My Holy Grail Toners & Essences of 2024: A Year of Soothed, Hydrated, and Glowing Skin!

This essence has been a staple in my routine since 2020, and it continues to impress me. My skin just adores mugwort! I might take breaks from using it, but I always come back, realizing how much it helps calm and soothe my skin. It's not a solution for serious allergic reactions, but for those days when my skin feels a little "off" or irritated from shaving, the I'm From Mugwort Essence is my go-to. The calming properties of mugwort are truly remarkable, reducing redness and inflammation. I find it particularly beneficial after shaving my face, as it prevents any post-shave irritation and leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might appreciate this essence even more, as mugwort is known to help regulate sebum production and minimize breakouts.

Another I'm From favorite, the Rice Toner, has been a constant companion, especially during my travels. While I didn't use it as frequently this year as the Mugwort Essence, it remains a vital part of my travel skincare kit. I decant it into a smaller bottle to save space, and it's a lifesaver when my skin feels parched and dehydrated in unfamiliar climates. Rice is one of my all-time favorite skincare ingredients because it's incredibly gentle yet effective. This toner provides a boost of hydration and moisture while also brightening and evening out my skin tone. It's the perfect pick-me-up for tired, dull skin.

This massive half-liter bottle of toner has been a staple since 2020, and it's a constant presence in my bathroom. The Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner is my go-to for quick, gentle, and effective hydration. I use it with a spray bottle, which makes application even more convenient. Logan, my partner, loves it too, so it's a permanent fixture in our household. The ingredient list is simple and effective, and since its reformulation, it's alcohol-free, making it suitable for even sensitive skin. I appreciate its versatility; one layer provides light, refreshing hydration for oily skin, while layering allows for deeper hydration, perfect for my dry skin. And the price? Unbelievably affordable, especially in Japan!

This mist toner has become my absolute savior for irritated skin. The Curel Deep Moisture Spray was a game-changer in 2023, and it continues to be a holy grail product. I love the convenience of mist toners, and this one has a beautifully fine mist that delivers a rich layer of moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. Many spray toners are lightweight, but the Curel spray manages to provide deep hydration despite its fine mist. When my skin is seriously irritated – whether from an allergic reaction, broken skin, heat, or itchiness – this is my go-to. It provides instant relief and hydration without further irritation. I always stock up on the two-pack when I'm in Japan so I can have one at home and one for travel.

This is the product many of you associate me with, and for good reason! The d'Alba First Spray Serum has been a constant in my routine since 2020, and I haven't stopped using it since. While I initially used it as a standalone skincare step, these days, I almost exclusively use it with makeup. It's the final touch in my makeup routine, creating a flawless, glowing base. It helps my makeup adhere beautifully, evens out any unevenness, and adds that coveted luminosity. People often compliment my makeup base and foundation in my videos, and the d'Alba mist is the secret weapon. It's the key to that radiant, healthy-looking glow. If you're looking for a way to elevate your makeup game, give this a try.

My love for mist toners continues with this delightful discovery. The Nameraka Honpo Micro Lotion Mist is a fine, hydrating aerosol spray that's perfect for a quick burst of hydration. It has a lighter, fresher finish compared to the Curel spray, making it ideal for hot summer days or when I just need a light layer of moisture. I sadly finished my jumbo-sized bottle and couldn't find it again in Japan. Nameraka Honpo, if you're reading this, please bring back the jumbo size! Like all Nameraka Honpo products, this mist features soy milk extracts, specifically fermented soy milk, and ceramides. It's also free of added fragrance, colorants, and mineral oil, making it a great option for sensitive skin.

This toner has been a quiet achiever in my routine, and I'm surprised I haven't mentioned it before. The Unlabel Moist Botanical Lotion comes in a large pump bottle, making it incredibly convenient to use. It's formulated with naturally derived plant ingredients like hatomugi and centella, along with other soothing and moisturizing botanicals. It's free of a long list of additives, including fragrance, colorants, mineral oil, parabens, animal-derived ingredients, alcohol, silicone, and talc. This toner delivers exactly what it promises: soothing and effective hydration. It's a fantastic value, especially considering the large bottle and affordable price. The texture is slightly more viscous than water but absorbs beautifully without feeling sticky. I also love using it for DIY cotton sheet masks. It's gentle enough for even irritated skin, making it a post-shave favorite.

While not a new discovery, I rediscovered the Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence this year, using it consistently and realizing just how amazing it is. I initially thought its milky, moisturizing texture was best suited for winter, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed in warmer, more humid weather. It acts as both a toner and serum, streamlining my routine while keeping my skin plump and hydrated. The dual-layer design, with a hydrating essence layer and a mixed oil layer, creates a beautiful milky texture that absorbs without feeling greasy. The key ingredient, kombucha tea, is a probiotic that nourishes the skin and improves its overall environment.

This toner surprised me with its incredible absorption and nourishing properties. The House of Doha Rice Makgeolli Toner might not be as rich as some of the other toners on this list, but it sinks into my skin beautifully, leaving it feeling incredibly soft, plump, and nourished. It never feels oily or greasy, just deeply hydrating. The key ingredient, makgeolli (Korean fermented rice wine), is rich in galactomyces ferment filtrate, a fermented ingredient I absolutely love. It also contains rice extract and rice bran extract, which further enhance its hydrating and skin-barrier-improving benefits. The scent might be a bit polarizing, as it has a distinct fermented rice/makgeolli aroma. While fragrance is added to mask it, the scent is still noticeable. Personally, I don't mind it, but it's something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to fragrances.

And that concludes my best toners and essences of 2024! I hope this comprehensive overview helps you discover some new favorites for your own skincare routine. Stay tuned for more "Best Of" videos coming soon!