Why a milky toner should not be missing in your routine
A toner had completely disappeared from my skincare routine for a while. Just forgotten. Until I discovered Rhode Skin, Hailey Bieber's brand, and saw that she always uses a milky toner in all her skincare videos. In fact, she even adds a drop to her foundation for that perfect, glowy finish. You get it: I was immediately sold and went straight to look for a nice one. We can really shop for Rhode in a few days.(!) But besides that must-have from Hailey, there are fortunately plenty of other great options. Beauty experts swear by the Laneige variant, but The Ordinary, Ilia, and Paula’s Choice also have absolute gems in their collection. And now that it’s back in my routine, I think: why did I ever stop using this?
What exactly is a milky toner?
A milky toner (the name gives it away a bit) is a creamier, softer version of the classic toner. You might be used to a transparent, watery substance that you usually apply with a cotton pad. With a milky toner, you can do this too, but it’s just as nice to spread it directly between your palms and gently press it onto your face. Instead of leaving your skin tight and dry, this toner provides hydration, calms irritations, and nourishes intensively. Think of it as a glass of oat milk for your face: soothing and nourishing at the same time. Ideal for anyone with sensitive, dry, or dehydrated skin.
Why you really want to use a milky toner
A milky toner hydrates your skin intensely without leaving a greasy layer behind, something you might expect when you see the creamy texture. It immediately calms redness and irritation, gives you a healthy, fresh glow, and ensures that the skincare products you use afterward (like serums and moisturizers) are better absorbed by the skin. And let’s be honest: it just feels wonderful. Really a little pampering moment.
The right order: where does it fit in your routine?
Use your milky toner immediately after cleansing your face. Your skin is clean, but often needs a little extra calming and care. Your toner is always the first step after your cleanser and before your serums or creams. Apply a few drops to a cotton pad or gently press them directly into your skin with your hands. Give your skin some time to absorb the product well before moving on to your next skincare steps.
The best ingredients to look for
The finest milky toners are packed with soothing, restorative, and hydrating ingredients. Think of ceramides that strengthen your skin barrier, hyaluronic acid for a big moisture boost, and niacinamide for an even, glowy skin. Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) is also a nice addition if it’s in your toner, as it calms and soothes your skin. And don’t forget those lovely milky ingredients, like oat extract or rice milk, which make your skin soft.
The perfect combinations
Do you want skin that feels really well-hydrated and soft? Then combine your milky toner with a serum that contains hyaluronic acid. Or do you prefer a glow? Mix it with vitamin C. And never forget your SPF during the day for protected skin, but you already knew that, right?
@rhode @Hailey Bieber ♬ Similar Sensation (Instrumental) – BLVKSHP
Milky toner as a glowy makeup hack
You can easily achieve that subtle glow of Hailey Bieber by mixing a small drop of milky toner into your foundation. This gives you a fresh, light finish that never looks cakey. Another nice tip for on-the-go or a day at the beach: fill a small mist bottle with your toner and spray it over your makeup throughout the day for a refreshing touch-up. Your skin feels and looks fresh and hydrated immediately.
Extra tips for use and storage
You can use your milky toner not only in the morning and evening but also after activities like exercising or swimming, when your skin needs an extra hydration boost. Do you have very oily or acne-prone skin? Then a lighter toner with salicylic acid might be a better choice. And don’t forget: when applying, it’s better to gently pat than to rub, so your skin absorbs the product optimally. Store your toner in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, or a nice summer tip: in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
Shopping list: our favorite milky toners
There are quite a few milky toners to shop, but here are some favorites: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer (a real multitasker), Ilia The Base Face Milk (perfect for clean beauty lovers), Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner (ideal for redness and irritation), The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner (gently exfoliates for smoother, hydrated, and radiant skin), Regena Facial Milk Waphyto (is a lovely, more natural option). And of course, that one from Rhode Skin: this Glazing Milk contains a combination of ceramides and peptides, ideal for strengthening your skin barrier and creating that it-girl Hailey Bieber glow.
