Why Face Mists Should be in Your Routine (and 11 of my favorites!)

Have you spritzed yourself with one of the face mists in your stash, only to look at the bottle and wonder what the heck it’s actually doing for you? Do you have yet to pick up a face mist because you think they’re nothing more than just fancy water? Whether you’re a face mist connoisseur or a total beginner, this is the blog post for you. I’ll break down why it’s a good idea to use face mists, whether or not the fancy ones are a waste of money, and give you some recommendations. Let’s get into it!

What exactly is a face mist?

A face mist is exactly what it sounds like. According to Heather Richmond, a Houston-based dermatologist, it’s a “skincare product or combination of products delivered in aerosol form.” Some of the most popular ingredients include rosewater, hyaluronic acid and (in some) essential oils.

Who should use a face mist?

There are so many face mists on the market, all skin types can benefit. It’s all about finding one with right ingredients for your skin.

Why should you use face mists in your routine?

At first glance, mists are refreshing. Spritzing yourself with a face mist during a long day at work or school can get you through that afternoon slump.

But as face mists become more advanced, even more benefits emerge. They can help to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day (especially good if you work in dry environments). Some will make your skin look more glowy. Those with soothing ingredients can visibly calm redness and inflammation. Oily-skinned individuals can see benefits from using mists with ingredients like hypochlorous acid (more on this later). And lastly, certain types of mists can be used to set makeup! There’s no end to the possibilities with face mists.

How do you use face mists?

Face mists should be applied by holding the spray 6-8 inches away from your face. With eyes closed, spray evenly. Personally, 2-3 pumps of a spray bottle is sufficient for me for an application.

Are face mists a waste of money?

There’s a wide range of opinions on this question, but I personally find face mists to be worth it. While not every mist is great, I’ve found a number that work well for my sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin. They keep me cool, fight against acne, and give me a nice glow. Especially as a college student, a quick spritz during a marathon study session can be just the break I need to get back on track.

Face mist reviews

Best overall face mist: Allies of Skin Probiotics Treatment Mist

$60 for a face mist! You probably think I’m crazy.

But truthfully, Allies of Skin has outdone themselves with this product. It’s a cult favorite for a reason. If you think face mists are just water in a jar, wait until you check out the ingredient list on this baby: probiotics, niacinamide, silk amino acids, silver, acai berry, and more.

This mist is super hydrating and nourishing. Just a few spritzes is enough to make my face feel soothed and calm. I really enjoy this at all times of the day but especially in the evenings as a part of my routine. With the star-studded IL it basically functions as a serum.

My one gripe about this mist is the inclusion of essential oils; Sometimes EOs can really bother my sensitive skin. Luckily in this formula they don’t but I’m still super happy they’re releasing an EO-free version soon!

Best for sensitive skin: YTTP Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist

Youth to the People is one of my favorite skincare brands (I’ve reviewed the majority of the line here), and their Adaptogen mist is another of my absolute holy grail face mists. It’s designed to soothe the skin with adaptogens and reishi.

I’ve gone through three bottles and haven’t found another mist that calms my inflammation and redness like this one. The spray is so fine and gentle.

Some people complain about the smell, but I’ve personally never noticed it.

Best for acne and inflammation: Tower 28 SOS Spray

This mist is also in my top three, because of the inclusion of one special ingredient: hypochlorous acid. This scary-sounding name is a POWERHOUSE for fighting acne and redness. It fights off foreign pathogens (like bacteria) and promotes healing. I keep this in my gym bag and in my car and honestly never want to go without it. It does have a thicker spray than my first two picks, so make sure you hold the bottle far enough away. But truly, nothing beats it for refreshing and calming redness.

Best for pure hydration: Jordan Samuel Hydrate The Mist

This mist is slightly newer to my stash but nonetheless I’ve been enjoying it. It contains a number of uber-hydrating ingredients including red seaweed, cucumber extract, and glycerin to help your skin retain moisture. It leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. I can see this being especially great for on an airplane (post-pandemic) or if you’re in a dry office environment.

Best rosewater face mist: Cocokind Rose Water

Rosewater is a very popular ingredient in face mists, due to its hydrating properties. I have tried a number of mists that include rosewater, and this one is by far my favorite. The spray is nice (not too light, not too heavy), and my skin feels very hydrated. I also enjoy the faint rose scent!

Best of the luxurious face mists: De Mamiel Face Mist

If you thought $59 was rough for a mist, this one costs $78. The ingredient list doesn’t contain anything revolutionary in comparison to the others on this list, but the experience of the mist is something else. The essential oils and flower extracts in the bottle make you feel like you’ve transported yourself to the spa. Is it necessary to pay so much for a face mist? Absolutely not, but I enjoy the luxury this one provides.

Best for SPF reapplication: Coola Water Mist SPF 18

It is SO SO important to always reapply your sunscreen, but full disclosure: sometimes I forget. Applying a cream can be difficult! That’s why I’m such a big fan of this SPF mist from Coola. It’s the only SPF mist I have come across that doesn’t contain alcohol (a huge no-no for me and my skin). While it is only SPF 18, it is at least something that helps me protect my skin during my long days outside.

Best for when you want a pretty & effective face mist: BeautyTech Cosmetics Glow Food Mist

More than just a face spray, Glow Food is packed with probiotics, 8 peptides, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, a topical botox and collagen to help firm outer layers and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Its a super light spritz that feels refreshing. It’s also so pretty!

Best for when you want to feel good about supporting a brand: : Blume Stargirl Galactic Glow Face Mist

Blume is a brand making a bit of a splash for using clean skincare to fight pimples. This mist was immediately interesting to me when they sent it over in PR, due to the awesome ingredient list (including aloe juice, rose water and blue tansy) and the brand’s commitment to female health. The mist is very refreshing and gives my skin a nice glow.

Best for applying before/over makeup: Fresh Beauty Vitamin Water Mist

My love for Fresh beauty is no secret (read my full brand review here!), but I honestly think this mist is one of their best-kept secrets. I don’t see many people talk about it, but I love it. It contains antioxidants for a skin boost, and makes my face look glowy and healthy. It’s perfect either before or after makeup.

Simplest refreshing face mist: Caudalie Grape Water

If you’re looking for a no-muss, no-fuss face mist, this is it. Caudalie’s grape water is super refreshing and hydrating. I always have a bottle of this when I’m studying in the library during finals to keep me awake and my skin feeling healthy. Sometimes, simple is better.

And, the worst of all face mists: Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I know many people rave about this one, but alcohol (specifically denatured alcohol, commonly known as alcohol denat) is a HUGE no no for me and my skin. This mist dried me out and left my face feeling tight and uncomfortable. It literally smells like you just poured rubbing alcohol on your face. There are so many hydrating mists that are great for your skin, don’t choose one that will hurt it!

Final thoughts: do you need to use face mists?

Like any skincare step beyond the three absolutely necessary ones I outline in my Skincare 101 article, face mists are not a must have in a routine. But are they fun to use? And can they provide great benefits to your skin? Yes and yes! So if any of the face mists in this list pique your curiosity, why not give it a go – you just might find a new favorite step in your skincare line up.