I have used Equitance on and off for the last year. My favorite product from the brand is still the Brightening Foaming Cleanser, but I keep coming back to the Brightening Toning Lotion because of the superb formula and instantaneous softening effects.
Toner was the first skin care product I ever fell in love with. A toning lotion is absolutely necessary for restoring and maintaining your skin's moisture balance, so I rarely skip it. My normal to dry skin is sensitive and easily dehydrated, so I normally avoid toners with alcohol. With the Equitance Brightening Toning Lotion, however, I find that the alcohol positively contributes to removing dull skin cells and traces of makeup and/or environmental pollution.
For those interested specifically in the brightening effects, the linoleic acid in this toning lotion does minimize the appearance of dark spots. I did not expect results overnight, but when I used this toner for 4 weeks straight, it noticeably lightened my freckles and sun spots! Linoleic acid promotes the exfoliation of the stored melanin that forms discoloration, so use the entire bottle - day and night - to see best results. The other natural botanicals such as cherry blossom leaf extract and shell ginger extract boost the brightening properties of the toner and soften rough skin.
Some of you have asked how Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener (not the Enriched version, which is more hydrating with a slightly sticky finish) compares to the Equitance Brightening Toning Lotion. I used White Lucent for several years during college, so I am very familiar with it. All of these toners are made in Japan, I prefer the Equitance because it is intensely moisturizing but absorbs immediately. It does not leave a residue on the skin or leave my face feeling parched! The Equitance is $2 more, but it's worth the splurge.
This toner effectively restores luminosity to the skin, and this is a great toner for those just starting out and exploring Asian skincare. The Brightening Toning Lotion is an ideal fusion of Eastern skin care traditions and Western accessibility. It's easy to use with a brand name that's easy to pronounce. I highly recommend this toner, and even my picky grandmother gives it two thumbs up!
P.S. Equitance is hosting a 60 Day Brightening Challenge, which began on July 1, 2015! It's not too late to enter (last day is August 15), so take advantage of the FREE three-day trial offer of the Skin Radiance Dietary Supplement and a coupon for 50% off two full-sized bottles of Dietary Supplements for those who
sign up for the challenge HERE. The clinical study results have shown that the supplements improved the appearance of dark spots on 100% of the participants in just 60 days! If you've been looking for natural ways to brighten and even out your skin tone, start improving your skin from the inside. This challenge has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so share your progress on Twitter using #60DaysToRadiance! Good luck!!
