We tested spray-on serums that are both nice and necessary for your skin
A SKINCARE routine can be divided into necessary (cleanser, SPF) and nice to have (toners, face mists).
But a new format unites both. Spray-on serums promise the potent results of traditional serums in an ultrafine mist. I test three . . .
Budget
Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Serum Mist, £12 for 90ml, beautybay: Glow Hub is a seriously underrated brand with formulas that are much more sophisticated than you would imagine.
The mist is really refreshing but it’s the lightest of the three, so I didn’t feel like the hydrating benefits were very long-lasting.
It’s also quite heavily scented, so if you have sensitive skin I’d look elsewhere as you might find it irritating.
The worst part is the horribly uneven spray, which leaves heavy, noticeable droplets on the skin.
If you don’t wear make-up and have oily skin, I imagine you’d love it, but you definitely get what you pay for with this.
Mid-range
Kosas Plump + Juicy Vegan Collagen Spray-On Serum, £40 for 100ml, sephora.co.uk: This landed on my desk when Kosas launched in the UK this summer, and it revolutionised my make-up.
It’s the perfect consistency to use before reapplying anything during the day.
And it’s moisturising enough that if you want to take your make-up off and start from scratch for an evening the mist alone provides the perfect base.
It’s a heavy spray, so you need to use your hands to distribute it evenly across your face but it’s still more hygienic than using a serum with a dropper, and you only need a couple of sprays.
It’s been great over the summer, when I don’t want to pile heavy products onto my skin.
Plus it helped relieve sunburn last month when I couldn’t reapply aloe-vera.
Luxury
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, £48 For 40ml, tatcha.co.uk: I don’t think there is a Tatcha product I don’t love.
Every new one I try from the brand quickly becomes my go-to, and this mist is no exception.
It immediately removes the tight sensation after cleansing and leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth all day, which is more than can be said for a lot of mists that sink in instantly and leave you wanting more.
The spray is really fine, so you get a good coverage without having to rub it in with your hands after, and my skin looks and feels more alive during the day.
But I would love a supersized version as I am already a third way through the bottle after a fortnight.
Pick of the week
MAKE-UP artist Jamie Genevieve’s beauty brand Vieve has teamed up with British skincare label Elemis to create The Everyday Eye & Skin Edit.
It costs £55 and contains items worth £74 – my go-to Vieve Eye Wand in Sand, the cult Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and White Flowers Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover.
They are all housed in a travel-friendly clear Vieve make-up pouch. Shop now at elemis.com.