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It’s Always Mist O’Clock at the Allure Office
Whether you’re looking to calm sensitive skin, brighten a dull complexion, or give yourself a midday refresh, the best face mists do the trick. Face mists are formulated to hydrate and balance the skin, often using nourishing ingredients such as niacinamide, aloe vera, and witch hazel. Others tackle oiliness, and a few even double as setting sprays. We spoke with Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists to get the lowdown on their favorite sprays and the ingredients that make them stand out. We even included a few Best of Beauty winners (it’s because we love you). Without further ado, we invite you to peruse the best face mists the web has to offer and let the spritzing begin.
Our Top Face Mists
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Cream Mist
Why it’s worth it: When your beloved Korean moisturizer is out of reach, Aestura’s Ceramide Cream Mist steps in as the ultimate—dare we say, even better—next-best thing. This ultrafine mist is packed with ceramides to fortify your skin barrier and undo dryness. Thanks to its specially emulsified formula, there’s no need to shake the bottle—the ceramides stay evenly dispersed and won’t settle to the bottom of the can. Use it anytime, anywhere, and thank us later.
“This face mist has not left my bag since the day I got it. It is hot in New York right now, and I can’t tell you how many times (and in how many public places) I’ve whipped it out for a quick dose of cooling hydration. I love Aestura because the entire line is very sensitive skin-friendly and this mist is no exception. No matter how often I use it, it never irritates or over-saturates my prone-to-clogging pores.”—Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
- Key ingredients: ceramides, squalane, glycerin
- Who it’s good for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Dewy: Rhode Glazing Mist
Why it’s worth it: If you’re already obsessed with Rhode’s Glazing Milk (we are), you’ll be pleased to know the Hailey Bieber-founded brand has just expanded its line with the Glazing Mist. This stuff brings all the goodness of the Glazing Milk into a convenient spray bottle for anywhere, anytime use. You can use it as an essence or a moisturizer, to top up hydration without a trace. Powering the formula is soothing ectoin, a lipid-dense ceramide blend, as well as beta-glucan, panthenol, and magnolia extract. It’s also fragrance-free and has the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval. Wins all around.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I’m very picky about how face mists dispense and feel on the skin. It has to be superfine but also cover a large area with each spritz (from a typical six-inch distance) and have an undeniable hydrating effect. I want my skin to look like it’s been temporarily drenched…before it, of course, absorbs soon after. Rhode’s Glazing Mist passes with flying colors. The Glazing Milk feels a little heavy in my usual skin-care routine—a.k.a. layering serums and moisturizers over it—so I love this lighter alternative that still provides ample barrier-restoring benefits but in the convenience of a mist I can use anywhere I go, at any time of the day.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: ectoin, beta-glucan, panthenol, magnolia extract, ceramides
- Who it’s for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Calming: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mist
Why it’s worth it: When your skin’s feeling totally out of whack, Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mist is your girl. The mist is ultra-fine, instantly calming, and seriously hydrating—think lasting moisture, not just a quick spritz. It’s packed with thoughtful ingredient blends, such as the Soothing Complex (featuring allantoin, bisabolol, panthenol, and cucumber extract), the Skin Barrier Support Complex (enriched with ceramides and plant-derived squalane), and an antioxidant dream team of green tea extract, vitamin E, and ectoin. Bonus: It’s non-comedogenic, so your pores stay clear as day.
“My skin is so prone to dryness that I use a mist regularly, and this is my number one fave. I tend to stay within a brand family so my products all work well together, and as a loyal Jet Lag Mask user I was so happy Summer Fridays expanded the line and launched this mist. I use it all. the time. Before applying makeup (a must for me) and as a refresher during the day (my skin will develop dry patches on the regular as the day wears on). I love that it’s not a massive bottle that has to stay on my vanity—I have two of these and one is for at-home, and the other is my travel mist! I’ve never had an issue with uneven spritzes—it’s just a fine spray that never results in droplets on my face or clothing, or leaves me too dewy. Just hydrated and supple.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Key ingredients: allantoin, bisabolol, panthenol, cucumber extract, ceramides, squalane, green tea extract, vitamin E, ectoin
- Who it’s for: people with dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Congested Skin: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Why it’s worth it: A bona fide TikTok favorite, Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray caters to sensitive and stressed skin (including acne-prone and eczema-prone skin) and consists of just three ingredients: water, sodium chloride, and hypochlorous acid. Quick refresher: “Hypochlorous acid is a powerful killer of bacteria, viruses, and even fungus,” Jaimie DeRosa, MD, a double-certified plastic surgeon in Boston, previously explained. So, it has myriad benefits, including preventing future breakouts, calming inflammation, minimizing itchiness, and depuffing skin. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, notes that the anti-inflammatory formula is particularly beneficial for dry skin following air travel. And, by the way, this spray has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
“I wouldn’t normally reach for an acid-based face mist over a hydrating one, but when you’re in physical therapy three times a week, having a pore-clearing treatment on the go becomes a necessity. The SOS Facial Spray gives me the best of both worlds thanks to its hypochlorous acid, which isn’t just antibacterial but also anti-inflammatory.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol
- Who it’s good for: everyone, including dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
Why it’s worth it: Honestly, we’re comfortable describing the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Face Mist as “liquid silk.” The superfine mist—made with hydrating Okinawa red algae and squalane, anti-inflammatory green tea leaf extract, and silk extract—is a staple in Allure editors’ (and Kim Kardashian’s) glowy skin-care routines. Gently shake the bottle before spritzing the mist two or three times. You can also spray this stuff over or under your makeup for a dewy touch.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“Nothing beats this as a pick-me-up for both my mood and my skin. It gives me immediate radiance—I credit the squalane and hyaluronic acid—but doesn’t leave it looking greasy, which is a tall order for my combination skin.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: squalane, red algae, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s good for: people dealing with dullness
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Calming: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mist
Why it’s worth it: When your skin’s feeling totally out of whack, Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mist is your girl. The mist is ultra-fine, instantly calming, and seriously hydrating—think lasting moisture, not just a quick spritz. It’s packed with thoughtful ingredient blends, such as the Soothing Complex (featuring allantoin, bisabolol, panthenol, and cucumber extract), the Skin Barrier Support Complex (enriched with ceramides and plant-derived squalane), and an antioxidant dream team of green tea extract, vitamin E, and ectoin. Bonus: It’s non-comedogenic, so your pores stay clear as day.
More face mists we love
Best for Acne: Topicals Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mist
Why it’s worth it: Got acne? Topicals’ Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mist has your back (and your face, too). This versatile mist tackles breakouts everywhere—perfect for summertime bacne, blackheads, whiteheads, and rough, red bumps. The formula stars 2% salicylic acid, boosted by hypochlorous acid, glycolic acid, and allantoin to calm things down while clearing things up. Spritz once or twice daily—but keep your eyes closed, please, since salicylic acid can definitely irritate eyeballs. Just note it’s not intended for use over makeup.
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid (2%), hypochlorous acid, glycolic acid, allantoin
- Who it’s for: people with acne
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water
Eau Thermale Avène
Thermal Spring Water
Why it’s worth it: Each can of Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water is teeming with mineral-rich thermal spring water from Avène, France. Because this product is legit only water, it’s 100% fragrance-free and suitable for use whenever, wherever, ad infinitum. It will never sting, burn, or irritate. Allow the formula to sit for a few minutes after application, then gently pat the skin dry for best results.
“I find it usually only takes two to three generous spritzes to completely soak my face (again, that’s exactly what I’m looking for when it’s hotter than hot out) and instantly refresh my makeup and, let’s be honest, mood. Immediately afterward, I feel like a person again and ready to take on anything, including commuting on a hot, sticky summer day.”—Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director
- Key ingredients: thermal spring water
- Who it’s good for: dry and sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Redness: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist
SkinCeuticals
Phyto Corrective Essence Mist
Why it’s worth it: The ultra-fine SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist is infused with thyme and rosemary extracts, both of which soothe skin, explains Dr. Kim. The formula reduces redness, while the combination of 6.2% hyaluronic acid and glycerin (two powerful humectants) team up to quench a thirsty skin barrier. Yes, it’s a splurge, but SkinCeuticals never compromises on quality. Apply it after your vitamin C serum in the morning and before any treatment serum in the evening.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, cucumber extract
- Who it’s good for: people prone to redness
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Makeup Refresher: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Hydrator Mist
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte’s Magic Hydrator Mist
Why it’s worth it: Designed to deliver the radiance one might expect from an oxygen facial, Charlotte’s Magic Hydrator Mist uses a blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and kombu extract to defend against dehydration and pollution. You can also thank glycerin for its ability to draw in and lock in moisture. Keep in mind, though, that while this is a great midday makeup refresher, the Airbrush Flawless Makeup Setting Spray is a better bet in terms of traditional setting sprays.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic mesh, kombu extract, niacinamide
- Who it’s good for: people who want immediate results (and don’t mind fragrance)
- Fragrance-free: no
Fastest-Absorbing: Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Why It’s Worth It: Somewhere along the way grapes, became a powerhouse skin-care ingredient. This antioxidant-rich, 100% grape water, Best of Beauty-winning mist targets red and irritated skin for a soothing dose of hydration. The formula features key players like minerals, potassium, and polysaccharides for peak moisture, and it absorbs quickly, so no need to worry about wetness. Grab the mist in the TSA-friendly, 2.7-ounce size, too, so you can pack it in your carry-on.
“The Caudalie Beauty Elixir has cemented itself as the beauty staple at my desk. A quick spritz every few hours keeps my skin dewy and hydrated without any of my makeup moving out of place.”—Kassidy Silva, social director
- Key ingredients: grape water
- Who it’s good for: people with sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a face mist?
Besides feeling amazingly cooling, face mists offer some of the best benefits of your favorite skin-care products. “A face mist gives instant hydration to the skin and a boost of sun-protection, moisturization, and irritation-calming actives,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. Still, the benefits highly depend on the type of face mist you choose, says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “[Some mists] are formulated with humectants to hydrate the skin, some have emollients to support the skin barrier, and some have sunscreen ingredients to offer sun protection,” Dr. King adds. “Some have hypochlorous acid to offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.”
King also cites ease of use as a benefit of skin mists. “[Mists don’t] interfere with makeup as much. If you use a lotion or cream, you have to apply it over makeup, while you can just spritz a mist over [what you have on your face]. It’s less work and less mess, especially on a made-up face,” she notes.
What ingredients should I look for in a face mist?
Remember your skin concerns and goals when shopping for a face mist, but across the board, King advises looking for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “What you look for is what you want to achieve. Moisturizing, antioxidant, or anti-inflammatory benefits—the big three reasons people use it.” King also says that noting the size of the particles coming out of the nozzle is essential, and the finer the mist, the better. “[Look for] sunscreen ingredients for sun protection, hypochlorous acid for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, and soothing ingredients like aloe, calendula, allantoin, bisabolol, and beta-glucan for anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. King notes.
Meet the experts
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jaimie DeRosa, MD, a double-certified plastic surgeon in Boston
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best face mists, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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