Beautycounter Toner Review

Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

I discovered Beautycounter over five years ago when I asked for tinted moisturizer recommendations. My friend Ally recommended Beautycounter’s Dew Skin, and since I had tried so many others without success, I decided to give it a shot. I’d never heard of Beautycounter (read about the brand here) but I loved their Dew Skin right away and kept trying other products. I eventually started swapping out almost ALL of my skincare products and my makeup for Beautycounter since the products were doing wonders for my skin AND I learned it was a clean beauty brand, which I loved.

Until I found Beautycounter, I never used a toner in my adult life. I had horrible memories of the toners I used when I was around 12 years old that BURNED my skin (what was with the Beauty industry back then!). As an adult, the few toners I tried make my skin feel stripped or like I was just putting water on it. I thought they were a waste of money. But when Beautycounter came out with their Countertime Essence, I gave it a try since it’s designed for dry skin, and it’s now one of my favorite products in my skincare routine. Safe to say I’m a toner girl now.

In today’s Beautycounter review, we’re talking all about toners: what they do, who they’re for, and how to use them. Let’s jump in!

Beautycounter Toner Review

The right toner will balance your skin’s hydration, deliver key ingredients to improve its appearance (fine lines, pores, skin spots) and help the rest of your products work better.

Beautycounter has four toners, each made with a specific skin type in mind. Let’s dive into the details of each one!

Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence

The Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence is part of Beautycounter’s Countertime line. The Countertime line was created for dry, aging skin. The line contains a Retinatural Complex, which is plant-derived, using Bakuchiol and Swiss Alpine Rose. These two ingredients give results like retinol but are safer options, and they are included in the Essence.

An essence acts essentially like a toner and you use it after cleansing and before serums, like traditional toners, which is why I’ve included it in this post. An Essence has higher levels of active ingredients to increases hydration, reduces the appearance of pores, improves dullness. It’s also a little thicker and milkier than most toners.

I can feel a difference in my skin’s hydration right after applying it – and that’s not always the case with toners. Rather than rubbing it into your skin or applying it with a cotton pad, pour a quarter-size amount into your hand a gently press into your face and neck with your fingertips. Use morning and night after cleansing and before your serums and moisturizer.

While we’re on the topic of Countertime, I am OBSESSED with the ultra renewal eye cream. It’s a must-try if you’re already going to order this Essence.

Skincare Type: Super Dry, Aging Skin

Price: $68

Countermatch Hydra-Gel Radiance Toner

Beautycounter’s Countermatch line was created for combination or “normal” skin. The Countermatch Hydra-Gel Radiance Toner is the prep step for this line, and it’s a great option if you’re not exactly sure what kind of toner you need since it adjusts to skin’s needs. This toner has unique gel texture which helps minimize the appearance of pores while removing residual impurities. Your skin will feel hydrated and radiant after using.

The key ingredients in this toner are squalane, plum oil, and phytic acid. Squalane is derived from olives, and it draws in moisture to the skin and visibly restores elasticity. Plum oil is rich in omega 6, omega 9, and vitamin E, which are all great for providing nutrients that promote vibrant skin. The Phytic acid helps promote cell turnover which gives you a brighter skin tone.

To apply, dispense two pumps into your hand. And then use a cotton round to pick up the product and wipe over clean, dry skin. Use daily after cleansing, morning and night. (Note: this particular toner doesn’t dispense well — it shoots out weirdly — so that’s why I don’t recommend applying it directly to a cotton round. And I make a cupping shape with my hand when I dispense it to avoid a mess.)

Skin Type: Combination

Price: $65

Countercontrol Instant Matte Toner

If you struggle with oily skin or constant breakouts, the Countercontrol line may be perfect for you. The Countercontrol Instant Matte Toner was made to help remove excess oil and residual makeup or dirt that your cleanser didn’t get. It’s also mattifying, which is great if you’re always struggling with an oily completion.

One of the best parts of this toner is that it doesn’t strip your skin and make it feel super tight. It preserves your skin’s ideal moisture levels for a refreshed, comfortable complexion. I’ve found that sometimes stripping too much of your skin’s natural oil can send your skin into overdrive to produce more oils, which ultimately leads to breakouts. Remember, the goal of a toner is to balance your skin and this toner helps with that.

All Countercontrol products use their SkinBalance Complex with wintergreen and rosebay willow, which helps mattify skin, purify pores, and reduce the appearance of redness while keeping skin in balance. This toner also contains Witch Hazel which is a naturally derived astringent that removes residual impurities and excess oil. The Pro Vitamin B5 in this toner is what conditions your skin with that essential moisture to help promote balance.

For more help with breakout prone skin, try the entire CounterControl line as well as the Charcoal Mask, Charcoal Cleansing Bar (a great body wash great for any back breakouts!), and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel. Find more of their personal care products for breakouts here.

Skin Type: Oily or Breakout Prone

Price: $32

All Bright Triple Acid AHA Toner

The All Bright Triple Acid AHA Toner is a toner that minimizes the appearance of pores, resurfaces dull skin, and leaves skin brighter. You’ll notice results after the first time you use it. But the results get even better as you continue to use it a few times per week.

This toner can be added to any already existing skincare routine but AHA products should only be used 2-3 times a week, although some people can work up to using them daily. I did notice very minor peeling the first few times I used this toner so I wouldn’t start with it daily.

You’ll also notice your skin becoming brighter with each use. The ingredients responsible for this skin brightener are a blend of niacinamide and salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid), which help improve the appearance of dark spots and brighten skin.

The AHA in this toner is the same ingredient found in the AHA Reflect Effect Mask and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel. Both of which are known for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and also reducing discoloration. The lactic acids in it may make your skin tingle. Especially if you’re new to AHA products or have very sensitive skin. I actually like the tingle! (Nothing tingles as much as these pads though!!) Since it contains AHA, you do not want to use this one the same day you use the Overnight Resurfacing Peel or Reflect Effect Face Mask.

Apply the toner directly to a cotton round and gently sweep across my skin. It pairs well with the All Bright C Serum (This is their Vitamin C serum) in the AM. But you can also use it at night. Be sure to ALWAYS use SPF during the day when using AHA products.

Skin Type: All skin types, used a few times weekly

Price: $68

If you’re new to Beautycounter, you can get the toner for 20% off with code CLEANFORALL20 when you select TeriLyn Adams  as your consultant when you check out.

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