Reasons to love facial mists: more than just a trend

 

a partial collection of facial mists

Contrary to popular belief, facial mists are a lot more useful and hydrating than most people think.

My love for facial mists runs deep. Ever since I was introduced to them during a trip to Hong Kong back in 2008 (back when the Evian water spray was all the rage), I’ve been hooked. It was love at first spritz. From that moment on, anytime my skin felt even the slightest bit dry, I found myself reaching for one. Over the years, they’ve become one of the most versatile and comforting parts of my skincare routine.

Evian facial mist

What I’ve learned is that not all facial mists are created equal, and that’s actually a good thing. Some are infused with vitamin C to brighten dull skin, others contain serum-like ingredients to treat dehydration or irritation, and a few are designed to help combat blue light exposure from screens. While their added benefits can vary, all facial mists share one thing in common: they deliver an immediate layer of hydration that feels both refreshing and nourishing.

Every facial mist has its own benefits :)

Here’s why I keep going back to them:

• Lightweight and fast-absorbing – Facial mists are incredibly light and sink into the skin quickly without feeling heavy or greasy.

• Easy to integrate into any routine – Whether it’s morning or night, pre- or post-makeup, they’re easy to slot into any skincare step.

• Makeup-friendly – One of the best things is that they can be sprayed over makeup to freshen up your look without disturbing anything underneath.

• Extra hydration boost – They give your skin that extra “moisture ump” when it needs a quick quench—especially helpful in dry climates or air-conditioned environments.

• Targeted benefits – Many mists now offer targeted solutions like antioxidant protection, barrier repair, or skin-soothing ingredients.

That being said, one of my biggest frustrations with facial mists and skincare in general is the short product cycles they tend to have. Just when I find one I really love and incorporate it into my routine, it gets discontinued.

It’s not that the product isn’t good; in fact, it is quite the opposite. Many of these mists are genuinely effective, well-formulated, and even gain loyal followings. But for some reason, companies tend to quietly pull them off the shelves. Whether it’s due to rebranding, reformulation, or shifting marketing priorities, it’s incredibly disappointing for long-time users. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to start from scratch, trying to find a replacement for a mist I had finally grown attached to.

It makes maintaining a consistent routine difficult when your staples are constantly disappearing. And in a market that thrives on novelty and trends, tried-and-true formulas often don’t get the shelf life they deserve.

Still, despite the ups and downs, facial mists remain one of my favourite skincare steps. Don’t underestimate the power of a good mist—it might seem simple, but your skin will thank you.

Click here to see a list of facial mists I have used and loved in the past.

St. Ives Hydrating Face Mist Grapefruit short review

St. Ives Grapefruit hydrating facial mist

(I wrote this a few months back and forgot to post it! Apologies in advance... Hope you can still find it and use it during your dry cold heater months!)

Hello, hot weather, and AC dry skin! This is the perfect formula for skin discomfort.

I notice that every year around this time, I go hunting for facial mists, and to my disappointment, the mists I used to love always seem to be discontinued. So, I’m always on the hunt. This year, I found one from St. Ives and chose their Grapefruit scent—partly because it smells good and partly because grapefruit-scented facial products are rare.

The formula is paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, and not tested on animals, which I really appreciate. It contains 100% natural grapefruit extract, and each spray dispenses a generous amount—usually just 2–3 sprays are enough to cover and hydrate my face thoroughly.

A spritz of this facial mist contains an infusion of grapefruit, peach, and orange. Although the formula is nothing fancy, it is more than adequate for what I want it to do: moisturize and add hydration to my skin. I also really love the scent—it feels refreshing and cheerful.

First Impressions:

• Light and airy
• Hydrates well
• Leaves skin feeling smooth
• Scent lingers for about 10 minutes

Summary & Thoughts:
This facial mist works well for all skin types, but it’s especially useful when your skin feels a bit dehydrated throughout the day. There aren’t many comparable products on the market, but this one delivers impressive results: my skin feels very smooth, hydrated, and the effects are surprisingly long-lasting for a spray. I am extremely glad I bought it and hope it will still be available when I finish this bottle!

Conclusion:
Overall, I’d recommend this mist if you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and effective way to refresh and hydrate your skin. It’s lightweight, gentle, and cheerful, perfect for daily use, especially in hot weather or when indoor heating dries out your skin. While it’s not revolutionary, it does exactly what it promises—and sometimes, that’s all you need.

innisfree Olive Real Oil Mist review

I was introduced to this product by a Korean Skincare Youtuber called KRBoy. He mentioned this product during his skincare routine video. This is the first product I decided to try that was introduced by KRBoy and I liked it.

About this mist:

This is a facial mist that is enriched with extra virgin olive oil from Crete Island. 

According to Innisfree, this is a two-phase deep hydrating oil mist with Olive Power Activator (which contains vitamin E and tocopheryl acetate) which enables it to powerfully moisturize for dry skin and improve skin suppleness and create moisture.

The recommendation is to use this product whenever your skin feels dry and pat on your skin. It can be used before or after makeup.

You need to shake the product before using it (this is a very important step, the mist didn't work too well the few times I forgot to).

impressions:

• smells like oranges (but doesn't linger)
• a few (3-5 pumps) is enough
• very light but works really well
• spray amount can be inconsistent
• spray direction shifts (despite the arrow)
• skin feels instantly moisturized
• works well with dehydrated skin
• not oily

I'm not sure whether there was a defect in mine's or whether it happens to every other one... but the spray dispenses an inconsistent amount of product each time. 

Aside from the defect, I love this mist. I love how it moisturizes my skin (both when it is dry and when it is dehydrated). It is extremely lightweight and does not give a weird oily finish. The light orange aroma evaporates as you pat the product into your skin.

Score: 9.5/10

Website: https://www.innisfree.com/sg/en/product/productView.do?prdSeq=10028

Two Mists and One Moisturizer Mask friendly Routine

 

With the Pandemic still ongoing, masks are making it very difficult to pile on thicker products. Thicker products tend to build up along the edges of the mask and as a result, some areas of the face have too much product and others parts (particularly the mouth area) have none. So after trial and error, this is the routine that works for me!

I have been this for almost a month now and not a pimple in sight (my skin is soft, so soft). You don't have to use the exact same products I mentioned, but these were the ones that I had available and worked for me.

Refresher - Kiehl's Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist ($36 USD)

The purpose of this step is to wake up your skin and allow it to feel "refreshed", softened and moistened so it will be ready to accept and absorb products easily. I like this mist because it not only does what I want it to do, but it also helps my skin retain and adds in moisture while being lightweight at the same time. There is a slight stickiness but it goes away within minutes and won't transfer to your mask.

Serum (optional)

If you must apply a serum this is the step to do it. This step is optional and is needed only if your skin has very specific needs (e.g. dark spots, or very specific fixes). I didn't suggest a product since this is for those who must use a serum and everyone's needs are different. 

This is the most ideal step to apply a serum because the first mist has already softened your skin and allows it to absorb products (while the next step will seal everything in).

Hydrator and Barrier - innisfree Olive Real Oil Mist ($12 USD)

The purpose of this step is to seal everything and making sure that there is a protective barrier. Innisfree's Olive Real Oil Mist does this. The olive oil not only hydrates the skin but also creates a small protective layer. I chose this mist because it doesn't leave any residue or oily gunk, like a lot of facial oils do. 

Moisturizer (optional)

Preferably for drier climates and days, you feel you just need a little more of a boost. If you find the need to apply a moisturizer, this will be the step to do it. I only do this once a while (as in... once a week or less).

Since the second mist already hydrates and provides a good barrier... this step is optional and only if you feel the need (listen... or... feel your skin and see what it wants) I usually only add in this step if my skin is still very dry after the second mist or I know the humidity levels will be very low (e.g. in a room full of AC). I wouldn't suggest adding this step as part of this regular routine because moisturizers can leave residue and defeat the purpose of this routine. 

Hope this helps :)

Kiehl's Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist review

Hello, my beautiful friends, sorry for being MIA for so long! I try to update my daily blog but I haven't had the motivation to try and test out new products. I have been using this hydrating mist for two years now and I decided I am confident to give a review.

French version/side of the product

This is the first Kiehl's product I have featured on my blog but it isn't the first one I have used nor will it be my last. 

What is this mist

This is a cooling refreshing spray/mist which purifies and hydrates skin. 

It is perfect for hydrating your skin when you wake up, or when your skin feels dry during the day. 

It is formulated with Cactus flower which is a good skin refresher and Tibetan ginseng which increases skin cell respiration. According to Kiehl's, this formula helps skin maintain its essential moisture to keep it soft and smooth. This product doesn't contain any Parabens. 

This mist can be used under or over makeup to keep skin hydrated especially in dry environments (where you need to turn on your AC or heater).

It supports natural skin-cell respiration and helps maintain essential moisture to keep it soft and smooth while detoxifying and protecting skin from environmental aggressors.

The full ingredient list:

• Cactus Flower: Moisturizes and supports natural skin moisture. 
• Tibetan Ginseng: Invigorates skin and protects against environmental aggressors. 
• Geranium, Lavender and Rosemary: Soothe skin. 

Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycerinpeg-40, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil / Lavender Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower, Oil Linalool, Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus, Indica Flower Extract, Citronellol Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil / Rosemary Leaf Oil, Geraniol Phenoxyethanol, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Ethylhexyl, Glycerin, Citral, Limonene.

How to use:

There isn't a set rule or instruction but this is what I use when I feel my skin is dry or after I wake up.

on your dry skin, spray 3-5 times and use your fingers to massage the product into your face. 

First impressions:

• has a very essential oil scent (can be a pro or a con for some people)
• very light
• works immediately
• skin absorbs this product nicely (but I always massage my face with my fingers to help it absorb better)
• quenches skin
• effects (soft and smooth) last for a while but would recommend using a moisturizer after
• a slightly sticky residue remains on hands (not a fan of this)

I am a big fan of aromatic/essential oils, so I am used to this type of scent, however, I feel some might find the scent a bit too strong. It will take a while to get used to it. The scent will go away in 5 minutes of using it so don't worry about it lingering. 

Despite the mist containing a lot of oils, it does not feel "oily" at all, in fact, if I haven't checked the ingredients list, I wouldn't have known it contains any oil. 

Because of its lightness, the product is able to go under the dry skin barrier and replenish your skin. It somehow moisturizes the inside and hydrates your skin from the inside to the outside making your skin feel soft and smooth. It reminds me of how ionic hair dryers dry your hair from the core and works its way to the outside... except this product moisturizes your skin from the inside to the outside.

I really like this spray and highly recommend it.

score: 9.3/10

website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skincare/facial-toners/cactus-flower-tibetan-ginseng--hydrating-mist/WW0016KIE.html

I Dew Care Thirst Things First Revitalizing Vitamin C Mist Mask review

After having a great experience with face mists, specifically, Korean facial mists, I couldn't pass on this product! This mist retails for $29 (CAD)

Production Description: 

아이듀케어 써스트 띵스 퍼스트 I DEW CARE THIRST THINGS FIRST

Take skin from dull to dewy in just one spritz with this refreshing, bi-phase mist-mask featuring a water base formulated with Vitamin C-rich pomegranate extract and a moisturizing layer made with lemon peel oil.

DISTRIBUTED BY Memebox Corp. San Francisco, CA 94103

MADE IN KOREA

Benefits: 

• A Vitamin C brightening serum with a lightweight, jelly-like formula that gives skin a plumper look.
• Infused with nourishing Vitamin C to boost radiance, improve skin tone, and protect against environmental stressors. As well as Vitamin E and B5 conditions to help replenish moisture levels and relieve dryness. 
• Enriched with antioxidant-rich grapefruit extract to reduce visible signs of premature aging over time.

Ingredients:

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Tromethamine, Sodium Citrate, Cyanocobalamin, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Menadione, Biotin, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Thiamine HCl, Fragrance.

Directions:

Use throughout the day to take the complexion from dull to dewy

1. Shake the bottle to mix the oil and water into an emulsion. 

2. Close the eyes, then mist onto the face and neck daily.

As an alternative:

Use at night as a leave-on mask.

 impressions:

• has a very light lemony scent (but disappears in a matter of seconds)
• very refreshing (face felt plump)
• very light (no oily residue)
• spray dispenses product in a vertical line

I was a little disappointed that since it contains vitamin C, it is in a clear bottle (making the product vulnerable to sunlight and being spoiled) so I have saved its box and kept the bottle in the box right after I finish spraying my face with it.

I really like this spray, it makes my face feel very plump. I recommend applying a moisturizer afterward though. This spray paired with a moisturizer keeps your skin very happy and plump.... but without a moisturizer, I feel the moisture leaving my face within half an hour. A moisturizer will help lock the spray's goodness (e.g. vitamin C, oils, antioxidants, etc) into your skin allowing them to stay and penetrate not only the surface but also underneath.

This spray has definitely made my skin glow, dewy and plump... I highly recommend it!

Score: 9.2/10
Website: https://idewcare.com/products/thirst-things-first?_pos=6&_sid=fedbb6fa3&_ss=r

Comparison: Korean Facial Mists: InnisFree vs I Dew Care

After writing up my review for I Dew Care's Thirst Things First Revitalizing Vitamin C Mist Mask, I thought it would be a good idea to compare it with Innisfree's Olive Real Oil Mist. 

	I Dew Care	Innisfree
Containers	Fatter, shorter	✓Slicker, thinner, taller, easy to grasp
Spray Quality	✓the spray works really well and the aim is on point. ✓the spray gives a satisfying amount of product depending on how long you press the dispenser ✓the spray also sprays vertically allowing produce to properly disperse over the face	the spray works well, but aiming needs a bit of a learning curve the spray only dispenses a set amount each time the spray only sprays in one small spot
Scent	very light lemon scent (barely there), doesn't leave any scent on the face	strong lemon, similar to essential oil, but disappears within a few seconds
Consistency	very lightweight feels lighter than water	thicker, closer to a serum
Effectiveness	leave skin with a plump and moist texture	hydrates skin
Price	$28 CAD	✓$16 CAD
Amount of Product	80ml	80ml

Both are very similar and does what it advertises. I was impressed with how I Dew Care instantly made my face feel so plump and moist. Innisfree's is also good as it hydrates the skin but the effects are not as long-lasting as I Dew Care's. 

Innisfree's is almost half the price of I Dew Care's for the same amount. 

Hope this comparison helps you decide on which product is suitable for your needs.