In this searing heat, a couple of thin layers of hydration work better that slapping on just one heavy layer of moisturiser. There’s no better way to do this than with a facial mist. They’re often seen as a frivolous part of a routine, but I’d like to think of them as an extra layer of skincare goodness, without the added weight or greasiness. Here are my three favourites that are keeping my skin fresh through this summer:
Niod Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2)
Key ingredients: Superoxide dismutase, North American four O’ clock flower, malachite rock extract (which gives the mist its turquoise hue), marine exopolysaccharides.
What’s great about it: The mist works as an ultra light layer of hydration but the big effects take place with consistent usage. Over time I found that my skin was much less sensitive and irritated, and was continuously supple through the day — never dry, itchy or tight. It doesn’t have a discernible smell and can be used multiple times throughout the day. The only negative about this is the poorly made nozzle that sprays the product in an uneven spurt that goes everywhere. Because of this, I first spray it into my palm and pat it all over face, using two-three pumps in total. It’s a bit pricey but the bottle is a huge 240ml and will last for ages. (Dh227)
Holy Snails Snowbang Essence
Cool ingredients: Ceramides, oats, ginseng, chamomile.
What’s great about it: An essence is a product often seen in Korean skincare routines — sometimes up to seven layers of essence are patted onto the skin — and is like a toner but with more hydrating and healing properties. The Snowbang Essence is a watery liquid that comes in probably the best mist bottle I own. It sprays evenly and dispenses just the right amount with each pump. Because the mist pump is so fine and light, it even helps cool down the face if you’ve come in from the heat. The solution itself is packed with calming ingredients that protect the skin and heal it. This essence has helped bring down the redness on my cheeks a lot, and boosted the overall strength of my skin. It has a slight herbal scent that can be a bit weird initially, but it’s better than having fragrance added. (Dh143)
Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol
Cool ingredients: Rose petal, bergamot peel, chamomile bud.
What’s great about it: Out of the three mists, this is probably the simplest of formulas, and is more for the everyday user looking to add a bit of pizzazz to a basic skincare routine. More than anything this is a sensory experience because of the delicate, woodsy scent — a mini spa escape in the middle of the day — with a bit of hydration thrown in. I tend to layer this with the other mists because my skin needs more nourishment, but it does also stand on its own. It might not work for very sensitive skins as it has some essential oils in it that can be irritating. One thing that will definitely be irritating is the taste. It’s very bitter so try not to spray it into your mouth (speaking from personal experience here). Apart from that, Aesop made sure the bottle is beautiful and the nozzle is spot on. (Dh91)
