Heat got you down? Make a keep-your-cool face mist

As a kid, all I wanted to do on hot summer days was run through every sprinkler in the neighborhood. Thankfully for my current day self, there does exist a grown-up version of those cooling, refreshing blasts of goodness – called face mists, they allow you to spritz your overheated skin without getting chased off a stranger’s lawn!

Added bonus: these face mists also help tone your skin, wards off excess oil, hydrate a sun scorched complexion, soothe irritation and restore skin’s pH balance. And they help refresh your mind and soul with a hefty dose of fragrant aromatherapy. So, if you have issues with acne-prone or dehydrated skin, or if you just get extra-toasty in the summer heat, this may be your ticket to relief!

Yes, you can pick up one of the branded face mists off the shelf. But if you want something sans all that drying alcohol and other additives, try one of these DIY versions, which are ridiculously simple to whip up!

Aloe face mist for dry, sensitive or sun damaged skin.


How-to: Fill a small spray bottle halfway with aloe vera juice. Then add enough orange blossom water to nearly fill the bottle to the top. Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil; shake well.

Why it works: Orange blossom water calms and tones with its gentle astringency, lavender essential oil helps reduce inflammation, while aloe vera moisturizes and encourages skin’s healing abilities.

Citrus face mist for acne-prone skin

How-to: Add one grapefruit (cut into chunks with the skin still on) and two tablespoons of rosemary (fresh or dry) to two cups of distilled water. Bring this mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the stove and let everything steep for another half hour. Finally, strain the liquid to remove the grapefruit and rosemary, let it cool, pour into a spray bottle and refrigerate.

Why it works: Grapefruit’s natural cleansing action helps battle blemishes, while refreshing the face and giving the complexion a nice pick-me-up. Rosemary, in the meantime, helps fade existing acne scars.

Rose hip & chamomile face mist for dull skin

How to: Blend together 3.5 oz of strongly brewed rose hip tea, 3.5 oz of strongly brewed chamomile tea and 2 oz of aloe vera juice; pour everything into a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator; mist on generously through the day.

Why it works: Rose hips contain nature’s highest concentration of vitamin C, which strengthens collagen and perks up the complexion. Chamomile soothes and calms, while aloe vera is lightly hydrating and eliminates redness. Result? This energizing face mist is perfect for use as a skin brighter or a quick pick-me-up.