The Best Face Mists are the Secret to Reviving Dull Skin—Even With Makeup

You would not be incorrect to think that the beauty industry is constantly revealing a new must-have product to add to your routine, but that said, using the best face mist for you will actually serve you well.

“Apart from feeling refreshed, face mists formulated with the right ingredients can be beneficial for the skin,” says New York City–based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, citing hyaluronic acid, rose water, aloe vera, and green tea extract as the nourishing ingredients to look out for. “By delivering these humectant ingredients straight to the skin, face mists can promote moisture retention and help the skin barrier reduce trans epidermal water loss.”

Vogue's Favorite Face Mists:

• For Makeup Application: Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist, $90
• For Mature Skin: iS Clinical Copper Firming Mist, $40
• For Glowing Skin: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, $48
• For Sensitive Skin: Avène Thermal Spring Water, $19
• For Poreless Skin: Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist, $49
• For Multipurpose Benefits: Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence, $116
• For Daily Use: Byoma Balancing Face Mist, $15
• For Traveling: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist, $44
• For Rosewater: Chantecaille Pure Rosewater, $37

In This Story

• How to Choose a Face Mist
• Meet The Experts

That said, these convenient spritzers boast benefits in skin care and makeup. A good face mist, according to Henry, can transform dry, dull skin into a radiant, glowing complexion, aid moisture retention, maintain the skin barrier, and provide a brightening effect. For this, celebrity esthetician to the stars Shani Darden shares this application tip: “You can use a facial mist in the morning after cleansing before applying your vitamin C serum and sunscreen, during the day anytime you need a refresh, and at night after cleansing before applying treatment products.” Whereas for makeup wear, pro makeup artist Naoko Scintu, who counts Kate Hudson, Florence Pugh, and Maude Apatow as clients, says a mist can add a first layer of hydration or a weightless dewiness to your look.

Can all skin types benefit from a facial mist? All of our experts say yes; just take a peek at the ingredients to determine which might be suitable for your skin. Whether you’re looking to hydrate, soothe, or protect the skin, read on to discover our edit of the best face mists to shop now.

Best for Makeup Application: Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist

• Why We Love It: When celebrity makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites gave us the inside scoop on how to make your foundation look like second skin, she advised us to “mist your foundation brush or sponge with a hydrating face mist” to boost moisture and blendability. For this, Chanel’s mist is just the ticket. Through a blend of camellia alba, blue ginger, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E, this antioxidant-rich mist delivers not only a refreshingly cool sensation, but ensures your skin is protected and quenched.
• Key Ingredients: Camellia alba, blue ginger, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E
• Best for: Dry skin, makeup prep

Best for Mature Skin: iS Clinical Copper Firming Mist

• Why We Love It: Per Darden, iS Clinical’s mist “is a great antioxidant mist featuring copper and resveratrol to firm and hydrate the skin, helping to offset premature aging.” Actor Emmy Rossum (also a client of Darden’s) is a fan of the formula too, spritzing herself with it in her 28-step beauty regimen. “I like it anytime you just feel like you need to reset,” she says. Through the ingredients the master esthetician mentioned coupled with botanically-sourced PCA and kola nut, this mist promises antioxidant protection to combat signs of aging—boosting skin’s firmness and elasticity.
• Key Ingredients: Copper tripeptide-1, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, green tea extract, chamomile extract
• Best for: Mature skin, preventative aging

Best for Glowing Skin: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

• Why We Love It: From its Dewy Skin Cream to its plumping serum, it is clear Tatcha knows a thing or two about glowing skin—an approach bolstered by this coveted mist that has captured the attention of editors, celebrities, and makeup artists alike. The mist promises to leave your face feeling “soft, dewy, and refreshed” through a blend of 20% botanical oils and humectants, Okinawa red algae, and hyaluronic acid. That said, it’s especially effective for dry skin types. “If you have very dry skin use an oil in water facial mist for added nourishment,” Scintu notes.
• Key Ingredients: Camellia japonica seed oil, glycerin, apricot kernel oil, castor oil, Okinawa red algae, hyaluronic acid
• Best for: Dry skin types looking for dewiness

Best for Free Radical Protection: Ilia Blue Light Protect + Set Mist

• Why We Love It: “By neutralizing the harmful free radicals on the skin, this Ilia face has antioxidant properties,” says Henry, of the ultra-fine mist powered by marine actives, mastic, and tara extract. She continues that, “it is a great face mist option for those wanting to protect their skin from air pollution, while also craving that rejuvenated finish.” Not to mention, it also works well as a setting spray.
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin C, caffeine, panthenol
• Best for: Dewy skin, makeup setting,

Best for Sensitive Skin: Avène Thermal Spring Water

• Why We Love It: If you were to take a dip in the Sainte-Odile Spring in the south of France, you may experience the relieving powers of this thermal spring water. Now, you can bask in its restorative properties right at home with this Avène mist. Boasting mineral and biological properties rich in postbiotic microflora, the ultra-fine mist promises to soothe, soften, and calm skin without irritation. In fact, the mist is composed of just two ingredients: thermal spring water and nitrogen.
• Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water
• Best for: Sensitive skin types, normal to dry skin types

Best for Skin Print: Caudalíe Eau de Beauté

• Why We Love It: Caudalie’s formula is an O.G. face mist for a great reason: it has long delivered that desired skin refresh.
• Skin Benefits: Infused with a cocktail of essential oils (mint, lemon balm, rosemary, and rose) alongside grape extract and orange flower water, this is the ultimate skin prep to tighten the look of pores—making it especially useful before makeup.
• Key Ingredients: Lemon balm leaf water, rose water, peppermint oil, benzyl alcohol
• Best for: Enlarged pores, normal to oily skin types

Best Hydrating: Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence

• Why We Love It: Do yourself a favor and add Tata Harper’s essence to cart. Led by hyaluronic acid in conjunction with rose, lavender, neroli hydrosols and a floral blend, this works overtime to enhance an array of skin concerns. Suitable under or over makeup, this potion addresses hydration, skin texture, and the look of wrinkles all while improving the absorption of skin treatments following its application.
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, rosa water, aloe vera leaf juice, sweet almond oil, sodium hyaluronate, citrus lemon peel oil, sunflower seed oil, apple extract, vitamin E, lactic acid
• Best for: Dry to textured skin types

Best for Irritated Skin: Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

• Why We Love It: Earlier this year, Tower 28’s hypochlorous acid spray took over TikTok and we just had to try it. Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint. Brand founder Amy Liu originally formulated it to calm inflammation, eczema, though it’s now loved to pacify redness, acne, rosacea, and even sunburn. There’s a similarly formulated serum too, which has also earned one Vogue editor’s stamp of approval.
• Key Ingredients: Water, sodium chloride, hypochlorous acid, citric acid, enlarged pores
• Best for: Acne-prone and irritated skin

Best for Purifying: Lesse Regeneration Mist

• Why We Love It: Lesse’s face mist is a refreshing formula that combines potent botanicals to hydrate, soothe, and rejuvenate. Key ingredients like antioxidant-rich Cacay Oil promote skin regeneration, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, while Aloe Vera and Chamomile Extract calm inflammation and provide deep hydration. The mist also features Niacinamide, a multitasking vitamin that brightens skin tone and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
• Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, cacay oil, niacinamide, chamomile extract, glycerin, orange flower water, panthenol, squalane, vitamin E
• Best for: Inflamed and irritated skin

Best for Cooling: Skin1004 Hyalu Cica Cloudy Mist

• Why We Love It: This K-beauty face mist offers a soothing and hydrating boost to the skin. The best part is its cooling effect, which is perfect for those who need a refreshing wake-up call in the morning (and a favorite of this writer, who’s definitely not a morning person). Hyaluronic Acid, a key ingredient for skin-plumping, helps to retain moisture and smooth fine lines. At the same time, cica works to calm irritation, while panthenol adds additional hydration, and niacinamide combats hyperpigmentation.
• Key Ingredients: Centella extract, hyaluronic acid, camellia sinensis leaf water, xylitol, ceramide NP
• Best for: Dry to irritated skin types

Best for Traveling: Summer Fridays
Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist

• Why We Love It: Long flights don’t just take a toll on the body and mind—your skin is affected, too. Summer Fridays keeps thirsty skin (and airplanes’ recycled air) in mind with their revitalizing spray to quench dryness during travels. Infused with aloe vera, this mist delivers instant hydration while calming irritation and redness—perfect for post-flight skin-care interventions. The mist also contains vitamin C to brighten the complexion and fight free radical damage, with added jojoba oil to maintain your skin’s moisture balance.
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, centella asiatica extract, panthenol, niacinamide, betaine, propanediol, citric acid, fragrance.
• Best for: Dry and dull skin types

Best for Gentle Exfoliation: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist

• Why We Love It: SkinCeuticals has the solution for those with sensitive, irritable skin needing extra TLC. Its Phyto Corrective Essence boasts a blend of potent botanical extracts to soothe irritation and rosiness. Designed to calm and balance, cucumber, thyme, and basil work together to reduce inflammation, while hyaluronic acid helps replenish moisture. The addition of glycolic acid in formula helps achieve a brighter and more even-toned complexion through gentle exfoliation.
• Key Ingredients: glycerin, centella asiatica extract, cucumber extract, thyme extract, basil extract, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid
• Best for: irritated to sensitive skin types, hyperpigmentation

Best for Natural Antioxidants: La Prairie Skin Caviar The Mist

• Why We Love It: Caviar, anyone? No scoop or cracker required here, because La Prairie’s luxurious facial mist is formulated caviar hydroessence and micro-nutrients to boost hydration. More than just a savory bite, the benefits of caviar applied topically rely on a powerful concoction of natural antioxidants and omega-3s to help reduce fine lines, support collagen production, and reduce inflamed skin.
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone, caviar extract, panthenol, vitamin E, citric acid
• Best for: Normal to dry skin types

Best Rosewater: Chantecaille Pure Rosewater

• Why We Love It: Chantecaille’s Pure Rosewater is a luxurious facial mist that delivers calming and hydrating benefits with every spritz. Formulated with pure, organic rosewater, it has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe redness and irritation while balancing the skin’s pH. Rosewater is also known for its antioxidant-rich composition, which helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. The mist leaves the skin feeling refreshed, while its subtle, delicate scent provides a sensory experience that promotes relaxation. Ideal for all skin types, this exquisite mist hydrates and revitalizes, leaving the complexion soft, dewy, and glowing.
• Key Ingredients: Rose water, glycerin, chamomile extract, citric acid
• Best for: Normal to irritated skin types

For Daily Use: Byoma Balancing Face Mist

• Why We Love It: Byoma’s face mist helps balance and restore your skin’s natural barrier with a powerful infusion of probiotics to encourage a healthy microbiome. Meanwhile, niacinamide helps reduce redness and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, with glycerin locking in moisture. Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive ones, this mist instantly refreshes and soothes, leaving the complexion calm, balanced, and visibly radiant. Plus, it’s a lightweight and non-greasy formula—perfect for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day.
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, citric acid
• Best for: Skin barrier repair, all skin types

Whether you’re craving a dewy glow, a matte finish, or in need of oil control to get your acne in check, a face mist is ideal for you. Choosing the right mist isn’t just about a refreshing spritz—it’s about finding the formula that matches your skin’s vibe. From hydrating to shine-controlling to soothing, each face mist is designed to tackle specific skin-care concerns and should complement your existing regiment. So, when shopping for your next mist, think about what your skin needs most. Need hydration? Look for ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin. Want to keep things matte and fresh? Opt for tea tree oil or salicylic acid. Everything else you need to know, below:

• Ingredients: When choosing the right face mist for your skin, looking for key ingredients that address your needs is essential. Consider whether you’re seeking hydration, soothing irritation, brightening your complexion, or preventing breakouts. If you’re after calming benefits, soothing mists typically contain ingredients like chamomile extract or aloe vera, which help reduce redness and irritation while providing hydration. For a brightening boost, formulas with vitamin C are a great option to help reduce hyperpigmentation and protect against environmental stressors. If you’re dealing with dryness or rough texture, hydrating mists with glycerin or squalene are ideal for locking in moisture and softening the skin without feeling greasy. For acne-prone or oily skin, ingredients salicylic acid, and niacinamide help control excess oil, prevent breakouts, and keep the skin clear and balanced. With the right combination of these ingredients, you can find a mist that perfectly complements your skin’s unique needs.
• Mist Type: Aside from the product itself, how it’s dispensed may differ depending on the bottle. Some mists may feature a fine and continuous a spray, delivering a steady stream of liquid for as long as you hold the top down (think Avène’s Thermal Spring Water). Alternatively, traditional spray bottles, like Tower 28’s hypochlorous acid spray, release a burst of misted liquid with each press of the cap.
• Finish: Like most beauty products, face mists come in different finishes and picking the right one for you depends entirely personal preference and your skin’s needs. If you're in search of a dewy finish, consider formulas packed with hydrating ingredients to give your skin a plump glow. For those who prefer a matte finish, fact mists that help control shine and balance oil production will do the trick. On the lighter side, face mists that deliver an airy fine mist, without a noticeable residue and are ideal for a quick pick-me-up.

• Dr. Michelle Henry is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in state-of-the-art dermatology and dermatologic surgery.
• Shani Darden is a celebrity esthetician to the stars whose clients include Jessica Alba, Kelly Rowland, and Shay Mitchell.
• Naoko Scintu is a London-based international makeup artist and beauty consultant, who counts Kate Hudson, Florence Pugh, and Mikey Madison as clients