19 May, 2014

Brightening Toners 101

For the last 6 months, I've been testing out two of the most well-loved exfoliating toners: the Pixi Glow Tonic (£16.00) and the Clarins Brightening Toner (£25.00). What are my thoughts?

Pixi Glow Tonic
  • Ingredients: This tonic contains - amongst other things - aloe vera (soothes), witch hazel (anti-acne), glycolic acid (exfoliates) and ginseng extract (brightens and regenerates). 
  • Effects: After a couple weeks, I noticed a difference in my skin; it looked 'glowing'. Then I stopped using it for about a month. But when - due to stress - my skin was acting up, I started using it again and my skin got so much better again after a week! Amazing stuff!

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner
  • Ingredients: Glycolic acid (exfoliates), salicylic acid (anti-blemishes), tamarind fruit extracts (eliminates impurities and dead skin cells), white nettel extract (tightens pores),... 
  • Effects: This contains more exfoliating ingredients than the Pixi one, making it a stronger exfoliant. This is why I don't use this every night. Otherwise, my skin would get dehydrated. Used once/twice a week, this definitely gets rid of impurities and fights acne.

I really enjoy using both; Clarins in the weekend and Pixi during the rest of the week. This really works wonders, as it takes away the dead skin cells, makes my skin glow and fights impurities.

Have you tried one of these products? What are your thoughts?