15 Best Face Mists for All Skin Types, Tested & Reviewed in 2023

Jan 05, 2024

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Time for a midday spritz.

If you’re on the hunt for a multi-purpose skin care product, incorporating one of the best face mists into your routine can make a huge difference, both for your skin and your makeup. While we often rave about targeted treatment products like vitamin C serums or retinol eye creams, the benefit of a facial spray is their ability to be used in a myriad of ways. Face mists can act as a hydrating toner, a lightweight serum, a makeup primer, and even as a setting spray, depending on its ingredients and how you choose to use it. “Face mists make application so easy, even on-the-go throughout the day and–depending on the formula–over makeup! I also know that some people enjoy using it toward the end of their skincare routine right before applying makeup, since the fine mist on your skin can make it easier to blend in some complexion products,” says Amy Liu, the founder of Tower 28.

Finding the perfect face mist for your skin and beauty goals can be as difficult as choosing your go-to day cream. Whether you’re acne-prone, looking for an extra dose of hydration, or just need a refreshing spritz to get you through that midday slump, here are the 13 best, editor-approved face sprays that you’ll never leave home without.

The SOS face mist truly does it all, from calming breakouts, healing damaged skin, and rehydrating dry patches. Using hypochlorous acid, keeping this spray in your purse for on-the-go spritzing is an easy way to keep away bacteria that accumulates on your face throughout the day. “After years of relying on topical steroids to manage my eczema, the hypochlorous acid formula in SOS is the only thing that’s gotten by sensitive skin under control,” says Liu.

Key ingredients: Hypochlorous acid

Best for: All skin types

Tower 28 rating: 4.8/5 stars

What our ELLE Editor says: “Here is a running list of the things I’ve used Tower 28’s mist for: To soothe a mosquito bite I scratched on my forehead, to hydrate a recurring dry patch under my eye, to make my skin less angry following a laser facial, and to procrastinate when I have a looming deadline. Which is to say, that any chance I can use this mist I can, and it works! This mist’s hero ingredient is hypochlorous acid, which has strong anti-bacterial properties, and is great at soothing redness and inflammation, with an effect that you’ll notice and feel instantly. My skin acts like it just took its first drink of water following a run whenever this hits. It also smells ever so slightly like an indoor swimming pool, which combined with the Baywatch-logo-lettering, always reminds me of summer. This is a valid TikTok viral product that lives up to the hype.” —Kathleen Hou, ELLE's Beauty Director

If you’re the kind of person who vies for a dewy glow, this facial mist is packed with hydrating ingredients that you can use in both your skin care and makeup routines. “Charlotte’s Magic Hydrator Mist is inspired by the skin-reviving powers of an oxygenating facial and the hydration of an essence, and I love that you can use it before makeup to help skincare absorb better, and after makeup for an instant dewy glow!” says Schwarzkopf-Tilbury.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin

Best for: Dry, normal

Charlotte Tilbury rating: 5/5 stars

A Charlotte Tilbury reviewer says: “This is amazing, it instantly hydrated my skin and took away that 'tight' feeling. But best results were next day, I woke up with such plump skin.”

As one of the first face sprays to make people long for a midday spritz, this mist is like a cold glass of water for the skin. It’s infused with natural extracts that calm and refresh the skin, which is particularly nice during hot summer months. Pro tip: to maximize its qualities, throw this spray into your fridge for an extra cooling benefit.

Key ingredients: Rose seed extract, thyme extract

Best for: All skin types

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: ELLE.com Beauty Director Danielle James says, “This was one of the first face mists I ever incorporated into my routine. It smells lovely, soaks into your skin with ease, and really leaves your skin feeling refreshed. The rose water is a great anti-inflammatory, combats redness, and even relieves headaches—love that my skin care has a byproduct benefit!”

This luxury face mist has the dual benefit of hydrating the skin, and refreshing it using rose extracts. The smell is half the fun, almost doubling as a gorgeous floral perfume that you can refresh throughout the day. Packed with antioxidants, this mist is an instant mood-booster.

Key ingredients: Rose water

Best for: All skin types

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “This Rose de Mai Face Mist is the next best thing to walking through a field of blooming roses. Made with both the extract from the petals and the essential oil, it has antioxidants to refresh and hydrate skin—and I find myself spritzing it on multiple times a day. Plus the scent is beyond heavenly.” —Margaux Anbouba, ELLE's Beauty Editor

When you look at this spray’s ingredient list and only see water, at first you might be disappointed. But this mist has more benefits than the water that comes from your tap. Created with thermal spring water from mountains in France, this water is infused with minerals and extracts that hydrate, soothe, and treat irritated skin.

Key ingredients: Water

Best for: Normal, sensitive

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I get hot flashes in my face a lot and this is magic. I keep it in my purse and spray when I’m feeling hot. It’s instantly cooling.”

Ceramides are renown for their ability to hydrate, protect, and strengthen the skin barrier. This face mist is so moisturizing it could actually replace your day cream, or rehydrate throughout the day. It’s great for post-procedure skin that needs a little extra love to stay cool and comfortable.

Key ingredients: Ceramides

Best for: Normal, dry

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

What our testers say: “Spraying the Curel Deep Moisture Spray is as refreshing as guzzling a cold bottle of water on a sizzling summer day. My skincare routine consists of acids and retinol, so I have to squeeze hydration in any way that I can. I use the spray morning and night, especially in conjunction with my Solawave to ensure my skin remains plump and supple.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com's Beauty Commerce Editor

Dermatologists always insist that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, but if you wear makeup, there’s no easy way to layer on a cream on top of your foundation. This SPF-infused face spray is your answer. Infused with natural botanicals, skin care ingredients, and hydrating butters, this is a sunscreen you'll actually want to reapply.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, green tea, ferulic acid

Best for: Dry, normal

Vacation rating: 5/5 stars

A Vacation reviewer says: “I use this every single day. The formula is light enough to wear with or without makeup, and doesn’t make my face greasy or sticky. It’s the perfect size to toss in my bag to reapply through the day. Smells amazing too, just like vacation!”

This luxurious face mist is beloved by makeup artists and celebrities alike. It uses natural extracts and hydrating glycerin to refresh and plump the skin, adding a glow all the while. Plus, it’s also designed to minimize the appearance of pores. It can be used both as a toner, as a primer, or as a setting spray post-makeup application.

Key ingredients: Bitter orange flower water, glycerin

Best for: All skin types

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

What our testers say: “When I’m getting my makeup professionally done, artists often pull out Caudalie. A beauty elixir is the perfect name and description for this magical product. It has antioxidants and is so hydrating. After three spritzes, I feel so refreshed!” —Danielle James, ELLE.com's Digital Beauty Director

When it comes to leaving behind a dewy glow, no one does it better than Tatcha. This A-list approved face mist contains skin care ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and natural extracts to both hydrate the skin, and reduce signs of aging like fine lines. While many love it as a toner, makeup artists swear by its ability to double as a setting spray.

Key ingredients: Squalane, silk extract

Best for: Dry, normal skin

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I keep this in my bag when I'm traveling so I don’t dry out too much. It’s so soothing to the skin. I need gallons of this stuff. So far, this mist is what has helped my dehydrated skin the most.”

Tata Harper believes in using natural ingredients that are just as effective as any you may find in a doctor's office. This spray uses hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump, while white willow bark uses its BHA-properties to gently exfoliate and youth-ify the skin.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, white willow bark

Best for: All skin types

Nordstrom rating: 3.6/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is a delightful product. It's very refreshing on the face. Would most definitely recommend this product.”

Technically, this is a non-comedogenic, bi-phase essence; however, it also makes a great face mist, if you move to a small spray bottle. “Naomi Campbell taught me this trick. She was using the product for a year before it came out, so she put it in a spray bottle and would just refresh when on the go. I do the same," states Danielle James. The essence is like a bouquet of flowers for your face: It contains a rose biotic complex to soothe your skin as well as Hydrasphere 18 a blend of botanically derived oils that will leave your skin moisturized, smooth, and supple.

Key Ingredients: Rose water, Hydrasphere 18

Best for: All skin types

Pat McGrath Labs rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “This formula uses mainly natural ingredients, which I love. I always feel so luxurious when I apply and it has a faint smell of roses. When I apply this product on a clean face, I feel that my serums tend to absorb better. The bottle looks great on your dresser, everyone always asks to try or to use it. In fact—it is time to re-up!" — Danielle James

Looking for that TikTok viral glass skin? This face mist has the same goal, and achieves it with a blend of natural extracts and botanicals. The best part? While this spray can be used as part of your skin care routine underneath makeup, it can also be used alone to calm irritation and impart a dose of hydration to the skin.

Key ingredients: Cucumber water, peach extract

Best for: Normal, dry

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I work 12-24 hour shifts and this product is a must have! There is very little time to freshen up, so having this around is a huge help. Just a few spritzes and my skin is glowing again. I now have one at work and one at home!”

Whether you’re jet setting around the globe or just dealing with a stressful day in the office, this face mist uses soothing ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to calm inflamed skin. It also works wonders as a dose of hydration for drier skin types.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera

Best for: Normal, dry

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

What our testers say: “Dr Barbara Sturm face mist is a go-to when traveling to keep my skin hydrated. It’s TSA friendly and with a few spritzes, my skin immediately starts to perk up from the hyaluronic acid. I just chuckled because it’s currently in my purse now.” —Danielle James

This face mist can do it all. If you’re looking for a one-step product that can plump, prime, set, and refresh your skin care–all while reducing the appearance of enlarged pores–a few spritzes of this will do the trick. Plus, the gentle scent of roses acts as aromatherapy to calm you down from the inside out.

Key ingredients: Rose water, glycerin

Best for: Normal, dry

Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is my second bottle of the Rose Instant Hydration Mist. I bought this again because I am pregnant and certainly have noticed being a lot warmer than usual, so this will help me get through the hot summer months. I’m planning on taking it wherever I go for a quick spritz to refresh and hydrate my skin and help me with cool down. I also love anything rose scented, so this works perfectly for me!”

The Body Shop uniquely formulated their face mist with edelweiss—which may remind you of Christmas, but has been a key ingredient in some of The Body Shop’s beloved products, including the Drops of Youth Bouncy Jelly Mist, which the new Edelweiss Bouncy Jelly Mist seems to be its upgrade. Edelweiss naturally contains leontopodic acid, which is known for its antioxidant properties and the plant has 43% more antioxidant power than retinol. Not only does is moisturize, but the formula protects your skin from pollution and combats blue light—a real powerhouse in a bottle.

Key ingredients: Edelweiss, Moringa extract

Best for: Sensitive skin

The Body Shop rating: 4.3/5

An ELLE Editor says: “This was so refreshing to my skin and I love that it has a unique ingredient. I don’t like eating the same thing everyday, so I imagine my skin appreciates a switch up in formulations every now and then. I like that this face mist is not only hydrating, but also protects my skin from the NYC air and my daily mesmerizing scroll sessions. Put it in the fridge to give your face the perfect summer pick me up!” — Danielle James

Dr. Karan Lal is double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist based in Scotssdale, Arizona.

Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury is a celebrity makeup artist, and Charlotte Tilbury Brand Ambassador.

Amy Liu is the founder of Tower 28.

One of the best traits of facial sprays is how multi-functional they can be. From priming, treating, and setting the face, you can use a mist in many different ways. “Face mists are an ideal way to start your skincare routine, as they prime your skin with hydration, allowing it to act like a sponge and quickly absorb any products you apply after. I also use like to use mists as a final touch after makeup, re-hydrating the skin and giving a fresh, dewy look to the high points of the face. Using Hydrating face mists in this way allows for skincare and makeup to blend and set together, resulting in a luxe, polished look. A great tip I picked up recently whilst working with Charlotte’s amazing pro team backstage is to spray your Magic Hydrator Mist directly over your blush and highlighter. It makes the cheeks look extra glossy and hydrated without any stickiness, which is perfect for summer! I also recommend carrying a face mist in your handbag to refresh your makeup from day to night, and keep that glowing, just-applied look wherever you go!” says Schwarzkopf-Tilbury.

Because face mists, like skin care serums, can target multiple concerns, judging how essential they are varies per product. “This depends greatly on the benefits of the face mist, and if another product in your routine is already accomplishing that task! For instance, many face mists are water-based and developed to provide moisture to the skin. If you already have a great moisturizer in your routine, I wouldn’t say a mist is necessary on top of that–but they can be great for a boost of hydration throughout the day!” says Liu.

Dr. Lal adds, “Face mists are not an essential part of a skin care routine. I consider them to be a great luxury add-on, but they do not replace any other skin care product. Hydrating mists do not moisturize your skin. They can help give your skin a dewy, hydrated appearance when your skin feels dry, cracked, inflamed. Serums often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid with your hydrating and attract water. These are better in conjunction with moisturizers and water. Hydrating mists on the other hand are standalone products that are meant to replenish the skin throughout the day.”

For on-the-go treatment, sprays can be easier to apply than serums or creams. “Face mists have a water-thin consistency, so many people choose to use them as a substitute for serums in the summer if they want a lightweight product that absorbs into the skin quickly. The new generation of face mists contain ingredients that give a multitude of benefits to the skin, so it’s basically like having a sprayable serum anyway! Mists are also very practical for hands-free application on the go. If your skin needs extra hydration and nourishment–especially if you have been exposed to drying weather, air-conditioning or the hydration-stripping effects of being on a plane. Many people prefer the ease of spritzing the face rather than reapplying serums and creams,” says Schwarzkopf-Tilbury.

Liu adds, “Face mists make application so easy, even on the go throughout the day and, depending on the formula, over makeup! I also know that some people enjoy using it toward the end of their skincare routine right before applying makeup, since the fine mist on your skin can make it easier to blend in some complexion products.”

“I’m a fan of face mists that go beyond providing moisture, since most routines typically include a moisturizer. It’s good to look for a mist that provides benefits like antioxidants, Vitamin C, gentle acids, or even SPF,” says Liu.

“For me, hydration is key. Very few of us are drinking enough water these days. A hydrating mist locked in with layers of moisture from products like Charlotte’s Magic Cream is essential to help strengthen your skin barrier and reduce the chance of dehydration, fine lines, and sensitivity. I always look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and glycerin in my face mists as they work in harmony to draw moisture in from the environment and help hydrate and soften the feel of skin,” adds Schwarzkopf-Tilbury.

Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.

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