SUMMER SPRITZES
The appeal of instant hydration is never more pressing than in the summer months, when soaring temperatures play havoc upon our complexions. Whether you're spending your summer lounging poolside, exploring new cities, or window-gazing from your desk, no product delivers a quicker or more refreshing fix than a facial mist.
Expect an instant surge of moisture and a quick-fire way to sport the radiant glow required to maintain the season's trending dewy complexion. Unlike the straightforward 100% H2O sprays of the past, this new generation of facial mists is anything but so simple; the best are multi-taskers that will prevent breakouts, soothe irritation, boost moisture levels, and set makeup in place.
Meet the one-stop lifesavers guaranteed to take you from wan and lacklustre to fresh-faced and dewy, in seconds.
THE ULTIMATE REFRESHER : CAUDALIE Beauty Elixir
Inspired by the 'elixir of you youth' used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, and a favourite of Victoria Beckham, it's easy to see why this über refreshing mist has earned itself a cult following. Packed with vitamin-rich plant extracts including grape, mint, rose, orange blossom, and rosemary, this has just as much radiance-boosting skincare prowess as your favourite toner or serum. The vibrant mint and citrus scent and instantly cooling formula act like a shot of refreshment and an instant wake-up call, ideal for reviving yourself mid-flight or come the 3pm lull.
THE HYDRATION BOOST : & OTHER STORIES Spray Genie Face Mist*
This mineral-rich blend is all about hydration; glycerin, zinc, rose, orange, and chamomile extracts result in skin that feels instantly softer with application [I particularly like to apply this in the evening, post-cleanse and pre-moisturiser. Its humectant properties are designed to provide long-lasting hydration and result in a covetable dewy radiance without clogging pores or causing irritation. The delicate floral/fruity scent renders use an olfactory pleasure.
TOP TIP : Keep your facial sprays in the fridge for intense refreshing action.
THE HANDBAG ESSENTIAL : LIZ EARLE Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer
Small enough to keep in your handbag for when the woes of public transport are at summer's worst, this cooling spray is packed with calming ingredients such as calendula, cucumber, Vitamin E, and aloe vera. Essentially a toner in spray form, you can apply this with a cotton pad, but for heightened refreshment spritz it over both face and body. The soothing alcohol-free formula is ideal for calming irritation as it swathes the skin in a radiance-boosting veil of deeply-penetrating moisture.
THE SENSORY STIMULATOR : AĒSOP Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol*
In the spirit of traditional rose-petal infused face mists, this is designed to stimulate and revive a tired mind via an aromatic boost of bergamot, chamomile, and rose. Ideal for keeping desk-side or for in-flight use, this is a godsend in dehydrated environments, providing instant refreshment, long-lasting hydration, and a welcome sensation of cleanliness to tired and lacklustre skin [the ideal companion to the weary traveller].
THE BLEMISH BATTLER : LA ROCHE-POSAY Serozinc
A souped up version of the brand's popular Thermal Spring Water spray, this contains just three ingredients [soothing thermal water, healing zinc, and cleansing sodium chloride]. Ideal if you suffer from sensitivity, breakouts, or redness, and thanks to its high zinc count, it speeds up the healing process of blemish marks and scars, whilst providing instant comforting relief to painful and inflamed breakouts. A great option for those who seek oil-free hydration.
THE SKIN SOOTHER : GLOSSIER Soothing Face Mist
Soothing rosewater and hydrating aloe vera are boosted by a base of glycerin [which helps to attract and maintain moisture retention] in this exquisitely scented [think : fresh cut roses on a heady summer evening] and ultimately refreshing mist. As it dries, it leaves skin with a luminous glow; ideal for locking in an extra layer of hydration beneath moisturiser and for prepping skin ahead of makeup application.
THE MAKEUP SETTER : CLARINS Fix' Makeup*
Makeup won't budge, melt, or cake beneath this refreshing setting spray, which will take you from office to party, no touch-ups required. Meanwhile the hydrating formula of softening rose and brightening grapefruit works to improve moisture levels whilst silicon microspheres control shine and sebum production, and the potent fragrance provides a welcome sensory wakeup call.
What's your favourite type of facial spray?