If you’re searching for a guilt-free way to itch your skincare shopping addiction with something you actually need, let it be on a hydrating face mist this summer. With higher temperatures and more time spent in the sun, your skin is prone to dehydration and practically begging for H2O, which takes a face mist from a want to a must-have (you’re welcome).Â
Plus, most face mists have so much more to offer than the gorge glow that comes from perfectly hydrated skin. They can also protect against sun damage, keep the skin’s pH level steady, set your makeup, de-frizz your hair, increase collagen, the list goes on… So, if you choose one that multitasks, they’re a smart investment guaranteed to save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for seperate products for different goals.
Now that we’ve agreed face mists are a valuable addition to your ever-growing skincare collection, here are 8 of the best hydrating face mists for summer you’ll feel good about spending your hard-earned cash on.
8 of The Best Face Mists 2025
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
If you’re looking for a hydrating face mist that also doubles up as a makeup setting spray, look no further than Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Your makeup won’t budge even on the hottest of summer days whilst preventing dehydration. Packed with antioxidant-rich grape water, soothing essential oils, and a hint of minty coolness, you’ll be instantly protected and refreshed.
Jojoba Water Toning Mist
Jojoba Water Toning Mist is a summer staple you’ll whip out over and over again as it’s loaded with antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals – chaos-causing atoms, molecules, or ions with missing parts – produced by UV rays. Too many free radicals lead to early fine lines and wrinkles over time, especially if you catch rays like it’s your full-time job.
Combined with the collagen-boosting and cell-renewing effects of vitamin C, this hydrating facial mist will top up the skin’s moisture levels whilst preventing premature signs of ageing.
Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water
If you’re in the sensitive skin squad, Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water is your BFF come summer. It reduces sensitivity by a whopping 30% in 5 minutes and brings your skin’s temperature down by 2 degrees in 3 minutes – ideal for a long day of fun in the sun.
This hydrating face mist is made with pure thermal spring water sourced directly from the Cevennes Mountains in France, so it’s naturally enriched with minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, without any added nastiness.Â
Saya Rose Hydrating Mist
For those who adore anything rose-scented, Saya Rose Hydrating Mist is one you’ll want to add to your cart ASAP. Whisking you away to a beautiful rose garden from wherever you’re spritzing, it’s a delight for your senses and your skin.Â
This sweet-smelling formula is packed with multi-weight hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate several layers of skin for up to 72 hours – it takes hydration very seriously. You’ll also find soothing aloe vera and chamomile for quick relief, calming irritation and redness caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater
You’ve probably heard of this one once or twice (or a whole bunch of times) before, and for good reason. This budget-friendly, thirst-quenching face mist by Mario Badescu earned its iconic status for doing it all – face mist, toner, makeup setting spray, and can even be used on hair without robbing a bank.
How can it possibly be good for your skin and hair, you ask? Well, it contains hydrating ingredients that are also hearted by your hair. Aloe vera hydrates and softens strands to tame frizz (hi, humidity!), rosewater corrects the scalp’s pH level, and herbs increase blood circulation, bringing more nutrients to the scalp for the healthiest hair of your entire life.Â
Vanessa Megan Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining Toner
Attention: Calling all oily-skinned gals! Vanessa Megan Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining Toner is the face mist for you. We repeat, we’ve found a face mist that does the most for oily skin. The one-ingredient formula features the highest quality of Bulgarian organic roses to balance sebum production, a naturally produced oil that moisturises the skin produced more by oily skin types, without stripping the skin. With each use, it helps combat breakouts by tightening pores to prevent sebum and other gunk from getting trapped, whilst its antibacterial properties offer additional support.
Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol
We couldn’t talk about the best face mists without mentioning the Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol by Aesop. If you like to collect passport stamps as much as you do skincare, it’s the perfect travel companion for frequent flyers this summer.Â
Rose petals, bergamot peels, and chamomile buds work in harmony to make the dream team. Rose petals hydrate and calm irritated skin whilst bergamot peels have antibacterial and clarifying properties to brighten and cleanse. Chamomile buds are known for their anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing effects, so you can focus on being sun-kissed, not sunburnt.
Ella Baché Rose Hydration Mist
The Ella Bache Rose Hydration Mist is extremely lightweight and non-sticky, so it won’t disturb your makeup or leave any residue behind. Supercharged with rose water and hyaluronic acid, it delivers instant and long-term hydration.
You’ll also benefit from its marine botanical extracts that ignite skin cells to boost collagen production, promote skin cell renewal, speed up healing, and strengthen the skin barrier to keep the bucketload of moisture that hyaluronic acid brings in. Dewiness for days? Yes, please.
Face Mist FAQs
How do you apply a face mist?
- Hold the bottle about 15-20cm from your face.Â
- Close your eyes to avoid irritation from the mist.
- Spray in a light, even mist starting from the center of your face and working outwards. Make sure you cover all areas, including forehead, cheeks, nose, chin.
- Let it absorb naturally. Don’t try to rub it in or you’ll transfer it onto your hands instead. The mist will quickly settle on your skin itself.
Can you apply a face mist on top of makeup?
You can apply a face mist on top of makeup, but less is more. You want your skin to glow, not be soaking wet. Start off with a few spritzes, adding more if needed. It’s easier to respritz than redo your makeup. Trust.
If you’re wearing makeup on top of oily/combo skin, blot/powder first to remove excess oil. We also recommend a lighter application to avoid highlighting shine, particularly in the T-zone.
When else can you apply a face mist?
Face mists can also be applied to the skin after serum but before moisturiser for better absorption. Hydrated skin is more permeable than dry skin and will let more moisture through if you dampen the skin with a face mist first.
What’s the difference between face mist and toner?
A face mist is a lightweight spray designed to hydrate and refresh the skin throughout the day. A quick pick-me-up that can be used on naked skin or over the top of makeup.
Whereas a toner is a skincare step used after cleansing to remove leftover impurities and prepare it for other products. Unless it’s a toning mist like the ones we’ve mentioned above, it can’t be used with makeup on.
Can you use a face mist every day?
It’s A-OK to use a face mist daily. In fact, we’d advise that you do as your skin’s moisture levels will decline from AM to PM.
During the day, moisture will evaporate from the skin into the environment, otherwise known as trans-epidermal water loss. TEWL for short. Your skin has a barrier made of cells and lipids (fats) to prevent this from happening, but it can get overwhelmed sometimes, particularly by UV rays as they break down the lipids that hold onto moisture.Â
Using a face mist daily will help to replace lost moisture and reinforce the skin’s barrier to hold onto it.
