I Joined the 21st Century and Tried This Skincare Product—Now I'm Obsessed
Admittedly, I keep things pretty minimal when it comes to my skincare and makeup. For skincare, I stick to these: facial cleanser, toner, serum, exfoliator, moisturizer, night cream, and sunscreen. And of course, I am always trying new options from brands in those categories, but when it comes to branching out into other types, like a face oil or face mist, I'm not one to experiment. I'm stubborn when it comes to my routines!
But recently, since I've been spending more time at home, I've started trying out the products that have been chilling, unopened, in my beauty stash. And that's how I became a face-mist evangelist.
I always thought face mists were pretty pointless. I mean, I knew they were refreshing, but I never really understood the need for them. I could wash my face and put on some products to help relieve my skin instead. My main mistake: I was overlooking just how helpful they can be throughout the day.
I had a bottle of Mario Badescu's facial spray with aloe, herbs, and rose water that I had gotten as a gift from a friend. So on a very hectic work-from-home day, I decided to spritz it on. Not to be dramatic, but it felt like I went to the spa, even if just for 10 seconds. Being able to take a few minutes to get up, stop looking at my computer, and spritz my face gave me a much-needed pick-me-up. My face looked less tired and brighter, and it lifted my mood, too.
Ever since that day, it's become part of my workday routine. Sometimes I even spritz multiple times a day when I'm feeling especially stressed. Not only has it calmed my work anxiety and stress, but it's also made a difference in my skin. It's a lot more hydrated, which makes sense since before, I was just applying moisturizer in the morning and at night. And my complexion looks a lot brighter and less dull, which is what I've been experiencing since I've been spending a lot more time at home.
So I'm sorry, face mists, for sleeping on you for so long. But now I'm a believer. And if this has compelled you to get on the train, or maybe you're already a fan and want some more recs, I've rounded up a list of some face mists to try below. Happy misting!
Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is a cult-favorite. It works as a toner to deal with dullness and uneven texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and combat dryness. It's also good for pretty much all skin types: normal, oily, combination, and sensitive.
Get that dewy, glowy look with this Tatcha skin mist. It contains ingredients like Okinawa red algae, squalane, silk extract, and a combination of anti-aging superfoods (green tea, rice, algae). You can use it before you apply makeup to moisturize, spritz throughout the day to freshen up, or even apply on your hair for shine or to detangle.
Good for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, this face mist works to keep your skin cool and balanced while removing excess shine. Ingredients include honeysuckle water, aloe water, and distilled apple.
Formulated with rose water, aloe, and glycerin, this face mist soothes and locks in moisture. It's especially helpful when you're on the go, whether you're at the gym or running errands.
This super-fine mist contains 84% watermelon, which provides essential vitamins and amino acids to soothe and hydrate. It's also formulated with hyaluronic acid, hibiscus flower AHA, and apple cider vinegar to really keep in moisture and balance the skin.
This water mist also contains antioxidants, mineral salts, and trace elements to calm sensitive skin. You can use this daily instead of a toner.
Relieve super-dry, dull skin with this face mist. It has ingredients like red algae, madder root extract, and pomegranate extract to keep you moisturized and reduce the signs of aging. You can also put it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
Use this face mist to soothe any redness or irritation caused by psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, or treatments. Bring it with you to the gym or when you're traveling for a refreshing pick-me-up.
If you're dealing with dullness, uneven texture, or dryness, this spray can help. It's packed with vitamins C, E, and B5 to leave you with glowy, healthy skin.
This facial spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is supposed to help with inflammation and rid the skin of bacteria. Use it morning and night on freshly cleaned skin.
Made with natural ingredients such as organic rose water, coconut water, and hibiscus extract, this ultra-fine mist will leave your skin feeling oh so soft. Plus, the subtle rose scent will make you feel even fresher.
Chanel's face mist contains antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and hyaluronic acid to restore and protect skin. It's good for all skin types.
This face mist works as a toner, tightening pores, controlling acne and oil production, and reducing redness and inflammation. And it won't dry out or irritate your skin thanks to the infusion of aloe vera and rose petals.
Formulated with antioxidant-rich adaptogens, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, this all-natural spray helps with redness and dryness. Use it throughout the day whenever you need a burst of moisture.
Olay's mist absorbs into the skin quickly for much-needed relief. Ingredients include cooling cucumber water and white mint to leave your face super refreshed and hydrated.
This setting mist has the added benefit of SPF 40. Plus, ingredients like peppermint and rosemary oils work to soothe, balance, and protect the skin.
Brighten tired, dull skin with Dr. Barbara Sturm's face mist. It has so many good-for-the-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, purslane, lemon, aloe vera, and broccoli extracts to help stressed-out skin.
Not only does this mist moisturize, but it also has purifying properties like lavender, geranium, and rosemary essential oils to detoxify and protect the skin. You can use this throughout the day and over makeup, too.
Relieve parched skin with this mist that contains aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. It doesn't contain parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and phthalates.
Formulated with lavender oil and other botanicals such as knotgrass, dandelion, and fig extracts, this conditioning mist leaves you with dewy skin. Use it before applying makeup, throughout the day, and even as a setting spray.
Made for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types, this toning mist hydrates and balances skin. It contains natural ingredients like minerals, squalane, and green algae.
At just $7, this drugstore facial mist is the perfect affordable option, and reviewers agree. It's got over 1700 ratings and 4.5 stars on Amazon. The rose water–infused spray not only hydrates but also acts as a makeup primer or setting spray.
Burt's Bees facial spray is formulated with aloe for a soothing feeling. It will also moisturize and balance your skin's pH. Plus, it doesn't contain parabens or phthalates.
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Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.