Beauty Trends

The Ultimate Guide To Face Mists

Last Updated: 25/04/2024

woman spraying face mist on her face

More than just ‘water’, face mists have to be one of the most underrated products in the world of skin care. Whether you’re looking for a morning boost of moisture, afternoon pick-me-up or an evening relaxation session, these hydrating heroes have you covered.  

With that in mind, here at Cult Beauty we believe it’s time to shine the spotlight on the multi-tasking marvel. From how to use a face mist to the best face mists on the market right now, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about this skin care saviour.  

WHAT IS A FACE MIST 

Think of it like this – a face mist is the closest thing to a sprayable serum. Seamlessly slotting into your skin care routine, it’s designed to be applied straight onto your face to provide an instant hit of hydration. Typically, powered by thirst-quenching ingredients (we’re talking vitamins, extracts and essential oils), face mists also help to control excess oil, while looking to calm your complexion.  

THE BENEFITS OF A FACE MIST 

INSTANT HYDRATION 

Utilising a face mist is one of the easiest ways to give yourself an instant moisture boost. Flooded with a blend of hydrating heroes, they aim to revive dehydrated complexions while rebalancing, replenishing and recharging your skin.  

BOOSTS RADIANCE  

Generally water-based, face mists are a great way to dial up your dew at home or on-the-go. With just a few spritzes, they rescue dull complexions by enhancing immediate luminosity. For the best and glowiest results, opt for a formula that is bursting with botanicals and niacinamide. 

AIDS THE ABSORPTION OF OTHER SKIN CARE PRODUCTS  

Playing an essential role in your skin care routine, face mists work hard to improve the absorption of the rest of your products. Working like a sponge, they help your toners, serums and moisturisers penetrate more easily and effectively into your dermis.  

REFRESHES IN THE HEAT 

Whether you’re jetting off to your next getaway, or in need of a quick refresh, we suggest you keep a face mist close by at all times. Protecting you against the effects of humidity and heat, they’re designed to keep skin hydrated while giving you a mid-day boost, whenever you need.   

ACTS AS A POLLUTANT DEFENCE 

Like most beauty products, face mists’ benefits depend on which iteration you choose. With that in mind, many are infused with skin-shielding ingredients that help protect you from pollutants (blue light, we’re looking at you).  

ENHANCES YOUR MOOD 

And, if all the above wasn’t enough, face mists are also renowned as a mini self care ritual of their own. How? Well, while cooling mists are ultra refreshing and leave you feeling energised, their fragrances can also ignite your senses, putting you in a better mood.

an asian model with eyes closed smiling

HOW TO USE A FACE MIST 

While there are no set rules on how to use a face mist, for the best results we suggest following the steps below… Don’t worry, you can thank us later! 

  1. First things first, it’s essential to understand that your face mists should be used immediately after cleansing your skin.  
  2. Once your cleanser is rinsed off and your skin is still damp, spritz the mist onto a cotton pad and wipe it over your face. 
  3. Next, spray the mist several times over your face (covering all areas), ensuring your skin is damp, before applying your next products. 

 TOP FACE MIST TIPS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED… UNTIL NOW 

  • Ensure you have a 60-second window between removing your cleanser and applying your face mist: as after this time evaporation begins to occur and your skin will dry out before getting a chance to absorb the formula.  
  • Use the mist on a cotton pad before spraying it on your face: while spritzing the mist directly onto your face may be refreshing during the day, when applying the product in your morning and evening routine, it’s best to spray it onto a cotton pad before wiping it around your face. This ensures it actually gets into your skin and removes any dehydrating minerals.  
  • Always finish your routine with a moisturiser: this is a vital last step when using a face mist, as moisturisers feature protective emollients that seal in water, prompting your products to perform well.  

THE BEST FACE MISTS, ACCORDING TO TEAM CULT BEAUTY 

Augustinus Bader’s The Face Mist is the perfect first and last step to my skin care routine. Prepping and plumping my complexion its unbeatable formula of amino acids, vitamins and peptides boosts instant gratification – flooding my skin with hydration for a dew-drenching finish. What’s more, reviving, replenishing refreshing my face during the day, the featherweight formula is ideal when you’re on the go too. Trifonia, Senior SEO Copywriter  

SHOP ALL AUGUSTINUS BADER >>>

Omorovicza’s Queen Of Hungary Mist is my ultimate face mist – it’s so, so refreshing, hydrating, and – most importantly for my combination skin – lightweight. I really like to use it as a last nourishing skin care step after applying any topical treatments. Whatever I’ve applied – retinol, or mandelic, tranexamic or glycolic acids – my skin always feels more comfortable with a spritz of this mist over the top of them. I also love the clean, fresh scent, which really revitalises both my tired skin and mind after a day staring at my screen!   Josie, Content Manager 

SHOP ALL OMOROVICZA >>>

I absolutely adore Chantecaille’s Seascreen 30 Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Mist. As someone who is an avid SPF user, I always use suncream in the morning and this is so easy to apply. Its lightweight formula smells so refreshing, and it doesn’t leave a sticky residue or white marks. Plus, it’s also formulated as reef-safe, which I love as some suncreams can damage coral reefs. However, I would apply this before you have got dressed for the day as it can leave small marks on your clothing. – Anya, Junior Copywriter  

SHOP ALL CHANTECAILLE >>>

I’ve not been much of a face mist fan in the past, but after using Caudalíe’s Beauty Elixir, it’s safe to say I’m well and truly a convert. Much more than just a refreshing mist, this product – housed in a luxurious bottle – is a multitasking hero: use it as a toner, to lessen the look of pores, to set make up, for a midday pick-me-up, a protective layer when flying, a hydration boost, a pillow mist – need I go on? Plus, it’s made from all-natural origin ingredients (grape, rose essential oil and lemon balm essential oil), which I found helped to soothe and calm my complexion. I’m obsessed… – Alice, Senior Copywriter   

SHOP ALL CAUDALIE >>>

When I tell you Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Ultra Fine Mist smells delicious, I mean it smells delicious. In fact, it smells so good I’m often tempted to wear it as a perfume! As well as its 10/10 scent, this mist is just as ‘ultra fine’ as it promises and effortlessly melts into skin while providing a boost of moisture. Although the scent will leave you craving a bowl of crisp watermelon, it might not be suitable for everyone, like those with sensitive or oily skin — but if you have dry or dehydrated skin in need of hydration, this is for you. – Jade, Senior Copywriter  

SHOP ALL GLOW RECIPE >>>

Now you have everything you need to know about the best face mists, it’s time to dial up the dew and allow both you and your skin to enjoy a pick me up morning, day and night… Ready, steady, spritz… 

SHOP ALL FACE MISTS >>>



Trifonia Asmar

Trifonia Asmar

Senior SEO Copywriter

Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.