Review- Sulwhasoo Basic Line Trial Pack

"Nourishing skin care formulated with precious Korean Medicinal Herbs to promote harmony and balance in the skin." 

When I first recieved this trial pack, I didn't realize I would be changing from one step after cleansing my face to four.  I'll admit, I was a little daunted.  But let me tell you, my skin is singing the praises of Sulwhasoo skin care.  Let me tell you the routine.  First, on a cleansed face, you press the First Care Serum into your skin.  It does smell like medicinal herbs to a degree, however, that disappears once it soaks in.  This step prepares your skin for the products to come.  Next comes the "toner" in the form of Balancing Water.  This is really refreshing and doesn't make your skin tight whatsoever.  I'm not a big fan of traditional toners, but this one I love.  After that you smooth on the Balancing Emulsion which serves as a lightweight yet effective moisturizing lotion.  It sinks in beautifully and I (miraculously enough) have not seen a single dry skin flake since I've been using this set!  The final step in the kit is the Concentrated Ginseng Cream which is a slightly heavier moisturizer but again, it soaks in beautifully.  Now this may seem like a lot of work, but my dry, acne-prone skin hasn't looked this good in as long as I can remember.  No tightness, not even wind chapping from this brutal NYC winter.  Also, you don't need to leave any time at all between steps, so the whole thing takes less than five minutes.  And tell me, who doesn't have five minutes for georgeous skin?  I even went out without make-up on Saturday!  I never do that.  Now these products are a bit pricey, $55-$220, but you use the products so sparingly that the full sized products will last you a year.  This is a brand to look out for, they'll be big. 



Review- Beauty Through Balance Glacial Revitalizing Mist

A treatment mist for face & body to help re-balance, refresh, protect the skin and target signs of age. Created with green tea, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and other revitalizing actives. $28 for 5 oz.

I used every single drop of this mist--and in less than a month! Hopefully that statement says nearly everything it needs to in order to convey that I heart this toner a whole lot. I have used it to wake myself up first thing in the morning, as a midday refresher, at night after washing off the day... oh, you get the scene. I generally have some moisture spray on hand because it's a phenomenal enhancement to any makeup application and this one feels as energizing and dewy as any I have tried. Plus, there is ginger in it, which incidentally is the scent that dominates the other ingredients and it smells divine, imo.

Review- Embryolisse Rosamélis Toner

Rosamélis is a refreshing alcohol free toner that removes all traces of cleanser and leaves skin feeling refreshed and revived. $30

This is a very gentle toner which contains rose, orange-tree and witch hazel waters. It's without a doubt the best smelling toner I've ever used. It never stings or burns as it's incredibly gentle, but it packs a whallop when it comes to getting rid of what's left behind when you wash your face. But with it's gentleness and beautiful smell, it feels more like a luxury than a chore. I'm not sure how it would stand up to very oily skin (although the bottle says it's for all types of skin), but for my dry, acne prone skin, it's just wonderful. Like I said in the review for the Micellar Lotion, this stuff may be hard to find, but I feel it's worth the effort and will be buying it again. You can order it from Ricky's in NYC among other places (but they're having a sale at the moment!).

Review - Arbonne NutriMin C REstoring Mist Balancing Toner

Convenient, pH correct, toning mist removes final traces of cleanser and restores balance for maximum moisture retention. Visibly tones, firms and smoothes skin’s surface while key RE9 elements protect against oxidative stress $33.00
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I do like to use a toner, I find that they help balance out my skin and they do help with any excess oil... As I have mentioned many times I am a heavy sunscreen wearer so even though I use oil free sunscreens I can't help but build up some oil.. Toners are fab for me and the removal of this excess oil. I apply to freshly cleaned skin and sweep over my face and neck and the proof is in the pudding, I see the removal on the cotton ball. Arbonnes is without exception, one that is great at pulling all the excess oil and environmental debris that my cleanser isn't picking up.. I use it only at night by choice, you can do both.. My skin is smooth, clean and breakout free. Very nice toner and a pleasure to use, especially since it really works..

Maria says: Over the past three or so years, I've really gotten into toners - I know there are those who say to skip that part, but I feel that toners give my face a great canvas for actives and then moisturizer, but that's just me. Arbonne has a very nice toner in the C REstoring Mist that doesn't dry out my skin, doesn't make it tight, but makes it feel like I have very clean and clear skin. This works especially well around my nose area which tends to be more oily than other areas of my typically dry face. No problems with breakouts - for that matter, no product in the NutriMin line has caused any skin disruptions at all. I like it very much.

Sheba says the Arbonne NutriMin C REstoring Mist Balancing Toner is a toner that cleans and tones the skin in preparation for the rest of our magic potions. I totally agree with Cityslicker inasmuch as you can see and feel the excess oil being removed. However, like Maria said -- it does not dry your skin or make it feel tight as other toners do. So you get all the good features without any of the bad ones. You skin is clean and fresh -- you can see it and feel it. It does what toners are supposed to do and it does it well!!

Review- Decleor Tonifying Lotion

"Leaves the skin wonderfully toned and perfectly prepared for further care.
• Calms and softens

• Rebalances with softening and toning properties

• Decongests and soothes

• Removes makeup" $36

This is without a doubt, the gentlest toner I have ever used. And yet, to my surprise, it's effective. It literally feels like water with a little fragrance on your face, but it leaves your skin very refreshed and clean feeling. Speaking of the scent, I absolutely love it. It is very soothing and slightly floral. It contains essential oils and waters and is good for all skin types. Decleor Tonifying Lotion is the perfect finishing touch to cleansing with Decleor Cleansing milk (which is a wipe-off cleanser). I use this toner all over my face including on my eyes, it's just that gentle. The $36 price tag may seem steep, but you only use a tiny bit each time you tone your face. It is a worthwhile investment. I highly recommend it.

Review - Zia Skin Basics Sea Tonic Rosewater and Aloe Toner

Maximize your moisturizer with this alcohol-free toning mist. Sea Tonic Rosewater and Aloe Toner uses natural phospholipids to hydrate skin, creating a moisture reservoir that enhances the effect of moisturizers. Aloe vera and rosewater help soothe and heal parched or delicate skin.

This toner is wonderful, I mean most toners smell good and feel nice, but this one is like heaven. The smell is just beautiful, slightly rosy but green from the aloe. I don't pick up the scent of Ylang Ylang at all, which is good, because regardless of what your Bath and Body Works "ylang ylang" scented lotion smelled like pure ylang ylang aromatherapy oil is very strong and sort of medicinal smelling (I work in an all natural perfume oil bar). Ylang ylang oil, however, is supposed to be amazing for skin health and let me tell you my skin looks fantastic. Zia Organics reccomends that you use this toner in conjunction with their moisturizing cream and facial cleanser, and not to use other products while you are using theirs. (You will notice the reviews for the other two parts yesterday and tomorrow.) So that is what I did. I have to say the Trio is awesome, and affordable. If you are into natural products, but don't have huge budget for beauty products, I would try Zia Organics, they are affordable and the bottles are massive so they will last forever. What a great find.

Review - Natures Embrace Organics Four Step Full Product Pack

Four Step Full Product Pack Four Steps to Beautiful Skin in 21 days includes:Facial Cleanser, Facial Toner Healing Face Cream, Facial Mask

So, I have been using this four step facial care line for just under the recommended 21 days... and I already have to rave about the results. I feel beautiful, my skin is blemish free and completely radiant. When I started using this line I was under some significant stress at work, and my skin was taking a beating as a result. I had a few blemishes, and I just looked rather worn out and dull. It is unusual for my normal to dry skin to really get pimples, so I was happy to try anything to fight it off. I began with the mud mask, followed by the cleanser, toner and then cream. The mud mask is only used twice a week, but I used the last trio every morning and evening since I received it about 2 weeks ago. The mud mask is slightly drying for me, but when used in conjunction with the cream and the toner the effects were really just momentary. The only complaint I had was the smell, all of them smell really natural, not that I'm complaining about that, but I did feel a bit overwhelmed by the smell of the mud mask every time I used it. The cleanser has a very light smell, and reminded me of Castille Soap. The toner is gorgeous, and smells slightly of rose geranium, it will be your favorite part of the process. The cream was not my favorite, although it works really well, and leaves your skin looking to die for, it is rather thick and you really feel like your wearing it. It also smells distinctly of patchouli, not a smell I dislike but one I would rather my face did not smell of. Luckily, the smell fades pretty quickly. The cream is, I would think, a little too thick for my normal skin during the summer time, but during the Autumn it is just enough moisture. The company is very cool, and all of the products are 100% natural, vegan, and gluten free, which is a breath of fresh air in my book. If you have been looking for a truly superior Raw, Organic product line I would definitely recommend Nature's Embrace Organics.

Joyce says:

I’m wearing the mask as I write this. The scent my co-blogger mentioned is to me like quality, organic soy or tamari sauce, which makes me think of how beneficial these are for the body when ingested. So, my thoughts are the mask is doing something good. Of course, the fact that my skin looks and feels really good provides evidence the products perform. The mask goes on in a thin layer which means the mess of rinsing off a thicker mask doesn’t happen. I like the fact that each product has a unique scent based on ingredients included for a specific purpose. The only thing I’d suggest is that two creams be offered: regular and for more mature or drier skin. My skin tends to like a little extra. I also really appreciate that the facial cream can be used under and around the eyes. One thing about the toner . . . the instructions say to spritz it on and wait 20 minutes before using the cream. I can go 2 minutes then my skin says, “Lube me now!” So, I do. A funny thing happened on the second day I used this line. It was a Saturday. I’d bathed, used the entire line, applied mineral powder, and took a much-needed nap about two hours later. When I woke and saw myself in the mirror, I was glowing. I’m serious. It was as though my face was illuminated from inside. I must have stared at my face for several minutes thinking, “Wow.”

Sheba says:

I am close to the 21 days, but I feel qualified enough to thoroughly endorse the Natures Embrace Organics Four Step Full Product Pack wholeheartedly. I am not your typical user for Organic products -- my skin usually craves all the chemical ingredients that are not 'best' for it. Perhaps, that is because I have used those products for so long that it is addicted to them. Anyway, this package delivers. My skin looks glowing -- just as Joyce described!! I will defer on the scent descriptions as I just cannot truly say what they remind me of-- only that they were not bad. I actually liked them all. I do not really usually like Masks but this is so thin and is removed so easily that I honestly love it. The cleanser is incredible (did a separate review for it). The toner is non-drying and does tone!! It contains all good things for the skin and my skin did soak it up even though it is used to the chemicals it usually gets. The cream is a bit thick but was immediately swallowed up by the skin and the results are truly amazing. Deedlejuse said it best--'to die for'. Something good for your skin that works miracles --it is worth the investment. The site offers a 35% introductory discount on your first purchase -- quite a savings. Even without the discount -- you are getting 4 products that WORK for your money.

CitySlicker Says:
I have only been using this for 14 days so I am a week shy of the recommended 21 days. I started everything out by stopping the use of my other cleansers, moisturizer (day), toner & masks. I begin the regime by cleansing and moving onto the mud mask. I found it to be nice & loose so it was very easy to apply, not like some that are thick like a mud frosting. I left it on longer than I should have and began to resemble a crumbling crypt keeper. I found that a little warm water on a soft cloth was all I needed to see that my skin looked flush and fresh. I totally think that this mask helped slough all the dullness away and made my skin very smooth and soft.
I moved right onto the toner. I am not a rosy gal but can appreciate the soothing feeling of this lightly scented spritz. My gauge for a good toner is the proof on the pad and I swept over my face to find that this does pick up the excess oil and deposits hydration in it's place. I enjoy using this and have been doing so morning and night since trying it. I don't really notice the scent now so if you are scent conscious don't worry you become immune it and don't notice it after a few days..
I really like the cleanser. It's no nonsense, gets all of my makeup off, is very gentle and non drying.. a combination that many have attempted but few prevail in! I do notice a very faint scent. This is my favorite item of the 4 products and a little goes a long way.
Moving on, the cream is a heavier formula but exactly what my skin needs so no complaints from me. I enjoy using a product that brings an extra pop of moisturizing power. My skin has been a little dry from the weather so by the end of the day my makeup can look a little flaky. Since using the Nature's Embrace line I have had only good days without flaky. I even use the cream at night to help hold in the moisture. This line is lovely and obviously well thought out from people who not only sell the line but use it. I will continue to use until my products are scraped out of the containers! Thanks Nature's Embrace!

Hillary says:

I only got a few items from this line. The Mud Mask is one of them. I was a but skeptical putting it on because as it dried, it started feeling tight. My ultra-dry skin doesn't like tight. But I decided to stick it out for the 20 minutes and see what happened. I'm glad I did. After rubbing the mask off with warm water, my skin is glowing. I did need to moisturize after, but I would have had to do that under any circumstances. The only downside is the smell. It smells at first a little like vinegar, a smell that disappates as it dries. The smell is a small price to pay, however, for such a natural, organic product.

Maria Says:

As it turns out, my favorite item in this line is the toner, followed closely by the cleanser. I have really come to love those two items. I think I may have been far too spoiled by other masks I have used -- and not that I didn't like the mask, I just didn't love the mask. It does give a nice glow though, I, like Hillary above, had to moisturize after b/c my skin felt tight. The moisturizer is very light and would do me well on days that I don't need that extra something, but b/c my skin is so dry and especially since we are headed for colder/dryer weather, my skin needs the big guns as far as moisturization goes. I have said in other posts that for some reason I do better with chemicals than an all natural line - I don't know why. I almost wish it weren't so. However, I would say that this is a superior line of natural, organic products and I have plenty of friends who swear by organic that I could wholeheartedly endorse this line to. I think there are going to be a lot of people who will "embrace"' this line - and everything it stands for.

Review - Nature's Embrace Organics Facial Toner

Restore your skin's natural luster with raw nutrients that will protect from dehydration, sun damage, aging and harsh chemicals. Softens fine lines and diminish pores while removing impurities and bacteria.

I'll say this first: this toner is fine. It's not a miracle product, but it's certainly not a bad one. Because I was using it with the facial cleanser, it's hard for me to tell how exactly effective it was, but it worked all right. I did have a packaging problem with this product, however. Now, normally, I don't remark on the labels, method of dispensation, etc. of the products we review unless they're really cute or useful. Unfortunately, in this case, the dispenser of this product is totally inappropriate. It's a spray bottle. For toner. Which, to me, seems very inefficient. You can't really apply it to a cotton ball without spritzing it a LOT of times, and if you spray it directly on your face, I feel like it's not really "working." The only other option is to take the cap off and apply it to a cotton ball, and then you're wrangling with the spray cap, and...it's just not pretty. While I don't have any major problems with the product itself, the packaging, in this case, would prevent me from buying it.

Amanda S. Says:

I actually really liked the way this product was dispensed in the spritz bottle. I normally, if I use a toner at all, use the kind you apply to a cotton ball by flipping it over onto the cotton. This is kind of messy since I'm generally messy anyway. I really liked the spray for that reason, and also because i felt like i wasn't using too much of the product and wasting it. I could spray a little on the cotton square and just rub it over my face. I can tell this bottle is going to last much longer than a regular toner. The best part was that it didn't dry out my skin but did give it a really clean feeling after also using the daily facial cleanser. I would definitely use this again.

Sheba says:

I see all the good features to the sprtiz dispenser like Amanda does. I find it very efficient. I like the toner for the following reasons: it is so easy to apply and it works!! You can see and feel the results in your skin. Your face is not dried out as with many toners. In fact, it is just the opposite -- your skin is so smooth and hydrated and feels so clean and fresh. Actually I used this in conjunction with the 4 product package and I did a review on the total package as well. If you love you skin and want to give it some serious care, here is one product that will do what it promises.

Maria says:

Hands down my favorite product in the line. Love this toner. It's fresh, clean, invigorating and you actually feel like you are really toning the skin. There's no dryness or tightness - just glowy, fresh, skin. It makes your face perk up if that makes sense. I actually spritz this over my make up too before I walk out the door and it gives my face a dewy, hydrated glow - this is a fine, fine product and one I would not even blink an eye to order again. I think you could use this toner any time anywhere, not just in the a.m. or p.m. after cleansing. I was already thinking of taking it with me the next time I travel for instant hydration and smoothing.

Review - Mario Badescu Alpha-Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion

The exfoliating powers of Citrus Extracts and the soothing nature of Aloe and Seaweed Extracts make this toner perfect for dull, dry and sensitive complexions. Citrus naturally breaks down pore congestion and dead skin cells for a healthy, refreshed glow. Alcohol free.

8oz. - $15.00
16oz. - $26.00
32oz. - $45.00

Since I was introduced to the Mario Beadescu line I keep discovering new treats for my skin. I really enjoy anything citrusy and this has that scent which is clean and fresh. This cleansing lotion really cleans without any harshess at all. Notice that there is no alcohol contained and that might be a big factor. This is also a toner so you get two products in one. It does seem to help keep those larger pores clearer which does help their appearance. My skin feels very soft and smooth after each use, not to mention the great refreshed feeling. The cost is not unreasonable for the amount you get, especially in light of the small amount you use each time. Actually, after reading up on this I went to Ebay and found it for even less including the shipping and handling. It won't hurt to look around first if you do decide to try it.

Review - Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

Oily skin will be refreshed and deep cleansed with our 4% alcohol and soothing Cucumber Extract astringent. Removes pore clogging residue and disinfects skin’s surface for thoroughly clean skin.

I've been using this in conjunction with the Enzyme Cleansing Gel, and I rather enjoy it. Don't be misled by the fact that it's called "lotion," because it's really more like a toner or astringent. Unlike most toner/astringent-type products, though, this one is extremely gentle and just feels soothing and cool after a hot shower. I can't really assess its anti-acne properties separate from the cleanser, but as a pair, they work well. And I feel like the oil in my face is under control after using it. $15/8 0z. @ mariobadescu.com

Review: 3lab Perfecting Balancing Toner

3lab - Perfect Balancing Toner $65.00
It helps cleanse, provides skin with a more effective hydrator, therefore increasing moisturization and stimulates circulation of the skin.

Cityslicker Says:

I am not sure if this is my favorite toner or runner up. I use this and Awakes faithfully. I never really thought much about toners till I reviewed one and noticed just what it pulls off of my skin. It's an amazing boost to add a little hydration and pulls away excess oil and dirt that cleansers, scrubs and peels don't. I find the 3lab to have a very faint scent that I can't smell after sweeping over my face. I apply this twice a day, morning and evening. I use a cotton ball and I don't know if I am a grease factory, if it's the environment, or if the products I use that deposit on my skin and don't come off unless I use a toner. This product can really last also. I find that I don't have to immerse the cotton ball in toner; I need just enough to go over everything once. The proof is in the pudding, baby, and what comes off on the ball would knock you over. It's not bad every day, so I must produce more oil and absorb more dirt on different days. The result is a very soft face that isn't tight or tingly, just ready for some moisture. I really believe that even though I use a mineral based sunscreen, I think it is the culprit that leaves all the gunk behind. I love this product so even if this isn't in your price range, I highly recommend trying a toner for a couple of weeks and see if you notice a difference, even my makeup stays on differently. I don't travel with this, so that is when I notice the biggest difference!