A facial mist is skincare placed in a spray bottle or pressurised can. We might be religious with our skincare routine, applying it once in the morning and once at night. But as the day progresses, our environment changes. This alters the temperature of our skin and what we applied earlier in the morning might have lost its effects. Hence, we need a refresher… Like a facial mist.
Traditionally, facial mists consisted of thermal spring water or mineral water to provide a quick boost of hydration. But now facial mists have come to include all sorts of skincare treatments, such as anti-ageing, mattifying your skin, balancing your skin’s pH levels and even providing some SPF.
(Psst! Koreans are all about hydration and word has it that you can find a facial mist in every bag.)
How do I use it?
The most intuitive way to use a facial mist is to liberally spray it on and let it dry. BUT if you were to take a closer look at the instructions, we are actually supposed to let the mist sink into our skin for a few minutes and then, gently pat dry.
This is because of science – the first ingredient of most facial mists is water and when used alone, without any humectants to make it stay, the excess water evaporates and this actually leaves our skin drier than before the facial mist.
All these being said, you should read the instructions on the label of your facial mist; each facial mist may come with a different application recommendation.
When should I use it?
Facial mists can be used whenever you want to! It can be used as part of your skincare routine like a toner or after your makeup to set it or throughout the day. A few quick spritz give your skin a little boost and refresh you at the same time. Make sure to hold the bottle a few inches away from your face to get a fine mist that won’t disturb your makeup.
Click next to find out how to pick a suitable mist.
How do I choose a mist that’s suitable for me?
As mentioned earlier, there are all types of facial mist to tackle different skincare woes. Scroll down for some recommendations according to skin type:
For all skin types
Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a luxurious concoction of plant extracts and essential oils such as grapes, rosemary, mint and rose to clarify and rejuvenate dull and tired skin. Makeup artists love to use this on celebrities to set their makeup!
Caudalie Beauty Elixir is priced at SGD67 for a 100ml bottle and is available at all Sephora outlets.
Essano Rosehip Organic Mist Toner is infused with a refreshing antioxidants-rich blend of Kakadu Plum (Vitamin C), Rosehip Oil (Vitamin A), Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Witch Hazel to balance and tone skin naturally.
Essano Rosehip Organic Mist Toner is priced at SGD22.95 for a 120ml bottle and is available at Watson outlets.
Kuan Yuan Lian Cucumber Water Spray, an alcohol-free essential in Taiwan, hydrates and soothes your skin with 100% pure cucumber water.
Kuan Yuan Lian Cucumber Water Spray is priced at SGD10.90 for a pack of two 100ml bottle and is available at Guardian outlets.
Heritage Products Rosewater is derived from European roses and can be used alone for a quick spritz of hydration for your face, body and hair, or mixed with other oils for a personalised skin treat.
Heritage Products Rosewater is priced at SGD10.11 and is available on iHerb.
Innisfree Jeju Sparkling Mineral Mist contains 90% sparkling mineral water from the Sanbang Mountain on Jeju island to provide intense hydration from within. Fine-textured and stabilised coconut-derived oil helps to keep moisture in comfortably.
Innisfree Jeju Mineral Mist is priced at SGD20 for a 80ml bottle and is available at all Innisfree outlets.
For Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay Serozinc is touted as the first-ever oil blotter mist. It contains Zinc Sulfate that helps regulate sebum production, soothe inflammation and heal and protect your skin from imperfection. Pores are tightened, acne soothed and your skin is mattified in an instant!
La Roche-Posay Serozinc is priced at SGD24.90 for a 150ml bottle and is available at Guardian and Watsons outlets.
For Dry Skin
Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Toner Mist uses a soothing base of aloe and rose water. It contains a blend of probiotics, antioxidants and nutrients such as Lactobacillus Ferment, Acai Berry, Silk Amino Acids and Cucumber Seed Oil. Each spritz hydrates, refines pores and leaves your skin glowing and dewy. This has been clinically proven to reduce acne lesions by 42.7% in just 28 days.
Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Toner Mist is priced at SGD79 for a 50ml bottle and is available on www.alliesofskin.com.
Laneige Water Bank Creamist is the brand’s ever-popular Water Bank Moisture Cream transformed into a fine blanket of moisturising mist. Its key ingredients include Hydro Ion Mineral Water (which has 6 ionised moisturising minerals and Vitamins A, C and E), Mini-Hyaluronic Acid, natural vegetable Squalene, moisturising Betaine and three types of fatty acids to provide a boost of hydration in an instant.
Laneige Water Bank Creamist is priced at SGD27 for a 50ml bottle and is available at all Laneige boutiques and counters.
For Sensitive Skin
Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes red, sensitive and irritated skin in an instant. This pH 7.5 facial mist is rich in silicates and trace elements to soften and restore your skin’s epidermal barrier. It is safe and gentle for all infants, children and adults.
Avène Thermal Spring Water is priced at SGD10.10 for a 50ml bottle and is available at Guardian and Watsons outlets.
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water combines minerals and trace elements to soften and soothe skin, and prevent anti-ageing. One such mineral is Selenium which is known to protect cells from damage and prevent wrinkles from forming.
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water is priced at SGD12.90 for a twin pack of 50g bottles and is available at Guardian and Watsons outlets.
Can I DIY my own facial mist?
Yes, of course you can! It can be as simple as putting green tea or chamomile tea in a spray bottle with a few drops of Vitamin E or combining some of your favourite flowers, oils and herbs. Watch this video to learn how to create a simple Aloe Vera mist to hydrate and soothe sensitive and dry skin!
