Are Facial Mists Essential or Extra? Here’s What Beauty Lovers Really Think

If you’ve ever wondered whether that chic bottle of facial mist sitting on your vanity is more than just a luxury, you’re not alone. We recently asked more than 600 NewBeauty readers* to spill on their misting habits, and the results reveal just how deeply this step has worked its way into modern skin-care routines.

Who’s Misting?

First, let’s talk frequency. For 39 percent of respondents, misting isn’t an occasional indulgence—it’s a daily ritual. Another 16 percent reach for their spray a few times a week, while 19 percent admit to using it only occasionally. Interestingly, 14 percent rarely mist, and 12 percent never do. So while daily misting reigns supreme, there’s still a sizable group who see it as a “nice-to-have” rather than a non-negotiable.

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When Do People Mist?

The answers paint a picture of versatility. The top reason, cited by 47 percent of readers, is to set or refresh makeup throughout the day, closely followed by 45 percent who mist whenever their skin feels dry or tight. Morning routines also play a big role, with 44 percent incorporating a spritz as part of their start-the-day ritual. Post-cleanse hydration (32 percent) and post-workout refreshes (17 percent) round out the list, proving that misting is as much about convenience as it is about care.

What’s Inside Counts

But what really matters in a facial spray? Hydration is the undisputed winner, with 55 percent of respondents saying they want an instant skin refresh. Ingredients with added skin benefits—think niacinamide, hyaluronic acid peptides—ranked high at 47 percent, while a dewy finish (31 percent) and makeup-setting power (29 percent) also scored big. Anti-inflammatory properties and skin-barrier support weren’t far behind, signaling that today’s mist isn’t just about feeling fancy—it’s about function.

The Takeaway

Facial sprays have evolved from simple water-in-a-bottle to multitasking powerhouses that hydrate, soothe and even treat. Whether you’re a daily devotee or an occasional spritzer, the trend is clear: misting is here to stay.

*Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2025