Skin bracers or fresheners are the soft forms of toners; they very less amount of alcohol (0-10%), water, and a humectant such as glycerine. Humectants help to keep the dampness in the upper layers of the epidermis by protecting it from evaporating. Skin tonics are somewhat stronger and consists of a little quantity of alcohol, water and a humectant ingredient. Skin tonics are convenient for use on normal, combination, and oily skin.

Astringents are the the mildest form of toner and have a high amount of alcohol (20-60%), antiseptic constituents, water, withe a humectant. These are commonly endorsed for oily skins as they are drying, but note that the removal of oil from the skin can lead to superfluous oil production as the skin tries to compensate for this and prevent moisture loss.

Rose skin toner:- constituents with 3 1/2 cups with hazel ,1/2 cup dried rose petals and 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Mix ingredients together assuring it is all blended well. Splash on your face after cleaning skin.

Take 2 drops of mint toner in a cup of distilled water and add a half tsp of alum. A toner can be applied to the face with the help of cotton wool and it is very refreshing. Fruity toner is a treat to use in the morning, as the redolences is uplifting and invigorating. This astringent toner is exemplary for youthful and oily skins, though it is gentle enough for all skin types.

• 5 tablespoons almond oil.
• 10 grams white wax.
• 20 grams lanolin.
• 1 tablespoon rose water.
• 2-3 drops of your favourite flower essence.

Melt the white wax and lanolin not over direct heat. Slowly add the rose water and almond oil, stirring as you add. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add the flower essence and store it in glass jar. To cleanse your face, massage it well before wiping off with face tissue or cotton wool.

Given below are some herbal receipes for making body lotions which you can easily make at home. Try one which suits your skin and likes. The following lotions are suitable for all skin types:

1. Almond Complexion Lotion

Ingredients :

• Almond oil – 1 tbsp
• Carrot juice – I tsp
• Extract of cornflower – I tsp
• Glycerin – 2 tsps
• Liquid paraffin – I tsp

Method – Heat the oil alongwith paraffin and mix in the rest of the ings. Shake well and apply. Let dry well and wash off with cold  water preceded by lukewarm water.

2. Lime Body Lotion

Ingredients :

• Lime flowers – 25 gms
• Distilled water – 250 ml
• Sodium benzoate – t tsp

Method – Boil the flowers in water for about I hour. Strain and cool. Add the sodium benzoate and use as needed.

3. Sesame Body Lotion

Ingredients :

• Sesame oil – 40ml
• Almond oil – 10ml
• Olive oil  – 10ml

Method – Mix together all ings and apply onto the  face and neck.

4. Witch-Hazel Lotion

Ingredients :

• Borax powder – 15gm
• Distilled water – 500ml
• Witch hazel extract – 1/2 cup
• Alcohol – 1 cup

Method – Dissolve the borax powder in water. Let it cool, then stir with the remaining ings. Pour into an airtight bottle and use as needed.

It you have an oily skin, take an apple, peel it, chop it in small pieces, apply on the face like a paste coating, leave for half an hour, wash with lukewarm water. Apple is nourishing for the skin.