Why it’s worth arming yourself with a face mist this summer, at home and abroad …
There are mists for everything now, from SPF to self-tan. Spray and go is a quick way to do things. And it’s simple. At this time of year, a straightforward face mist that’s refreshing and hydrating can be a great idea, helping to keep skin hydrated, as well as giving us a general perk-up after the caffeine has worn off. Try trading your afternoon coffee – the one that makes you sleep badly – for a face mist instead.
While face mists are not an essential skincare step – if you have any spare cash to spend on your skin this week, absolutely make it an SPF, no question (see more here). But for a beauty treat a mist makes a good step after cleansing (both morning and evening), as well as to spritz over make-up any time during the day, for a bit of an instant lift; many have anti-pollution benefits, too. Star make-up artist Lisa Eldridge (who opens her first permanent beauty counter at Selfridges in London on June 1) has just launched a Skin and Makeup Enhancing Mist (€45, www.lisaeldridge.com) as a savvy way to help give skin a glow. As one of the first things to launch in her skincare collection, along with a cleanser, she is taking mists seriously, and so are we.
I keep one on my desk and in my bag, and take a mini version travelling – they can be handy when you’re hot and flustered in the airport queues.
Six face mists I’ve tried and rate include:
1 Clarins Fix Make-Up spray, in its pink glass bottle, is the dressing-table spray of choice, with its soothing rose geranium scent (€30, www.clarins.ie).
2 Ultraceuticals Ultra Hydrating Skin Mist is cooling and not too scented, in a generous 150ml for €42.50. At selected salons and www.ultraceuticals.com.
3 Irish unisex skincare brand G5 Cosmetique has a good tall bottle of cooling spray, The Mist, powered by their MMST molecule, which helps to promote natural collagen production. And the range is formulated and made in Ireland. This is a good one for the gym bag, and decent value for 100ml at €25, www.g5-hc.com.
4 Another homegrown one is Mervue Organic Hydrating Floral Mist with hyaluronic acid. Lots of rose damascena water in here and also aloe vera, and fruit extracts. It’s Cosmos Organic certified and is made in Galway. €29.95 (100ml) at pharmacies nationwide and www.mervuenaturalskincare.com.
5 Chanel N°1 de Chanel Revitalising Serum-in-Mist is a clever way to do skincare – this anti-pollution spray-on serum features the protective benefits of the camellia extract, and this is a lovely way to apply it – both refreshing and brightening. A great skin wake-up call before going out. €79 at Brown Thomas.
6 Frances Prescott Tri Spritz is a useful mini spray to travel with. I have refilled this bottle too, as it delivers such a nice fine mist of moisture – unlike some, that blast you into submission. There is some alcohol in there, which isn’t ideal, but it’s mainly made up of gentle waters (orange blossom, witch hazel, rose flower) and seed extract and oils. It works as an anti-pollution shield, too. €40 (50ml), eu.formulaeprescott.com.
Main featured image Isabel Marant via Jason Lloyd Evans.
