Boots Everyday Cucumber Facial Toner

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Boots Everyday Cucumber Facial Toner. This toner is from Boots’ Everyday range, an assortment of inexpensive products aimed at people with basic skin care needs.

I bought it the other day. I was looking for a new toner, but couldn’t really find anything new. So I went with this one as I had it before and liked it. However, it’s been ages since I used and reviewed this toner. So here’s what I think of it now.

This toner contains alcohol which is one of my favourite ingredients in toners. Some people prefer toners without alcohol, and I’m happy if these toners work for them. However, I prefer alcohol in toners as it really helps clear up my skin, especially around the chin and jawline.

This toner is very nice. It’s refreshing and cleansing. It removes inpurities as well as the last traces of make-up and cleanser very well.

The scent is not the best thing. It’s a bit of a chemical cucumber, but it’s not unpleasant, and it also evaporates very quickly, so there’s no need to dwell on it.

All in all, I think this is a very good toner. It doesn’t claim to “turn back time” or anything of the sort. It’s a basic toner that does exactly what it promises – it refreshes, it tones, it cleanses. I use it 1-2 times a day, and it works well for my skin. And according to Boots, this toner is vegan, so what’s not to like?

If you’re interested, Boots Everyday Cucumber Facial Toner is available as 150ml for £1.50.

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free – Asda Kind & Gentle Facial Toner

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Asda Kind & Gentle Facial Toner for sensitive skin.

This toner is free from alcohol, fragrance and colourants. It contains pro-vitamin B5 and aloe vera, and it promises to help tighten pores.

I’ve been using this toner for a while (the bottle is almost empty) – initially every morning after the shower, then just as the last step of my cleansing routine when I remove my make-up.

The reason I reduced the use of this toner to 2-3 times a week only is that I noticed my skin getting mildly irritated around my eyes when I use this toner for a few days in a row.

However, there are no issues at all when I use this toner once every 2-3 days to remove the last traces of make-up and cleanser before I apply my night cream.

I don’t like the scent of the toner. Since it’s fragrance-free, it smells like the sum of its ingredients. And it doesn’t smell good. Personally, I would have preferred a fragranced toner. I appreciate some people are sensitive to fragrances, and maybe they can appreciate this toner more.

Still, the toner just isn’t for me – because of its odd scent and also because I would not be able to use it every day as it caused mild irritation. I always stopped using it when I noticed the first signs of skin irritation. I will finish this toner, but I wouldn’t buy it again.

If you’re interested, Asda Kind & Gentle Facial Toner is available as 200ml for £1. This toner carries The Vegan Society‘s logo, and this means that the toner is certified vegan & cruelty-free.

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

Garnier Organic Thyme Purifying Perfecting Toner

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Garnier Organic Thyme Purifying Perfecting Toner for combination to oily skin which I started to use a few weeks ago.

This toner is recommended for daily use. It promises to purify and to mattify the skin, to make pores appear tightened, and to make the skin texture appear more refined. OK then!

When I started to use this toner, I found it rather harsh. It’s definitely not the type of toner that you want to use around your eyes to remove the last few traces of make-up that your cleanser and cloth didn’t catch.

Fortunately, I didn’t use it around my eyes. The strong scent and the borderline scary feel of the toner on my forehead were enough of a warning.

What does the toner do? Good question. I have very dry and moody skin, and the only thing I’ve noticed is that this toner makes my skin feel very dry for a few minutes – and then my skin starts to produce more oil than ever.

I can’t speak for people with oily skin types, but I would find that counterproductive.

Well, I will use up this toner but I won’t buy it again.

First of all, it has a strong chemical smell. It says the fragrance is 100% natural –  which is a good thing, I guess. But it doesn’t smell good. And it’s not a subtle fragrance either. It’s also not the most suitable product for my skin type. Granted, I’m not the customer this product is aimed at, but it shouldn’t feel so wrong to use it. I would definitely recommend a patch test* if you have sensitive skin. Whilst I haven’t had any bad reaction to this toner, I can see the possibility that it might be a bit too strong for some people with sensitive skin.

If you’re interested, Garnier Organic Thyme Purifying Perfecting Toner is available as 150ml for £5.99. I paid £3.99 (Save 1/3 at Boots).

*You should always to a patch test for any new product you use. Always check the ingredients to make sure a product is safe for you. If it is (based on the ingredients), then do a patch test.

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

2022 Favourites (Skin Care, Hair Care, Eyes, Lips, Fragrances)

Hi there! Today’s post is about my favourite products in 2022. Only the best of the best! Let’s take a look!

Scinic Sparkling Pore Toner

This is one of the best toners I’ve ever used. 😍

Agent Provocateur Fatale Intense Eau De Parfum

Fatale Intense is like a lighter version of Thierry Mugler’s Angel. 😇

Jil Sander Simply Elixir Eau De Parfum & Rich Body Cream

Simply Elixir was a very successful blind buy. It’s like a lady’s version of Dior Fahrenheit! 🌡

Oriflame Mirage Eau De Parfum

Mirage is one of the most beautiful and unique fragrance I’ve ever had the pleasure of smelling. It’s the Moira Rose of fragrances. 😍

Yves Saint Laurent Elle Limited Edition 2011, Yves Saint Laurent Elle Limited Edition 2012

I love YSL’s limited editions of Elle! 🗼

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Moisturising Facial Oil

Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant Facial Oil is a skin care super hero! 💗

Pantene Pro-V Miracles Grow Strong Biotin + Bamboo Shampoo & Conditioner

These Pantene hair care products are some of my all-time favourite shampoo and conditioner combos. 😍

Antonio Banderas Her Secret Temptation Eau De Toilette

Her Secret Temptation is another amazing Antonio Banderas fragrance. Wow! 💗

Boots Live + Be Woodland Whisper Whipped Body Cream

This whipped body cream is one of the best body moisturisers I’ve used over the past year (or more). Insanely beautiful fragrance, perfect formula. 😍

Marks & Spencer Lip Balm
Prada Infusion De Fleur D’Oranger Eau De Parfum

This M&S lip balm is one of the best lip products I’ve ever used. Incredible stuff. 😍
Prada’s orange flower fragrance is my favourite Prada fragrance. I hope they’ll relaunch it so I can repurchase this gem! 💗

Revlon Custom Eyes 020 Naturally Glamorous

I love this eye palette so much! The quality of the eyeshadows is insane! 😍

Lancôme Hypnôse

Hypnôse is a cult classic and an incredibly beautiful fragrance. I love it! 💗

Ekél Natural Clean Peeling Gel Rice Bran

This is Ekél’s best peeling gel. Awesome stuff! 💗

MakeUp Revolution Redemption Palette Romantic Smoked

Wow, what an eye palette! This one was a wonderful surprise! 😍

Marks & Spencer Spiced Bergamot Eau De Toilette

M&S did an amazing job with this budget Light Blue-style fragrance. No, it’s not a dupe for Light Blue, but it’s the same type of fresh and summery citrus fragrance. 😍

Giorgio Armani Armani Code Summer Eau Fraîche
Nip + Fab Renew Retinol Fix Tonic Extreme

Armani Code Summer was a wonderful summer surprise. 🌞
Nip + Fab’s retinol toner is simply magical. 😍

Aussie Mega Shampoo & Conditioner

Aussie Mega is truly mega! An all-time favourite hair care combo. 💗

Yves Rocher Un Matin Au Jardin Cerisier En Fleurs Eau De Toilette
Salvador Dali Dalissime Eau De Toilette

Yves Rocher’s Cerisier En Fleurs fragrance was another lovely summer surprise. 🌞
Dalissime is one of my all-time favourite fragrances. I’ve been buying it since the 90s! 😍

Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Age-Defying Cream

This Olay moisturiser is simply stellar! I love it! 💗

Botanical Lab Neem Leaf + Salicylic Acid Anti-Blemish Gentle Face Wash
Neutrogena Clear & Soothe Toning Mist With Turmeric

This Botanical Lab face wash is one of the best face washes I’ve ever used. 😍
Neutrogena’s face mist with turmeric is a new skin care favourite. 💗

Ramer Sponges Cleansing Shammy For Sensitive Skin

This Shammy by Ramer Sponges is one of the best things I’ve ever bought. It’s that good that I bought 6 more already. These should last me for a long time – but I would always stock up on these. 💗

Marks & Spencer Water Jasmine Eau De Toilette

This fragrance is one of my favourites. It’similar to Light Blue (no, they’re not the same), and it’s refreshing and has this happy aura… I love it! 😍

Superdrug Revive Hair Care Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner

Superdrug did a fabulous job with these brilliant vegan collagen hair care products. 😍

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Eau Savoureuse Parfumante / Delectable Fragrant Water
Poundland #6 Vit C Toner

Rêve de Miel is one of my new favourite fragrances. I wish I had tried it sooner! 💗
Poundland’s Vit C Toner is an amazing skin care product. I love using it. 😍

Superdrug Extracts Banana 3 In 1 Hair Mask

Another amazing surprise find – I’m still enjoying this banana hair mask from Superdrug. 💗

Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm & Lift Day Cream With SPF 15

Olay products have served me so well over the years, and this lovely face cream is no exception. I love it! 💗

I Love… Chocolate Truffle Nourishing Body Butter
Kenzo Amour Eau De Parfum

OMG, this Chocolate Truffle Body Butter is out of this world. LOVE! 😍
And what can I say about Kenzo Amour? It’s one of the most beautiful fragrances ever. 11 stars don’t do it justice. 💗

And this is it for the year! I hope you love some of these awesome products too – and if you don’t know them, I hope you’ll give them a try. Thanks for stopping by again today. Have a happy and healthy 2023! 🥳🥳🥳

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

Poundland #6 Vit C Toner

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Poundland #6 Vit C Toner. Poundland is not the first shop that comes to mind when you think of skin care. But their #6 range is actually quite good. I tried a bunch of their products, and I don’t remember a single stinker.

When I saw this vitamin C toner, I had to have it. I love vitamin C in skin care, and this toner is a ridiculous £3, so why would I leave it on the shelf?

Looking at the ingredients, glycolic acid is the 2nd ingredient, and vitamin C is the 3rd – this is really amazing! This toner also contains aloe vera leaf juice and a bit of retinol. Wow!

I’ve been using this toner for about 2 months now, and I’ve loved it from day 1. It’s quite a powerful toner. It exfoliates and brightens the skin. I use it every morning, and I can feel its exfoliating power. This toner has made a visible difference to my skin, and I love it very much!

With respect to its strength, I think this toner is comparable to Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant toner. However, you should still patch test this toner before you use it. Glycolic acid is powerful stuff, so make sure your skin tolerates it.

If you’re interested, Poundland #6 Vit C Toner is availabe as 200ml for £3. On the back of the bottle is also says that the product is vegan and cruelty-free!

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

Neutrogena Clear & Soothe Toning Mist With Turmeric

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Neutrogena Clear & Soothe Toning Mist With Turmeric. This face mist is aimed at spot-prone, combination and dehydrated skin.

This face mist promises to refresh and to soothe stressed and spot-prone skin. According to Neutrogena, you can use it before or after your moisturiser – or whenever you want. Just close your eyes and mouth and spray it all over your face.

I’ve been using this face mist for well over a month now. And I love it! I use it after cleansing, randomly during the day and sometimes over my make-up.

First of all, this is the mistiest face mist I’ve ever used. Some face mists are more like sprays, but the nozzle on this bottle dispenses the finest face mist ever. 😍 So you can spray away without ending up with wet patches on your face.

I’ve noticed that, since I’ve been using this face mist, redness is less of an issue for me. I would definitely agree that this face mist calms my moody skin!

I’m so happy that I’ve given this face mist a try! It’s one of my favourite products right now. If you’re interested, Neutrogena Clear & Soothe Toning Mist With Turmeric is available as 125ml for about £6. I paid £3.99 (Save 1/3 offer).

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

Boots Glow Banana Toner

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Boots Glow Banana Toner which I’ve been using once to twice a day for the past 3 weeks.

This toner claims to refine the pores and to make the skin appear smoother.

This toner contains niacinamide which is listed as the third ingredient on the back of the bottle. Unfortunately, Boots doesn’t state the percentage.

Alrighty, how’s the toner? Well, it does have a beautiful foamy banana fragrance. However, this toner isn’t the best one for my skin type.

Whilst I like that this toner leaves my skin feeling velvety soft, I don’t find it cleansing enough. Within 2-3 days of starting this toner, I noticed considerably more impurities.

I haven’t started to use any other new products for well over a month, I haven’t taken any new medication, and I also haven’t eaten a lot of junk food. What other explanation could there be? I’ve also noticed that my dark patches (melasma) have become a lot more visible over the past 2 weeks. The only difference in my skin care routine is this toner.

I will continue to use this toner after I’ve cleansed my face in the evening. It’s super gentle, so I’m happy to use it around my entire face – the eye area included – to remove the last traces of make-up. However, as part of my morning routine, I’ll go back to using a vitamin C or glycolic acid toner.

I won’t buy this toner again, but I might try other products from this collection. If you’re interested, Boots Glow Banana Toner is available as 100ml for £4. Boots sometimes runs 3 for 2 promotions across their Glow and Ingredients ranges, so if you’re on a budget, you can try an extra product for free. On another note, on the back of the bottle it says that this toner is vegan and cruelty-free. This is great!

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

Nip + Fab Renew Retinol Fix Tonic Extreme

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Nip + Fab Renew Retinol Fix Tonic Extreme.

This is a toner that promises visible anti-ageing results – but it doesn’t say how long it would take for you to see any results. 🤷‍♀️

The toner contains retinol which is known for its skin rejuvenation properties, an amino acid derivative to improve skin clarity and to even out the skin tone, and panthenol to deeply hydrate the skin.

You’re supposed to use this toner 2-3 times per week (evenings only) on your face and neck. The toner comes with a few warnings: Overuse can lead to dry skin or skin irritation, don’t use the toner on irritated skin, and consult your doctor before use if you’re pregnant! 😮

Wow, this sounds exciting and scary at the same time!

I’ve been using this toner once every 5-6 days for almost a year (10 months?), and I can safely say that it’s one of my favourite beauty products ever. I’m also still on my first bottle! 😍

Alrighty, let’s start with what I’ve learned… I couldn’t use this toner 2-3 times per week. It will irritate my skin, especially the skin around the eyes, quite a bit. How do I know? Because I tried to use it once every 3 days – but this was too frequent for me.

Then I tried to use this toner once every 4 days. Still not it. Then I went on to using it once every 5 days – this works well, and this is what I stick to. Occasionally, I give my skin an extra day, and that’s usually when I have to be outside the next day. That’s because retinol treatments and sunlight are not meant to go together.

What’s the toner like? It’s a clear toner, and it smells OK. I can’t describe the scent, but it’s definitely nothing natural. It does smell like “product”, but it’s not bad or unpleasant at all.

Onto more important things now! This toner feels amazing on my skin. I love using it. I can feel a bit of a pleasant tingle every time I use it. The toner feels very cleansing, and I can feel that it penetrates my skin to work its magic. I love it! I also love how quickly I can see results. Within minutes of using this toner, my skin looks more even in tone and texture. Amazing!

I know that, with all the different products I use, it’s sometimes not easy to tell which product does what, but having used this toner for almost a year, I know what it does, and I know that it helps me look refreshed and youthful.

If you’re interested, Nip + Fab Renew Retinol Fix Tonic Extreme is available as 100ml for £24.95. I paid £10 (TK Maxx).

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

Boots Rose Toner

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Boots Rose Toner which I picked up not too long ago.

I bought this toner because it was cheap, and I thought it would work well to replace Garnier’s rose-scented toner which I finished at some point this past winter.

Alrighty, this toner is supposed to cleanse the skin of make-up, impurities and oil, and it promises to leave the skin feeling soothed.

On the back of the bottle it also says that the product is vegan, cruelty-free and suitable for people with sensitive skin.

I’ve been using this toner on and off since February, and I think it’s good but not great. It doesn’t smell as nice as Garnier’s rose toner. This Boots toner smells of an artificial rose that’s been drenched in alcohol. It’s not as bad as it sounds, but I doubt this is anyone’s favourite scent. However, there are more important points to consider.

Is the toner cleansing? Yes, it is. It’s not perfect, and I’ve had plenty of more effective toners, but with respect to its cleansing properties, it’s a lot better than Garnier’s rose toner. This one actually catches make-up, oil and general product residue, so I can’t complain.

I’m also happy to report that this toner doesn’t aggravate my very dry, sensitive and generally moody skin. I mainly use this toner at night time (after using a cleansing lotion), but I think this toner would also work well in the morning. Although personally, I prefer to use vitamin C or glycolic acid toners in the morning. (I work from home, so I won’t be burned by the sun!)

All in all, this is a decent toner. If you’re interested, Boots Rose Toner is available as 150ml for £1.50.

Mrs Strawberry Blonde 💙💛

Pure Awesomeness – Scinic Sparkling Pore Toner

Hi there! Today’s post is about this Scinic Sparkling Pore Toner which I found at TK Maxx. This toner with sodium hyaluronate, lemon, lime and plenty more botanical extracts promises to remove sebum and dead skin cells, to soothe the skin and to make pores appear smaller.

I’ve been using this toner for a few weeks now, and I love it! Wow, what a product! Since this toner contains lemon and lime extracts as well as other fruit extracts, it has a brightening effect on the skin. It’s amazing! This toner has insane cleansing powers. It makes my face look and feel clean and clear, but at the same time it doesn’t feel drying at all. This is, without doubt, one of the best toners I’ve ever used!

Based on my experience, I’d recommend this awesome toner. If you’re interested, Scinic Sparkling Pore Toner is available as 150ml. I paid £6 at TK Maxx.

Mrs Strawberry Blonde