When it comes to skin-care essentials, you may think facial mists belong in the take-it-or-leave-it pile. Some might even wonder if they’re even worth the money and time. But never underestimate the moisturizing power of a facial mist. Depending on the active ingredients in its formula, it can be a valuable addition to your beauty arsenal during the fall (when the air is cooler and more dry), especially if you have sensitive skin.
Best of all? A moisturizing mist has even more benefits if it’s been refrigerated. “If you have facial redness, rosacea, are post-procedure, or have sensitive skin, using a face mist that has been refrigerated at a cooler temperature is not only more refreshing,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, MD FAAD. “But it can also help to lessen redness since it helps to constrict tiny blood vessels in our face, the same way that applying ice water to a burned area lessens redness and discomfort.”
All of this leads me to my go-to facial mist: The Everyday Humans Take Five Reviving Aloe Facial Mist ($15). I started using it a few months ago, and it’s become a staple in my beauty regimen ever since. It’s super hydrating and helps my skin feel more supple throughout the day. But it also delivers on way more than that, thanks to its thoughtful list of ingredients.
The formula uses hyaluronic acid to pack in moisture, while different desert extracts like licorice and baobab seed oil are used to calm any signs of irritation. But it’s the aloe vera that really makes the formula sing. The plant extract is a natural source of antioxidants and has a ton of anti-inflammatory properties that help moisturize and soothe your skin. Plus, it’s one heck of a hydrating ingredient.
“Aloe vera can help replenish dehydration in oily, acne prone skin,” says Dr. Loretta. “Aloe is a humectant, which means it is able to hold many times its weight in water to hydrate, smooth and even plump up the skin surface. ”
That said, I’ve been using the mist as a shortcut for getting glazed donut skin à la Hailey Bieber. You know, when your skin is so deeply nourished and hydrated that it appears to have a glistening appearance? The look usually involves layering multiple moisturizing products on your face before you go to bed. But I recently found that using this mist is an easy way to achieve the super glossy look in under 10 seconds.
First, you start by spraying three or four pumps onto your face. The mist is so fine that it doesn’t drench your skin. In fact, it’s so lightweight that I could barely feel it. It absorbs immediately and leaves my skin feeling instantly hydrated without looking oily. I personally like to use it after I apply my SPF as the final touches to seal in my skin care.
The mist has a very light, refreshing scent, which is neither overpowering or irritating for those with sensitive skin. All in all, it gave my face a dewy and much brighter appearance without looking greasy, which I consider a huge win for my acne-prone skin.
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