I didn’t realize, until my husband pointed it out, that I have quite a collection of facial mists. Besides several bottles on our bathroom shelf, I carry a small spray in my purse and always keep an extra one in my travel case. As far as I’m concerned, facial mists are among the best skin care tricks for sealing in makeup, getting a quick dose of hydration and feeling refreshed. Another bonus is that many facial mists are naturally scented, and their light, mild fragrance of rosewater, linden, lavender or orange blossom offers a dose of aromatherapy throughout the day.
My staple facial mist is a simple blend of rose and distilled water, which I either concoct myself (1 cup of distilled water, 4 Tablespoons all-natural rosewater) or buy it ready-made at the pharmacy. In the US, Whole Foods and other health food stores carry several good brands of rosewater* in small, handy atomizers. Rosewater is a boon for my combination skin; it’s soothing, calming and has a delicate scent of sun warmed petals. The scent is all-natural, fleeting, but stimulating while it lasts. Besides falling into a rose perfumed reverie, you can use a mix of rosewater and argan oil to remove makeup, including water-proof mascara and eyeliner. Instant radiance is guaranteed.
Another useful floral water to have on hand is orange blossom*, distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. If I want an Alhambra fantasy, then I reach for orange blossom mist. It’s made in the same way as the rosewater mist, but depending on the orange blossom water quality and scent, you may not need to dilute it quite as much. Simply transfer orange blossom water into a sterile spray atomizer and spritz away.
Rose and orange blossom waters are must-have products in my beauty stash, not least because they have many other applications, from perfuming sheets to flavoring desserts. Herbal distillates, or hydrosols, on the other hand, are much more specialized, and you can take your pick based on your skin needs and scent preferences. Lavender, chamomile, cornflower, and linden are some of my favorite hydrosols, and I rotate them throughout the year. Hydrosols, like the aforementioned mixtures of rose and orange blossom waters, are fragile, and I recommend using up commercial versions within a month and homemade blends within a week.
A versatile category of facial mists are the mineral waters, and any European pharmacy offers a wide selection. This is what I keep near my computer or pack into my carry-on luggage when I travel. Bioderma, a respected French pharmacy brand, offers Eau Dermatologique (50ml, 3€), water spiked with minerals, while Caudalie’s collection features Eau de Raisin (Grape Water, 75ml, 6€), a mixture of water, distillate of grape berries and grape juice. Nothing is more soothing to eyes tired from staring at a computer screen than a generous spray of these waters.
My choices generally stay within the budget category, and while I’m not known to penny pinch when it comes to skin care, I have yet to find a high-end skincare line that offers a facial mist worthy of a splurge. If I want a luxurious facial mist, I turn to the Japanese and Korean brands. By luxurious I don’t mean more expensive, but rather more interesting formulas, loaded with antioxidants, herbal extracts and vitamins. Unlike the hydrosols or waters I mentioned earlier, Asian facial mists are complete skincare products, lotions in a spray form. If you want moisture, radiance, or even a boost for your sunscreen, Asian facial mists will cover all such needs.
Laneige, a Korean brand, is among my favorites, and I love its moisturizing and nourishing Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist. Etude House’s Aloe Moistfull Soothing Mist, Aritaum Baby Face Mist Power Hyaluronic Acid, and Cremorlab Mineral Water Mist fill the niche of my usual toners, with an added benefit of being portable. On a sweltering summer day in Seoul, you see lots of facial misting in action and can even use a metro ride to gauge which beauty products are hot and trendy at the moment.
Among Japanese lines, I’m partial to Shu Uemura’s Depsea Water Facial Mist (150ml, 27€), an unscented hydrating toner. RMK’s Herbal Mist in Rose (50ml, 25€) is excellent, but only as an aromatherapy on the go. I find the formula too strongly scented to be used as a facial spray, but the fragrance of lush rose petals and lime peels is irresistible. If I feel tired or stressed out, I spray Rose on my neck and chest and enjoy its uplifting effect. RMK’s Jasmine and Yuzu mists are also terrific, especially if you like crisp Japanese renditions of white flowers and fruit.
Not long ago buying Asian skincare meant travel, expensive mail-order or kind friends in Tokyo, but over the past two years American and European beauty magazines have discovered Asia and proclaimed its skincare as a panacea for acne, wrinkles, stress, and everything else that ails modern women. I may wince when I read yet another “Asian women don’t age” article, but the hype translates into greater availability of Korean and Japanese cosmetics. In the States, my mother recommends peachandlily.com for its large collection of Korean skincare. Alternatively, Sephora, Planet Parfum and Ici Paris XL offer several Asian brands of note and lots of facial mists.
Some of the more obscure lines might still require a trip to Chinatown, Korea-town or Japanese supermarkets. The only downside is the lack of English labels on some Japanese products, but if you like shopping like a sleuth, it only adds to the fun. If you want to avoid artificial perfume, look for products labeled as 無香料 or むこうりょう (mukoryo, unscented). If an ingredient list includes エタノール (etanoru, ethanol), the product contains alcohol. Two more Japanese words that will serve you well during your beauty pursuits: しっとり (shittori), which means moist, products formulated for dry skin, and さっぱり (sappari), fresh, products designed for normal-combination skin. If you see characters 美白 (bihaku), you’re beholding something that will whiten your skin, and yes, there are whitening facial mists as well.
Who says that a quest for beauty is not an educational activity?
*Extra: 10 Ways to Use Rosewater :: 10 Ways to Use Orange Blossom Water
Photography by Bois de Jasmin
137 Comments
Hannah: I haven’t bought any face mists yet, but I have looked into them. I have oily skin so my face often feels a bit clammy in the middle of the day. I have used rosewater, water, and epsom salt with a cotton pad and it worked well. I think I will go to a Naturkosmetik shop right now. March 25, 2015 at 7:50am
Victoria: If that’s the case, you’ll enjoy using facial mists, even the simplest ones. I have combination skin, which nevertheless can easily get dehydrated, and the mists come in handy. March 25, 2015 at 8:02am
Marsha: Victoria: I haven’t used any scented or commercial facial mist but I’ve been misting my face with plain water for years. First, because it felt good and to give myself a relief from the heat. The humidity where I live can fluctuate from 99% to 25% (or sometimes even lower). My skin and nose are very sensitive to these drastic humidity changes. Then, one especially dry morning I misted my face before I applied my moisturizer and I noticed that the moisturizer applied much smoother with less friction and drag on my skin. I am 58 years young and people are always telling me how beautiful my skin is. I have to tell them it is partly genetics (from my mother), partly staying out of the sun (the sun gives me migraines), and I have to believe that it is because I added this habit to my beauty “routine.” (There isn’t much to it!) March 25, 2015 at 7:59am
Victoria: My skin is also sensitive to the fluctuations in humidity. You’re right, even plain water will do nicely, except that the water in Brussels is just horrible. We have a special shower cap to soften it, but even so, it’s drying, corrosive even. So, I generally go for the floral water or commercial mists, which aren’t expensive and very effective. Rosewater in particular is wonderful. March 25, 2015 at 8:09am
rainboweyes: I started using facial mists as a part of my skincare routine only two years ago but I can’t imagine being without anymore.
I love the basic hydrosols (like the mimosa water by Maienfelser I mentioned yesterday) as well as the high-end products loaded with nutrients. I always have a few of them in my rotation. Currently I’m using melissa and carrot seed waters from Aroma-Zone (a very good supplier of cosmetic ingredients in France) and frankincense water from Maienfelser.
When I need some extra care, I use the more complex formulas such as Cocoon Elixir by Yüli Skincare, Organic Toning Mist by Kahina, Dewy Facial Mist by DeMamiel and Plant Stem Cell Nourishing Tonic by Intelligent Nutrients. I mostly use them instead of a serum, as a base for a cream or facial oil. March 25, 2015 at 8:10am
Victoria: I’m very inspired by you to try the mimosa toner from Maienfelser. I have found frankincense water to be a great mist when I’m writing–it literally gives me a better boost than a cup of coffee, and I imagine it’s a good ingredient for skin. Certainly, I notice a difference in how my skin behaves when I use mists, especially during winter when the air is dry. March 25, 2015 at 10:06am
limegreen: “Asian women do not age” LOL! You’re right, this post was very educational! 🙂
A friend introduced me to the Korean line Sulwhasoo’s overnight vitalizing mask and I have to say that this was really truly worth using. (Most masks are not really special on my skin.)
I was introduced to rosewater facial mist on a hot muggy nearly 100 degree day and stepped into L’Occitane de Provence and they offered a tester mist and it was glorious! (Of course I bought one.) I kept it in the fridge and couldn’t believe how soothing it was in the heat and the A/C dries out one’s skin.
(Husband “pointed out” — had to giggle at this turn of phrase!) March 25, 2015 at 9:28am
Victoria: But it seems that the magazines have moved onto the Scandinavian countries, where if you were to read the glossies, every woman has translucent, radiant skin, great love life, well-behaved children, etc, etc, etc. That being said, I have never seen so many women with gorgeous skin as I have in Japan and Korea. I really think that the trick is not so much the products themselves as much as the diligent sun protection. And the tradition of doing something every day for one’s skin, rather than waiting for that one spa visit to atone for one’s sins.
When we fly long distances, my husband appreciates my supply of refreshing mists. 🙂 March 25, 2015 at 10:15am
limegreen: Your intro of great products is so appreciated. Even if it is not your purpose for this blog thank you. love the nuxe rive miel lip balm recommendation! March 25, 2015 at 12:12pm
Victoria: I’m glad to hear it! Enjoying beautiful things and taking a moment to care for oneself is important, be it spraying some perfume or rosewater mist. 🙂 March 25, 2015 at 12:48pm
limegreen: And yes, it’s sun care all the time in EA.. Walking with an umbrella or parasol in the bright sunshine!
Did you find your osmanthus tea there? March 25, 2015 at 12:17pm
Victoria: Yes, I wore a hat and held it down with sheer white scarf, and EA is the only place where this ridiculous ensemble elicited compliments. I would care a parasol, but it makes taking photos impossible. 🙂
I ended up buying good osmanthus tea from a shop in Brussels, and I also have a bag of dried osmanthus flowers that I mix with oolong just before brewing. The taste is very bright and the perfume is heady. March 25, 2015 at 12:45pm
Hannah: Isn’t the water in Scandinavia very hard? The Scandinavian people I know usually have a cool attitude and cool clothes but I think the weather and water must be a bit hard on the skin/hair/nails. And everytime an American talks about these magical always well-behaved children in Europe, I have to roll my eyes XD.
Whenever someone in Berlin has nice skin and hair, I am in awe. I have awesome skin and hair back home but here….not so much. March 26, 2015 at 6:06am
Victoria: It must depend on the area. Once I shared a table in the restaurant with a Norwegian water works engineer and his wife, and he confirmed that Belgium and France have some of the hardest water in Europe. The water works are extremely old. Our neighborhood has been doing some major plumbing renovations, but all it means is that every now and then I turn on the water, and instead brown sludge comes out.
So, my solution, besides installing the filters on the shower head, is to rinse my face and hair with Volvic or something equally soft after I take a shower. It sounds extravagant, but it made a big different. When I first moved here, I struggled with dryness, irritation, you name it. Now, knock on wood, it’s fine. March 26, 2015 at 6:16am
rainboweyes: Yes, it very much depends on the area. In Germany where I live the water quality is excellent, very soft and no chlorine smell. Just 10 km further away in France, where a few of my colleagues live, water is extremely hard. They had to install filters, too.
By the way, my skin was a disaster when we lived in the US (Connecticut and Maryland) and the chlorine in the water literally bleached my hair (especially the highlighter parts).
I don’t know about the water in Berlin, though, maybe it’s hard too. March 26, 2015 at 7:21am
Victoria: Yep, I lived in Connecticut, so I can relate. New York has good water, on the other hand. March 26, 2015 at 7:51am
Hannah: If it leaves a lot of mineral deposits, it is hard, right? The water is Hamburg left a lot of lime(?)/Kalk and Berlin is bad but not as bad.
I’ve seen Swedish (always Swedish) people online ask for tips about their nails and hair and specifically mention their Scandinavian-ness. It might be the weather, or maybe they just say they’re Scandinavian just because. March 26, 2015 at 10:40am
rainboweyes: Well-behaved kids in Europe? I think that’s a myth, I found the American kids much more well-behaved. And I remember that at my son’s school in Maryland much more emphasis was put on good behaviour than at any German school I know… March 26, 2015 at 7:42am
Annikky: Wow, this is comprehensive. Thank you! I’m a fellow facial mist-lover and also have several of them in rotation at any given time. I’m afraid I have succumbed to the clever marketing and own quite a few expensive ones, but I’m fully aware it isn’t necessary. I’ve got mists from La Mer (it is lovely, despite the price), Omorovicza (because it’s called Queen of Hungary Mist! – couldn’t resist), Tata Harper, Tatcha and I’m sure I have forgotten something. I really like Caudalie’s face mists, both the grape water one and the Beauty Elixir. I also own the jasmine version from RMK and I totally agree with you – smells lovely, but I don’t really want to spray it on my face. I must try more of the Asian brands, they sound really good. March 25, 2015 at 9:29am
Victoria: I haven’t bought any of those mists, but I probably tried all of them in stores. I had such a great luck with my inexpensive rose or mineral water mist that anything pricey instantly makes me apprehensive. In the end, 20-25 euros is my absolute maximum for this kind of product, but most of my favorites are under 10 euros. March 25, 2015 at 10:27am
rainboweyes: Another Tata Harper lover here!
I had a similar experience with a jasmine toner (The Jasmine Garden by May Lindström), it felt as if I sprayed my face with perfume.
Have you ever tried Yüli facial mists? These are gorgeous too! March 25, 2015 at 10:34am
Annikky: I haven’t tried Yüli products, but they are definitely on the list now! Thank you for the pointer, the web site looks great. And thank you for the warning regarding the May Lindström toner, I have been thinking about buying it… March 25, 2015 at 11:45am
rainboweyes: May Lindström products tend to be strongly scented, I have the beautiful Blue Cocoon balm and as much as I love it, I can’t use it every day. The smell of blue tansy is very special though, I love it! March 26, 2015 at 4:15am
Victoria: Is May Lindström a pharmacy brand or something sold at the bio shops? March 26, 2015 at 6:06am
rainboweyes: It’s an American brand and I don’t know about the distribution in the US but in Europe it’s available through beingcontent.com and amazingy.com March 26, 2015 at 7:25am
Victoria: Thank you, it looks very interesting. March 26, 2015 at 7:51am
Lavanya: V- just an FYI- the may lindstrom line is available in the U.S via several etailers including spirit beauty lounge, the detox market and others.
I haven’t tried the toner which sounds gorgeous but I do haver her problem solver mask which is lovely to use/smell but I haven’t made up my mind about its effectiveness and value for money (still experimenting).
I love using various hydrosols – my faves being carrot seed, frankincense, german chamomile and of course rose. Nowadays I’ve been using the rosewater from heritage products which smells very nice. I hear you on splurging on toners since there are so many great budget options. I did however use Evan healy’s hydrosols and I had to admit that it did have something more and felt wonderful – seemed more skin softening somehow. However, I did enjoy the rose hydrosol from mountain rose herbs too which is far more reasonably priced.
Phew! I can go on and on but I’ll stop..lol March 26, 2015 at 11:04am
rainboweyes: Evanhealy sounds gorgeous, especially the HydroSoul Sandalwood Facial Tonic. I have to check the availability in Europe. March 26, 2015 at 11:23am
Victoria: Please let me know what you think if you end up trying it. It does sound very interesting. March 26, 2015 at 1:03pm
Lavanya: I used the sandalwood one during my first pregnancy. It worked well but surprisingly i didnt enjoy the scent as it smelled like a bit yogurty to me. I must resniff it with my non -pregnant nose LOL..
The evan healy line is very nice – the non fussy gentle ingredients seem to work really when my skin decides to ‘act out’ . March 26, 2015 at 8:12pm
Lavanya: rainboweyes- regarding evan healy- they seem to (and prefer to) be stocked in health food stores. So if you have an equivalent of a Whole Foods there they might be available there..Just a thought. March 27, 2015 at 2:02pm
Victoria: Don’t stop! 🙂 Seriously, I love chatting about skincare as much as I do about perfume, books, history, dance, food, art, etc….
Mountain Rose Herbs used to be my go-to place in the US, and I loved their products. They also carried a great sandalwood hydrosol. If you haven’t tried layering rose and frankincense hydrosols, I can’t recommend it enough. Now, this opens up new avenues for experimentation. 🙂 March 26, 2015 at 1:03pm
Allison C.: The only facial mist that I have found to work for me is the one in your picture from Heritage Products. But I use the glycerin/rosewater version, which moisturizes my skin. And it’s great for setting my makeup. Otherwise, facial mists seem to dry out my skin. March 25, 2015 at 9:31am
Victoria: Yes, it’s a good idea to read labels, because some mists contain alcohol, silicones, etc. I love Heritage Products in general, and I forgot to mention their great lilac hydrosol. March 25, 2015 at 10:28am
Allison C.: I love lilacs! I will have to look for that, thank you! March 25, 2015 at 10:46am
Victoria: The lilac scent was mild and more rose-like than lilac-like, but it still smelled great. March 25, 2015 at 10:55am
The Scented Salon: That Whole Foods rose water mist is top of the line. I used up several bottles of it but also mix my own from the Iranian rose water that is sold for desserts. Also, though it is a toner, I find I cannot live without Guerlain’s Super Aqua Lotion: it smells like rosewater and has rose in it. Besides being incredibly refreshing, it seals in moisture like nothing else and clears up breakouts. March 25, 2015 at 9:45am
Victoria: I’m currently using Hada Labo hyaluronic acid toner, and it’s fantastic. All inexpensive, but unfortunately, a bit difficult to find outside of Asia. Hopefully, the websites I mentioned will pick it up soon. March 25, 2015 at 10:29am
rainboweyes: What about adding some hylauronic acid to your regular toner? I’ve bought some low molecular hylauronic acid powder and mixed it with the floral water. March 25, 2015 at 10:45am
Victoria: I have never tried that, but I imagine, if one does some research into qualities and quantities, it’s possible to come up with a good product. Many sites offering cosmetic ingredients have such high shipping rates for Belgium that experiments can become costly, and more often than not I just prefer to find a ready-made product.
What proportions did you use? March 25, 2015 at 10:55am
rainboweyes: I think it was 1g per 100ml. March 26, 2015 at 4:29am
Victoria: Thank you very much! March 26, 2015 at 6:06am
rainboweyes: Another nice idea to improve the effectivity of your skincare product is to add a few drops of squalane (2-10% of the entire volume). March 26, 2015 at 9:27am
Victoria: I actually have a bottle of it, and I have been wondering what to do with it. I usually just smooth a drop over my serum and before sunscreen. March 26, 2015 at 12:58pm
Anna: If you visit Italy, pop into any supermarket and buy Roberts Triple Distilled Rosewater for only a few euros. It comes in a blue bottle with a nice old fashioned label that looks good on the bathroom shelf. March 25, 2015 at 10:04am
Victoria: Roberts is a good brand, but it’s misleading, because it’s not a real rosewater, but rather a mix of distilled water and rose oil. Which is ok; Heritage Brand I like also offers a similar mix. It’s preferable to the adulterated rose water diluted and then spiked with rose synthetics.
Roberts’s packaging is gorgeous! March 25, 2015 at 10:35am
maja: I love rose water and have a jasmine water, too, although the latter has some preservatives I’d rather avoid. If you like Roberts’ packaging but want the real thing I can recommend this one:
http://www.ecco-verde.it/kart-laboratoires/acqua-di-rose-200-ml
Off to check Aroma-Zone 😉 March 25, 2015 at 1:29pm
Victoria: Where do you get jasmine water, Maja? I bet it smells wonderful too.
Thank you for the link. This is another good option to add to my rose water brand list. And the price is what I’d expect, too. March 26, 2015 at 6:00am
rainboweyes: I bought mine at Aroma-Zone but ecco-verde seems to carry it too: http://www.ecco-verde.de/__fl/suche/jasmine-hydrosol?&search=Jasmin+Hydrosol
They are located in the German speaking part if Italy (South Tyrol) that’s why they have a German website too. I’ve ordered from them a couple of times too. March 26, 2015 at 7:35am
Victoria: Looks so interesting! Thanks a lot. You’re really a mine of knowledge on these unusual brands. March 26, 2015 at 7:52am
rainboweyes: I’ve been using organic skincare products for many years now and exploring new brands is so much fun! There are many new brands popping up recently, some of them from unusual countries such as Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Russia or New Zealand. March 26, 2015 at 9:23am
Victoria: I love hearing all about this interesting brands. I have a soft spot from anything from the Baltic countries, so if you have favorites, I’m also curious to hear more. March 26, 2015 at 12:52pm
rainboweyes: I’ll be happy to share my favourites with you:
Joik from Estonia – I love their cranberry serum (or a facial oil rather) and chocolate mask, nice candles too, http://www.joik.ee
Kivvi from Latvia – wonderful body marmalades and toners
http://www.kivvi-cosmetics.com
Dabba from Latvia, specialising in floral waters made of local herbs and flowers, http://www.dabba.lv
Uoga Uoga from Latvia – I know their mineral foundations only but they seem to have plenty of other products, http://www.uogauoga.lt
There’s an online store in Germany specialising in Nordic beauty products, I mostly buy all these brands from them but they’re available from other European retailers too. March 26, 2015 at 3:53pm
Victoria: Wow! Thank you so much. Which German website do you order from?
I have a lilac candle by Joik, and it’s the best lilac rendition I have tried. Really smells like fresh blossoms. March 26, 2015 at 4:20pm
rainboweyes: It’s hilla-naturkosmetik.de
They have some good Scandinavian brands too. March 26, 2015 at 4:50pm
Victoria: Again, thank you so much! I appreciate all of these recommendations very much. March 27, 2015 at 1:35pm
rainboweyes: Oh, I forgot to mention Mádara from Latvia. I have some of their facial oils. March 26, 2015 at 4:55pm
Victoria: More for my list! 🙂 March 27, 2015 at 1:35pm
Neva: Great topic! I usually have an immortelle hydrosol at hand. I guess I’m lucky, because immortelle grows in many parts of my country and there are many producers (family manufactures) on the market, so you can buy natural products easily and at a good price. I use the mist many times a day, sometimes also on my body. It does not smell appealing, because there is no added perfume inside. It smells just natural and very soft. I love this kind of skincare because your hands remain dry and clean after you apply it. March 25, 2015 at 10:07am
Victoria: Are any of them available online? I love immortelle hydrosols.
I discovered a large field of wild immortelle near my grandmother’s house in Ukraine, and I came there just to enjoy its perfume. When the sun warms up the grass, it smells of honey, walnuts and spices. March 25, 2015 at 10:38am
rainboweyes: I bought immortelle water at Aroma-Zone in France http://www.aroma-zone.com/catalogsearch/result/?sq=immortelle&order=relevance&dir=desc&limit=12 March 25, 2015 at 10:47am
Victoria: Thank you very much! Aroma-Zone is a great site. March 25, 2015 at 10:55am
Neva: Unfortunately they don’t have a web-shop, so the only way is to buy it personally. If you want, please let me know your mail address and I’ll write you there. I could buy you one bottle (there are at least 4 different sorts) and send it to you 😉 March 25, 2015 at 11:06am
Victoria: That’s so kind of you, but I really hate to trouble you. March 25, 2015 at 12:35pm
Trudy: Nice article. I , too, love using rosewater as a facial mist and always have the brand you show in the photo which I get from Whole Foods. I also use the Caudalie grape water, which is very nice as well. I love using either of these along with a facial cleansing cream to remove makeup, or just prior to applying foundation (and a small spritz after), or just anytime I need a bit of moisture and refreshment. I appreciate the other suggestions and will now look for more mists to enjoy. Thanks! March 25, 2015 at 10:18am
Victoria: My pleasure! I didn’t realize until recently how much I use these mists and how many different purposes they serve–refreshment, boost of concentration, hydration, scent (in some cases), etc. I’m working on the computer right now, and I have a little atomizer of Eau Dermatologique on hand. 🙂 March 25, 2015 at 10:40am
Karen: I love this line, too. It’s great in your hair as well as all over before applying lotion. Also, diluting the rose and orange blossom waters (I use the ones from Lebanon) as Victoria and others suggested is a great way to make your own for pennies. March 25, 2015 at 1:21pm
Victoria: Lebanese brands of orange blossom water and rose water are very good. Cortas and Mymoune are among the best. March 26, 2015 at 5:58am
Aimée: you might want to look at well known brand Melvita, they have several eaux florales, reasonnably priced. March 25, 2015 at 12:41pm
Victoria: Thank you, Aimée! Rainboweyes also recommended this brand, and now I recall seeing it at my local beauty store. With the recommendations from both of you, I will definitely look for it. March 25, 2015 at 12:49pm
spe: I’ve only used the Evian. Living in a climate with a lot of rain, you don’t see a lot of facial mist use! My rosacea likely won’t tolerate mists with fragrance, unfortunately, but they sound lovely. March 25, 2015 at 12:52pm
Victoria: I find Evian a little hard, but I know that many people really like it. Volvic in a spray atomizer is another great option, especially if one wants soft water and not much else. I never thought I’d be a heavy facial mist user in Brussels, the rain capital of the world (or just about). But extremely hard water in Brussels made misting and toning an essential part of my routine. March 25, 2015 at 1:07pm
angeldiva: Hi Spe, Hi Victoria,
I only mist with Evian, too! Is there something I could add to the Evian to get a better effect?
Also, if any Englishwomen read this- can you please look at my question posted on Scent Diary about the smell of the English mountains?
Than-you! March 26, 2015 at 10:55am
Victoria: You can try misting with rosewater. If you make your Evian mist yourself, then just add some rose water (1 cup Evian, 3-4 T rosewater). March 26, 2015 at 1:00pm
angeldiva: Thanks! Do you know where to but rosewater in the US?
I honestly don’t know! March 26, 2015 at 1:20pm
Victoria: In my 10 Ways to Use Rosewater post (a link is included) there are several different suggestions and advice on shopping for it. But if you’re in LA, just find an Iranian or Middle Eastern store, and you’re set. LA has a large Iranian community, many stores catering to the diaspora, and rosewater is an integral part of the Iranian culture, cooking, beauty rituals. March 26, 2015 at 1:33pm
Hannah: It isn’t very hard to find even outside of a huge city. I used to get mine from an Indian store that was on the highway in rural Virginia. That is closed so now I go to an international grocery store. It’s mostly Central American and Asian (basically Korean and Vietnamese) but there is a single aisle with products from Turkey to India. That is where I get my honey, rosewater, and orange blossom water. Which reminds me–is walnut oil good for skincare? It is a bit expensive but if I have a lot of uses for it, it should be worth it.
Disclaimer: These products are from Lebanon, but I’m not totally sure about quality… I mostly use rosewater for cooking. The Turkish honey is my favorite honey for everything, though. March 27, 2015 at 5:46am
Victoria: Yes, Indian, Turkish, or any grocery store catering to the Middle Eastern clientele.
Not sure about the walnut oil. I thought that the walnuts might be toasted before being expressed for oil, so that may no be best for skincare. March 27, 2015 at 1:50pm
angeldiva: I found the bottle in the picture! Heritage store 8oz at Whole Foods for $8.99 US
I followed your instructions and mixed it with my Evian. It still feels and smells potent, so this is an inexpensive add. I’ve never tried rose water, so I am enjoying it! I happen to be out of my Meaningful Beauty toner at the moment, so this is filling in nicely.
It’s like you’re chasing bad entities, or bad thoughts/vibrations away from your life! I bit like Holy Water to me.
🙂 Thanks March 28, 2015 at 12:13pm
Victoria: If you’re new to using rosewater, I recommend starting a couple of times a week and then increasing to as often as you like. But you can splash away this mist on your chest or arms. And blended in regular water, rosewater will make your bedsheets smell like a rose garden. 🙂 March 28, 2015 at 1:00pm
Kat: My holy grail of facial mists is missing here: Avène thermal water. I used to laugh at the idea of paying a considerable amount of money for a mere can of water – but I changed my tune. I use it morning and evening before applying moisturizer and my daily selection of facial oil (apparently this technique is called layering) – and it really makes a difference. Maybe other mists would do the same but the one thing where Avène really proves its worth is in soothing and calming irritated skin. I’m still fighting against a winter eczema that occasionally flares up badly enough that I wish to just claw away at the burning patches. Instead I apply plenty of Avène and cover it with a Kleenex drenched in Avène too – instand aaaah!
I’ve also got the Caudalie face mist for summer time and for locking in make-up (though I don’t like its taste on my lips). And a good friend recently confided in me that a bottle of Evian really makes a difference when it comes to keeping cut flowers fresh. She looked a bit guilty but she rarely allows herself any treats – everyone needs a bit of luxury in their life. March 25, 2015 at 2:47pm
Victoria: I haven’t tried Avene’s mist, but I use their skincare and sunscreens, and I really like them. Sunscreens, in particular, are excellent. Once I use up something from my stash, I will try Avene’s version.
My great-grandmother swore by adding epsom salt or sugar to water for cut flowers, but I don’t remember which was needed for which flowers. I believe, roses did well in lightly sweetened water. March 26, 2015 at 6:03am
behemot: Great topic. Although I always liked the simplicity of Avene, I must say Pure Rosewater from Chantecaille is my favorite. I don’t buy it all the time because of the price. (65$ for 3.4 oz at Nordstrom.com) Chantecaille also has a lot of products for sensitive and combination skin. I am never without their Jasmine and lily calming emulsion. I tried different, cheaper product instead, but this emulsion is a winner for me.
I must try Caudalie and Bioderma sprays, thanks for mentioning them 🙂 March 25, 2015 at 4:19pm
Victoria: As my mom says, “you have only one face.” 🙂 If you find a product that works for you, it may end more expensive to experiment with cheaper versions, none of which work.
Caudalie’s spray is also great, because it creates a fine, light mist, rather than big droplets, so it won’t ruin even the most delicate makeup. March 26, 2015 at 6:05am
Jackie: Great article, Victoria! I can’t live without facial mists either! I use them to spritz and refresh myself (and anyone else standing by!) throughout the day and as part of my skincare routine. I’ve tried some mentioned here and can’t wait to explore some of the others new to me! Thank you for all the great ideas and recipes … and ingredient translation!!
For skincare purposes, I can’t say enough about Murad Hydrating Toner, one of the few cosmetics products to which I’m loyal! Very hydrating and refreshing, and non-irritating to my rosacea-prone skin. Was just at Sephora tonight, actually, restocking — can’t live without the stuff. It calms and rehydrates my skin after cleansing; and while it’s still damp, i put on moisturizer, which really increases the latter’s efficacy.
Also, Kat con D has a makeup-setting mist that actually does what it claims (the first one of these in which I haven’t been disappointed) and contains a soothing cucumber extract (though I wish they didn’t feel the need to add the fake cucumber scent).
Tomorrow, my goal will be to make my own rosewater spray! Thanks for the fun, Victoria! 🙂 March 26, 2015 at 2:49am
Victoria: Jackie, ha, I feel the same way about the products that need to reinforce their cucumber status by the fake, acrid cucumber scent. I’m not sure what the cucumber extract does (there are no medical studies confirming that most of these additives, apart from Vitamin C, are effective), but if it doesn’t harm and may possibly afford some benefits, then I like some of my skincare to contain herbal extracts and vitamins. Kat con D is a brand I’m not familiar with, but I’ll keep an eye out for it. March 26, 2015 at 6:11am
Jackie: Haha, Victoria, no wonder you’re not familiar with the brand, I meant “Kat VON D”!
Ditto about the scents: sadly, I think I might have to return the KVD spray as the fake cucumber scent is just too much! March 26, 2015 at 1:00pm
Victoria: 🙂 No worries, I still haven’t heard of it. Off to google it. March 26, 2015 at 1:17pm
Jackie: 🙂 It’s not my favourite brand, but has a couple of products I like. March 26, 2015 at 1:28pm
Patricia: I use the Cauladie products, which I like, but the face mist contains alcohol, which is irritating to my dry/combination skin. Is the Grape Water version alcohol-free? March 26, 2015 at 12:31pm
Patricia: Make that Caudalie! March 26, 2015 at 12:31pm
Jackie: Hi Patricia,
I can’t use Caudalie’s Elixer either – sets my face on fire! (I have rosacea and super-sensitive skin though not dry.) For me, I think it’s not so much the alcohol as all the fragrances, natural and synthetic – it’s a long list, including peppermint oil! It’s very strong. But I love the grape-water spray, which contains “Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice, Nitrogen,” and has an addictive mild natural scent. Very soothing! Like Victoria, I carry a bottle around with me all summer and spritz indiscriminately! March 26, 2015 at 12:55pm
Victoria: I haven’t used their Elixir, because I saw that it contains alcohol and I put it aside. I have some products with alcohol such as some of my favorite Japanese sunscreens, and for the amazing porcelain finish they give, I’m willing to add an extra layer of moisturizer. But most of my favorite facial mists are alcohol free. March 26, 2015 at 1:17pm
Jackie: Ooh, Victoria, would you mind supplying the names of some of those Japanese sunscreens? March 26, 2015 at 1:30pm
Victoria: That would be a post in itself, but the ones I’m using now and enjoying very much are Anessa Mild Face Sunscreen (SPF 46, PA+++, no alcohol), Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen (SPF 50, PA++++, high PA, but it contains alcohol) and same for RMK UV Face Protector (SPF 50, PA++++). PA is a Japanese measurement of sun protection, including UVA exposure. The more pluses, the higher the protection. I have a few more that I picked up on my most recent trip to Asia that I haven’t yet tried. Anessa Mild Face Sunscreen is really perfect for me, no white cast, no drying effect, no irritation. The PA rating is slightly lower, though. March 26, 2015 at 1:44pm
Jackie: Thank you so much, Victoria! Always a challenge to find sunscreens that don’t irritate _and_ don’t leave a white cast, so I really appreciate this. 🙂 March 26, 2015 at 1:57pm
Victoria: Avene sunscreens are also very good and have high full spectrum protection, but the finish is sticky. La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreen used to be my favorite, but they have reformulated, and now it leaves me looking like a ghost. March 26, 2015 at 2:40pm
Jackie: I agree about both those products, Victoria. I think I need to accept that there’s just no perfection with sunscreen: some degree of irritation seems inevitable, for me at least. Though it seems some strides have been made in the mineral-sunscreen world lately, and I’ve had good luck with Clarins (the non-avobenzone one), and with Perricone’s No-Foundation Foundation, which is kind of amazing. March 26, 2015 at 10:58pm
Victoria: My skin doesn’t really react to most sunscreen ingredients, but some mineral sunscreens can break me out. But as sunscreen ingredients are improved (unfortunately, in the US, most of the new generation ingredients are still not allowed), the chances of finding something great are higher. March 27, 2015 at 1:44pm
angeldiva: Hi V!,
A pinch of facial mineral powder mixed in your palms along with the sunscreen can remedy this.
I find that this is enough coverage for a trip to the grocery store. Plus you double the effect of the sunscreen because of the minerals. I use Sheer Cover with great effect. You really need to protect your skin from the sun , here in Southern California.
🙂 March 28, 2015 at 12:47pm
Victoria: I have powder with sunscreen, and I use it occasionally, but I recall reading that certain mineral sunscreen ingredients negate the effect of the chemical ones. Of course, the research evolves constantly in this area, so perhaps, the new generation blockers behave differently. March 28, 2015 at 1:06pm
Patricia: Thank you, Jackie. I will try the Grape Water and pass the Elixer along to one of my daughters. March 26, 2015 at 1:51pm
Austenfan: I love Cauladie, it almost reads like Cow-lady, but that’s because in Dutch “au” is pronounced like “ow” in cow. March 28, 2015 at 4:50pm
Victoria: The Grapewater has no alcohol. Here are the ingredients from the label: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice*, Nitrogen. *Origine Végétale – Plant Origin. March 26, 2015 at 12:51pm
Patricia: Excellent. Thanks! March 26, 2015 at 1:52pm
Nancy A.: This exceptional good post today was well received especially with the erratic weather. I, too have suffered with eczema and despite the “scripts” my dermatologist has suggested it only seems to make matters worse! But that’s a whole other mindset. I’ve picked up some good tips today and remember years prior when Evian was a staple in my (purse/home) or resorted to a plain water-filled spritz bottle, which worked its magic. Creating one’s facial mists sounds like a new regimen worth exploring. Thanks! March 26, 2015 at 12:50pm
Victoria: If you live in a place with decent water, then Evian or other fancy mineral water sprays aren’t essential, but whatever you use, misting is a good tip. There are many great products that combine several benefits, and I also picked up a number of new recommendations from the comments above. Glad that you liked the post! March 26, 2015 at 1:07pm
Jackie: Nancy! This winter one of my daughter’s had a return of eczema on her hands and my other daughter extremely dry, chapped hands, and a SA at Sephora recommended a rich cream by First Aid Beauty, which worked almost overnight! The eczema was gone in a few days! Be sure to get the cream, not the lotion. Maybe get a sample first. https://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-concentrate-P308002?skuId=1407956
They also have a liquid (Ultra Repair Liquid Recovery) that I can’t attest to, but which I’ve heard similar miracles about. (BTW, sorry for all the advertising, but I do not work for Sephora!) This whole line is good for sensitive skin. March 26, 2015 at 1:08pm
Jackie: Oops, excuse the apostrophe in “daughter’s” – and me an English prof! 😉 March 26, 2015 at 1:09pm
Figuier: This is a wonderful and, for me, wonderfully timely post, thank you! I don’t know if it’s seasonal or hormonal or what, but in the last few weeks my usually combination skin has turned Sahara dry & flaking – ugh.
I’ve not known how to tackle it, as even really thick creams and supposedly hydrating serums seem to ‘dry out’ within minutes. So I’ve been reading the article avidly & comments & googling madly. It looks like mists & toners are the way to go, especially since the water round here is as hard as that in Brussels. I’ve just ordered some Heritage Brand rosewater & glycerine spray, and might add a few more to my shopping basket, since I’ll need one for my office, one for my handbag… March 26, 2015 at 3:21pm
Victoria: Do you use exfoliants? It may seem counterintuitive, but in some case, when your skin is dry and flaking, it’s because the skin cell turnover slowed down for some reason. In this instance, mild exfoliants (with chemical exfoliants, not physical ones) really help. One of my favorites is Clinique’s Turnaround Serum, which is really gentle. But of course, there are lots of other products out there. If you have never used them before, it’s best to start slowly–once-twice a week and increase little by little.
Otherwise, another thing that helps me if my skin ever gets dry because of the weather or hormones is layering. Kat mentioned it below. Instead of using only thick moisturizer, I use my mist or toner, then serum and then moisturizer. And I mist throughout the day. And then there are masks….
Ok, I really can go on and on. Coming from a long line of skin care junkies (my grandmothers made their own potions during the war when no commercial products were available!), I have an excuse for my obsession with this topic. 🙂 March 26, 2015 at 4:15pm
rainboweyes: Layering and masks (in my case, especially those containing honey) do help a lot, that’s my experience too. March 26, 2015 at 5:16pm
Victoria: Honey retains moisture really well. Some people find it too sensitizing, though. March 27, 2015 at 1:37pm
Figuier: Thanks so much Victoria, rainboweyes, Jackie – I feel like I’m getting a specialist consultation gratis here! All this is so helpful.
I have used chemical exfoliants in the past, but at the moment they just seem to compound the problem. I might try a milder formula, like the Turnaround serum. In the meantime the layering sounds great, & I already have the ‘ingredients’, so I’ll give that a go. I actually tried it last night, with Bioderm lotion then calendula oil then cream – is that the right order?! – and I think it made a difference.
No I’m waiting for my new face mist to arrive i the post! March 27, 2015 at 5:04am
Kat: I apply mist – moisturizer – oil. But I know others do it differently and I might try the alternative route today and let my skin decide. (I think if you use a serum then that would come after the mist and before the moisturizer.) March 27, 2015 at 5:51am
rainboweyes: That’s what I do too. And on days when I apply no face mask, my skin gets an extra oil treatment in the late afternoon/early evening (when I stay at home for the evening). I cleanse my face, moisturize it with the mist and when still moist, gently rub in some facial oil. Before I go to bed, I cleanse my face again, apply mist and oil-free serum (to let my skin breathe during the night). For my skin this routine seems to work perfectly! March 27, 2015 at 7:22am
Victoria: Yes, that’s the order I’d follow. Generally, the thinner product goes on first, with the heavier ones last.
Another inexpensive and great tip is a lotion mask. You wash your face, spread a thick layer of any of your favorite lotion (or toner, anything, as long as it’s designed to moisturize and the texture is watery.) And then on top, put a layer of damp gauze. Wait for 3-5 minutes and remove the gauze. You can wipe the excess lotion/toner, if it hasn’t absorbed and you can now continue with your skincare routine (say, serum/moisturizer and sunscreen, etc.) I do it basically every morning as I brush my teeth, and it’s a terrific way to moisturize and plump up one’s skin. March 27, 2015 at 1:49pm
Kat: Ah – here comes the lotion mask again. Saw that yesterday and then came across the “Japanese Skincare Revolution” and felt very tempted to order it. But I think I’ll first give the lotion mask a try. I’ve still got bottles of lavender and rosewater in my bathroom closet that I haven’t managed to incorporate into my routine. March 27, 2015 at 2:18pm
Victoria: It’s a very good book, and I like her sensible advice and approach–few products but used in a different way. March 28, 2015 at 6:15am
Karen: I’ve got her book on my must-order list. She is so elegant! The Korean face masks are terrific, and reasonably priced so using them frequently isn’t an issue. March 28, 2015 at 9:00am
Victoria: In Europe, unfortunately, they are a bit more expensive. Instead, I buy a pack of plain gauze masks and make my own treatments using my favorite toners, rosewater, etc. I can’t wait for the strawberry season to start to do my favorite mask–mashed strawberries. If one is not allergic to berries, it’s such a wonderful treatment. March 28, 2015 at 12:57pm
angeldiva: Calendula cream ,or gel from the health food store!
🙂 March 28, 2015 at 12:29pm
Jackie: I have to weight in here too! Figuier, I really cannot recommend enough Murad’s hydrating toner, and the “layering” Victoria and Kat mention. While your face is still damp from the spray, layer on your moisturizer. Let is sit for a bit, then spritz on some more hydrating mist. Ahhh, relief! Layering with the mist makes a huge difference.
Also, for really severe dryness, do try First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair cream, good for face as well as hands. Reasonably priced at Sephora.
If you really want a high-end luxury product that will “heal” and deeply moisturize, check out Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Repair line. All I can say is WOW! I had a facial done at a Sephora event where they used the oil and the mask from the line and I forked out for the super-pricey oil on the spot, as my skin felt plump and moist for days afterwards. A sample of the mask did me for another treatment. 😉 March 26, 2015 at 11:08pm
rainboweyes: I just checked the ingredients of Abeille Royale on Paula’s choice and, to be honest, it doesn’t look so special to me – with glycerin and alcohol at the beginning of the INCI declaration and no trace of natural oils, it makes me a bit sceptical. I think natural honey blended with a high-quality oil – argan or prickly pear seed oil – might do the job as well.
Although I don’t consider Paula Begoun an expert in all skincare questions, I think she might be right here: http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews/by-brand/guerlain/_/Abeille-Royale-Face-Treatment-Oil March 27, 2015 at 3:21am
Karen: Sometimes I think our skin may be lacking a certain “something” and when trying a new product perhaps it has what we need. That may be why you get great results from something new. And for some of us, additional things are needed if we are losing elasticity – I know for myself changing up my skin care routine can give me great results – and sometimes not so great results! March 28, 2015 at 9:04am
Victoria: Yes, I also find this to be the case, but I also notice that some skincare products have certainly ingredients (fillers, light-reflective particles, etc) that create an instant effect, which is somewhat deceptive. In the long run, they don’t do as much. A dermatologist friend told me that to see the true effect of a regimen one needs to wait for at least 6 weeks. “But make sure you enjoy using the product,” she added. “The pleasure of skincare is in the process itself.” March 28, 2015 at 1:54pm
Rebecca: One of the reasons this is one of my favorite websites to visit regularly is because of posts like this. Perfume, skincare, flowers, food, grandmother’s recipes, I love reading about all of them! March 26, 2015 at 5:59pm
Victoria: Very happy that you’re enjoying it! Thank you for the encouragement, Rebeccca. March 27, 2015 at 1:38pm
Nancy A.: Hi Jackie! Thanks for well received tips and I will definitely look into the Sephora products, which I may have in the past. At any rate, I’m open to the possibilities. March 28, 2015 at 12:37pm
Victoria: And thanks everyone for a fun skincare chat! March 28, 2015 at 1:01pm
angeldiva: Hi Victoria,
re: mineral spf’s
Gee! For once I hope your wrong. LOL I use the Meaningful Beauty Antioxidant Day Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 20 -which has it’s roots in France.
I can tell you that at 54 – I have officially noticed the tiny beginnings of my very first wrinkle! I’ve been so fortunate… Working nights for 32 years helped, too.
I heard Dr. Oz say that not washing the morning oils off of your face can preserve it, so I got lucky there, as well. My gay friends used to ask me if I slept in Formaldehyde!
As a young girl I was obsessed with the way that people age. I used Vaseline as an eye cream , and did facial exercises , always. The fashion magazines of the 1970’s were like reading an advanced textbook on skin care. I really don’t see this type of info any longer, the sale of cosmetics , and procedures is too lucrative.
For instance, there would be diagrams on which direction you would smooth a certain product over certain parts of your face and neck.
And, I learned about using Evian water on the face by reading a book by Scavullo. Amazing! He asked all these amazing women , like Tia Chow, what their beauty regimes were, then he added one of his world class photo’s of each women.
So, I combat some crepeness in the marionette area, and have two small brown spots. I’ve used the spot reducers, but now have found a good Derm- so I’ll zap em’! Thank God for my dear mother who told me to not frown- that’s where this mini wrinkle came from : stress.
I don’t think I would ever go the injection route, but don’t judge people who do. It’s a rich woman’s game , and the results can make the skin shine in an unnatural way.
We can always learn something new, like rosewater mist! I’m just really grateful for the health, and looks that I’ve been given.
🙂 March 28, 2015 at 4:07pm
Victoria: Oh, I don’t mean the actual mineral sunscreen. But there have been studies showing that avobenzone when combined with uncoated physical
sunscreens retains little effect. Again, this depends on the type of physical sunscreen, particle size, etc. Clearly, if your skin has been responding well to whatever you have been doing, then you have nothing to worry about!
I miss all of those facial massage and other skin care advice in American beauty magazines. The editorials are driven by advertising, and much of the content is taken up by the product recommendations, rather than method. March 28, 2015 at 4:25pm
angeldiva: Amen! March 28, 2015 at 4:36pm
Aisha: I was going to purchase a facial mist from Sephora, but then decided to make my own with rosewater. I LOVE IT! It’s going to be an especially wonderful treat this summer. I think I’ll hold off on the luxury mist — for now. 🙂 April 19, 2015 at 9:38am
Victoria: Yay! I love rosewater toners very much–a great skincare product and a beautiful scent at once. April 20, 2015 at 9:28am
Rajni: My favourite mist is a herbal one by Khadi, Mango and Ginger, and is absolutely amazing. I usually use it after cleansing my face, and my skin has never glowed as it does now, and with the added benefit of no pimples 🙂 September 28, 2015 at 7:46am
Victoria: It must smell very good too. September 30, 2015 at 11:41am