little white truths

I've come to realise that Dermalogica just isn't my brand. Time and time again I've tried its products - even some of its most-loved - and time and time again they haven't worked for me at all. 

I used to be disappointed by this because Dermalogica is one of those brands that's loved by many and you can often find its products on special at one of the big online retailers, but I've gotten over that now because I've found plenty of skincare that does suit my skin so in some ways it's nice to cross a brand off the list completely!

Anyhoo. I picked up this travel-sized toning mist online because I needed to spend a few extra dollars so I could get free shipping and I'd just run out of my face spray so the purchase seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately the product doesn't agree with my skin, but at least I only have a travel-sized amount to get through so all is not lost ; )

• This ultra-light toner with moisture-binding humectants helps condition and prep skin for proper moisture absorption 
• Arnica and cucumber extracts help keep skin smooth and refreshed, making it ideal for rehydrating skin after air travel
• Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours
• To use: after cleansing, spray directly over the entire face and throat with eyes closed; follow with moisturiser; can also be used to refresh face throughout the day
• RRP $49 AUD for 250ml or $17 AUD for 50ml, but do shop around (I bought my 50ml for around $12)

Verdict

I've been testing this for a few weeks now and that's more than enough time to know that this product doesn't work for my skin. Indeed, I knew this from the first use but wanted to give the product a chance in case my skin became more used to it over time. Unfortunately it hasn't, so it's not something I'm enjoying using and I can't wait to finish the bottle so I can move on to something else.

First, the packaging: the spray is too forceful so it leaves droplets on my face and can sometimes upset my makeup (because the spray is so hard that it can lift whatever's underneath). This mightn't be the case for the full-sized bottle, but it is for this one so I've decanted the product into another container to avoid the issue.

Second, the product stings my skin and makes any dry patches worse (and more red).  Sometimes a bit of light tingling is a good thing since that can mean a product is working, but in this case it almost crosses into burning territory so I wouldn't recommend this if you have sensitive skin. Mine isn't super sensitive, but this spray irritates it where other sprays don't.

It only took a few uses for me to decide that I didn't want to use this as a dedicated toner anymore, given the stinging sensation and the redness it was leaving behind. What I do with it now is spritz it over makeup throughout the day to refresh my face, and I think the makeup acts as a barrier between my skin and the product so I don't get the stinging sensation when I use it this way.

When used over makeup, it feels a little refreshing (but no more so than plain water), but it doesn't hydrate my face so I need to use another product in conjunction with this since hydration is what my dry skin needs more than anything else. So unfortunately it doesn't perform this function well either!

I did read a few reviews before purchasing this and they were all glowing, but looks like I should have checked Paula's Choice first because that site only gives it one star and sets out how irritating the ingredients can be for skin. Paula's Choice isn't always right when it comes to what will and won't irritate my skin, but in this case it is.

In sum, I don't like this product and can't recommend it - especially if you have sensitive skin. It smells nice but that's about it. Thank god I only bought the travel size! It's also super expensive for what it is, and I think you can find much better products that cost a fraction of the price.

Not for me.