Beauty tonics, elixirs, essences. Call them what you want, they're an essential part of any glowing complexion's skincare routine, and have been a staple part of Korean beauty regimes for years.
No matter your skin type or concern,there is a tonic or essence to help improve its tone, radiance and overall health. Like it or not, this is a part of your routine that you shouldn't skip on as the trend is about to become huge for 2018, and with very good reason.
What you may not know however, is that they're also brilliant to use in your haircare routine. Like tonics for the skin, hair tonics are excellent refreshers, and depending on your concern, can give you the hair you've always wanted.
Tonics for the skin
You've heard of cleansing, toning and moisturising but things can seem a little complicated when you start introducing steps like beauty tonics, essences and elixirs.
There's no need to feel daunted though, they're such a simple step but pack a real punch when it comes to improving your skin and health of your complexion. Simply pour or spritz onto a cotton pad and swipe; it's that easy.
If you need hydration
If your skin is feeling a little dehydrated, a simple routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising just won't cut it. The added step of a hydrating beauty tonic will give your skin the shot of moisture it so desperately craves.
Our favourite product is the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic, which is suitable for the most parched and sensitive of complexions. Formulated with an Enriched Mineral Water Blend, the liquid also contains Cucumber, Aloe Leaf and Chamomile, which leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable.
For a quick and on-the-go alternative, try the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. It's a beauty blogger favourite, and can be applied on top of makeup for continual hydration throughout the day.
If however, you have hyper sensitive skin, try the Avène Thermal Water; the perfect antidote to an itchy, red and generally irritated complexion.
For clarifying oily complexions
Beauty tonics aren't just for dehydration skin types, they're also great to use if you have a combination or oily complexion.
Our favourite product is the Origins United State Balancing Tonic, which helps to balance and refresh without stripping the skin. Rich in advanced exfoliators, the tonic removes product build-up, unclogging pores as it does so to help refine and smooth. It's brilliant to use if you have been suffering from a bout of breakouts post-Christmas festivities.
If you suffer from the appearance of large pores, try using the Aromatherapy Associates Refining Skin Tonic; it contains Lavender, Tea Tree and Orange Flower Water to reduce their appearance dramatically.
If you have hyper sensitive skin that also looks and feels oily, try the Sanoflore Aqua Magnifica Skin Perfecting Botanical Essence. It contains a blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe redness whilst also targeting oily residue to leave the skin looking smooth.
Tonics for the hair
If your locks have been a little limp, fragile and dull this season, a beauty tonic for the hair will revive them right back up.
Depending on your hair type and concern, there's a different tonic to remedy and perfect; great for overhauling your new year beauty routine.
For added volume
If your hair has been a little flat this winter, our favourite product to turn to is the Aveda Thickening Hair Tonic. Natural botanicals help to boost your hair's volume from root to tip, without leaving it feeling sticky or oily.
For damaged hair
If your hair feels dehydrated or frazzled at the ends, try the Weleda Revitalising Hair Tonic. It contains Rosemary Extract and Horseradish leaves to help maintain a healthy scalp and improve hair growth.
For sensitive scalps
If you suffer from a sore scalp and need some relief, try the Flaky Itchy Scalp Tonic from Philip Kingsley. Not only does it have incredibly soothing properties to calm down irritation, it also has anti-flaking technology to prevent the appearance of dandruff.
