This Beauty Product Is Often Overlooked, But Editors Swear by It for Glowy Skin

While to many, a face mist may seem like a surplus product in their skincare routine, ask any beauty editor (myself included), and I can practically guarantee they’ll wax lyrical about the fact that they’d never be without one.

To prove this point, I just glanced across the desks of two fellow editors to take stock of the products currently fanned across their desks: alongside a lip balm and a smattering of exciting new beauty launches, both have a face mist within reaching distance, ready to be spritzed at a moment's notice. Why? Well, the best face mists have the power to not only hydrate the skin, but also soothe, firm, set makeup — the list goes on — as well as provide a refreshing boost for both the mind and body.

It’s for this reason that a face mist is the one beauty product that I find myself reaching for far more than any other. In the summer, it provides a cooling dose of hydration to sun-warmed skin, while during the winter months, a face mist combats the effects wind, rain and central heating can have on your complexion.

Plus, after I have gone through a phase of using face mists religiously, when I fall out of the rhythm, I can't help but notice that my skin lacks a certain glow. While face mists were once little more than a refreshing spritz used to cool our skin down on hot days, now the formulas mean business. They're packed with skin-loving ingredients that deliver radiance and that "lit from within" look.

And let’s not ignore the ease with which a face mist can be applied. Apply to clean skin after cleansing, over makeup or throughout the day for an on-the-go boost. Trust me, there really is no skincare product simpler.

How to Choose a Face Mist

So, how do you choose the right face mist for you? To find that out, I asked consultant dermatologist and skin ageing expert, Dr Sidra Khan.

"Face mists can provide a refreshing boost and short-term hydration, particularly if they contain humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Some formulations also include soothing ingredients such as thermal water or panthenol, which can calm sensitive or irritated skin," she told me. "[When choosing a face mist] check the ingredient list rather than the marketing. Opt for mists with hydrating and soothing agents, and avoid those high in alcohol or fragrance if your skin is prone to dryness or sensitivity. It’s worth remembering that a mist should complement your routine, not replace your moisturiser or other products."

So, which face mists should we be using? I've created an edit of 12 of my favourite formulas designed to suit a multitude of skin needs. Keep scrolling to see them all...

How I Tested the Best Face Mists

If you haven’t guessed it already, I’m a big fan of a face mist, and so, over the years, I’ve put many formulas to the test. As a result, I’ve discovered what makes a great mist and which ones fail to stand the test of time in my routine. For an insight into what it takes to be dubbed one of the best face mists, here’s what I look for:

• Does my skin feel hydrated after use?
• Does it live up to its skincare claims, whether that’s setting makeup, boosting glow or firming skin?
• Does it apply easily and smoothly?
• Is it a fair price?

The Best Face Mists, Tried & Tested

• Best energising face mist: Wildsmith Skin Super Energising Treatment Mist, (£40)
• Best glowy face mist: By Terry Hyaluronic Glow Setting Mist, (£39)
• Best relaxing face mist: Ozmorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist, (£65)
• Best blemish-fighting face mist: Neutrogena Clear & Soothe Toning Mist, (£7)
• Best dewy face mist: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, (£48)

1. Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray

2. Wildsmith Skin Super Energising Treatment Mist

3. By Terry Hyaluronic Glow Setting Mist

4. Curel Deep Moisture Spray

5. Valmont Primary Veil

6. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist

7. Elemis Pro-Collagen Toning Mist

8. Neutrogena Clear & Soothe Toning Mist

9. Oskia City Life Facial Mist

10. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

11. Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist

12. Caudalie Beauty Elixir

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.