Taking care of your skin is essential, and the right answer to the question ‘how to use toner in your daily skincare routine’ is a great way to ensure your skin remains balanced and healthy. But when it comes to the order in which you apply your skincare products, it can be confusing to know where toner fits in. Is it before or after your moisturiser? Can you apply it before serum? Read on and discover the correct way of how to use face toner.
The Correct Order to Apply Toner in Your Skincare Routine: The Basics
The truth is, the correct order of how and when to use toner in your skincare routine can make all the difference in how effective it is. By using the right order and technique to apply skincare products, you can maximize their benefits and get the most out of your other skincare.
Toner is a lightweight liquid, that is designed to remove any remaining dirt or impurities from the skin after cleansing, as well as balance the skin's pH level. It's an important step in any skincare routine because it helps to prepare your skin for better absorption of other products. However, applying it incorrectly can actually reduce its efficiency, which is why knowing the correct order is crucial.
By following the right order, you can ensure your skin receives all the necessary ingredients it needs to remain healthy, balanced, and glowing. So, let's take a closer look at the correct order of how to use skin toner in your beauty routine.
The Correct Order to Apply Toner in Your Skincare Routine
How to use cleanser, toner and moisturiser, as well as your serum and sunscreen? Check out the correct step by step routine to improve your daily skincare.

1. Cleanse your face
How to use cleanser and toner? The first step in any skincare routine should be cleansing your face. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Gently massage it onto your face for at least 30 seconds before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

2. Pat your face dry
When you've cleansed your face, gently pat it dry with a soft, clean towel. Avoid rubbing your face with the towel, as this can cause irritation and lead to fine lines and wrinkles in time. Make sure your face is dry before moving to the next step.

3. Now it’s time to apply a toner
So, how to use toner on face? Pour a small amount of toner on a cotton pad or to your palms. If you prefer to apply the toner directly to your face, pour it into your palm and pat onto your skin. A face toner, like Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner with chamomile, witch hazel and allantoin, helps to balance your skin's pH level, boost antioxidants, and remove any remaining impurities. Starting from the centre of your face, gently swipe the cotton pad or your fingers in an outward and upward motion. This helps to spread the toner evenly across your face and neck. Be gentle and avoid rubbing or pulling your skin, as this can cause irritation. If you want to know how to use face toner spray, you need to close your eyes and mouth, and spritz the toner all over your face. Otherwise, you can spray it on a cotton pad and then apply to your face.

4. Focus on the T-zone
If you have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), make sure to pay extra attention to these areas when applying a toner. Use a cotton pad to gently swipe the toner across these areas to help control oil production and prevent breakouts. Lakmé Absolute Pore Fix Toner helps to tighten up larger pores on T-zone, reduce the shiny appearance of oily skin, but also moisturises dry skin type.

5. Let your toner dry
The important rule of how to use toner and serum, or how to use toner and moisturiser, is to allow the toner to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step. This usually takes a few minutes. You can use this interval between applying skincare products just to take a few deep breaths and relax.

6. Now you can apply a serum
Once the toner has fully absorbed, now it’s the right time to apply a serum, if you use any. A highly concentrated nourishing and moisturising serum product enhances the efficiency of your whole skincare routine, and works better on fully prepared and cleansed face. After that, you’ll need to cover it with a moisturising cream.

7. Follow up with a moisturiser
Use your daily or night moisturiser that you prefer in your skincare routine. Apply this product in the same outward and upward motion, starting from the centre of your face.

8. Finish with an SPF
If you're applying your toner in the morning, make sure to finish off your routine with an SPF30+. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays and helps to prevent premature ageing, dark spots, and damage. Apply the sunscreen all over your face and neck, and don't forget to re-apply it every two hours if you're spending time outdoors.
FAQs about The Correct Order to Apply Toner in Skincare routine
Q1 How to use rose water as toner?
Rose water is a natural, gentle, and versatile skincare product that has been used for centuries for its beauty benefits. It is made of water and rose petals, that extract the plant's essential oils and nutrients. Rose water can help soothe and hydrate your skin, reduce inflammations, balance the skin's pH level, and it also has a lovely fragrance. To use rose water as a toner, simply pour a small amount of it on a cotton pad, then gently swipe it over your face, avoiding the eye area. Let the rose water to absorb into your skin before applying any additional skincare products. Rose water can also be used as a refreshing spray throughout the day.
Q2 How to use plum toner?
Plum toner is a skincare product that is made with the juice or extract of plums, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is known for its ability to improve skin texture, brighten the complexion, and promote a healthy glow. To prepare plum toner at home, boil sliced plums in water, strain the mixture, then mix it with witch hazel and rose water. Store this toner in a bottle, and use as desired. But before trying any homemade recipes, first do a patch test, or consult with a dermatologist.
To use a plum toner, apply a small amount to a cotton pad, and sweep it over your face, avoiding the eye area. Plum toner can be used in the morning and or at night as a part of your regular skincare routine.
Q3 How to use toner according to skin type?
When it comes to using a toner for different skin types, the application method is the key. The methods of how to use toner on dry skin, oily skin, combination, or sensitive skin types are slightly different. How to use toner for oily skin? Look for toners with salicylic acid or witch hazel, and apply them with a cotton pad to control oil production. How to use toner for dry skin? Pick a toner with hydrating ingredients, like glycerin or aloe vera, and gently pat it on your face with clean hands. Sensitive skin requires a gentle touch, so opt for a toner with calming ingredients like chamomile, and apply it with a soft cotton pad. For combination skin, use a toner with both hydrating and oil-controlling ingredients, and apply to the oily areas with a cotton pad, while gently patting onto the dry areas with your palms.
Now you know how to use toner correctly, also learn how to layer your nighttime skincare routine.
Written by Team BB on 10th Apr 2023