Why facial mists aren’t just a summer beauty solution

The poet Keats may not specifically have had facial mists in mind when he called autumn the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, but there are plenty of reasons to work them into your existing regime right now.

‘Facial mists are one of the quickest, easiest ways to top up your skincare during the day as and when your skin reacts to different environmental aggressions,’ says skin expert Fiona Brackenbury. But with our bathroom shelves already groaning under the weight of various creams, serums, lotions and potions do we really need a mist too?

‘Many people think facial mists are simply a nice add-on without realising just how effective they can be as part of your skincare routine,’ says Fiona. ‘So much more than just a cooling, refreshing, spritz of water, they are also a great way to supercharge your skincare ingredients while aiding the absorption of certain extracts and delivering a burst of hydration to support the skin in creating a healthy microbiome.’

And as many double as finishing sprays to set makeup or refresh your look throughout the day, they also serve as the perfect multi-tasking pick-me-up. Time to hit refresh…

Best for quenching parched complexions

‘This time of year is when facial mists come into their own,’ says Fiona. ‘A lot of people see them as a summer essential but they are just as effective in autumn and winter.’

As soon as the central heating goes on the moisture in the air is lowered and the skin becomes thirstier and drier. Facial mists help maintain the skins’ hydration equilibrium. ‘They are the perfect adjunct to skincare that contains hyaluronic acid as this is an ingredient which draws moisture into the skin and keeps it there,’ says Fiona. ‘Adding a hydrating mist into your routine is a great way to ensure your skin fully benefits from all the super hydrating, plumping benefits that hyaluronic acid can deliver.’

Best for pepping up tired skin

There’s no speedier way to add a glug of hydration to your skin than spritzing a facial mist but when exactly is the best time to spray? ‘If you’re suffering from dehydrated, parched, and thirsty skin, you should be spritzing your facial mists after cleansing and toning and before your serum to help deliver those all-important actives as moist skin is more permeable,’ says Fiona. ‘Be sure to top up during the day when you feel your skin becoming tighter, especially in the afternoon. The key is listening to your skin and reacting with a spritz of facial mist before your skin becomes stressed.’

Best for brightening

No matter your skin type or complexion complaint, there’s a mist full of skin-loving ingredients to suit you. ‘With an array of facial mists available from peptide-enriched formulations to moisture quenching hyaluronic acid sprays and pre and probiotic spritzes there really is something for every need and every routine,’ confirms Fiona. So what’s your spritz style?

Best for soothing upsets

Best for nurturing winter-weary skin

Main image: Getty Images