little white truths

I used my last application of this toner this morning, so it's definitely time to review it while it's still front of mind.

I bought it a while ago because it was on sale and I hadn't tried it, and while I don't think it was a bad purchase, I probably wouldn't buy it again: it doesn't do enough for my skin. It's fine, but I've used better. More on that below.

Garnier claims/product details:

Verdict

This product is fine. It's not wonderful but it's not bad either and I think you could do a lot worse.

It's a standard fluid toner that's clear and runny like water, and it has a green floral scent. You apply it to a cotton pad as you would any old toner, then run it over your face after cleansing.

What I like about this is that it doesn't feel astringent in the slightest so it shouldn't strip the skin or leave it feeling too tight after use. For this reason I agree with the claim that it's good for dry to very dry skin, and it may well be good for sensitive skin too (mine's medium dry as we're facing cooler weather and slightly sensitive most of the time).

The thing is, though, that I personally don't think it tones very well. Yes it removes that last layer of gunk from your skin ok and the cotton pad does come away dirty when I use it, but I haven't noticed any kind of toning effect. And a toner needs to do that for me: otherwise, what's the point?

Also, I don't feel any refreshment or soothing feeling when I use this. What does happen, though, is that I'm left with a tacky finish on my skin - which doesn't bother me because I'm going in with other products anyway, but I thought I would mention it all the same.

On the claims: yes I do think this feels nourishing; yes I do think it removes makeup residue and impurities reasonably well; no I don't think it tones the skin; and no my skin doesn't feel 'purified' after use (indeed, it feels tacky as mentioned).

Overall I think this is a reasonable product and it should suit those with dry or sensitive skin, but I personally don't feel that it does enough for me so I wouldn't buy it again.

Fine but not my favourite. If you're interested, my personal favourite budget toner is the Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Toner (reviewed here).