Let’s talk about face mists. No, really. Because if the last time you tried one was at the sticky end of a long haul flight, or that day you got in between your hot and bothered pregnant friend and her rosewater atomiser, then you probably need to hear us out. Face mists are having a thoroughly modern moment, and are ready to revolutionise your beauty game in many ways. From facemask optimising to pollution protection, they can do pretty much everything you need from your skincare, all at the pump of a fingertip.
Here’s our pick of the best latest releases to refresh your skin this spring…
The pre-facemask mist
Skin is far more receptive when it’s damp so this makes perfect sense: a softening and calming solution that improves absorption of your favourite face masks and minimises any irritation caused by more active ingredients. Sounds gratuitous, but if you love your skincare enough to mask on a regular basis, then this has real returns. It also makes cement-like clay masks a breeze to remove, and for that alone we’re in.
The faux glow mist
Spray-on tan is nothing new, but a cooling mist that de-puffs tired eyes, hydrates dry skin, can be wafted under or over make-up and leaves you with a tawny, rosy, fresh-from-a-yacht glow with absolutely no blending? Sheer, golden genius. Colour builds up after a couple of uses and is easy to maintain without going over the top. It's so good you’ll wonder if you had a holiday behind your own back.
The pollution-proof mist
Environmental protection is beauty’s current hot topic, and one that this lightweight spray addresses by creating a physical barrier on the surface of the skin to fend off irritants such as exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke and airborne heavy metals. It also sweeps up damaging free-radicals, encourages the skin to regenerate and boots out cellular rubbish, making for a brighter complexion and stopping the premature ageing effects of our compromised environment in its tracks.
The mattifying mist
Like blotting papers, this make-up preserving mist mops up oil from the surface of the skin to keep it shine-free. Unlike blotting papers, it also strengthens the skin’s protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, which in turn balances sebum production and reduces shine in the longer run. Plus its fresh and cooling feel is something you don’t get from the average face powder. A summer win for oily or combination skin.
Shiseido Ibuki Quick Fix Mist, £20, available at House of Fraser
The SPF mist
How to reapply your sunscreen without ruining your makeup for the rest of the day is something we’d like to nail before al fresco lunch breaks become a real possibility. So this incredibly fine UV shield could be our product of the year, providing impromptu sun protection we can mist on without dislodging so much as a cat flick. One for the bag, one for the desk drawer, and thank you Bioderma.
Bioderma Hydrabio Eau de Soin SPF30, £9, available at Feel Unique
The makeup setting mist
Makeup looks better when its initial stiffness has been broken down by the warmth of your skin, but there’s a line between worn in and worn off and it’s a hard one to tread. This takes the powdery edge off a freshly applied face, but also keeps dry skin hydrated through the day so it’s less likely to swallow up your makeup. The rose and grapefruit smells totally delicious too.
The Korean moisturising mist
Got time for an extra step in your morning routine? Go on, it’s a slip of a thing and besides, Korean-inspired multi-level skincare is a trend that’s only going to get bigger, so a shea butter and bamboo-enriched spritz is a quick and easy way to get involved and keep your skin hydrated at the same time. Use before or after moisturising or even over your makeup.
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