Face mists and sprays have been an integral part of this summer's beauty routine, whether it's a morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up, a spritz after a hot and sweaty walk outside, or just a refreshing moment in my condo (which doesn't have air conditioning). The ones I'm sharing with you today are at least half-empty—that's how much I've been using them—and three out of four have been featured on the blog before. But hey, if I'm still gushing about them after all this time and usage they must be good! The other great thing about these mists is that the price tags hover around the $20 mark or lower. I find I don't use face mists as often when they're very expensive ones, and really, what good is a mist when you're not using it liberally to cool down and hydrate whenever you want to?
Avene Thermal Spring Water ($21 at London Drugs)
The lowdown: This is 100% Avène Thermal Spring Water, which is renowned for its ability to calm and soften skin. It comes in a lot of sizes and lasts a surprisingly long time—I've had the 300 ml size for a couple of years now and it has yet to run out.
Use when: You're too lazy to wash your face. Seriously, on lazy nights instead of cleansing at the bathroom sink I plop myself down on the couch. Then I put something on Netflix and I do my entire cleansing and skincare routine from the couch. I cleanse with micellar water and cotton pads, spray my face with Avène until it's thoroughly damp and tissue it off, and then I apply nighttime skincare products.
Noteworthy: This is essentially pure thermal spring water bottled in a sterile environment, so it's also safe and gentle enough to use on dry eyes after you've been sitting at the computer for a long time (I learned this one from Beauty Geeks!).
Whiffcraft Wake Up Your Face Energizing Essential Oil Spray ($14)
The lowdown: This spray came in the Vancity subscription box I reviewed previously, and I've been carrying it with me everywhere and using it so often that it's almost empty. All-natural and made in Victoria, BC, the blend contains water, grain alcohol, and essential oils.
Use when: You've hit that 3pm slump (the spearmint-heavy scent will wake you right up as promised); on your face and limbs if you're feeling hot and sweaty.
Noteworthy: The essential oils in Wake Up Your Face make it feel more refreshing than the Avène one on first spritz. However, they can also be irritating if you have skin sensitivities or allergies. And you definitely don't want to spray this one in the eyes.
Pixi Skintreats Vitamin Wakeup Mist ($20, available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
The lowdown: What can I say about Vitamin Wakeup Mist that I haven't already said in this post? A refreshing citrus-y scent, an antioxidant and brightening boost thanks to vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate.
Use when: In the AM after cleansing instead of a toner.
Noteworthy: Try not to apply too much. The nozzle "pulses" product onto skin instead of producing a fine all-over mist, so it's best to do one pulse on each side of the face and one on the neck and spread product outward with clean fingers. This spray does contain silica so you can definitely feel the excess sitting on skin if you use too much of it or spritz too often.
Caudalie Grape Water ($14 at BeautyMark)
The lowdown: How beautiful is this limited edition 2017 bottle? (The regular packaging features Caudalie's signature green-and-white branding.) Caudalie Grape Water is just that—grape water from 100% organic grapes, with no parabens, preservatives, or fragrances, and wonderfully soothing and moisturizing on the skin.
Use when: You're craving something with a little more oomph than a normal thermal spring water mist; you want something silicone-free that'll refresh skin through layers of makeup and sunscreen without settling on top and forming its own layer; you're doing a #SundaySkincare facial at home—the Caudalie Grape Water will soothe and hydrate after exfoliating and before and after masking.
Noteworthy: The nozzle dispenses a lot of product. One or two spritzes about 10-15cm away from the face and you'll get a fine mist; three spritzes and you'll have droplets sliding down your cheeks.
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