Face Mist: What It Does and How to Use It in Your Routine

A face mist is one of those products that, once you try it, you never want to give up: a fine spray that refreshes your skin in seconds. But does it do more than just feel nice? Here's what it does, how it's different from toner and how to get the most out of it.

What is a face mist?

It's a lightweight liquid you spray onto your face. It usually contains water, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and sometimes soothing extracts or collagen. Its texture is much lighter than a serum.

What it's for

• Refreshing your skin on hot days.
• Adding light hydration throughout the day, especially in air conditioning.
• Prepping your skin so serum or moisturizer spreads more easily.
• Melting makeup into the skin and getting rid of a powdery look.
• Dampening your makeup sponge.

Mist vs. toner vs. setting spray

• Toner: applied after cleansing, with your hands or a cotton pad, to balance and prep skin. Some contain exfoliating actives. More in face toner.
• Mist: can be used any time of day, even over makeup.
• Setting spray: contains ingredients that help makeup last; it isn't meant as a hydrator.

How to use a face mist

In your skincare routine

1. Cleanse your face.
2. Spray the mist from about 8 inches away.
3. While your skin is still damp, apply your serum. Not sure about serum vs. moisturizer? Read serum vs. moisturizer.
4. Finish with moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen.

With makeup

• Before foundation: for dewier skin.
• After powder: to melt the layers so it doesn't look powdery.
• Mid-afternoon: to refresh without removing your makeup.

Throughout the day

Keep it in your bag or on your desk. One or two spritzes whenever your skin feels tight. It's a great sidekick to natural makeup for work.

Key tip: lock in the hydration

If you spray water on your skin and let it evaporate in a very dry environment, your skin can feel even tighter afterward. That's why, in your routine, you should apply moisturizer or serum on top while your skin is still damp. Mists with hyaluronic acid or glycerin help more than plain water. Want to learn more about hyaluronic acid? Read hyaluronic acid vs. niacinamide.

Which mist should you choose?

• Dry or dehydrated skin: one with hyaluronic acid.
• Sensitive skin: soothing ingredients and no alcohol.
• Oily skin: light, oil-free formulas.
• Mature skin: with collagen or peptides for a comforting feel.

Common mistakes

• Spraying too close: it gets you too wet and can move your makeup.
• Using it as your only hydrator.
• Sharing it or leaving the nozzle dirty.

Shop it at BeautyRosee

Face mists with hyaluronic acid and collagen from Xime, toners and serums in skincare, and setting sprays in makeup.

FAQ

Does face mist hydrate?

It adds light hydration, especially if it contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin, but it doesn't replace moisturizer.

Can I use it over makeup?

Yes, sprayed from about 8 inches away it refreshes your skin and melts powder.

How many times a day can I use it?

As often as you need, usually 2 or 3 times.

Is it the same as toner?

Not exactly. Toner is a routine step after cleansing; a mist can be used any time.

Keep reading

• Skincare Guide: Your Complete Routine, Explained
• Serum vs. moisturizer
• Hyaluronic acid vs. niacinamide