So much more than a 3pm refresher, face mists are here to pep up dull & dehydrated skin, soothe irritation & protect against UV rays – here’s our pick of the best
For most of us, our morning and night-time skincare cleanse, tone and moisturise routine is non-negotiable. Facial mists were a fun, yet frivolous and somewhat unnecessary luxury, that few indulged in.
Don’t get us wrong, they were great for spritzing on our hot, tired faces and necks to refresh skin and make-up throughout the day, but that was about it. But not anymore, as this one-hit wonder is part of a growing product category that promises to do so much more for our skin than help keep us awake during an afternoon slump.
"Facial sprays are traditionally water-based and humectants – for example, hyaluronic acid or glycerin – which help hold water and other beneficial ingredients in place within the skin," explains dermatologist, Dr Beibei Du-Harpur. Think calming, protective and brightening ingredients that will bring much more to your skin than refreshment.
"Mists can be used by people with dry skin as a way to maintain skin dampness and as an alternative to tap water. Spritz after cleansing and before moisturising to keep skin damp so that your moisturiser can trap water into the skin," explains Dr Du-Harpur.
They’re popular for all skin types during the warmer months to quickly cool, invigorate and soften skin without disturbing make-up. "If kept in the fridge, they have a cooling effect and can feel soothing on the skin," Dr Du-Harpur advises. "Application depends on the bottle, because fine mist spray cans have more propulsion than spritz bottles, but the goal is to have a fine mist that leaves your skin feeling slightly damp, but not wet. Hold at an arm’s length and a quick spritz should be enough."
Want to make sure your skincare is working as hard as possible? Here’s a guide to layering your skincare in the most effective way.
12 of the best face mists
Moisturising mists
These hydrating mists can be used to add a hit of hydration to help skin absorb and retain moisture better.
Try: PIXI Hydrating Milky Mist
• Size: 80ml
Summer days can leave skin feeling dry and tight, but this deeply hydrating mist will quench a parched complexion in just a few sprays. The invisible-finish, featherlight formula is packed with skin-soothing goodies, including plumping hyaluronic acid and moisturising black oat, provitamin A and linoleic acid. Spritz it on before serums or make-up for a generous moisture boost.
Try: Clinique Moisture Surge™ Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief
• Size: 125ml
Give your skin a burst of on-the-go hydration with this refreshing facial spray. Oil-free and ophthalmologist tested, the refreshing formula is enriched with antioxidants and activated aloe water to soften, soothe and neutralise environmental aggressors. Plus, the portable size makes it a must-have for your handbag, work tote or beach bag.
Try: Skin Gym Super Juicy Spray Mist
• Size: 100ml
• Suitable for 12 years and older
Whether used to prep skin before make-up or as part of your pre-bed skincare routine, this lightweight mist leaves skin looking dewy and plump. The unique jelly formula delivers collagen and squalene to quench dry skin, plus ceramides and copper peptides to help strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Calming mists
Spritz whenever irritated skin feels like it needs to be cooled and calmed.
Try: Byoma Balancing Face Mist
• Size: 100ml
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans*
• Non-comedogenic
Summer can overwhelm skin, causing redness, itchiness and irritation – especially if it’s over-treated or exfoliated. Formulated with the brand’s tri-ceramide complex and a blend of allantoin and probiotic ferment to help replenish the skin’s microbiome, this mist will calm redness and provide a much-needed boost of hydration.
Try: Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Cream Mist
• Size: 110ml
Sun exposure, chlorine-filled pools and air conditioning can irritate skin and leave it dry during the summer months, so protecting the skin’s barrier is key. Hydrate and comfort dry skin with this intensively moisturising, creamy facial mist. It’s specially formulated with Dr.Jart+’s Ceramidin™ Complex for an immediate, lightweight boost of hydration. The result? Supple, smooth and super moisturised skin.
Try: No7 Menopause Skincare Instant Cooling Mist
• Size: 100ml
• Suitable for normal to sensitive skin
• Dermatologist-approved
Co-created with over 7,000 menopausal women, this mist is expertly formulated to soothe hot, flushed, menopausal skin. It comes in a handy travel size, so you can spritz it on discreetly whenever (and wherever) you need it. Not only does it deliver a dose of cool and calm to irritated skin, it also hydrates, smooths and boosts radiance, helping you look and feel your very best
Try: My Little Coco Baby Mama Refreshing Face Spritz
• Size: 100ml
Are you expecting, or shopping for someone who is? This refreshing facial mist is a must-have for new or soon-to-be parents to help refresh and hydrate skin, whenever they need it. The gentle formula features nourishing organic coconut oil, rosehip, vitamin E and aloe vera to moisturise and revive.
SPF mists
Remember, reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes if you’re directly in the sun or every two-to-three hours if you aren’t.
Try: Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hydrating Face Sun Cream Mist SPF50
• Size: 75ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic
UV rays, free radicals and dehydration can take their toll on skin, particularly in the summer months. This ultra-light face protection mist helps protect against long-term damage from the sun and premature skin ageing with a transparent, non-greasy finish that can be applied over make-up. Shake until you hear the bead rattle, then apply a generous layer.
Try: Coola Classic Face Mist SPF50
• Size: 100ml
Face mists are one of our favourite ways to apply SPF in the summer. Not only do you get an even, fuss-free application, but you can enjoy a cooling, refreshing feel. This spray from Coola is suitable for all skin types and delivers powerful sun protection, with SPF50 and a water-resistant formula. Simply shake well, close your eyes, then mist all over, holding the bottle six to ten inches inches away from your face. Don’t forget to reapply regularly, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
Bronzing mists
Give skin a gorgeous sunkissed glow (no sun exposure required) with a quick spritz of self-tanning facial mist.
Try: St.Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
• Size: 80ml
Want to recreate that post-holiday glow? This easy-to-use clear facial mist is your new secret for sunkissed skin all year round. It’s infused with 100% natural tanning active to boost radiance, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid, refreshing green mandarin water and antioxidant hibiscus extract. The formula is streak-free and transfer-free, so you can simply spritz and glow.
Shimmer mists
Ramp up the radiance with an easy-to-use, glow-giving shimmer mist
Try: Boots Glow Illuminating Mist
• Size: 120ml
Add this multi-use mist to your make-up routine and take your look to the next level of glam. It’s an illuminating shimmer spray that enhances skin with an iridescent glow. You can use it before foundation to prep and hydrate skin, ready for a smooth make-up application, or spray over make-up to set your look.
