Skin tonics or fresheners have today replaced the harsh astringents. Beauticians used to recommend for 'closing the pores' after cleansing. We know now that you cannot make pores close or even tighten up for more than about 10 minutes, and while they may have a tingly, bracing effect strong alcohol based lotions can eventually coarsen and irritate the skin creating surface dryness and broken veins. Gentle, alcohol free tonics are far better for refreshing, stimulating and refining all skin types, while oily skins respond well to the natural astringent action of herbs like witch hazel or we cucumber based tonic. Also very much in vogue these days is mineral water the same sort you drink in spray form. Though expensive, these sprays do actually have a very gentle and calming effect on all skins even the sensitive and can be used repeatedly throughout the day. A good way to save money, however, is to decant an ordinary bottle of mineral water into a spray bottle while lacking snob appeal the effect is exactly the same! For an added frisson, keep it stored in the fridge.
