Ever feel like there’s a new beauty ingredient you can’t stop seeing and hearing about? That all of the sudden it’s in every product and all over your Instagram feed? This is what our Beauty Buzzwords series is all about – to help you learn more about these mysterious ingredients and why everyone is raving about them.

Next up we’re taking a closer look at face mists. If you’re like me, you’ve probably asked yourself, do they actually do anything? The truth is they’re not all created equal, so I’m going to breakdown what separates fancy water in a nice bottle from the skin changing, glow creating options you definitely want to know about!

What are Face Mists?

A face mist is anything from a toner to a setting spray.  However, generally a face mist can be thought of as a liquid skincare step that has good for your skin ingredients in an easy mist application. They are most commonly used to provide moisture, to soothe skin, or to provide a little midday refresh.

But here’s the thing. To be effective, the mists have to include humectant ingredients, which are those that retain water. Great ingredients to look for are lactic acid, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid for their water binding properties that help to hold in moisture. If the primary ingredient is water and it does not have humectant ingredients, even though it may feel refreshing, the water will evaporate and can make skin even drier.

What are the Benefits of Face Mists?

The benefits are really going to depend on the ingredients in each specific product. Some great ones to look for are those that provide moisture, like an oil, rosewater which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with redness, as well as aloe for soothing irritated skin. A few key things to definitely avoid are alcohol and tea tree oil – both will further dry out skin.

How do You Use a Face Mist?

The best time to use a face mist is after you’ve washed your face and right before you apply a serum, moisturizer, or face oil. Another great option is to use it as a midday refresher when your skin or makeup is feeling a little dull.

These are two of my favourite face mists.

My Favourite Face Mists:

Pure Anada Marine Mineral Toner – This pH balanced face mist is formulated with super hydrating hyaluronic acid, aloe, and sea minerals. Plus, it is SO affordable!

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner – This mist is perfect for when your skin needs a little extra attention or is feeling irritated. It’s full of healing ingredients like chamomile and rosewater that will soothe and calm skin.

Do you use a face mist as part of your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments!