My complexion seems to be going through a transitional phase as I am finally growing out of my spotty teenager skin now I've reached my mid-20's. I'm still trying to figure out what products work best for my skin, and I'm experimenting my way through various facial skin care ranges to try and see what works for my fussy skin. I vary from combination to oily/combination and occasionally sensitive, so it's hard work finding a cleansing routine that fits my needs, especially when taking seasonal factors into account.

I was recommended this toning liquid by a member of The Body Shop staff who was trying to help me choose something suitable. I'd previously tried their Tea Tree Oil Toner but it wasn't right for me, and they suggested that this Seaweed Clarifying Toner might be more appropriate. It is available from The Body Shop high street stores and online at www.thebodyshop.co.uk, and costs £7.00 for a 200ml bottle.

Product description: "For combination / oily skin. Pore-minimising toning liquid to remove impurities and reduce excess oil. Removes excess traces of cleanser, make-up and grimes, and refines the appearance of pores. With Community Trade seaweed. Oil free. Leaves skin purified and shine free."

The toner comes in a clear plastic bottle, and the liquid itself is colourless. The lid flips open and the top of the bottle is covered over apart from a small hole with raised edges at one edge. This allows you to get a good control when pouring the toner out to use, and avoids any accidental spillage. To use, I then simply pour some onto a cotton wool pad and then wipe over my skin. The 200ml bottle has lasted me for 3 and a half months with daily usage, which I feel is reasonable. This works out to costing around £2/month based on the original RRP of £7.00.

Toning is a necessary step between cleansing and moisturising. I find that this Seaweed Clarifying Toner is actually quite gentle on my skin, and is not as harsh as some of the products designed to target combination and oily skin. It leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed with no trace of residue left behind afterwards. My pores are naturally quite open on some areas of my face and this toner seems to help keep my skin in balance and improves the appearance of my pores. It is not quite as strong as some other toners that I've used, and although it feels nice and gentle leaving me with soft skin, I would prefer if it had just a bit more strength behind it to really tone my skin and give a deeper clean. The toner includes Community Trade seaweed that is sourced in the UK, so it's good to know that The Body Shop apply their high standards to this product and include natural ingredients. The scent of the toner is lovely and fresh and helps add to the refreshing, clean feeling when I have used the toner on my face.

Overall I think this is a good toner that performs well, and is great for when my skin is on the more sensitive side as it is gentle as well as effective. I would prefer if it were a touch stronger to give a really deep clean look and feel, but I like that it is made with natural ingredients and think that it is one of the better Body Shop skin care products that I've tried so far. I would happily recommend this to anyone with combination type skin who is looking for a toner that won't leave skin feeling stripped.

The Body Shop are against animal testing, please keep your beauty cruelty free!