Quarantine skin—a side effect of spending a lot of time isolating at home that manifests in different ways for different people. Dullness and dehydration seem to be common woes, however, that we can chalk up to dryer indoor air, higher stress levels (we *all* know that 2020 has been a lot), and poorer diet and/or sleep routine. Now that summer is unapologetically here, our skin may be especially thirsty thanks to hot, drying air outside and increased use of AC indoors (also drying).
If summer has you feeling parched from the outside in, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of hydrating toner handy. When applied liberally over the face, neck, and chest, a lovely plant-based mist can help you feel instantly more refreshed while helping your skin stay hydrated and supple.
While hydrating toners, sometimes called hydrosols (flower waters), are traditionally applied immediately following your cleansing step, they can be applied any time of day. They’re especially wonderful when your body and ~soul~ hit that midafternoon slump. (Take it up a notch by storing it in the fridge!)
The following are some of our favorite vegan and cruelty-free hydrating hydrosols and toners that are the next best thing when you can’t jump in a bath of iced hyaluronic acid.
These Heavenly Hydrosols Will Save Your Skin this Summer
Earthwise Beauty Cistus and Moonlight Face Mist
Cistus hydrosol (a.k.a. Portuguese beauty water) is a magical ingredient when it comes to firming skin, minimizing pores, and gently fighting acne (and even staunching bleeding!). Cold-pressed aloe vera juice makes this amazing toner cooling and soothing as well. Earthwise beauty places this infusion under a full moon, a spiritual practice to further its healing and intuition-enhancing properties.
54 Thrones OSUN: African Beauty Water
Named after the Yoruba river Goddess Osun, this beautifying mist is a luxurious blend of Moroccan rose water, Egyptian Jasmine extract, aloe water, and Nigerian Hibiscus. This sensual formula soothes as it conditions and is just the thing to restore your radiance when you feel like you’re wilting.
Youth to the People Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist with Peptides
In this creative formula, ashwagandha, an adaptogen offering antioxidants, iron, and amino acids, helps skin look awake and refreshed while reishi, also an adaptogen, hydrates skin and combats premature aging. Finally, peptides help improve the overall appearance and tone of skin, especially mature skin.
Tata Harper Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Floral Essence
Formulated with dual-weight hyaluronic acid (for optimal absorption—and plumping!), a trio of floral hydrosols (lavender, rose, and neroli), and naturally sourced ferulic acid, this organic blend helps hydrate, protect, soothe, and refresh skin. It can be used as a toner post-cleanse or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Plant Apothecary Re: Fresh Organic Toning Face Mist
Cucumber, rosewater, and aloe vera combine to hydrate and soothe skin while witch hazel and lemongrass revitalize a lackluster complexion. This natural blend can be used as a cleansing toner, a refreshing mist, or as a makeup setting spray.
Edible Beauty No. 2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist
This uplifting mist gently regulates sebum production with the help of may chang extract and sweet orange essential oil (read: tightened pores!). Meanwhile, guava, desert lime, and bilberry help brighten a dull complexion. Green tea provides a boost of antioxidants, and finally, calendula soothes irritated skin.
Eco Roots Desert Garden Vegan Toner
With orange blossom, wild-harvested creosote, and white grapefruit blended with jojoba oil and aloe vera, this all-natural toner will help balance your skin’s pH (essential for maintaining a healthy skin-protecting acid mantle). The refreshing, delicately floral scent will transport you to a serene desert oasis—or something like that 😉
What’s your favorite way to refresh your skin during the dog days of summer?
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Photo: Aiony Haust on Unsplash, Respective brands
