You might think that your collection of beauty and skincare products is complete once you’ve stocked up on makeup, cleanser and moisturizer, but you may be missing one important product that’s starting to gain popularity among beauty enthusiasts. What is this multi-benefit addition that could transform your entire routine? Facial mist!

According to Elle Canada magazine, spring-water mists like Evian – Mineral Water Spray were originally marketed as dermatological products meant for use in hospitals and burn clinics. In fact, thermal spring water is still used in these settings as a natural healing method for burned, irritated and sensitive skin. The source reports that clinical studies showed that mineral-rich water fortifies skin, restores pH balance and protects against environmental pollutants.

While these types of facial spritzers are nothing new, there have been many improvements and exciting breakthroughs surrounding the products. Now, you can find facial mists that come with a variety of ingredients and benefits, such as green tea for its antioxidant properties, glycerin for its hydration and lavender essential oil for its soothing characteristics. So how do you use these miracle workers?

Mineral or thermal water mists
BeautyEditor.ca reports that there’s a certain way to apply mineral or thermal water facial mists in order to get the most benefits. According to the source, while these mists are usually very hydrating, it’s important to follow the directions included on the bottles to ensure that you’re not actually doing more harm than good to your skin.

Instead of spraying it on and letting it evaporate on your face (since there’s nothing there to keep it on your skin), you should be allowing it to sit for about a minute before you use a tissue to blot it off. This way, you’re still getting a refreshing boost that adds moisture without sapping any away after it’s dry.

Hydrating mists
Mists with ingredients other than spring or mineral water don’t need to be blotted off of your skin after they’re applied. That’s because these formulas are designed to add extra hydration, which won’t evaporate along with the water. But there are ways to make them do their jobs better.

Beauty Editor recommends using it underneath your daily moisturizer, right after cleansing. Just spray it generously on your face and apply the lotion without patting it dry first. This will trap the water and the beneficial ingredients against the surface of the skin, forcing them to soak in and deliver your visage the nutrients it needs to stay hydrated and fresh all day long.

These mists are also wonderful to use as you put on makeup, as they provide a dewy finish. Try misting on a product like being TRUE – Transforming Mineral Mist after you apply each layer of your makeup, from primer, to foundation, to setting powder. The added bonus is that doing so will help your makeup stay put all throughout the day (and/or night), and you won’t have any of the chalkiness that’s typically associated with finishing powder.

Choosing the right one
Which mist you choose depends on how you plan to use it and what your skin type is like. If you’re looking forward to using one as a refresher in the hot summer months, a mineral or thermal spray is your best bet, as it’s a quick way to rehydrate your skin and cool off.

If you have specific skincare needs, like treatments for redness, dryness or acne, a mist with ingredients that are meant to help these conditions is a good choice. For example, Dermalogica – UltraCalming Mist is perfect for those with sensitive, red or aggravated skin, while something with green tea in it would help aging skin combat the effects of free-radical damage.