Battle of the Toners: Pixi Glow Tonic Vs Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

For years now, I have been incorporating the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Toner into my skincare regime. At one stage, when my skin wasn't so good, I was reaching for it on a daily basis, but nowadays it's a once or twice a week treat. It's great for when my skin is feeling dry or looking dull and lacklustre, and a quick sweep of it before bed, using a cotton pad to ensure that my entire face and neck get their hit, is all it takes to wake up with softer, smoother and brighter skin.

While I have always been more than happy with the effects of this particular toner, I have been wanting to get my hands on the Pixi Glow Tonic for longer than I care to remember. With higher levels of AHA than its Clarins counterpart, it promises more dramatic effects, and has become a cult product amongst bloggers and skincare experts alike. On a recent trip to London, I couldn't resist popping into Libery and picking up a bottle - but is it impressive enough to dethrone the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner?

Let's begin with the science.

The Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner is a fresh, fluid exfoliating lotion that brightens, smooths and softens the skin. Tamarind fruit acids eliminate impurities and dead skin cells, boosting cellular renewal, while white nettle extract helps to tighten the pores, ensuring that they appear smaller.  Regular use encourages cellular renewal, strenghtening the skin's resistance to premature ageing and leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion. Containing glycolic, salicylic and tartaric acids in much smaller quantities than many other popular toners, this is a great option for anyone with sensitive skin. Although it does contain alcohol, this is nicely counteracted with glycerin, and there is no sense of dryness following application.

It's recommended to be used 1-2 times a week, but personally, I have used it on a daily basis with no problems.

The Pixi Glow Tonic, on the other hand, is oil and alcohol-free, which does make it that little bit more suitable for sensitive skin than its Clarins counterpart, but again, I'd recommend using it no more than  a couple of times a week if this is you.

Containing ginseng, fructose and soothing aloe vera, the Pixi Glow Tonic is also laced with witch hazel, making it slightly astringent, and better for those with acne or frequent breakouts. It does

Personally, I'm not at all a fan of the smell of this one - it's potent, and overly floral, which is not what I was expecting at all. I'm not generally keen on particularly fragrant products, but I do like a fruity aroma, and that's what I was expecting from this.

The verdict: For me, it's got to be the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. I'm surprised to hear myself saying so, as I had great expectations for the Pixi Glow Tonic, but in all honesty, I haven't seen a great deal of difference in my skin since beginning to use it. Clarins's offering, on the other hand, is guaranteed to leave me with a soft, smooth and glowy complexion, and I can see myself continuing to repurchase it for a long while.

Do you have a favourite resurfacing toner?

XX

Review: Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask

I'm a big fan of skin-resurfacing products, and since my first experience I've made sure to have a selection of them in my skincare repertoire at all times. Nothing keeps things feeling smooth or looking radiant quite like an AHA mask or exfoliating toner, and suffice to say I really would be lost without them.

At £48, the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask is hardly what I would call cheap, but with promises of smoother skin that's more even in tone, diminished fine lines and blemishes and reduced shine, I was willing to take a chance on it. Luckily for me though, I did manage to get it half price in a sale, which is always a huge help when trying out a pricey product for the first time. Once I know that I love something, and that it works well for me, I'm not so reluctant to part with my pennies, but until then......

I'm still not quite at the age where anti-ageing is my main concern, but I do believe that prevention is better than cure. As we age, cellular renewal gradually declines. The result? Dull and lifeless skin that's in dire need of an extra helping hand. The Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask combines patented tri-enzyme technology with Amazonian acerola cherry, white truffle Poria Cocos, great burdock, erysimum and amino acids to give skin a boost and encourage the regeneration and retexturising process. This also seems promising for anyone with oily or blemish-prone skin, as with its ability to balance sebum levels without compromising the skin's pH it can leave skin comfortable without stripping it completely of the natural oils it needs.

I began by applying the mask to cleansed skin on a weekly basis, leaving it for eight to ten minutes before removing with a warm, damp muslin cloth. As the name would suggest, it's a gel-like consistency with a pleasant fruity scent. What's really unusual about this mask is that upon application, you'll experience a powerful tingling sensation. It doesn't burn or feel uncomfortable, so it's quite tolerable - if anything, it feels quite cooling, almost menthol. I would, however, advise you to proceed with caution if your skin is really sensitive, as I can imagine this might not be the most sensible choice. I have tried out many an AHA-containing product over the past year or so, and of all of them this one certainly feels like the strongest. Saying that, it definitely didn't irritate or burn my skin in any way.

The verdict? Actually, I'm sorry to say that I was somewhat underwhelmed. My skin didn't feel nearly as smooth or soft after use as I have experienced with, say, the Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask or the Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel (review next week). I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that this mask does have something of a cumulative effect, in that the longer you have been using it on a weekly basis, the greater the difference you will notice, but for me I'm still waiting. My skin does feel comfortable and refreshed in the immediate aftermath, but the next day things are pretty much back to normal.

I have really enjoyed using some other products by Elemis, but sadly this particular one wasn't for me. Perhaps it would serve somebody with older skin a little bit better, but I'm glad I didn't pay the full price for it.

Have you tried any resurfacing treatments? 

What are your favourite Elemis skincare products?

xx