What’s the purpose of a face mist, and do you really need one? Here’s your chance to learn more about this multitasking product.
Not all skincare products are essential, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be beneficial. For example, while you wouldn’t want to go without moisturizer or sunscreen (if you still think daily SPF protection can be skipped, you’ve got some major catching up to do), some experts argue that eye cream and toner aren’t must-haves. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t use them if they work for you—or if you simply enjoy including them in your routine. The same can be said about face mists: are they essential? Probably not. Can your skin benefit from them? Absolutely! Let’s dive a little deeper into the topic.
What Is A Face Mist?
A mist is a very fluid skincare product designed to add hydration into your skin. It can also offer other benefits depending on the ingredients included in the formulation: you’ll find calming mists with centella asiatica, brightening mists with niacinamide, antioxidant mists with vitamin C, and super-hydrating mists with more than one type of hyaluronic acid and even oils. There are even SPF mists that can help with sunscreen reapplication!
What To Look For In A Face Mist
If you have specific skincare goals, look for a mist containing ingredients that can help you achieve them. For example, if your skin is easily irritated, look for soothing ingredients like green tea extract or aloe vera. In the market for some brightening action? Go for one with vitamin C or niacinamide (vitamin B3). Want to reduce the appearance of your pores? Try a mist with witch hazel or lactic acid.
Aside from ingredients, you’ll want to pay attention to the actual spray nozzle on different mists to figure out what you like. In my opinion, the finer the mist, the better: you want a spritz that is strong enough to cover your face (and not feel like the product is just dispersing into the air) but doesn’t leave your skin feeling wet.
How Does A Mist Differ From A Toner?
They’re not that different when you think about it. Both toners and mists are designed to add hydration, while sometimes offering additional benefits depending on the ingredients in the formula. While different products in the same category can vary in texture and consistency, face mists can also serve as lighter toners, with a mist applicator. I’ve even turned some of my favorite toners into mists by screwing a spray nozzle onto the bottle. Easy and effective!
But while you’d typically only use toner right after cleansing your skin (whether you opt for a single toner or several, and apply one or multiple layers), you can get a little more creative with a mist because of its versatile applicator.
When And How To Use A Face Mist
One of the best things about mists is that there are many ways to use them. They come in different varieties boasting good-for-your-skin ingredients, but most of them focus on hydration. And whose skin doesn’t need a little more of that? Here are five ways to use them:
- In lieu of toner, right after cleansing your face. A great way to give your skin a first dose of hydration!
- For a midday pick-me-up. It feels refreshing and makes a difference when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. I like to keep an assortment of mists in a tray on my desk for easy access.
- To set your makeup. When applied as a last makeup step, a face mist can help your masterpiece stay put, all the while boosting your skin’s hydration levels.
- Mid-flight. Airplanes (remember those?) are low-humidity environments, which explains why your skin is often parched once you get to your destination. Misting regularly during the flight is a good way to provide your skin with that much-needed hydration without actually touching it.
- Right before bed. Why not keep a mist on your nightstand for one last spritz of hydration right before bed? A lavender mist can help calm your senses and put you in the mood for some zzzs while helping prepare your skin for nighttime, which is when it kicks into repair mode.
A Few Good Mists
Ready to get misting? I thought so. Here are some of my favorite mists, and others that are on my “want” list.
CHOBS Organic Rosemary Mist
Douse your skin with moisture and nutrients thanks to organic rosemary leaf water and arginine (said to fight free radicals and help boost collagen production). This is a lovely fine mist spray and the scent is energetic and refreshing. The perfect pick-me-up any time of day.
Innisfree Jeju Cherry Blossom Mist
Infused with cherry blossom leaf extract, niacinamide, and betaine, this mist’s job is to give your skin the ultimate glow and a dewy finish while providing it with a good dose of hydration. Sounds like an ideal addition to any skincare routine!
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist
This fine bi-phase mist has a light herbal scent that makes it refreshing not only for the skin, but also for your senses. It mixes niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and a soothing blend of botanicals to hydrate, soothe, and nourish. Use it as part of your skincare routine, or under or over makeup; it’s one of my personal favorites.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Mist
I love, love, love the Sulwhasoo Fist Care Activating Serum, so I think it’s a fair assumption that I would equally enjoy the mist version. That wonderful herbal fragrance. That beautiful blend of peony, sacred lotus, and white lily (and more!). That elegant bottle. And the hydrating water-oil formula can be used throughout the day.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
The Caudalie Beauty Elixir has a cult following and is a classic choice when it comes to beauty mists (it’s also one of my longtime favorites). With plant extracts and a mix of essential oils, it tones, refreshes, smooths, and brightens the skin for an invigorating experience with every spritz!
COSRX Cooling Aqua Facial Mist
This fine mist by famous K-beauty brand COSRX offers a cooling effect while hydrating the skin thanks to aloe barbadensis leaf water and centella asiatica leaf water (revered for its healing and calming properties). And it’s a super affordable option, too. This one’s going onto my “buy soon” list.
Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist
I’ve never met a finer mist than this one, and I want to keep it in my routine forever. This is the bottle I keep close to me for multiple misting sessions daily—especially when the air is dry (hello, Montreal-level winter heating) and my skin needs hydration. And its neroli and rose scent is simply sublime.
Are face mists part of your skincare routine? What’s your all-time favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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