The Toner

To tone or not to tone, that is the question. It's a hot debate in the beauty world, so Bella Sugar spoke to skin expert Emma Hobson, education manager Asia, Australia and NZ, for The International Dermal Institute, to find out the facts.

"Many people think it’s not important to use a toner and consider it a waste of money. The reason for this misconception is due to the traditional function of an old fashioned toner," she says.

"Toners originally were developed to 'remove' the mineral oil based cleansers. Since mineral oil cannot be washed off the skin and traditional cleansers were tissued off, a toner had to contain SD alcohol to remove the cleanser and mineral oil off the skin's surface. The issue that arose from this is that many people found the SD alcohol irritating and drying to their skin, so avoided using a toner."

So why should we use a toner these days? "New spritz toners were designed with skin function in mind; to boost the moisture content of the skin so reducing dehydration, to calm and freshen the skin with plant botanicals, to even out the skin’s surface porosity — meaning balancing out the dry patches — and to introduce water soluble active ingredients into the skin."

Mystery solved! 

Here are some toners we at Bronzalicious recommend. You can purchase all of these and heaps of other fantastic skin care products at the Boutique Skin Store 

Emergin C lavender toner 

A gentle toner for all skin types, but especially suited for sensitive skin. 

Tones, adjusts pH, calms, soothes. 

Decleor tonifying lotion

A soft pink toner for all skin types, with Lavender and Petit Grain Essential Oils and Orange, Kiwi and Mallow Essential Waters. 

Emergin C pomegrante toner 

An active toner with pomegranate and natural fruit acids. Removes dead skin cells. Tones, brightens complexion. 

Article source: Bella Sugar 

Insight: Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr, Victoria Secret Angel, David Jones Ambassador, Entrepreneur, wife, mum and so much more. Is there anything she can't do? Check out her tips and tricks for great skin and a balanced life. 

What’s your number one beauty obsession?
Every woman wants beautiful, glowing skin. And in my profession, I have no option but to nourish and look after mine. My daily routine involves three basic steps of cleansing (using Kora Foaming Cleanser), toning (Kora Energizing Citrus Mist) and moisturizing (Kora Hydrating Day and Night Cream). I also use Kora Luxurious Rose Hip Oil, as it’s full of essential fatty acids and antioxidant-rich qualities.

What beauty routines do you swear by?
First thing in the morning, I have a glass of warm water with fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice is great for detoxing, alkalizing the body and improving digestion. I also scrub my entire body with a dry brush—it stimulates blood lymph flow, exfoliates your skin, and encourages new cell growth.

Anything else?
I eat fresh, organic produce as much as I can. It’s important to fill your body with nutritious foods—being healthy on the inside really results in healthy, glowing skin.

What’s the one piece of natural beauty advice you’d give people?
What we put on our skin soaks in—use organic.

Skin care aside, how do you keep your skin so luminous?

I drink lots of water. I use lemon and ginger. I believe it’s one of the most beneficial ways to slow the aging process. Also, it is so important to clean your skin every night before bed. They say leaving make up on can cause your skin to age and become wrinkly almost three times faster then usual. It can also lead to break outs and acne.

  

What is your favourite lip colour?

I love a matt-cream red lipstick.

What make up items can’t you live without? 

Organic Priti Nail Polish, $17.95, www.iamnaturalstore.com.au. Two of my favourite colors are Mother of Pearl Peony for a natural finish look and Flamecreeper Red for a fun, vibrant splash of colour. And Utowa Eyelash Curler, $45 www.meccacosmetics.com.au, is a must and the KORA Organics Tinted Day Cream, $59.95, from David Jones or www.koraorganics.com.au

Sources: Body & Soul,  Good & Well NYC. 

Insight: Megan Gale

Megan Gale, model, skincare ambassador, designer and actress and all round beauty is known for her glowing skin and health attitude to life. Here is an insight into her beauty and fitness regime! 

What’s your weekly exercise routine? 
It depends on how busy I am and how much travel is involved. In an ideal world I’d work out four to five times a week and that could be anything depending on what I’m feeling like. I love to exercise outdoors and I’d love to run a couple of times a week, have at least one or two yoga or Pilates classes… It’s really good to mix things up. 



Are you into any particular diets?  
I try and use organic produce as much as possible. It’s hard when you’re on the go staying in hotels, but you adapt as best you can. My summer and winter diets are different. It’s all very healthy and plentiful, but in summer I tend to eat a lot of fruit and graze on dates, nuts and salads. In winter it’s more about roast vegies and organic meats and soups and wholewheat pasta.
 


Do you take any supplements for your skin or hair? 
I take a really strong Omega 3-6-9 capsule, which is great, and I take a little capsule called ArmaForce. It’s got olive leaf and if you’ve got the slightest bit of a cold, it will wipe it out. It’s also really great for skin, nails and hair.



What do you see as your responsibility to women as a role model?

I think it’s about presenting that idea that it’s okay to look after yourself. You shouldn’t feel you are being vain or self-indulgent. It’s about going back to the obvious slogan that ‘you’re worth it’ – you’re worth spending money on, you’re worth pampering and looking after. You’re in this body and this skin for life so look after it.



What does true beauty mean to you? 
Oh gosh… I don’t think someone has to be aesthetically beautiful to be considered truly beautiful. I do believe in that saying, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. If someone is a positive person who shares their positivity and shares loves and an honest, truthful spirit, I think that comes through. 



What’s your relationship to ageing? Are you afraid of it? 
I’m not scared at all! I mean, we’re all going to get older. It’s not something I’m fearful of. My mum hasn’t had any kind of cosmetic enhancement or intervention, and I think she’s ageing beautifully. I don’t really do anything to try and look younger.  I do things to try and look healthier, and those things are pretty basic –live a healthy lifestyle, eat the right foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, don’t smoke, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen. They’re basic things anyone can afford to do.

Source: Vogue.com.au, Sigourney Cantelo.