As a longtime beauty writer, I’ve tested more face mists than I could possibly count—and for every imaginable reason: hydration, makeup setting, blue light protection, you name it. Over the years, I’ve watched them evolve from simple spritzes into sophisticated, intentional formulas that feel like a godsend for the specific skin types they’re designed to serve. The best face mists today are so much more than a quick refresh. Many deliver a bevy of benefits in just a few spritzes, while others boast pared-back, purposeful ingredient lists designed with the most irritated, sensitive skin in mind. The key is finding the one that’s perfect for you.
If you’re new to the face mist category entirely, I’ll let a pro give you the quick rundown. "Face mists are water-based skincare products designed to hydrate, refresh, and sometimes deliver active ingredients to the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Charles Puza, MD. "Depending on their formulation, they can serve a variety of purposes—soothing irritated skin, boosting radiance, setting makeup, or reinforcing the skin barrier. Think of them as a quick, lightweight way to give your skin a drink or to reinforce your existing skincare routine throughout the day."
Ahead, I’ve rounded up the best face mists of 2025 across the most-searched categories, from those that lock in makeup for all-day wear, to post-workout picks that help prevent breakouts, to travel-friendly options, and even one that’s basically famous on Amazon. I’ve combined years of hands-on testing with recommendations from fellow Marie Claire editors and contributors, plus insights from Reddit threads and product review sections, to compile this list.
And finally, I tapped a handful of board-certified dermatologists, including Dr. Puza, Nicole Ruth, MD, and Luke Maxfield, MD, to answer your most pressing face mist questions, which you’ll find at the end of this article. Happy misting!
The Best Face Mists
- Best Face Mist for Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blurring & Waterproof Setting Spray
- Best Face Mist for Redness: Tower 28 Beauty SOS Rescue Spray
- Best Face Mist for Acne: Topicals Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mist for Acne-Prone Skin
This makeup-setting face mist from makeup matriarch Charlotte Tilbury truly does it all. Mist it on before makeup to prime and grip your base, then again after application to lock everything in for the long haul. The formula delivers a natural matte finish with a soft-blurring effect that smooths the look of texture, plus hydrating and calming ingredients to keep your skin feeling as good as it looks.
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice powder (soothing); glycerin (hydrating humectant); Camellia oleifera leaf extract (protective antioxidant)
What I Love: Sets makeup for all-day wear; Waterproof; Delivers a soft-focus effect
What I Don't: Some found the spray nozzle became less effective over time
Review for MC: "As a mom who’s constantly navigating some form of beautiful chaos, I can’t overstate the magic of a face mist that keeps my makeup intact like this godsend from Charlotte Tilbury. It helps my makeup power through unexpected tears, sweat, and whatever other curveballs the day throws at me. I also love the soft-focus finish, which makes the fine lines I can’t address right now (since Botox is off the table while I’m breastfeeding) less noticeable." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blurring & Waterproof Setting Spray
This facial spray has earned the seal of acceptance from all three major U.S. skin health organizations—for eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis —thanks to its refreshingly minimal formula. The sole active ingredient, hypochlorous acid, is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial that helps reduce redness, calm irritation, and defend against harmful bacteria. It’s not the flashiest ingredient list, but that's partly what makes it so effective.
Size: 4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous acid (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial)
What I Love: Fragrance and essential oil-free; Holds acceptance seals from National Eczema Association, National Rosacea Society, and National Psoriasis Foundation; Multiple sizes available
What I Don't: Some find the smell unpleasant, comparing it to chlorine
Review for MC: "I’ve been impressed with this formula since it debuted in 2022, and even more impressed by the countless ways people use it to meet their own skin needs. As a beauty writer whose job description includes testing treatments like lasers, I reach for this mist post-procedure to help calm irritation and keep inflammation in check. But that’s not to say I use it exclusively for that. It also makes for a refreshing midday pick-me-up, and I’ve discovered it works wonders on soothing sunburns (which I avoid at all costs, but inevitably get now and then)." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Tower 28 SOS Spray
If you're a devoted Marie Claire beauty reader, you already know that salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients for breakouts because it dives deep into pores to decongest them. Topicals’ Clearly Clarifying Face Mist pairs it with hypochlorous acid and glycolic acid to target bacteria, calm inflammation, and fade dark spots.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and glycolic acid (chemical exfoliant); hypochlorous acid (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory); zinc PCA (oil-reducing)
What I Love: FSA/HSA-eligible; Good for face and body; Controls oiliness
What I Don't: Some people don't like the medicinal scent
Review for MC: "My husband and I squeeze in workouts whenever we can, which often means we can’t shower right away—even in that short window between our post-run drive home from the park, when bacteria can start setting up camp. That’s where this face-and-body mist with salicylic acid comes in clutch. Its formula unclogs pores while targeting acne-causing bacteria, making it a true two-in-one for prevention and treatment, and it makes us so much less stressed about breaking a sweat away from home." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Topicals Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mist For Acne-Prone Skin
This face mist has earned its cult-favorite status on Amazon for being the ultimate multitasker. Some swear by it to refresh their makeup without piling on more product; others reach for it as the final step in their skin-care routine before makeup. And plenty just keep it on hand for a midday pick-me-up. However you use it, the consensus is clear: it leaves your skin looking fresh and glowing.
Size: 3.38 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming); Hydroxyethyl Urea (hydrating); Avocado oil (nourishing); Bifida ferment and oat kernel extract (soothing)
What I Love: Available with fast shipping on Amazon Prime; Has over 10,000 five-star ratings; Vegan formula
What I Don't: Comedogenic potential for acne-prone skin
Customer Review: "I went out on a limb and bought this product, and no regrets. I love the smell, feel, and look of it; it's great for blending and finishing makeup. Lovely on a fresh face too! I found it easy to apply (nice spray), lightweight yet moisturizing and dewy. It gives the skin a smooth appearance and a healthy skin glow. Definitely add this to your skincare and makeup regimen." — Amazon
I know a lot of you have been Googling “best face mist for planes,” which brings me to this ultra-luxurious pick from Chanel. When I travel, I like to work smarter, not harder, which is exactly why this bi-phase formula is on my radar for my next trip. It pairs water-based hydrators with nourishing oils to keep skin dewy mid-flight, plus it’s loaded with antioxidants to help defend against city pollution. And yes, it absolutely earns its moment in a chic security tray flatlay.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (hydrating humectant); Camellia japonica flower water (antioxidant-rich and soothing); Jojoba seed oil (balancing and barrier-supportive); camellia sinensis leaf extract (calming antioxidant)
What I Love: Luxe, minimalist packaging; TSA-friendly at under 3.4 ounces; Hydrating, bi-phase formula
What I Don't: The bottle doesn’t have a flat bottom, so it can’t stand upright on its own
Customer Review: "I cannot recommend this enough. I've tried every oil control and mattifying product imaginable over the years: toners, matte moisturizers, face washes, matte primers, etc. Even the best products I've found work for a few hours max, and my skin still ends up looking oily after a few hours. I was skeptical at first because it basically just felt like I was putting water on my face, and I wasn't consistent with it. Once I started using it morning and night consistently, I realized it COMPLETELY controls my oil ALL DAY." — Amazon
I feel pretty lucky that I don’t have to hop on a plane to France to get my hands on this mist. (It’s stocked at my local Target, which happens to be mere steps away.) The ingredient list might look almost suspiciously simple, but that’s exactly the draw, especially if you have sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, or post-procedure irritation. Inside is mineral- and trace element–rich water that helps calm redness and soothe irritation, without anything that could make matters worse.
Size: 10.1 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Avène spring water (soothing)
What I Love: Large bottle; Backed by clinical studies; Dermatologist-recommended
What I Don't: Some found the nozzle became finicky toward the end of the bottle
Customer Review: "I have very sensitive skin (the type that gets hives without warning), and this has saved me from horrible itchiness many times. I use it daily and my skin feels so much better! It’s worth it!" — Amazon
This is the face mist equivalent of a spa day. It’s a splurge, yes, but a justifiable one thanks to its ultra-fine mist that delicately veils the skin, an herbal scent that instantly transports you to a Hungarian spa, and mineral-rich, hydrating ingredients that leave your complexion looking and feeling revived.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (hydrating humectant); Hungarian Thermal Water (hydrating and soothing); Apple and acerola fruit extract (protective antioxidants)
What I Love: Subscribe and save option available via the brand's website; Alcohol-free; Pleasant, herbal smell
What I Don't: Most expensive option on my list
Customer Review: "A light, refreshing and rejuvenating mist - I absolutely love it. A make-up artist on a film shoot I'm working on introduced me to this brand and I'm officially obsessed." — Omorovicza
While there are plenty of deliciously scented face mists out there formulated for dry skin, this one’s a newer favorite of mine because it’s fragrance-free, which is always a plus, since fragrance can be drying or irritating. Even better, it checks all the right boxes for dry skin, thanks to its trifecta of humectants, emollients, and barrier-repairing ingredients, which pull in moisture, lock it in, and help strengthen your skin’s defenses, respectively.
Size: 2.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (hydrating humectant); Panthenol (soothing); Ectoin (protects and hydrates); Ceramides (strengthening); Beta-Glucan (hydrating)
What I Love: Has seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association; Ophthalmologist-tested; Glow-inducing
What I Don't: Only one size available
Customer Review: "I've been using the Rhode Glazing Mist every single day, and I love it. My skin has never looked so hydrated and youthful—I've been getting tons of compliments, including people saying I have that 'Korean glass skin' glow, which is honestly the best compliment ever!" — Rhode Skin
I have yet to find a face mist for oily skin that works as well as this one from La Roche-Posay. Its star ingredient, zinc sulfate, helps regulate oil production and cut down on shine. The formula is minimal (just zinc, water, and salt!), and the fine mist distributes evenly across the skin for a quick hit of hydration without it feeling weighed down.
Size: 5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Zinc Sulfate (sebum-regulating)
What I Love: Mattifying; Works well with makeup; Reduces the appearance of pores
What I Don't: Some users say the bottle feels half-empty right out of the box
Customer Review: "I cannot recommend this enough. I've tried every oil control and mattifying product imaginable over the years: toners, matte moisturizers, face washes, matte primers, etc. Even the best products I've found work for a few hours max, and my skin still ends up looking oily after a few hours. I was skeptical at first because it basically just felt like I was putting water on my face, and I wasn't consistent with it. Once I started using it morning and night consistently, I realized it COMPLETELY controls my oil ALL DAY." — Amazon
Do Face Mists Really Work?
"Yes, face mists really work, but it depends on what you're expecting them to do and what's inside them," says Dr. Puza. "A simple water-based mist can feel refreshing, but if it lacks humectants or occlusives [which pull water in and seal it in, respectively] it may evaporate quickly and even leave skin drier, especially in dry environments. On the other hand, a well-formulated mist with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or antioxidants can offer real skincare benefits—like improved hydration, soothing, or even anti-inflammatory support. So yes, they can work, but they’re not all created equal."
How Do I Choose the Best Face Mist?
"When picking a facial mist, the intention should be the same as when purchasing any skincare product," suggests Dr. Maxfield. "The problem solution approach will not only save you money but also give you the best results. So ask yourself, what is the concern I am looking to address, and does this product serve that purpose? For hydration or soothing dry, irritated skin, La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water has been well studied, and its composition, as shown in studies, does seem to add soothing benefits to the skin beyond just getting it wet. Or, a product like the Rhode Glazing Mist uses ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, ectoin, and beta-glucan to hydrate and restore your skin." (As you probably saw, both of these picks made their way onto my list.)
"For acne, ingredients like salicylic acid can help, or what has become the hero ingredient that I have personally sworn by for years: hypochlorous acid." That one, too, as you probably noticed, made its way into this guide.
How Do I Use a Face Mist?
Facial mists might seem like the easiest step in your routine, but according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maxfield, there’s a right way to use them. "Applying a facial mist does require some thought," he begins. Dr. Ruth adds, "I love using one right after cleansing and before serums to help dampen the skin so your next steps absorb better. You can also use one after makeup to take down that powdery finish, or throughout the day for a little pick-me-up. Just one tip from a derm: if your mist has humectants, make sure to seal it in with a moisturizer so you don’t lose hydration to the air."
When it comes to hypochlorous acid sprays specifically, Dr. Maxfield explains that they work a little differently. "Because hypochlorous acid is the same ingredient that works as part of our own natural immune system, and in part through oxidative damage kills harmful bacteria on your skin, it can interact with other ingredients, especially antioxidants, and does need to be separated from other ingredients in skincare. But it’s still simple to use. Just make sure that after spraying, the spray absorbs and the skin dries before moving on to other steps in your skincare routine. Otherwise, throughout the day you can use it on your hands and face as needed."
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Beauty writer Marisa Petrarca brings nearly a decade of expertise to this story and has researched and tested countless face mists over the years. For this piece, she consulted three board-certified dermatologists for insight and tested specific products alongside other Marie Claire staffers. She evaluated each formula based on ingredients, performance, TK, and TK.
Meet the Experts
Charles Puza, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and content creator based in New York City. He practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at New York Dermatology Group.
Nicole Ruth, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist practicing at Weiser Skin MD, specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
Luke Maxfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon with Aspire Dermatology.
