As those who know me can attest, there’s one product I can’t get enough of: mist. Many a friend, boyfriend or airplane seat mate has given me the side eye when I pull out a random bottle of liquid and spray it all over my face. But the joke’s on them! Everyone can use a mist. Here’s why…
First things first: Mist feels great. It tones your skin and makes your face glow. Mists are like a sweet ocean breeze blowing through the dry Sahara that is your office cubicle. They’re like coconut water for your face. (Are you convinced yet?)
“But aren’t mists just for summer?” asked one not-yet-converted friend. The answer is nay. Mists are just as useful in the colder months — I would argue even more so. When your skin is ravaged by wind and cold, then forced to spend hours in rooms with artificial heating (aren’t you looking forward to winter?), mist will become your best friend.
If you’re ready to get misting, here are four great options:
The gateway: Glossier Soothing Face Mist
This spray is like the gateway drug of face mists. It’s so simple, so unassuming, with its minimal packaging and subtle rose scent… then before you know it, you’re hooked. I like to spray it after I’ve washed my face, to prep my skin for absorbing moisturizer and makeup.
The glamorous: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
The fancy purple bottle dispenses the tiniest droplets of water, like you just walked through a cloud, and leaves behind a subtle, hard-to-describe glow. You feel a bit like a water nymph or an attractive elf or whatever Liv Tyler plays in The Lord of the Rings. Luminous indeed.
The classic: Caudalie Beauty Elixir
This French product is the seminal mist — it’s like the NARS Orgasm of face mists, if you will. Part toner, part serum, it promises to smooth skin and tighten pores. Cooling and refreshing, this one’s the perfect pick-me-up when you’re heading into a tricky situation, like a job interview or dinner with your in-laws.
The pinch hitter: Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol
This was my little buddy all summer long, and it shall remain by my side through the fall. The bottle is small, but lasts forever. I keep it in my bag and spritz whenever I’m feeling dry, sweaty, out of sorts, tired, hungry, hangry… you name it. The herbaceous scent leaves you feeling fresh-faced and ready to face whatever’s next. You can even spray it over makeup for a dewy glow, any time of day.
Are you acquainted with mist? Would you like to try it?
P.S. Fall nail polish and another daily necessity.
(Photos by Nicki Sebastian for Cup of Jo.)