The beauty industry is constantly revealing alleged must-have products to add to your routine, but the best face mists aren’t just marketing—they can actually add major benefits. It’s just about finding the right formula for you.
“Apart from feeling refreshed, face mists formulated with the right ingredients can be beneficial for the skin,” says New York City–based board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, citing hyaluronic acid, rose water, aloe vera, and green tea extract as the nourishing ingredients to look out for. “By delivering these humectant ingredients straight to the skin, face mists can promote moisture retention and help the skin barrier reduce trans epidermal water loss.”
Vogue’s Favorite Face Mists
- For Makeup Application: Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist, $90
- For Sensitive Skin: Avène Thermal Spring Water, $20
- Best for Enlarged Pores: Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist, $49
- Best with Collagen: Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist, $19
- Best with Ectoin: Rhode Glazing Mist, $30
Not to mention, these skincare-infused spritzers are super convenient to use, and multipurpose. Plus, they work well as skin prep, or refreshing makeup throughout the day. A good face mist, according to Dr. Henry, can help transform dry, dull skin into a glowing complexion—all whilst aiding moisture retention, boosting skin barrier support, and even offering brightening benefits. For this, celebrity esthetician to the stars Shani Darden shares this application tip: “You can use a facial mist in the morning after cleansing before applying your vitamin C serum and sunscreen, during the day anytime you need a refresh, and at night after cleansing before applying treatment products.” Whereas for makeup wear, pro makeup artist Naoko Scintu, who counts Kate Hudson, Florence Pugh, and Maude Apatow as clients, says a mist can add a first layer of hydration or a weightless dewiness to your look.
Can all skin types benefit from a facial mist? All of our experts say yes; just take a peek at the ingredients to determine which might be suitable for your skin. Whether you’re looking to hydrate, soothe, or protect the skin, read on to discover our edit of the best face mists to shop now.
In This Story
Best for Makeup Application: Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist
- Why We Love It: When celebrity makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites gave us the inside scoop on how to make your foundation look like second skin, she advised us to “mist your foundation brush or sponge with a hydrating face mist” to boost moisture and blendability. For this, Chanel’s mist is just the ticket. Through a blend of camellia alba, blue ginger, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E, this antioxidant-rich mist delivers not only a refreshingly cool sensation, but ensures your skin is protected against antioxidants and quenched.
- Key Ingredients: Camellia alba, blue ginger, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Best for: Dry skin, makeup prep
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ultra fine mist | Some consider the fragrance to be strong |
| Antioxidant protection |
Best Calming: Eadem Mami Wata Ultra-Calming Rescue Mist
- Why We Love It: Eadem’s face mist is a super soother for those with reactive skin types. That’s thanks to a blend of panthenol and ectoin, which hydrate and calm all at once. Meanwhile, allantoin, bisabolol, and cica further double down on calming benefits and skin-barrier support. There’s a slew of botanical oils included in the formula too—which are excellent for hydration, though may be a bit heavy for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
- Editor’s Experience: “While hydrating face mists have their place, I love one with a point of view. EADEM’s POV is in the name: it calms and rescues skin from irritation. So, I like to keep it in my travel toiletry bag. You never know what sensitivities can arise from long-haul flights and new climates. Plus, the mist applies fabulously.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, ectoin, cica, alpha bisbolol, allantoin, polyglutamic acid, glycerin, aloe vera
- Best for: Dry and reactive skin types
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Barrier-fortifying formula | The heavy concentration of oil might be too heavy for acne-prone skin types |
| Works well over makeup, without causing separation |
Best for Sensitive Skin: Avène Thermal Spring Water
- Why We Love It: If you were to take a dip in the Sainte-Odile Spring in the south of France, you may experience the relieving powers of this thermal spring water. Though, you can get a taste of basking in its restorative bath right at home with the Avène mist. Boasting mineral and biological properties rich in postbiotic microflora, the ultra-fine mist promises to soothe, soften, and calm skin without irritation. In fact, the mist is composed of just two ingredients: thermal spring water and nitrogen, making the formula an optimal pH for skin health.
- Editor’s Experience: “My dermatologist, Dr. Akis Ntonos, keeps this mist stocked in his office so I’ve grown quite accustomed to it. What he ‘[trusts] most for reactive, inflamed, or post-procedure skin largely because of its mineral and silicate content,’ as he puts it, I always reach for it after a skin treatment, really hot days, or when I’m focused on repair.” —K.M.
- Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water
- Best for: Sensitive skin types, normal to dry skin types
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Simple formula | Some consider it a pricey pick for water alone |
| Neutral pH of 7.5—which is optimal for skin. |
Best with Ceramides: Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream Mist
- Why We Love It: There’s no doubt that Aestura’s face mist has a super-concentrated dose of ceramides—10,000 ppm to be specific (translation: it’s a lot of ceramides) and a triple lipid complex. Keeping with this ethos, the legacy K-beauty brand offers the same enormous dose of hydration as its beloved face cream and lotion, but with an added perk—a barely-there feel and a formula that contains zero pore-clogging ingredients.
- Editor’s Experience: “During winter, my oily skin turns positively parched. Even still, I avoid heavy, occlusive creams because of how acne-prone I am. Aestura’s face mist is my quick fix when my face turns direly dry. Unlike Rhode’s formula, which I’ll use under or over makeup, I use Aestura’s face mist strictly as a skin-care step. That’s for two reasons—firstly, I want the ceramide- and lipid-heavy formula to sink straight into skin. Secondly. I’m heavy-handed with all of my products, so I have caused a bit of makeup separation when going too hard with the fine-mist, but that’s a me problem!” —C.C.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, cholesterol, tocopherol, tocopherol
- Best for: Dehydrated and combination skin
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Intensely hydrating | If used over a makeup, over-spraying can cause makeup separation |
| Eczema, rosacea, and acne-safe formula |
Best with Ectoin: Rhode Glazing Mist
- Why We Love It: Those looking to maximize hydration without any added weight needn’t look further than Rhode’s Glazing Mist—the formula is packed with ectoin to lock in moisture, and a trio of ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier. Plus, beta-glucan and panthenol further hydrate and soothe skin. Rhode’s extraordinary founder, Hailey Bieber, also uses this face mist in her daily skin=care regimen. “Sometimes, when I’m really busy in the morning, running out the door, rushing up with my son, I will literally just spray my face, and I’ll walk out the door,” Bieber said in her latest Beauty Secrets episode.
- Editor’s Experience: “As much as I’ve wanted to try Rhode’s skincare, many of the products contain shea butter and coconut—two ingredients I’m particularly sensitive to as someone with acne-prone skin. Its Glazing Mist, though, is an exception. The formula is totally non-comedogenic, and something I always reach for when my skin is feeling (and looking) a bit dry after retinol.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Ectoin, ceramides, beta-glucan, panthenol, magnolia extract
- Best For: Instant hydration for dry and combination skin.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Barrier supportive formula | For those with oily skin, this leaves a particularly shiny finish |
| Free from fragrance and alcohol |
Best for Enlarged Pores: Caudalie Beauty Elixir
- Why We Love It: Caudalie’s formula is an O.G. face mist for a great reason: it has long delivered that desired skin refresh. In fact, pro makeup artist Ariane Victoria said in our skin prep guide that this formula is her favorite, noting how clients regularly compliment its calming scent. Infused with a cocktail of essential oils (mint, lemon balm, rosemary, and rose) alongside grape extract and orange flower water, this formula helps to tighten the look of pores and hydrate—making it especially useful before makeup.
- Key Ingredients: Lemon balm leaf water, rose water, peppermint oil, benzyl alcohol
- Best for: Enlarged pores, normal to oily skin types
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Clean formula, known for it’s soothing, spa-like scent | Contains alcohol |
Best Purifying: Lesse Regeneration Mist
- Why We Love It: Lesse’s face mist is a refreshing formula that combines potent botanicals to hydrate, soothe, and rejuvenate. Key ingredients like antioxidant-rich Cacay oil promote skin regeneration, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, while Aloe Vera and Chamomile Extract calm inflammation and provide deep hydration. The mist also features niacinamide, a multitasking vitamin that brightens skin tone and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
- Editor’s Experience: “My skin always has a particular glow when I keep Lesse’s Regeneration Mist in frequent rotation. I love that it leans not just into hydration, but soothing and balancing too. Featuring niacinamide, mineral electrolytes, and adaptogens, this upgrades the average mist.” —K.M.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, cacay oil, niacinamide, chamomile extract, glycerin, orange flower water, panthenol, squalane, vitamin E
- Best for: Inflamed and irritated skin
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Organic, vegan, and reef-safe formula | Essential oils may be too heavy for acne-prone skin types |
| Rich in mineral electrolytes and antioxidants |
Best Naturally-Derived: Yon-Ka Phyto-Aromatic Treatment Mist
- Why We Love It: Yon-Ka’s mist puts a Parisian twist on the face mist—one that prioritizes toning and purifying. Powered by 99% ingredients of natural origin, this leans upon glycerin and botanical oils like rosemary, lavender, and thyme to simultaneously hydrate and balance sebum production.
- Editor’s Experience: “Every time I spritz Yon-Ka Phytoaromatic Treatment Mist onto my face while I’m at my desk, someone mentions how they love the scent and want one too! It’s really fun to share and feels like a little spa breeze when I’m on deadline!” —Arden Fanning Andres, beauty editor-at-large
- Key Ingredients: Water, glycerin, lavender oil, geranium flower oil, rosemary leaf oil, cypress oil, thyme oil, castor oil
- Best For: Refreshing normal to dry skin.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Aromatherapeutic mist powered by 99% naturally derived ingredients | Some consider this to have a strong herbal scent |
Best Hydrating: Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence
- Why We Love It: Tata Harper’s essence is a cult favorite among clean beauty products for a number of reasons. For starters, many of the botanic extracts are sourced from plants grown on a farm owned by Tata Harper herself. Led by hyaluronic acid, along with rose, lavender, and neroli hydrosols, and a floral blend, this works overtime to address a range of skin concerns. Suitable for use under or over makeup, this potion addresses hydration, skin texture, and the appearance of wrinkles, all while improving the absorption of skin treatments after application. Plus, it’s a favorite in Padma Lakshmi’s beauty routine too.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, rosa water, aloe vera leaf juice, sweet almond oil, sodium hyaluronate, citrus lemon peel oil, sunflower seed oil, apple extract, vitamin E, lactic acid
- Best for: Normal to mature skin types
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Clean and cruelty-free formula | Strong botanic and floral fragrance |
| Hydrating and antioxidant protective formula |
Best with Collagen: Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist
- Why We Love It: Biodance really leaned into the innovative textures K-Beauty has come to be known and loved for. The brand’s goal was to create all the benefits of their viral collagen-infused face mask in one tiny mist packed with actives. Here, hydrogel bubbles packed with collagen and 10 types of peptides burst when sprayed.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, collagen extract, peptides
- Best for: Hydration with skin-firming benefits
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Elasticity-boosting formula | Contains one potential pore-clogging ingredient |
| Concentrated dose of 10 peptides and collagen |
Everything You Need to Know
How to Choose a Face Mist
Whether you’re craving a dewy glow, a matte finish, or in need of oil control to get your acne in check, a face mist is ideal for you. Choosing the right mist isn’t just about a refreshing spritz—it’s about finding the formula that matches your skin’s vibe. From hydrating to shine-controlling to soothing, each face mist is designed to tackle specific skin-care concerns and should complement your existing regiment. So, when shopping for your next mist, think about what your skin needs most. Need hydration? Look for ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin. Want to keep things matte and fresh? Opt for tea tree oil or salicylic acid. Everything else you need to know, below:
- Ingredients: When choosing the right face mist for your skin, looking for key ingredients that address your needs is essential. Consider whether you’re seeking hydration, soothing irritation, brightening your complexion, or preventing breakouts. If you’re after calming benefits, soothing mists typically contain ingredients like chamomile extract or aloe vera, which help reduce redness and irritation while providing hydration. For a brightening boost, formulas with vitamin C are a great option to help reduce hyperpigmentation and protect against environmental stressors. If you’re dealing with dryness or rough texture, hydrating mists with glycerin or squalene are ideal for locking in moisture and softening the skin without feeling greasy. For acne-prone or oily skin, ingredients salicylic acid, and niacinamide help control excess oil, prevent breakouts, and keep the skin clear and balanced. With the right combination of these ingredients, you can find a mist that perfectly complements your skin’s unique needs.
- Mist Type: Aside from the product itself, how it’s dispensed may differ depending on the bottle. Some mists may feature a fine and continuous a spray, delivering a steady stream of liquid for as long as you hold the top down (think Avène’s Thermal Spring Water). Alternatively, traditional spray bottles, like Tower 28’s hypochlorous acid spray, release a burst of misted liquid with each press of the cap.
- Finish: Like most beauty products, face mists come in different finishes and picking the right one for you depends entirely personal preference and your skin’s needs. If you’re in search of a dewy finish, consider formulas packed with hydrating ingredients to give your skin a plump glow. For those who prefer a matte finish, fact mists that help control shine and balance oil production will do the trick. On the lighter side, face mists that deliver an airy fine mist, without a noticeable residue and are ideal for a quick pick-me-up.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts, from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity makeup artists, to gain professional insight into the industry’s standout products—those these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate thoughtful edits.
When it comes to face mists, we selected the best products based on the following criteria: ingredients, texture, and the skin-care concerns they treat. To do this, we paired our tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which to recommend. Read more about our testing methodology
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Michelle Henry is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in state-of-the-art dermatology and dermatologic surgery.
- Shani Darden is a celebrity esthetician to the stars whose clients include Jessica Alba, Kelly Rowland, and Shay Mitchell.
- Naoko Scintu is a London-based international makeup artist and beauty consultant, who counts Kate Hudson, Florence Pugh, and Mikey Madison as clients