Manly Mists - Colin's Toner(s)

Objective: create a skin toner for Cosmetic Scientist Colin Sanders – Mr. Beauty Scientist himself! Result: shown above. You're not seeing double, I made two. Even though they have 2 different names, they are 'same-but-different' (read: same active ingredients, but 2 completely different hydrosol bases).


What's Different in the Bases
One of the advantages of working with hydrosols: several different combinations can achieve the same desired effect (toning, moisturizing, cleansing, calming, etc). Like essential oils, hydrosols can be combined endlessly. The fun part: every combination will deliver a unique scent experience.

The 'Herbal Male Mist' is based on a mix of lemon balm and lemon verbena and has a 'spicy-fresh-lemony-green' scent.

The 'Manly Man Mist' is a mix of Frankincense, Orange, Rose, and Aloe Vera. This combination was inspired by Colin's mention of a favorite cream that contained similar ingredients. This toner has a resiny-smooth scent with an undertone of almond.

The Actives
Colin described his skin as 'normal to slightly dry'. To balance the skin (and complement the effect of the hydrosols), I added a few extras:

• Cucumber extract: for its toning and calming properties.
• Panthenol: great for both skin and hair (including facial hair).
• Fig, flax, and cottonseed extracts: for their moisture-binding properties.

My hope: He will fall in love with both toners and have a hard time choosing which he prefers.

Why a Spray-on Toner? 
Because I have as yet to meet a fellow who would feel comfortable about doing the whole 'dampen-cotton-round-with-toner-then-swipe-across-face' thing, it seemed a logical choice to package these toners in spray bottles.

Personally, I find spray-on toner works just as well (if not better), is loads easier to use, and no product goes to waste. (reading that last sentence back made me realize I must really be much in touch with 'my male side')

And they're Off!
The toners have been packaged and sent.

Now it's all a question of waiting.

Excited? Nervous? Worried? Me?

I'm calm and cool as a cucumber.

Really.

:)

More Related to this Mini-Case Study
From Colin:
Does Everyone Need a Skin Care Regime?
What Does a Skin Toner Do For You?
I am Getting my own Personalised Toner

From me:
Formulating for a Formulator