"Toners and essences are something that, at 25, I'm still learning to incorporate into my routine. I've always been unsure about which ones to layer or mix, or how they would complement my oily, yet eczema-prone skin. The stars must have collided with the launch of Then I Met You The Skin Balancing Duo ($78) because if there's any brand I trust to introduce me to a toning and essence regimen, it's them. First up is the Birch Milk Toner, which is super soothing, milky, and a-OK to use on eczema. Second is the Giving Essence, which contains powerful antioxidants and peptides that helps control oil and pores. This combo totally brightens my skin, keeps me looking shine-free, and has majorly minimized my acne in just a few weeks. Not sure what magic is in these blue bottles, but they've made me a toner and essence believer." — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, associate editor, Makeup.com