Homemade floral toners are gentle cleansers for the skin that will clean and shrink pores and can also help redress natural pH levels for certain skin types.
Toner should be applied to the skin--using cotton wool or by spritzing directly onto skin--after you've washed your face and before moisturizing.
Floral Water Toner
To make this gentle skin freshener that's good for oily skin:
- Put 5 tablespoons rose petals, 4 tablespoons sage leaves, 3 tablespoons raspberry leaves, and 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves into a jar without a metal lid and add 200ml (7 fl oz) hot apple cider vinegar.
- Seal the jar and let steep for 2 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain into a bowl and add 150 ml (5 fl oz) rosewater (see below), then transfer to a separate jar without a metal lid. Store in a dark, cool place or the fridge for up to 7 days.
Cucumber & Green Tea Toner
- Combine equal quantities of cucumber juice and green tea (which you can make from the leaves of the tea camellia) with 1 tablespoon of vodka. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Simple Rosewater
The simplest way to make rosewater is to:
- Put the petals from 3 or 4 homegrown roses (or roses from a reputable and organic source) in a small saucepan, add 300 ml (10 fl oz) distilled water, and bring to a boil.
- Immediately reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the petals have lost their color.
- Strain the mixture and store the rosewater in a sealed jar. Store in a cool place or the fridge for up to 7 days. If the water becomes cloudy or the aroma changes, throw it away and make a fresh batch.