For some skincare lovers, face mists are beauty essentials–indulgent products that serve as a great pick-me-up at any time of day. For others, face mists seem more like weird, clunky products that don’t really fit anywhere in a skincare routine. It’s understandable. If you’re used to applying serums or creams, a product that looks and feels like water, and that you spray liberally on your face, might seem a little out of place in your routine. However, there’s more to face mists than meets the eye! Today, we’re all about uncovering the hidden truth about face mists: what they are, how they work, and how to apply them to get the most benefits for your skin.
What is a face mist?
A face mist is, put simply, a water-based facial spray that delivers skincare benefits. Whether packaged in a simple spray bottle or an aerosol, face mists are typically lightweight products that suit all skin types and fit into any skincare routine–provided their benefits align with your skin concerns.
And in case you’re wondering: are thermal water sprays considered to be face mists? We think so!
What does a face mist actually do?
A face mist can bring a range of benefits to your skin. Some are tied to the format of the product–a lightweight spray that can be applied without touching your face–, while others are more dependent on specific formulas. Here are some of the things a face mist can do for you:
Cool the skin on hot days
Because of the way they’re applied, most face mists offer a refreshing sensation upon contact. If you’re overheating on a hot day, a face mist can feel like a godsend, instantly cooling you down and helping you feel a bit more comfortable.
Offer hydration on the go
Hydrating mists are perfect to provide your skin with an extra layer of hydration throughout the day. Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, live in a dry climate, or spend your day in air-conditioned rooms, a hydrating mist can be a great addition to your skincare routine!
Allow for hands-free application
Face mists can be applied without any need for massaging the product into the skin, making them ideal for sensitive skin that tends to overreact to physical stimulation. Without the need for cotton pads or hand-to-face contact, the application of a face mist can be completely friction-free!
Another benefit tied to this method of application? Face mists can be applied over makeup without disturbing your look.
Soothe sensitive or reactive skin
The quest for comfort never ends if you have sensitive or reactive skin, and face mists can be a great help, providing immediate relief and a long-lasting soothing effect.
Boost skin radiance
Some face mists are also designed to give your skin a radiant glow–whether through the finish they leave upon application or the lasting benefits of glow-boosting antioxidants in the formula.
Help protect against pollution
Formulated with antioxidants, hydrating ingredients, and anti-pollution actives, some face mists can create a bit of a “shield” over your skin, which helps prevent impurities and urban grime from sticking.
Make SPF reapplication easier
If you’re at all interested in skincare, you know how important it is to reapply sunscreen every two hours–which, let’s be honest, isn’t always easy with conventional formulas.
That’s where SPF mists come in! Keep one on hand and spray it over your skincare or makeup whenever you need to top up your sun protection. As proper sunscreen geeks here at Care to Beauty, this is one of our favorite types of face mist.
How to use a face mist
Face mists are spray-on products, which makes application easy breezy.
Simply pick up your face mist, give it a good shake, and spray it onto your face from a distance of about 15cm (or 6 inches). Apply as much as you like, then let it air-dry–no need to pat it in!
When to use a face mist in your skincare routine
We’ve established that face mists offer many benefits, but when exactly should you use them in your skincare routine? What’s the correct order of application? The truth is, it depends on the specific formula and the benefits you want to achieve. Here are some ideas you can try:
After cleansing (like a toner)
If you’re using a hydrating or soothing face mist and want to maximize its effects, it’s a good idea to apply it right after cleansing, when your skin is most receptive. In this case, you’d use your face mist much like a toner–after cleansing, but before serum or moisturizer.
Before (and after) your hyaluronic acid
You may have heard of the term “hyaluronic acid sandwich”, a fancy way of describing the layering of hydrating products on damp skin. This is one way you can use your face mist–as the “bread” in your hyaluronic acid sandwich!
To use a face mist in a hyaluronic acid sandwich, start by spraying a generous amount of face mist onto your skin. Next, apply your favorite hyaluronic acid product–it could be a serum or moisturizer, the choice is yours. Finally, repeat the application of your face mist. There you have it: one layer of face mist, one layer of hyaluronic acid, and another layer of face mist!
After skincare, but before makeup (like a makeup primer)
An interesting point in your routine to use a face mist is just before applying makeup. Using a face mist this way helps prep the skin, adding comfort and freshness–kind of like a makeup primer, but without some of the more intense “fixing” effects.
If you can’t do without a proper primer before your foundation, this tip might not be for you. But if you’re open to trying something new, go ahead!
Before makeup, on your makeup sponges
Foundation lovers who prefer a sponge applicator, this tip’s for you: instead of dampening your sponge with water, try spritzing it with your favorite face mist. You’ll love the results! Your foundation will look more radiant and blend like a dream.
Just make sure not to use a face mist with SPF for this–it won’t give you the best finish!
Whenever you want
If what you’re looking for in a face mist is the hydrating and calming effect it provides throughout the day, then feel free to freestyle! Apply it over bare skin or a full face of makeup, whenever you want, as often as you like. There’s no right or wrong when using a face mist as a refreshing pick-me-up.
Have we convinced you of the many benefits of face mists? Then head on over to the shop, where you’ll find a huge selection of face mists and sprays to suit all preferences!
