I Tested 6 Facial Sprays In Search Of Invigoration

When I was first introduced to facial sprays, I was beyond intrigued by the notion of them. They promised lots of benefits to my skin, guaranteeing a fresh face along the way. Plus, they just sounded pretty entertaining (who wouldn’t want to spray their face with a refreshing mist every couple of hours?). Overwhelmed by the options I found in stores, however, I figured there was only one thing I could do: Try as many as possible.

My idea of the perfect facial spray is one that is an invigorating light-misting of beneficial ingredients that will not only treat my skin but that will also keep my makeup in tact, making me look as dewy as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. While that last wish is highly unlikely, I held onto hope for my other goals when embarking on a journey to try a few different facial sprays. From products with added vitamins to ones made from rosewater to one I actually made myself, I’ve gone through quite a good bunch of spritzes and sprays.

Whether you’re toying with the idea of facial sprays or you have your heart set on investing in one, here are six options that might be worth looking into. Packed with skincare benefits, toning abilities, and budget-friendly options, there’s definitely a facial spray for you out in this big, scary world. Enjoy!

1. Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray

Urban Decay B6 Complexion Prep Spray, $33, Sephora

Perfect for the types of humans who can't not prime, Urban Decay B6 is a "vitamin infused complexion prep spray" that is packed with different ingredients to help your skin and keep your makeup looking flawless. It's made with and named after Vitamin B6, which absorbs oil, minimizes pores, and reduces redness, as well as Vitamin E and willow bark.

The spray was a super light mist that tingled on my pores and made my makeup glide on easily afterwards. Plus, it smells like a fresh bouquet of flowers. Who wouldn't want to douse their face in that? My face was quite smooth to the touch, with minimal oil that allowed for a great makeup-ready surface. The product is recommended as a primer, but I also used it throughout the day as well as during my nighttime beauty routine, and it was just as refreshing. I have no doubt that with more use, my pores will fall more and more in love with the refreshing, cleansing feeling of this spray.

2. Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz

Boots Botanics Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz, $10, Target

This one is for those of you who love that fresh-faced, newly-cleansed, just-got-done-with-a-facial feeling. This Boots Rosewater Toning Spritz facial spray by the British drugstore brand is strictly recommended for use after cleansing. However, I'm not one to follow rules, especially not those concerning beauty (hello, blue eyeshadow). Subsequently, I went bare-faced for a day — no makeup or anything — and continuously used this facial spray to test its toning, skin-smoothing ability. My only question: "What is this magical spray?"

I applied the spray quite liberally and often. Considering how baby soft, hydrated, and cleansed my face felt after each spray, it was totally worth setting a timer on my phone to remind me of my next application. I regret absolutely nothing, because the spray felt like a facial, a deep cleanse, and a toning process all in one. It physically seemed to be opening up my pores and airing out my skin in a way that allowed me to feel comfortable going about my day sans makeup.

3. Rosewater, Witch Hazel, Lavender Essential Oil

Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin, $12, Amazon; Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner, $8, Amazon; Aura Cacia Pure Lavender Essential Oil, $9, Amazon

Because I have been very interested in natural products lately, I figured I would try my hand at a DIY recipe. I found a recommendation online via Allure Magazine that combined equal parts rose water and witch hazel, with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Altogether, this set me back about $20. I stopped by my local Whole Foods, grabbed a spray bottle, and voila! In a few easy steps, I had a facial spray made of all-natural ingredients that I felt comfortable using in every stage of my beauty routine.

This spray was distinctly stronger smelling than the rest of them (maybe the combination of rosewater and lavender?), but nevertheless it was a nice boost to my senses. It helped me wake up in the morning, stay awake at work, and remove any leftover makeup on my face after cleansing at night. Once you get past the thick smell of this spray, there are really no downsides. While it wasn't the best for oil-wicking properties, my skin definitely felt smooth to the touch, and slightly airier than it would sans spritz.

4. Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray

Evian Mineral Water Spray, $13, Amazon

Some dermatologists recommend using fresh, bottled water to cleanse and reduce the chance of breakouts. However, if you're lazy like me, a facial spray made of purified water might be easier to keep handy than an endless supply of Poland Spring.

Evian — the water brand you have probably sipped from at least once in your lifetime — also sells a Purified Mineral Water Facial Spray. While you may think it's your basic H20, it's actually some of the cleanest, most-purified water you can get. Although I didn't immediately notice any benefits from this spray — and felt like I was literally just covering myself with water — some dermatologists swear by its soothing ingredients. I don't have very sensitive skin, so it honestly didn't do much for me besides make my makeup run down my face. If you would consider your skin sensitive or dry, however, this might be the facial spray for you thanks to its hydrating effect.

5. LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner Water

LUSH Tea Tree Water, $25, Amazon

Real talk: I have oily skin. While it's not always totally noticeable, it's usually slick after only two hours of wearing makeup. For many years, I have tried to find a product that would control my oil, but failed so many times. This story, however, is a little different.

This spray by LUSH is made with natural ingredients of tea tree water, juniperberry water, and grapefruit water, and promises to control oil without drying out skin. To my delight, it did just that. However, I did have to apply this product quite a few times throughout the day to really get the oil-controlling quality. If I applied it every two hours, my skin was just oily enough to give me the aforementioned Victoria's Secret dewy look — which is just the kind of oil I want.

6. Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs, And Rosewater

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herb, And Rosewater, $14, Amazon

When I first applied this Mario Badescu facial spray, I was overwhelmed by the smell of rosewater. Then I was concerned about how sticky my skin felt. After a few minutes, though, all was well with the world. As the facial spray set, it kept my makeup in place, my oily skin under control, and made me smell pretty. Frankly, I can't complain.

The directions on the back of the bottle say to "mist onto hair, face, and skin throughout the day as needed," so I did. The scent lingered in my hair, acting as a bit of a hairspray (albeit not the best one). I quite enjoyed how it made my skin feel hydrated, makeup-ready, not remotely greasy, and ready for a long day of work and running errands. It's a pick-me-up, makeup saver, and a perfect product for dehydrated, agitated skin.

Excuse me while I make a permanent spot for a couple of spritzes in my handbag.

Images: Melodi Erdogan