It seems, “Double Toning” is all the raaaage lately. It just means using two toners, an exfoliating toner and a hydrating one. I’ve been doing this for more than a couple of years now, not knowing of this term until a while ago. Or maybe it has been there for a long time, I’m just the one who doesn’t read enough :p
So when famous names in the beauty world started to rave about this particular step, I was like patting myself on the back. I’m on the right track here.
It just sort of comes natural to me, to put a hydrating toner on top of exfoliating toner, which is usually more acidic and tends to be drier on the skin. Just to keep things balanced. It’s logical.
My first (accidental) encounter with exfoliating toner is none other than First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads and I still use it to this date. Second one, which apparently is also an exfoliating toner, is the Blemish Patrol Pads from the same brand. I can’t say enough about these two workhorse wonders. There are also a few others that I’ve tried.
Set that aside, I’m adding the cult-favorite PIXI Glow Tonic to join my arsenal.
What it is (taken from the web):
Oxygenating. Exfoliating facial glow tonic. It helps tone, firm and tighten the skin. It removes dead skin cells for healthier looking skin. For all skin types. Alcohol free.
Pretty simple, eh?
It actually is. No bollocks and over-elaborated jargon. Just good old exfoliating toner.
It has 5% Glycolic Acid (a part of AHA family) and it’s wonderful at sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother new skin. It can also help to clear pores and blackheads, even some acne. For more insights on this ingredient, use Google. It’s your best friend.
It stings the first time I used it. It was like a jolt of.. sizzling, tingling sensation. I haven’t experienced that in a while so this is good, in a way. I didn’t feel the sting anymore until 2-3 times later, except when my face is a little sensitive or the skin’s a little thin or there’s an invisible open wound. It has a scent, one that I would associate with soaps. It’s nice and clean.
The next morning, I woke up with visible clearer skin. Bright and radiant. WHOA. I know it’s the working of PIXI Glow Tonic. Now, this is a good sign but it is also a warning for me. If I learn anything from this whole exfoliation game with acid, is to not overdo it. By any means, I never get it done professionally, but it’s a logical (and wise) restrain on my part.
But, curiosity got the best of me. I made myself a bunny and used this straight for three nights. And that was my final limit. Despite the wholesome ooh-aah results, PIXI Glow Tonic is drying on my combination skin. If any, it’s the most drying out of everything I’ve tried so far.
After the third night, I can feel that my skin feels a little too tight for my liking and I can see a bit of dry patches forming on the drier area. It’s itching for a quench of hydration. This is another good news, means I have the work cut out for me. Saves me the time and energy. I can just jump in and select hydrating and moisturizing products to go along with it.
My amount per usage, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, soaked back-to-back.
I only use this at night time, alternating 2-3 times a week. I never use it in the morning because my skin is sensitive and the sun is never kind to me (except for photography purposes *HA*). I don’t feel comfortable unveiling a fresh new skin in daylight directly to the sun, even if I’m wearing SPF on top of it. The skin is more fragile after the toner. Just let PIXI Glow Tonic do its thing at night, me thinks.
That being said, SPF is non-negotiable for daytime. One should not forget this *points to self*
As pictured above, that’s how much I use each time. I don’t need a lot really. I just need enough to cover the whole face, neck and décolletage. I do several run-overs on areas where my past sins lie (a.k.a. the acne spots), even place the cotton pad on those areas for a few minutes as well. I also like to add a bit more and sweep over the back and elbows, because why not.
I let the skin absorb and enjoy PIXI Glow Tonic for about 10 minutes before moving on. For the hydrating toners, I love using either Menard Lisciare Lotion (extra moist), SK-II Cellumination Mask-in Lotion, and my recent favorite, Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist. I love spritzing it 5-6 times (sometimes 10 if needed), inhale the calming rose fragrance, pat and press it into the skin.
Depending on how my skin is that night, I might layer another hydrating product(s) afterwards. Well, I most likely do because hydration is important to me. I rarely use another AHA-based serum on top though, unless I need a quick boost or I’m on an intensive treatment. And I do it carefully with serious measurements and considerations.
Overall, PIXI Glow Tonic delivers its promises, no doubt! This is a quick way to have a positively more radiant skin in the morning. It’s priced moderately at £18.00 (although I paid quite a bit more) contains 250 ml of that honey-orange shade liquid and will last me for a while.
If you have to ask, I still prefer FAB Facial Radiance Pads over this, mainly because it’s not as drying when used consecutively. It also has Lactic Acid for an added benefit and it’s also a milder AHA so maybe that’s why it’s better on my skin. Plus, First Aid Beauty products are catered towards sensitive skin anyway.
But, I will reach for PIXI Glow Tonic whenever my skin needs a fast lane.
