In all of my previous posts on skincare, including my recent Faves and Fails post, I don’t think I’ve ever once included a toner. However, now that the Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner* (£17.50) has entered my life, I think you can also expect to see a lot more of them featured on here. My name is Claire, and I am a toner convert.
So, why hadn’t I really tried a toner before? To put it simply, I, err, didn’t really know what they were meant to do. I know, right – fantastic beauty blogger over here. So before trying out the Merumaya Exfoliating Toner, I did a bit of research. I now know that toners are designed to remove any final traces of makeup, dirt or oil after cleansing; can help unclog pores and therefore minimise their appearance; and can also hydrate, soothe or exfoliate the skin depending on what sort of toner you get. So it kind of seems to be another step in your cleansing routine, but one that adds a little summin’ summin’ extra before you move onto your moisturiser.
As the name would quite clearly suggest to even the most unobservant of us, this Merumaya toner is supposed to exfoliate, and it does so through the inclusion of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, also known as AHAs. When I first read that, a few alarm bells went ringing in my head. Considering my experience with glycolic acid in the Nip + Fab products wasn’t exactly a positive one (recap quote for those who missed it: “I felt like my skin was being peeled like an orange”), I didn’t know whether I would get on with the AHAs in this toner either.
My worries were unfounded though, thanks to the ‘Gentle’ portion of this Gentle Exfoliating Toner. A number of hydrating ingredients are also included to prevent the stinging or dry skin that can sometimes be a result of acid toners. These really work, as while there’s a slight tingling when using this product that makes it obvious you’re not just using a normal cleanser, my skin hasn’t been left irritated or bothered in any way.
And what of the results? Well, I didn’t expect to see any changes so quickly, but after just a couple of days I felt like my skin was looking a bit clearer and brighter each morning after using this the night before. AHAs are supposed to strip away dead skin cells, and I definitely feel like I’m reaping the rewards of that already. Hello fresh new skin, it’s a delight to meet you.
At £17.5o for 128ml, this isn’t the cheapest skincare product out there – though it’s by no means anywhere near the most expensive either. Also, although I used it daily to start with, I now see myself using this every other night and so I imagine it’ll take me a while to get through the full bottle. I do therefore think it is good value for money, and can you really put a price on brighter, fresher skin anyway? Err well yes you can actually, and it’s £17.50 as I said, so… Anywho, you can buy the Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner direct, or it’s also stocked in John Lewis.
Haha, it took me a bit of research before I learnt what the point of a toner was too! This sounds great but is a little pricier than what I would normally go for in a toner!
Jodie @ Jodetopia x
Thank god it wasn’t just me haha! I do agree about the price, I’ll have to see how long it lasts me before I decide whether to re-purchase 🙂 xx
It sounds like a lovely toner, I love using chemical exfoliants like these! xx
Gemma ♥ Miss Makeup Magpie
It’s only something I’m recently getting into, but this has definitely started me on the hype 🙂 xx
I’ve used Elemis Toner before and loved it, but I always like to use different ones, will have to give this one a go at some point or another!
http://www.hannahjanewilliams.co.uk
Ahh I love Elemis so I’m sure I would like that toner too! xx
I really like this one- as you say it’s so gentle! My skin has been really sensitive so I’ve been reaching for this recently over my usual AHAs xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
Absolutely, it’s nice to still have the exfoliating option without any of the aggravation 🙂 xx
I love this toner it’s brilliant! I’ve had my fair share of resurfacing toners and this comes out much cheaper compared to Liquid Gold and Pixi Glow Tonic and works just as good! xx
Jenny | Krystel Couture
That is SO good to hear, I’ve been tempted to Pixi Glow Tonic for a while but now I know I don’t need it 🙂 xx