I picked up the Sendo Control Shine Toner for oily and combination skin at Fix Price on a whim - in my daily skincare routine, I stick with more premium products that I trust. But I'm always up for trying something new, even if it's a budget-friendly option. And sometimes, you find a gem among the cheap stuff.
Sendo Control Shine Toner for Combination and Oily Skin
KEY DETAILS
Product Name: Sendo Control Shine Toner for Combination and Oily Skin
Brand: SENDO
Country of Origin: Russia
Volume: 250ml
Where to Buy: Fix Price
Price: 99 RUB
PACKAGING
Design isn't really my cup of tea - it's a bit too youthful and unserious for my taste. But it's nicely styled after Korean skincare products. The color scheme is pleasant, and the cute cat design is a nice touch. However, you can tell it's a budget-friendly product by the feel of the material.
Sendo Control Shine Toner for Combination and Oily SkinInformation is printed in tiny text, with way too many details packed onto the label. You'll need to squint and search around to find what you're looking for.
Control Toner for Combination and Oily Skin by SENDOLid is a flip-top that opens and closes smoothly.
Control Toner for Combination and Oily Skin by SENDODropper is standard and fairly wide.
Control Toner for Combination and Oily Skin by SENDO
COMPOSITION
Control Toner for Combination and Oily Skin by SENDO
EXTERNAL CHARACTERISTICS
The toner has a fairly watery texture, but you can still tell it's not just plain water. You'll need to apply it with a cotton pad - I prefer products that can be applied directly to the skin with your hands. It spreads nicely on the skin, leaving no residue or greasiness.
As for color, it's got a light yellowish hue, similar to chamomile water or something like that. It foams up when shaken.
Scent is a winner for me - it's gentle and has a subtle hint of bubblegum or something.
Control Toner for Combination and Oily Skin by SENDO
MY SKIN AND EXPECTATIONS
I've got skin that's a perfect match for the toner's claims - combination skin with a tendency towards oiliness. My pores are enlarged, and I've got a bit of shine going on. My skin tone's not super even, but it's not a deal-breaker. The thing is, when I'm not moisturizing enough, it gets super dry and flaky, and I might get the occasional breakout. I'm 29, by the way.
I'm hoping this toner will give my skin an extra cleanse, make me feel refreshed, and maybe even help with some of that shine. It's also supposed to help with matifying my skin, which is a big plus. And, of course, I don't want it to dry my skin out - that's just the opposite of what I need.
SENO Control Shine Toner for Combination and Oily Skin
THE TONER IN ACTION
I used this toner for around 4-5 months during the fall and winter, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I was using the same brand's face wash, but different serums and moisturizers. The toner played nice with all of them, and it really delivered some great results.
SENO Control Shine Toner for Combination and Oily SkinThe best part is that my skin was basically breakout-free during this time - they were super rare. I was really impressed by how well it worked.
And get this - the shine was actually reduced on a permanent basis, not just right after using the toner. I'd wake up in the morning and look like a normal human being, not some shiny, greasy mess.
Sendo Tonic for controlling shine on combination and oily skinAfter using it for two weeks, twice a day, I noticed my skin tone was significantly smoother. The redness on my cheeks had almost disappeared, and my skin looked brighter and fresher. However, some days the redness would still pop up – I'm not sure why that happens. But overall, my skin tone was way better with this toner.
Sendo Tonic for controlling shine on combination and oily skinI was pleasantly surprised that this toner doesn't dry out my skin at all. In fact, it feels really comfortable and helps to reduce the tightness after washing my face. The texture is great – it's not too thick or too runny, and it doesn't leave any residue or stickiness behind. My skin felt super soft and smooth, and I didn't experience any flakiness.
Sendo Tonic for controlling shine on combination and oily skinThe best part is that it lasts for ages – I've been using the same bottle for weeks, and it's still going strong. Given its price, it's an absolute steal.
Sendo Tonic for controlling shine on combination and oily skin
Verdict
value for moneypleasant scentcomfortable to usegreat for skin healthlong-lastingCons:
none, really
I have to admit, I was a bit biased when I bought this toner, but it's actually really good and gives some high-end products a run for their money. I could totally see it being sold for 400-500 rubles in a fancier bottle. As an aesthetician, I have to say the packaging didn't blow me away, but in terms of its actual effect, I've got nothing bad to say - it really does make my skin look great. However, once I stopped using it, the redness came back pretty quickly, so it's only effective while you're using it. But hey, it does work, at least on my skin.
I'd definitely recommend giving it a try - maybe it'll work for you too!