In addition to the Hydrating Cream Cleanser, I've also been trying out Amala's Brightening Toning Essence over the last several weeks. Toner is often an underrated step, but it's one that I've found can make a big difference to your skin. Formulated with narcissus, algae extract from Norwegian kelp, and seven alpine herbs, Amala's toner is packed with active ingredients to balance the skin's pH and refresh and revive dull skin, while simultaneously improving and brightening uneven skin tone. Narcissus and algae extract have been shown to slow down melanin production, helping to prevent future dark spots, while the seven alpine herbs (mallow, peppermint, cowslip, lady's mantle, veronica, yarrow, and melissa) work together to diminish the appearance of any dark spots or discoloration that you may already have.
The toning essence comes in a pretty glass spray bottle, giving you the option to either spray it onto a cotton pad or directly onto your face. It has a subtle scent of rosewater, but it's light enough that, even with my usual aversion towards florals, I'm not bothered in the slightest. With glycerin as the second ingredient, I was initially concerned my face would be left feeling sticky, but that isn't the case at all. The toner is very light in texture and leaves my skin feeling refreshed, smooth, and ready for the next step in my routine.
The brightening effect is immediate and my skin is visibly more radiant throughout the day. I have a few dark spots left over from old acne breakouts and I've also noticed they are slightly lighter since incorporating the toner into my routine. I imagine you could further boost its efficacy, in this regard, by using it in combination with other products from Amala's Brightening line. The Intensive Brightening Mask, Advanced Brightening Emulsion and Brightening Corrective Concentrate all use similar herbs and active ingredients, in what I would expect to be more concentrated formulations.
Where to Buy: $56 from Spirit Beauty Lounge/Amala
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water*, Zinc PCA, Alcohol*, Narcissus Tazetta Extract*, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Brown Alga) Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract*, Primula Veris (Cowslip) Extract*, Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) Extract*, Veronica Officinalis (Heath Speedwell) Extract*, Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Leaf Extract*, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract*, Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract*, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Ribes Rubrum (Currant) Juice*, Buddleja Davidii (Summer Lilac) Extract*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract*, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Parfum), Rosa Damascena Flower Oil*, Helichrysum Italicum Extract*, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool (*Ingredient Produced By Organic Farming)
Disclosure: Product provided for review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review in return for free product, nor was I compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Post contains affiliate links.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteNice review. I love toner especially rose water for the face. Amala toner sounds very nice. Quite lot of alcohol in this toner though...
xx
From what I've read, Amala uses alcohol to extract a lot of their herbal extracts. I love that it's packed with so many herbs/extracts and I haven't found the toner to be drying at all, so I'm not too concerned about the alcohol content :)
DeleteI love toner. It used to be something I never used, but since I started using it I'd never go back to skipping the toner! I've been using rosewater for a toner, but I'm out so just using some witch hazel I had. I miss my rosewater though. Need to get some more. This toner sounds nice though.
ReplyDeleteToner used to be something I skipped too, but now I'm hooked! I'm not sure it's an absolutely necessary step, but it's definitely one I enjoy :)
DeleteSounds really nice, I love toner so much xo
ReplyDeleteSame here! The right toner can make such a difference :)
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