ARE FACIAL MISTS WORTH THE HYPE? Get the Most Out of Them With These Tips

Ahh, a light spritz of botanically-scented essence, raining down on your face as if from the heavens above. It smells sweet, it feels luxe, but are they necessary? Are they even doing anything? If you’ve asked yourself these questions in a moment’s hesitation before indulging in an expensive product, you’re not alone in your uncertainty.

The short answer to the does-it-do-anything question is yes. But it’s not always good. There is a right and wrong way to use this simple product and get the most out of it without causing the opposite effect.

The first note is to look for products that contain simple or hydrating ingredients. Botanical ingredients are a win, hyaluronic acid is a win, vitamin E, aloe, and nutrient oils are always wins. But steer clear of superfluous alcohols or witch hazel, which tend to be more drying than not.

"Mist them directly on your skin to rebalance your pH after the drying effects of tap water"

The second note, and this is important, is to consider your climate or immediate surroundings. It’s tempting to use a mist on an airplane so that you can feel like you’re “doing the most” to land beautiful and hydrated. However, because airplanes are so drying, the mist evaporates the moment it touches your skin, taking some of your precious, existing hydration with it.

To get the best out of your facial mists, use them as a toner after cleansing by spraying them on a reusable cotton round and wiping your skin, or, mist them directly on your skin to rebalance your pH after the drying effects of tap water. For the latter, once you’ve misted and while your face is still dewy, apply a botanical or hydrating serum to seal in that hydration before applying moisturizer and/or face oil. Here are some of our favorite mists.