9 best face mists to keep your skin hydrated (and cool) all day long
Face mists might just be the unsung heroes of your skincare routine. They soothe, hydrate, prime, refresh, and can even set your makeup in place - all with a single spritz. Whether you’re battling summer heat, dry office air, or just need a 3pm skin pick-me-up, the right face mist can do the most.
And no, we’re not talking about glorified water in a bottle. The best face mists today come loaded with hardworking ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and antioxidants to hydrate, brighten and protect your skin barrier throughout the day.
Some, like the new Rhode Glazing Mist, deliver that glazed donut glow on demand. Others, like Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mist or the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Hydrator Mist, double up as makeup refreshers and skin-plumping prep. And then there’s the Caudalie Beauty Elixir - a long-time cult favourite for a reason (hello, glow).
When asking Dr. Chloe Petrault, Aesthetic doctor at Alta MediSpa, if to use a face mist everyday, she said: “You can, but it's not essential. Mists can support skin hydration, particularly in dry environments or post-exercise, but their effectiveness depends entirely on the formulation.”
Looking for a mist that locks in your moisturiser? Or one that helps makeup last longer in heatwaves? You’ll find it here. From calming blends for sensitive skin to radiance-boosting heroes for dull complexions, our expert-approved edit has something for every skin type and moment.
P.S. If you’re refreshing your whole routine, don’t miss our guides to the best moisturisers and best setting sprays too.
Meet the experts:
| Jo Rusakoviene | Aesthetic nurse and founder of SkinVital Clinic |
| Dr. Chloe Petrault | Aesthetic doctor at Alta MediSpa |
How to use a face mist:
According to our expert, Dr. Chloe Petrault, you should use a face mist after cleansing and before applying serum or moisturiser – ideally while the skin is still damp. She adds: “You can also mist during the day if skin feels tight or dry. Always follow up with an occlusive layer (like a moisturiser) to lock in the hydration, otherwise the mist can evaporate and leave skin feeling drier.”
Scroll for the best face mists for all skin types, according to beauty editors…
- Size: 75ml
- Key ingredients: Ceramide trio, ectoin, beta-glucan, panthenol
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: No
PROS:
+Delivers instant, non-sticky glow
+Strengthens the skin barrier
+Lightweight and layers wellCONS:
-Not the most budget-friendlyWhy we love it: A firm favourite among Rhode fans and skincare obsessives alike, the Glazing Mist is the final step in Hailey Bieber’s signature “glazed donut skin” routine - and one spritz is enough to see why. It’s powered by a barrier-loving blend of ceramides, antioxidant-rich beta-glucan and ectoin - an amino acid derivative that binds water molecules to the skin to keep it hydrated, even in dry, hot environments.
This ultra-fine mist layers beautifully under or over makeup and never feels greasy or heavy. If you’re after that just-had-a-facial look in seconds, this is your secret weapon.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Hydration Mist
- Size: 50ml
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, chamomile, allantoin, niacinamide
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: No
PROS
+Calms, hydrates and refreshes in one spritz
+Great travel size
+Soothes irritated, thirsty skinCONS
-Small bottle size so may run out quicklyWhy we love it: Created by the brand behind the cult Jet Lag Mask, this ultra-fine mist is like a drink of water for parched, travel-stressed skin. It’s packed with soothing ingredients like chamomile and allantoin to calm redness and irritation, while glycerin and niacinamide deliver deep, long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
It’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for even sensitive skin types, making it a great choice for post-flight or post-gym skin. The mist is super lightweight (basically no greasy residue), and slots effortlessly into your existing routine - under or over makeup.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Hydrator Mist
- Size: 100ml
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, kombu extract
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: Yes
PROS:
+Leaves skin plump, dewy and ready for makeup
+Infused with skincare actives
+Long-lasting hydration and glowCONS:
-Fragrance may not suit sensitive skin typesWhy we love it: This luxe facial mist does exactly what you’d expect from Charlotte Tilbury – it leaves your skin looking fresh, hydrated and just really well-rested. Think smooth, plump skin that holds makeup beautifully, thanks to a blend of hydrating heavyweights like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. There’s also a kombu extract in the mix to reduce signs of fatigue.
It’s a brilliant pre-makeup step (a solid swap for primer) and gives you a healthy, dewy finish without any stickiness. “I found it layers beautifully over other skincare and never pills - just be mindful if you’re sensitive to fragrance, as it does have a noticeable scent.” - Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
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- Size: 30ml, 100ml
- Key ingredients: Grape extract, rosemary oil, rose extract, peppermint oil
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: Yes
PROS:
+Instantly refreshes and brightens skinCONS:
-Heavily fragranced - may irritate sensitive skinWhy we love it: Inspired by a centuries-old royal formula, this cult French mist has a serious glow-up effect. It’s packed with antioxidant-rich botanicals like grape extract and rosemary to tone and revive tired skin - plus it smells dreamy, like a spa.
“I’ve used it myself, and found the scent a little too intense - it left my skin itchy, so I’d say it’s one for those without sensitive skin,” says Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer. That said, it’s adored by the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for a reason. A glowy skin staple (just maybe patch test first).
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Mist Skinscreen
- Size: 75ml
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, bisabolol, aloe vera
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: Yes
PROS:
+Broad-spectrum SPF 50+
+Packed with great skincare ingredientsCONS:
-Slightly scented so may irritate sensitive skinWhy we love it: Ultra Violette has managed to do the impossible - make reapplying SPF actually feel fun. This featherlight mist gives you serious sun protection (SPF 50+ - impressive right?) while doubling up as a glow-booster and makeup refresher.
It’s infused with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide to keep shine in, and aloe vera to calm and hydrate - so it’s ideal for topping up on sticky commutes or at your desk. Think of it as setting spray with benefits.
Dr.Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Face Mist
- Size: 50ml
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E, broccoli, lemon extract
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: No
PROS:
+Deep hydration that lasts all day
+Calms and reduces irritation
+Super-fine mist that layers wellCONS:
-ExpensiveWhy we love it: You’d expect skincare royalty from Dr. Barbara Sturm - and this mist delivers. With a clever cocktail of hyaluronic acids, antioxidant-rich broccoli, and soothing aloe vera, it quenches dry skin while visibly calming irritation and redness.
The spray itself is ultra-fine and perfect for topping up throughout the day without messing with your makeup. It’s pricey, yes, but the glow it delivers is seriously impressive.
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
- Size: 50ml, 150ml, 300ml
- Key ingredients: Selenium-rich thermal water
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: No
PROS:
+Suitable for sensitive skin
+Soothes and softens instantly
+Great for cooling down skinCONS:
-Doesn’t provide added activesWhy we love it: This is the kind of product that seems almost too simple - until you try it. Rich in minerals and antioxidants, this French pharmacy classic is loved for its ability to calm, hydrate and refresh skin in one cooling mist.
It’s a no-fuss staple that’s perfect for sensitive skin (or honestly, any skin that’s feeling stressed or stripped). Keep a mini in your handbag, a big one by your sink - and thank us later.
Indeed Labs Me-No-Pause Cooling Mist
- Size: 100ml
- Key ingredients: Cucumber extract, MG Relax®, neurophroline, niacinamide
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: No
PROS:
+Designed for perimenopausal and menopausal skin
+Instant cooling relief
+Targets uneven tone and ageingCONS:
-May not feel necessary for younger skinWhy we love it: Specifically designed for menopausal skin, this clever mist offers more than just a cooling spritz. It helps reduce the appearance of redness and fine lines while cucumber extract brings instant relief to flushed, uncomfortable skin.
We rate it as a handbag must-have for hot days or hormone-fuelled moments - and love that it promotes calm, balanced skin while you’re at it.
- Size: 50ml, 150ml, 300ml
- Key ingredients: 15 minerals, volcanic thermal water
- Vegan: Yes
- Fragranced: No
PROS:
+Calms and cools instantly
+Rich in minerals for skin resilience
+Great for redness, irritation and post-sun skinCONS:
-Limited added skincare benefitsWhy we love it: This French pharmacy favourite delivers a mineral-rich mist that’s known for its calming powers. It’s ideal for those with sensitive skin, especially if you’re prone to redness, breakouts or overdoing those stronger actives.
Sometimes simple is the way forward, and this science-backed thermal spa water is proof of that. Top tip - keep it in the fridge for a cooling hit on hot days, or layer it between skincare steps to help lock in hydration and moisture.
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FAQs
Should you use a face mist every day?
You can, but it’s not essential. Mists can support skin hydration, particularly in dry environments or post-exercise, but their effectiveness depends entirely on the formulation. A mist containing humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin may help with short-term hydration, but it should be used alongside a more complete skincare routine - says Dr. Chloe Petrault, aesthetic doctor at Alta MediSpa.
Which is better, a face mist or serum?
Dr. Petrault says: “Serums are far more potent. They’re formulated to deliver active ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, or retinoids at therapeutic levels. A face mist can complement this, especially for hydration or soothing, but it doesn’t replace the function or efficacy of a well-formulated serum.”
What does a face mist do?
“A good one hydrates, soothes and can help your other skincare absorb better. Some even deliver antioxidants or barrier-boosting ingredients. It’s like a reset button during the day, especially if your skin feels tight, dry or irritated.” - says Jo Rusakoviene, aesthetic nurse and founder of SkinVital Clinic.
Are facial mists suitable for all skin types?
Jo Rusakoviene says: “Yes, but again, it comes down to ingredients. If you’re oily or acne-prone, go for a mist that’s non-comedogenic and light on oils. If your skin is dry or reactive, something with calming ingredients like panthenol or oat extract can work wonders.”
What ingredients should I look for in a hydrating face mist?
“Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, panthenol, and niacinamide are beneficial for most skin types. Ingredients like chamomile or aloe can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Avoid denatured alcohol, strong preservatives, and synthetic fragrances, particularly if your skin is reactive.” - says Dr. Petrault.
