5 DIY face mists for all kinds of skin concerns

Whether you’re looking to refresh a dull complexion, mattify a sweaty one or simply are in need of a mood-boost, a fresh aromatic spray might be exactly what you need. The main ingredient of most face mists is floral water. Store-bought face mists are made of hydrosols, which is the water made by distilling botanicals like flowers and herbs. A few spritzes can soothe sunburnt skin, hydrate a dry face and refresh oily skin. But if you make them at home, you can put together your ideal mist for every occasion or skincare need.

Here are a few tried and tested DIY face mists to beat the heat:

1. Rose + Cardamom calming face mist

Rose has cooling, nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal for all skin types—from sun-stressed and dehydrated skin, to acne-prone and uneven complexions. Rose petals make a great nerve tonic as the scent of rose is scientifically proven to soothe and relax the mind. Take a handful of desi gulab petals, wash them thoroughly and pat dry. Aesthetician and founder of Jhelum Loves, Jhelum Biswas Bose suggests that the petals be left to rest overnight in about 100ml water. Add a touch of cardamom to the water as well. The next day, sieve and pour the elixir into a glass bottle spray. “I believe that this moonlight-energised rose water has many therapeutic benefits for the skin. Besides its skincare benefits, rose is used to balance or heal the heart chakra.”

Read more: Dry skin? These 2-ingredient DIY face masks will hydrate it instantly

2. Coconut oil + Aloe + Lavender soothing face mist

A blend of coconut oil, aloe vera and lavender is just what your skin needs after a day in the sun. Lavender is well-known for its relaxing aroma, but it also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help to pacify and treat acne and redness. A few sprays after cleansing will rejuvenate the skin, leaving it moist and aglow. Deepshikha Deshmukh, founder of Love Organically and a DIY enthusiast, shares the recipe of her signature face mist. “In an eight ounce glass spray bottle, combine 3tbsp pure aloe vera gel, 1/4cup coconut oil, 1tsp Vitamin E, 12 drops lavender essential oil and 7 drops peppermint oil. Spray over irritated skin as and when you need to soothe and cool the skin.”

3. Salt + Water purifying face mist

Here’s a simple, effective and quick-to-make face mist that promotes fast healing of acne-prone skin. Add two pinches of salt in 200ml of water and put in a spray bottle. Keep it in the refrigerator to chill it. Salt helps to cleanse the pores deeply, balance oil production and even prevent bacteria built up. Mist on clean skin avoiding the eye area.

4. Chamomile + Cucumber cleansing face mist

Chamomile helps to fade blemishes, eliminate acne scars and calm sensitive or sun-stressed skin. Packed with antioxidants, it also helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. Cucumber is cooling, and its humectant properties help skin hold on to moisture. Spray some after a hot day or make it part of your party-makeup cleansing ritual. Bose’s recipe: “Brew chamomile tea—you may use the tea bags or dried chamomile buds. Let them simmer. Add cucumber pieces as well. Remove the tea bag or buds once done and let it cool.”

5. Peppermint + Tea tree oil clarifying face mist

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil helps relieve skin irritation and inflammation. Regular application can dry out blackheads, pimples, whiteheads, blemishes and disinfect pores. One of the most effective ways for the skin to imbibe the benefits of tea tree oil is to whip it into a face mist. “Mix 4 drops of tea tree oil and peppermint oil in 100 ml water. To make it longer-lasting, you can take half water, half alcohol. Let it sit for seven days. Filter it out to avoid the oily film on top,” says Bose.

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