Beauty Find: Tone Up

What: Renee Rouleau Elderberry Toner and Toning Cloths

Why: Once you start toning, it’s a hard habit to break. The first time I added that simple little step to my beauty routine, I was hooked. Living in NYC, it’s hard not to feel grimy after a full day and I loved the extra clean feeling I got from toner. That squeaky, so-clean-you-could-eat-off-it feeling may have soothed me mentally, but the harsh toner wasn’t actually doing my sensitive skin any favors. Thoroughly stripped of all the oil, some of which is needed, my skin freaked out and began breaking out worse than ever.

Yet, I didn’t stop toning. I was a woman possessed, thinking, if I can only get it a little cleaner, my skin will be perfect. After a while, with no improvement, I finally had to face the fact that my super strength toner was doing more harm than good. Before I gave up my beloved completely, though, I gave toner one more shot, in the form of Renee Rouleau Elderberry Toner. This one was specially formulated for sensitive skin — it’s alcohol free, so it doesn’t overdry, and the elderberry extract is super soothing and hydrating.

The other toner issue I used to face was the amount of product that went to waste on my cotton balls. Renee Rouleau to the rescue again with the ultra thin toning cloths. They’re incredibly gentle on the skin and don’t suck up all your precious product, making them entirely economical as well.

Price: Elderberry Toner ($21.50), Toning Cloths ($8.50)

Find It: ReneeRouleau.com