• Lifestyle
    • Faith
    • Minimalism
    • Zero Waste
    • Home
    • Motherhood & Family
    • Health & Wellness
    • Travel
  • Food
    • Raw Food
    • Vegetarian
    • Smoothies
    • Desserts
    • Clean Eating
    • What I Eat In A Day
  • DIY
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Facial Moisturizer
    • Facial Mask
    • Eye Cream/Serum
    • Lip Balm
    • Hair Cleanser
    • Hair Rinse
    • Hair Leave-In/Styler
    • Beauty Oil/Butter
    • Beauty Mist/Toner
    • Natural Fragrance
    • Deodorant
    • Nail Care
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Curly Hair Regimen
    • Healthy Hair Tips
    • Chemical-Free Series/Hair
    • Skin
    • Acne
    • Principles
    • Chemical-Free Series/Skin
  • Style
    • Modesty
    • Wardrobe Simplified
    • My Capsule Wardrobe
  • SHOP
  • About
    • Beauty Regimen
    • My Personal Testimony
    • My Minimalist Home
    • Testimonials

Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

DIY Soothing Antioxidant Toner

June 24, 2011 by Dawn Michelle

This article contains sponsored links from my favorite brand Mountain Rose Herbs. I love their high quality organic/fair trade products, and am blown away by their commitment to zero waste.

After minimizing my skin care routine, and no longer spending $100 every month or so on skin care, I stopped using toners and serums.  Well now I’m at least back to using a toner because I can easily make it myself for almost nothing.  The truth is that toners do clean the skin of any residue left behind from facial cleansers and clays, as well as refresh and prep the skin for your favorite moisturizer.  A good toner will also help exfoliate the skin and tighten pores.  Here is a simple toner recipe that is packed with antioxidants as well as natural alpha hydroxy acids that you can find right in your kitchen.

What you will need:

Purified Water

Organic Green Tea Bags

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Blue Chamomile Essential Oil

Simply steep two organic green tea bags in one cup of boiled water for 30 minutes or longer.  Now add one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar.  Finally add 2-3  drops of blue chamomile essential oil and place in a clean container.  Use organic cotton balls with new toner after you cleanse your skin to prep for your moisturizer.  Because this is a toner without preservatives I suggest refrigerating it.  It should last for at least two weeks if not a bit longer.

So why these ingredients?

Green tea is your natural antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and also contains caffeine which energizes the skin and tightens the pores.

Apple cider vinegar is the perfect alpha hydroxy acid.  It is best to always use diluted as it is very acidic.  Apple cider vinegar is known to detox the skin, clear acne and blemishes, and even out and brighten skin.  I’ve seen many online skin care boards swear by apple cider vinegar to clear up acne completely.  Many also suggest using a higher percentage of apple cider vinegar than what I’ve included in this recipe.  I’m using a low dosage for its benefits while also being gentle on the skin.

Blue chamomile essential oil has a high azulene content with anti-inflammatory skin healing properties that are very soothing to the skin.  You can also use Moroccan chamomile essential oil or Roman chamomile essential oil as it will still have calming and soothing properties.

Enjoy!

(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook & Twitter. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!

Share

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

You might also like...

Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Mira says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:27 am

    Hi Dawn Michelle!

    I already use apple cider vinegar, but I hadn’t thought of the green tea. Thanks for that suggestion.

    Another little thing I’ve started making and using is a tisane of rose buds. First you make the tisane hot and then put it in the fridge. With a cotton ball or wipe you wipe it one your face like a toner. It’s great for calming sensitive skin and it gives a nice glow. It smells good too!

    -Mira

    Reply
  2. mangomadness says

    August 5, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    Nice post! I use a green tea/tea tree oil toner. I find that it’s gentle and keeps my face blemish free.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 7, 2011 at 7:25 pm

      That sounds like a perfect combination as well. I used to use witch hazel and lavender essential oil religiously. I might as well try this toner with lavender too.

      Reply
  3. leise says

    December 13, 2011 at 7:43 pm

    Any thoughts on rose oil?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 14, 2011 at 3:40 pm

      Hi Leise, I adore rose hydrosols, yet have not ever tried pure rose essential oil in any of my own products. Rose is a very common ingredient in many natural skin care products and all that I have tried in the past have been really pleasant experiences.

      Reply
  4. Amina says

    February 18, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    So do you have to wash the toner off before you apply your moisturizer or do you leave it on ?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      February 19, 2012 at 7:37 pm

      Hi Amina, You do not have to wash the toner off. Peace and Sunshine, Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  5. Della says

    February 24, 2012 at 9:09 am

    WOW!

    This is so awesome! Thanks Dawn for this! I found your site just in time. I will be trying the toner and honey face wash. Honey from farmers market will suffice right?

    Della

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      February 24, 2012 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Della, Honey from the farmer’s market will work great. Look for raw honey as you will recieve the best benefits with live enzymes in raw honey. Peace!

      Reply
  6. Natural Love says

    April 1, 2012 at 6:26 pm

    Dawn, Is there an alternative to Chamomile oil? It seems so experience..and each site do you recommend to purchase it from

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      April 3, 2012 at 7:18 pm

      Hi Natural Love, Although blue chamomile oil is absolutely wonderful you can also try calendula or lavendar essential oil. You can find organic essential oils at Mountain Rose Herbs. Peace and Sunshine!

      Reply
  7. Kandice says

    April 13, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    I have put these ingredients on my shopping list for tomorrow so I can make some of this. Can’t wait! I’ve been without toner for a while and don’t want to spend $30 on a bottle. My skin is dry, but acne prone so I’m hoping this will help. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      April 14, 2012 at 11:22 am

      Let me know how it works out for you Kandice. Best Wishes!

      Reply
  8. Monika says

    May 31, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    Hello Dawn,
    Im not able to find blue chamomile oil is it okay to use wild chamomile instead?

    Thanks so much,
    Monika

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      June 1, 2012 at 9:18 am

      Hi Monika, Blue chamomile has a higher azulene content which is wonderful for skin, yet wild chamomile will also work well.

      Reply
  9. Renée says

    July 26, 2012 at 7:44 am

    I’m still learning about how to incorporate the right natural ingredients into my regimen, and I have found that my skin responds well to tea tree oil. Can I use that in place of the chamomile essential oil in this toner? Also, how does this differ from using witch hazel as a toner? Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 26, 2012 at 7:54 am

      Hi Renée,
      This toner is alcohol free and green tea has tons of antioxidants for the skin. If your skin responds well to tea tree oil than definitely use it. It is a very strong essential oil so you will only need a few drops. With any new product, monitor how your skin responds to it to ensure that it works well for you. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  10. Renée says

    July 26, 2012 at 8:52 am

    Thanks so much for the quick response. I never even knew witch hazel contained alcohol.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:32 am

      Most witch hazel formulations contain a small percentage of alcohol. But it is possible that not all do.

      Reply
  11. Chloe says

    September 18, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    Could I use lavender or rosemary essential oil?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 18, 2012 at 4:44 pm

      Hi Chloe, Use whatever essential oil that you like. Although I have DIY beauty recipes throughout this blog, feel free to modify them for your own preferences and needs. Best wishes!

      Reply
  12. Lana says

    December 5, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    Hi Dawn,
    How would you compare using a toner made from tea to using hydrosol as a toner or aloe juice as a toner? And when using one of these as a toner, would I use it at night after oil cleansing, or in the morning after cleansing with raw honey, or both? Also, any of these or something else recommended for perking up/moisturizing skin on an airplane or for travel?

    Also, I saw your post on camellia oil and it sounds amazing! Is it too much as a facial moisturizer for acne-prone skin and/or after oil cleansing with jojoba mixture?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 6, 2012 at 5:20 pm

      Hi Lana,
      Use whatever toner you like the most. It honestly takes trying one or the other to know what works for you. The toners you mentioned will have uniquely different properties based on the ingredients. For instance aloe vera has natural salicidic acid and is very moisturizing which is great for dehydrated acne prone skin. All three options would also make a great moisturizing spritz yet a hydrosol may be the best for a flight since it would not need refrigeration. Also you cleanse, tone, then moisturize so you can use any toner after oil cleansing. Do what is best for your skin and pay close attention to how it responds to new skin care items. Hope that helps some.

      Reply
  13. Lana says

    December 6, 2012 at 9:28 pm

    That’s a really good idea to use the aloe at home so it can be refrigerated, but take the hydrosol on the plane. The benefits of the different options all sound so good, it’s hard to pick! 🙂 I find myself having to try to slow down and start simple to give my skin a chance to adjust to new things.

    Anyway, thank you, and I wish you a lovely weekend!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 7, 2012 at 12:39 am

      You’re so welcome Lana!

      Reply
  14. Kelley says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:59 am

    Hi Dawn Michelle,
    First, let me say again how your website and methods have changed my life forever!! I would like to start using a DIM toner, but I don’t like the idea of having to keep it refrigerated. Do you have any suggestions for something that can be left at room temperature? Maybe if I use organic witch hazel as a base? Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!!

    Reply
  15. Dawn says

    March 10, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    I’m becoming addicted to your site, thanks. Plus, I’m also a Dawn Michelle. 🙂 I have type one hair (formerly mouse brown, but now henna-ed a deep red) and pale, pale, ruddy Celtic skin. If I can’t eat it, it doesn’t go on the outside either (except mineral make-up, I suppose).

    Thayer’s makes an alcohol free witch hazel. They have both, actually, in a variety of “flavors”. The ones that say “astringent” have alcohol, the ones that say “toner” don’t. Plus they have added aloe to them. You can find them online or at your local HFS.

    Also, I have seen witch hazel hydrosols on a few sites as well that do not have alcohol.

    One last thing, I like to use Republic of Tea Acai Green Tea bags as my base for ACV toner as it has hibiscus and acai berry in it for additional anti-ox goodness. Again, you can get it at your local HFS or Cost Plus/World Market. Two tea bags shaken up in a 16 oz. bottle of water with a bit of stevia is yummy for the tummy too.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 11, 2014 at 10:36 am

      Hi Dawn,
      Thanks so much for sharing all of this info! I also think it is pretty awesome to meet another Dawn Michelle! I hope you are having a wonderful day and best wishes!

      Reply
  16. Tracey says

    June 13, 2014 at 11:22 pm

    Please excuse my lacking knowledge here,
    Can someone please explain to me how you figure out how much of say, tea tree that is mixed with another ingredient, that says 5, or 10% mix??
    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      June 14, 2014 at 1:44 pm

      Hi Tracey,

      When you use essential oils in a carrier oil you can add up to 10 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil. When adding essential oils to other liquids it really just depends upon what essential oil you are using. I hope this helps some.

      Best wishes!

      Reply
  17. daisy says

    February 4, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Hello Dawn
    I really love your website. It’s Wonderful. At the moment I am using rose water as a toner. Will this work until I can get the ingredients for this diy Toner? Or can I just use this as a toner? And finally, I usually spray it on my face, should I apply it with cotton pad instead? Thankyou :)))

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      February 5, 2015 at 5:00 pm

      Hi Daisy,
      Rose water is amazing and yes spraying it is a great way to use it too! I’m so glad you are enjoying the site as well! <3

      Reply
  18. Kristen says

    February 9, 2015 at 6:32 am

    Has anyone else found this toner to bring on more breakouts? I’m super acne prone and get cystic acne, and my skin is very sensitive. Though I’d give this toner a try to see if it would help heal the acne I had and I seemed to get more.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      February 9, 2015 at 9:48 am

      Hi Kristen,
      If this DIY toner isn’t working for you please try something else. Your skin will tell you what it likes and dislikes and it is important to listen to it. Also please know that healing your skin isn’t only a topical solution. You can read more about that here, here, and here. I originally posted this recipe in 2011 and have shared other simple chemcial-free skin care ideas in this more recent series. I also shared my less is more philosophy with skin care here. I hope that this info is helpful!

      Reply
Previous
Next
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare

Copyright 2021 Minimalist Beauty | Site design handcrafted by Station Seven