While both facial mist and toner, share some similar benefits, their roles in skin care regimen differ. Now that toners are available in spray bottles too, they cause a lot more confusion.

Simply put, toners are astringents which help deep clean and shrink your pores, and facial mists contain nourishing oils that keep the skin hydrated and moisturized, but they do nothing for your pores.

While facial mists are simply sprayed on face to refresh the skin throughout the day, or on top of the makeup to set it, toners are often applied with a cotton ball after cleansing the face.

Order of application:

Cleanse → Tone → Moisturize → Prime → Makeup → Face Mist

Alcohol is usually found in toners for oily skin to dry out the skin, so we’d suggest to not use those excessively because it will over-dry your skin.

Choosing a toner for your skin type:

• For sensitive skin – choose an alcohol-free toner with AHAs like glycolic/lactic acid

• For normal to combination skin – look for ingredients like Coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin C

• For acne-prone skin – look for salicylic acid-based toner

Face Mist vs Face Toner: Which one is better?

Now that we’ve talked about the differences between a face toner and face mist, how do you choose which one is right for your skin type?

1. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might benefit from a toner to help control excess oil and keep your pores clear.
2. Dry or sensitive skin types might prefer the gentle hydration of a face mist to keep their skin feeling refreshed throughout the day.
3. And hey, there’s no rule saying you can’t use both! Some people like to use a toner in their morning or evening skincare routines, and then keep a face mist handy for a quick spritz during the day.

Shop Related Products

1. Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic. Buy It: $15; pixibeauty.com
2. Avène Thermal Spring Water. Buy It: $9; ulta.com
3. Mario Badescu Face Mist with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea. Buy It: $12; ulta.com
4. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. Buy It: $9; sephora.com

You may also like

• The 10 Best Glycolic Acid Toners That Will Leave Your Skin Flawless

• 6 Skin Care Mistakes That Are Making Your Pores Look Larger

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