Think of face toner as a facial cleanser’s sidekick. A toner picks up what your cleanser may have left behind and works by absorbing excess oil and controlling shine while also minimizing the appearance of pores. The right facial toner will help you achieve a more balanced complexion and skin texture.

It’s important to check in with your skin to see if you need to use a toner. If you have dry skin or your face already feels squeaky clean, then you might not need to use one. If you have oily skin, are prone to blemishes and acne or are looking to minimize the look of your pores, then an oil-absorbing face toner with mattifying properties is just what you need.

You’ll want to apply your toner after cleansing, but before moisturizing. This way, you’ll have a perfectly pristine surface for your favorite serum and moisturizer.

Most toners need to be shaken prior to application and then applied to your face with a cotton pad or ball, focusing primarily on your T-zone. (This is where the most oil tends to accumulate.) A toner is a leave-on treatment, so there’s no rinsing required. For more guidance, check out our helpful video on how to apply facial toner.