Learn what toner is, how to use toner, who needs it, and how to apply toner morning and night for hydrated, pH-balanced skin.
Raise your hand if you like toner! (my)
There are only a few basic steps to a basic skincare routine – cleansing, toning, serums, moisturisation, sunscreen – but one step that is all too often overlooked or misunderstood is toner. People fear that it will dry out their skin (thanks to the toners of the 90s!) or that it’s unnecessary. It really is my favorite step for dry skin! Correct application of toners can provide many benefits for the skin, so I am sharing a clear guide on how to use toner and how to get the most out of its benefits.
How to use toner
Before we dive deep into the howlet’s talk about what a toner is and why appreciating its functions makes you more likely to use it properly. In this post, I’ll explain what toner is, what it does, whether you need it in your routine, and the best ways to apply it morning and night to keep your skin hydrated, balanced, and glowing.
What is Toner?
Facial toner is a light skin care product, usually water-based, that is used after washing your face and before applying serums and moisturizers. Classic toners used to be astringent and drying, but modern facial toners come in many formula styles — from hydrating, glycerin-based or hyaluronic mists to exfoliating toners with mild acids — and are often designed to be pH-balanced to support the skin’s natural barrier. In short: toner helps restore your skin, adds an extra layer of hydration and protects skin for the rest of your routine.
What does a toner do?
Restores the pH balance of the skin
Many cleansers change the pH of your skin. A good toner helps restore a slightly acidic, pH-balanced environment so your skin can better defend itself and feel less irritated.
Moisturizes and rejuvenates
Hydrating toners add instant moisture—especially useful for dry skin—and often contain humectants that draw water to the skin. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, I describe it as a little face wash. It deals with that tight feeling. Counter’s Hyaluronic Moisture Mist is a great example of one with ingredients that draw water to the skin.
Removes residual impurities
Even after cleaning, swipe with toner on a cotton can remove the remains of sunscreen, make-up or cleanser. It’s the double check that helps keep resources happier. If you’ve ever done this and noticed an extra shade of makeup, you’ll know why! I tend to apply my toner with my hands to keep it simple, but a cotton pad is fine too!
Prepares the skin for absorption
Toner preps your skin so serums and moisturizers can penetrate better — enhancing the overall benefits of using toner in your regimen. Anything that helps my anti-aging serums work better is a win-win!
Need a toner in your skin care routine?
Technically, toner isn’t mandatory — but it’s very helpful for most skin types. See how it helps different people and why I often recommend adding one.
Benefits: Extra hydration
If you have dry or dehydrated skin, a hydrating toner is extremely beneficial. It leaves your skin more elastic and supports the rest of your products.
Benefits: Gentle exfoliation
For oily or acne-prone skin, toners with mild acids (like BHA or AHA) can support clearer pores and a smoother texture without stripping the skin.
Benefits: Soothes and calms
Tonics with botanical extracts and soothing ingredients help reduce redness and revitalize stressed or sensitive skin.
Benefits: Better layering
Toner allows the rest of your skincare line to perform optimally. If you’re curious about the correct order, check out my post on ordering skin care products.
How to apply toner
Okay — this is the part that really makes a difference. Here are some tips for effective toner application.
Apply immediately after washing your face
Toner should go on immediately after cleansing while your face is still slightly damp. This helps it absorb and lock in moisture. Try not to get distracted by your phone or get dressed first.
Use a cotton ball or your hands
You can put toner on a cotton pad (reusables count!) and wipe it all over the face for an extra cleansing effect, or spray a few drops on your palms and press it into the skin. I find the spray-in-palm method to be the quickest and least likely to spray into my eyes.
Use morning and night
Apply your toner morning and night as part of your regular routine. Your skin wakes up in the morning. at night it prepares your skin for deeper treatments. If you don’t always wash your face at night, a few spritzes of toner might be better than nothing!
A layer or mist for thirsty skin
If your skin is very dry, try applying a light toner twice or use a hydrating mist during the day. Mists are great for a mid-day refresher without annoying makeup. Both Counter’s Hyaluronic Mist and the Crunchy mist they are ideal for midday hydration.
Match the toner to your skin type
If you’ve never loved your toner, it was probably because it was wrong for your skin type. Choose a gentle hydrating toner for dry skin, a soothing formula for sensitive skin, and a cleansing, low-acid toner for oily or acne-prone skin.
My favorite toners
Toner is my favorite step in my skincare routine because I have dry skin and it’s really like a drink of water for the face after cleansing.
F11 Activate face toner
This toner revitalizes the skin after cleansing and restores the skin’s natural balance. Oliveda products are anhydrous so this is a great bang for your buck. Use if you have an oilier skin type.
- Key benefit: Chamomile extract that soothes the skin.
- Key Ingredient: Olive-based polyphenols and hydroxytyrosol eleuropein provide antibacterial properties.
- Total: Cleans pores and enhances skin radiance.
F67 Corrective Facial Toner
This toner focuses on soothing the skin while providing antioxidant protection. This is also anhydrous and designed for antiaging and dry skin.
- Key benefit: Hydroxytyrosol and camu camu provide antioxidant protection.
- Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid for hydration and youthful glow.
- Total: Suitable for use after shaving and to improve the appearance of the skin.
Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence
This luxurious essence acts as a toner and serum in one, helping to visibly plump and revitalize dry, tired skin. It nicely preps your face for serums and moisturizer.
- Key Benefit: Moisturizes and supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
- Key Ingredient: Retinatural Complex (a plant-based alternative to retinol) and mineral-rich seawater to boost elasticity and firmness.
- Total: Promotes radiant, supple skin and helps restore skin’s natural balance – an essential step for dry or mature skin types.
Counterglow Hyaluronic Moisture Mist
An invigorating facial mist that provides an instant burst of hydration during the day or as a toning step after cleansing.
- Key Benefit: Provides weightless, long-lasting hydration for soft, firm and radiant skin.
- Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture, combined with antioxidant-rich lotus extract to soothe and protect.
- Total: Perfect for boosting during the day or after cleansing – it keeps skin cool and refreshed morning and night.
A multi-tasking mist that works wonderfully in your skincare routine as a hydrating step that looks like a toner, a make-up set and a mid-day refresher.
- Key benefit: Instantly revitalizes the skin, giving you a dewy feeling — especially ideal for dry or thirsty skin.
- Key Ingredients: Fermented marine extract and marine minerals support the skin barrier and help protect against daily environmental stressors. Niacinamide helps minimize the appearance of pores and even skin tone.
- Total: Light and pure (EWG Verified, vegan, silicone-free), this mist is a perfect boost either right after cleansing or anytime during the day when your skin needs a little pick-me-up.
Quick FAQ
Do I need a cotton ball? Not always — palms work great. Use a cotton pad if you want a gentle wiping action after cleansing.
Is toner only for oily skin? No — modern toners are designed for everyone skin types and many are made to hydrate rather than strip.
Can I skip the toner? Sure, but you might miss out on the hydration, pH support, and better absorption of the rest of your routine.
So that’s it — a complete, easy-to-follow guide how to use toner. If you try adding one, let me know how your skin likes it — I’m a big fan of the moisturizing step, too. And if you want a step-by-step guide to the rest of your products, don’t forget to read our guide to ordering skincare products.
