A skin toner is an important part of any skincare routine.

A toner is a skincare product that has a water-like consistency and is applied between the cleansing and serum or moisturising stages of the skincare routine. Toners generally contain ingredients designed to brighten and soothe skin, and provide anti-aging benefits, including hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

After cleansing and opening up the pores, a toner serves to nourish the skin and prep it for the rest of your skincare products, such as serums, day creams and night creams. A toner also provides the added bonus of removing any last molecules of dirt stuck in your pores after cleansing.

A facial essence falls somewhere in between a toner and a serum. They often have a concentrated formula and lower molecular weight than most daily creams. They work to hydrate, soothe skin and help absorb your skincare properly.

A toner does much of the same job, but also works to balance your skin's pH levels, as well as brighten, resurface and decongest the skin.

For those with dry or dehydrated skin, or if you want to level up your skincare routine, try an essence like Clarifique Dual Essence to hydrate and soothe your skin.

If your skin is prone to acne or gets easily congested, a skin-balancing and hydrating toner like Tonique Douceur will gently refine your skin and remove any leftover impurities.

As with any skincare product, it’s important to slowly introduce it into your skincare routine. Start with using a toner just once a day and slowly build up to twice, giving your skin a chance to get used to a new kind of skincare product. People with sensitive skin should also avoid toners, and any skincare products, that contain alcohol as this can tend to dry and irritate skin.

As with cleansing, Lancome Australia recommends using a toner twice a day - morning and evening. Once the skin is cleansed, saturate a cotton pad with the toner and gently sweep it across the skin, including the entire face, neck and chest. Alternatively, you can put a few drops of toner into your hands and then press them gently into your face. Continue your facial treatment with an essence before moving on to serums, creams and SPF.