As I mentioned when I first bought it, I was completely unprepared for the smell of straight witch hazel extract. I purchased Humphrey's 100% Witch Hazel Astringent way back at the end of November, but it's taken me this long to actually get around to using it. I'm still not sure how to describe the scent, but to me, it is completely unappealing and not something I am inclined to put on my face as is.
I decided to try to cover up the smell with essential oils. I filled a small glass bottle with about an ounce of witch hazel and mixed in some frankincense and eucalyptus essential oils. It wasn't completely successful in masking the witch hazel smell, but rather smells like a blend of the oils and the witch hazel. I wouldn't say it smells great, but it's a vast improvement over the witch hazel on its own.
I originally wanted to try using witch hazel after reading several peoples' experiences with how it had reduced the appearance of large pores. In fact, even the bottle claims that witch hazel "penetrates deep into pores, removing dirt, oil, and makeup" and "refines and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores." The pores on and around my nose are a bit more visible than I would like and I was hoping the witch hazel would help with this. So far, I've been really happy with the results.
I've been using the witch hazel in between washing my face and applying moisturizer for about two weeks now. At first I was using it all over my face, but I started breaking out on the backs of my cheeks, which tend to be acne-prone. I don't know for sure if the witch hazel was the cause, but I switched to only using it on my nose and the very center of my forehead and cheeks (the areas I have more visible pores) and my skin has calmed down again. In terms of reducing the appearance of pores, I've definitely noticed a difference, even in this short time. On my forehead and cheeks, I can hardly see the pores anymore and on my nose, where they were the worst, I can also see an improvement.
I'll definitely update again once I've used the witch hazel longer, but I'm really happy with it so far. It's very inexpensive (I paid around $3 for 8 ounces!) and I've actually gotten visible results, which is more than I can say for a lot of pricier toners!
Oh,this one is the astringent one,right?Mine is alcohol free toner,and it's fine by far:)
ReplyDeleteYup, that's the one :) Glad to hear your toner is working too!
DeleteI love using witch hazel too, this is actually the same brand I have. I feel the same way about the smell, but it goes away pretty quickly once it's on your face. I also put on my moisturizer right after that smells like fresh ginger!
ReplyDeleteI've been catching up on blog reading today and actually just saw your post on witch hazel. I might have to try mixing it with rose water next time:) I'm glad the smell doesn't last too!
DeleteI use the Dickinsons one (the only one available in Australia it seems), it contains alcohol, and it honestly has been one of the best things I've ever used on my skin. The past 3 months my skin has broke out immensely around my chin (never the middle only the sides lol) and I've found witch hazel to seriously help with the clearing.
ReplyDeleteI'm used to the smell now, just as long as it does what it's doing, the smell doesn't bother me at all :)
It's great to hear it works for you too! The Humphrey's has alcohol too and my skin seems fine with it. I think I'm gradually getting used to the smell too...I had to refill my smaller bottle yesterday and even straight, it didn't seem as bad as I remembered :)
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