOVER YOUR TONER AMONG OUR SELECTION

A toner is a lightweight skincare step used after cleansing or makeup removal and before serum or cream.

Depending on its formula, it can provide freshness, comfort, hydration, shine control, or simply pleasantly prepare the skin for the next step in the routine.

However, not all toners serve the same purpose. The most important thing is to choose a facial toner suited to your skin type and the results you are looking for.

What is a toner used for?

A toner complements cleansing and adds an extra skincare step.

Depending on the formula chosen, it can notably:

• refresh the skin;
• provide comfort;
• complement hydration;
• help reduce the appearance of shine;
• support a routine designed for combination or oily skin;
• leave the skin feeling cleaner and more toned.

It does not always replace a makeup remover or cleanser. Some toners are primarily designed to tone or nourish the skin, while others are also formulated to complete makeup removal.

This is why we recommend checking the brand's intended purpose first rather than assuming all toners are interchangeable.

Toner, makeup remover, micellar water: what's the difference?

These products have similar liquid textures, but they do not necessarily serve the same purpose.

A micellar water is primarily designed to cleanse and/or remove makeup.

A makeup remover can complete or finish this step depending on the formula.

A toner is instead used as a skincare step after cleansing to provide freshness, comfort, hydration, or a more targeted solution for your skin type.

Some products combine several of these functions. You should therefore always refer to the stated use for each product.

How to choose a toner for your skin type?

This is where the choice becomes truly interesting.

Dry or uncomfortable skin

Choose a gentle toner focused on comfort and hydration.

The Sothys Comfort Lotion or the Guinot Hydra Beauté Lotion are options to consider when the skin lacks comfort.

Sensitive or redness-prone skin

Look for a formula designed to respect more reactive skin and provide a soothing sensation.

The Sothys Clarity Lotion can notably fit into this type of routine.

Normal skin

A fresh and balanced toner can simply complement daily cleansing.

The Thalgo Toner or the Guinot Hydra Freshness Lotion can meet this need.

Normal to combination skin

A combination skin toner should provide freshness without drying out the more comfortable areas of the face.

The Sothys Vitality Lotion can be a good option in this regard.

This is also an important area for this collection: combination skin does not necessarily need a highly purifying or highly astringent toner. The goal is rather to find a balance between freshness, comfort, and shine control in the oilier areas.

Combination to oily skin

When shine and excess sebum become more noticeable, a toner more specifically focused on purification may be appropriate.

The Sothys Purity Lotion or the Guinot Microbiotic Lotion can then be considered depending on the skin's needs.

Another approach with Mary Cohr

The Mary Cohr Softening Toner also allows you to expand the selection with a different approach to toners.

Your choice will then depend on your skin type, the sensation you are looking for, and the role you want the toner to play in your routine.

How to use a facial toner?

A facial toner is applied with a cotton pad or a suitable soft applicator without rubbing the skin unnecessarily.

It can fit into different parts of the routine:

• in the morning, to refresh the skin and prepare it before applying skincare products;
• after rinsing a cleanser with water, to complete this step and leave the skin feeling more comfortable before applying serum and cream;
• in the evening, after makeup removal and cleansing, when the toner is designed to complete this step;
• after a rinse-off exfoliant or mask, before continuing with your usual skincare products.

When tap water is hard, using a toner after rinsing can also be pleasant to remove surface residue and reduce the feeling of discomfort or tightness that some skin types experience after contact with water.

After applying the toner, we recommend gently drying the skin rather than letting it air dry, especially when it is dry, sensitive, or prone to discomfort.

The skin is then ready to receive the serum, cream, or other products in the routine.

Is a toner essential?

No, not strictly speaking. A good routine can work perfectly without a toner if the cleansing products and skincare used are suitable for your skin.

However, a well-chosen toner can add real value when it meets a specific need: more comfort, a fresh sensation, extra hydration, or a solution tailored to combination to oily skin.

At Institut Kallista, we therefore prefer to speak of a useful step when it is well chosen rather than a product that is always essential.

Are you hesitating between several toners? Our beauty therapists can help you identify the formula best suited to your skin type and routine.