Saturday 14 September 2013

Let's mist it up a little with facial sprays

Even I as a beauty junkie admit that there are several beauty products on the market, that you can't help but wonder if they actually do something beneficial, or if they're just the latest craze - facial mist sprays are one example of that. These are in essence water mixed with different ingredients like minerals or antioxidants to help protect your skin and they have several uses. E.g. you can use them to set your foundation, to freshen up during the day or to calm your skin after you've been in the sun. Facial mist sprays come in all price brackets and I've done a comparison of a few of them to see what they actually did for me; in order of price - Avene, Anatomicals, Clinique and Caudalie.

The first spray I've tested is Avene Eau Thermal Water Spray which you can find in Boots, both in a travel size and in a larger version, which is great if you're planning to take it with you, like I usually do. I had read a lot about this product and know that it's supposed to be great for angry or sensitive skin and you can use it for many different things according to the description - here are few examples: sunburn, after hair removal, after anti-acne treatment, to complete cleansing and to set make-up. That's pretty impressive, so if you're going on holiday this will be one of your Must bring products. Since I've only tried this as a facial spray, I'll limit my review to that particular use. This is an aerosol bottle so it dispenses a cloud of very fine mist that is absorbed straight away into the skin. It doesn't have any scent at all which might be a plus point for some, but it feels incredibly refreshing and cooling, and I can imagine that it would feel soothing on skin that's irritated or sensitive. This is perfect as a moisture boost during the day and it really freshens up your skin and your makeup if you're wearing any, leaving it a bit more dewy and radiant. This spray is absolutely amazing and considering it costs less than a grande macchiato in Starbucks, I would highly recommend that you try it, and I would even go as far as to say that if you're new to facial sprays - I bet this will make you a fan!
 

The second one I tried is the Anatomicals Spray Misty For Me which I actually got in a Glossybox a while back. Since I have been using facial mist sprays for quite a while now I was very happy to have received it and was also excited to try it, but I wasn't happy with a few things. First of all the pump squirts the spray out like a mini shower, getting your face wet in small patches, rather than dispensing it evenly over your face (and I have tried lots of different ways of using it) - not a great first impression. The spray does absorb quickly, but it feels very patchy afterwards. Secondly, while I like an aromatic invigorating scent, this one - which is lavender and peppermint to hydrate and sooth your skin, is too prominent. It does evaporate very quickly, but for me it's important that you feel refreshed after using a facial spray and this scent puts me on edge, it just doesn't work for me. And lastly, it makes my skin feel sticky and dry. It probably has to do with the first point that it's sprayed unevenly on the face, so some areas may be hydrated and others not. Since I haven't found this product on another web site, I link to Glossybox where you can read more about it, and if you're interested in getting this product, I know you can find it on good old eBay.

Moving on to the considerably more expensive products, I'll start with the Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray All Skin Types which is actually the very first facial spray I tried a few years ago. This also comes with a pump for spraying, but it's much better than the Anatomicals one. After much testing I think the trick to get the right amount of mist from this spray is to hold it as far away from your face as you can, spray a cloud, and then you step into it rather than applying it straight onto your face. It doesn't really have a distinct scent to it, but to me it smells a bit clinical, so it's a good thing that it doesn't last very long. This product is marketed as a moisturizing facial treatment in a liquid form and it does feel lovely and refreshing on the skin and it's melts in well, however I personally don't find that it does much for my skin and I also find that it tends to make my skin a bit too shiny if I've applied it a few times during the day, so I have to correct with powder or blotting paper.

The last mist in this mix is the cult classic Caudalie Beauty Elixir which comes in two different sizes - one for the bathroom, one for the handbag. This also has a great spray function that dispenses just the right amount of fine mist that settles on your skin, leaving it feel wonderful and it's great for adding radiance and hydration to your skin throughout the day. Since it contains oils that separate when the bottle's been standing for a while, don't forget to shake it properly before you apply it - to mix up the oils. This mist is a lovely green scent that reminds me of a herbal garden and I particularly notice the fresh mint, earthy warm rosemary and faint roses. This is not just a boost for the skin, the amazing aromas boost your mood too, and I love using it any time of the day.

I know that the effect of facial mist sprays is a temporary one and it doesn't magically fix your skin, but to me it's also about how it makes you feel, which is why my favourite out of the ones I've tried definitely is Caudalie and I wouldn't want to be without it. The aromatic scent calms and focuses me, it makes my skin feel hydrated and dewy and last but not least it feels so luxurious to use - but Avene comes in as a very close second, showing that there's a product for all budgets.  .

What do you think of facial sprays - Fad or Fab?

37 comments:

  1. I have heard so much good stuff about the caudalie spray I have got to try it. Its just that those mist I find is not really an essential step in skin care but with that being said I use my la roche posey water all the time and I love it. So yes maybe they are an beauty essential after all.

    http://welldressed25.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. For me this is the product that's now got me hooked on facial sprays. But if I hadn't tried this, I might not bother with them at all :O). Xx

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  2. I've heard that the Caudalie spray is really good! I like that as you said it can boost your mood! Thanks for the great review!

    Alice X

    http://brushofbeauty17.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thanks a million, if you try let me know what you think of it :o). Xx

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  3. I too want to try out the Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray !
    Lovely post:)

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    1. Thank you so much, oh I hope you do, and let me know what you think of it :o). Xx

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  4. Oooo I want one! Never tried a facial spray like these before, the Claudalie one sounds amazing, love your description of the scent but I absolutely can't afford that right now! Do you use these on top of make up or are the benefits felt more when using on bare skin?
    Tania x
    www.make-up-maggie.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. You can use them both ways - I'll spray over makeup but on days when I'm not wearing any or in the evening after I've cleansed my face it's such a refreshing feeling, as if it really goes deep into your pores. I hope you'll find one that you'll like - there are so many to choose from :O). Xx

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  5. *added to wish list* :)
    Tania x

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  6. I have the avene one but not tried it yet, I also have another similar but can't remember who by.

    I like the anstomicals one a lot, too, so many lovely ingredients in it.

    I'm in love with the caudalie beauty elixir, though, the only thing that actually works to reduce my pores, just a shame I can't afford to keep buying it lol xx

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    1. The Caudalie is almost addictive isn't it? :o). Xx

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  7. I have two facial sprays, one from Lush and one from a brand I can't remember. At the beginning I was also a bit skeptic if they actually do something beneficial but I just love the feeling of refreshing my face during the day. Great review and comparison! The Avene one sounds great for the price. Oh and thanks for following my blog! I followed you too!

    allthingsglitterandbeauty

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    1. Thank you so much that's really lovely of you!! Xx

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    1. Ciao Flavia, and thank you so much for visiting and your comment! Joined your blog it looks great, and I hope you'll visit me again soon :O). Xx

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  9. Have you tried the La Roche-Posay Serozinc? I think you'd love it! I's kind of like the Avene one, but even more better in my opinion!

    http://beautyandrambles.blogspot.be

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    1. Hi Anouk, thank you so much for the recommendation, I will definitely check it out :o). Xx

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  10. Hi dear..I really want to try clinique one..
    great review..

    my recent one :MAC Peachykeen Sheertone Shimmer Blush !!!
    http://www.vanitynoapologies.com/2013/09/mac-peachykeen-sheertone-shimmer-blush-review-swatches-n-fotd.html

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    1. Thank you so much and I hope you'll like it and find that it works for your skin :o). Xx

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  11. I love Clinique Face spray ! excellent post dear
    xoxo Shreya
    http://beautyndbest.com/

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    1. Thank you so much I hope you'll like it :o). Xx

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  12. Really lovely post. I've never heard too much about facial sprays so this was really interesting to read!

    x leah symonne x

    itsleli.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you very much, that's really sweet of you! Xx

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  13. I haven't tried facial sprays but I really want to, might pick a product out from this post! :) xx

    adaliascloset.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. If you do let me know which one and if you liked it :O). Xx

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  14. What a lovely post :-) Never tried these kinds of sprays before though! They sound rather intriguing xx

    Http://Kinderhealthandbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you so much - I definitely recommend it, but then again I'm completely hooked on Caudalie Beauty Elixir :o). Xx

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  15. Great post I want to try it now! :)
    Meg xx 100th follower!

    peachpips.blogspot.com

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    1. Hiya Meghan - that's fantastic!!! It's a huge milestone for me, and thanks you so much for helping me getting there :o). Xx

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  16. Thank you for clearing that up for me, I was exactly like what you describe in your intro before reading this post :P Now I'm tempted by the Caudalie one!

    X. Laura
    P.S. I would love it if you have the time, if you could have a look at my blog, and give me some advice on improving it, I would value any tips from you! Honestly:) www.topazglitter.blogspot.com

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    1. Hello Laura! Thank you so much for visiting and for leaving such a lovely comment, it really made me smile :o). I know Caudalie is a bit of an expense so to try a spray out, I would definitely recommend Avene and if you get hooked Caudalie is the next step :o). Hope you'll visit again soon! Xx

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    2. First of all it's so sweet of you to ask since I'm still very new to blog-iverse as well and learn new things every day and with every new post. We all have to start somewhere and my best advise is to not be shy about promoting your blog! Use all the social media out there, and be active in the blogging community and that way we all help each other. Xx

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  17. I have the Clinique Spray and I feel exactly the same about it. The first few times I sprayed it, my face felt drenched! But I also sprayed a cloud and then walked into it and it felt much better, though you are right about the clinical smell. I have heard good things about Caudalie so I think I shall be trying that one out. Great post!

    Please check out mine if you can http://stylewithgracehairdesign.blogspot.co.uk :)

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    1. Hiya - thank you so much for visiting and for your comment! Funny how you come up with this little work arounds :O). For me Caudalie is the best - it's indulgent for sure, but worth it :o). Hope you'll visit again soon! Xx

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