Maid of the Mist - Facial Sprays

I had first started using these sprays a few years ago but the results were un-impressive, tedious and seemed to almost dehydrate my skin more, which of course is exactly the opposite of what they claim to do in the first place. Annoyed at myself for buying the "hype" around these "water cans" I ended their existence in my bathroom and figured that they just weren't right for my skin type. Lesson learned!

This year as my skincare routine evolved I rediscovered the coveted facial sprays (among other things) and hoped that this time around the chosen formulas would be better and worth my time and effort. With more experience and even more research I embarked on a shopping expedition hoping to find that "miracle brew" everyone raved about.

Despite the simplicity I have found that facial sprays are also often misunderstood and misused if you don't do your homework and read the directions on the product itself. Trust me, there is definitively a wrong way to use this and I had nailed it perfectly.
The fact that I, a biologist by trade, missed such an obvious biological feature of the skin composition and had used a hydration product to specifically dehydrate was only slightly embarrassing. However I am happy to say that i finally figured it out and hopefully learned a lesson about reading directions...

Its actually a really simple concept if you stop to think about it. Spraying water on a "living" surface and allowing it to dry will cause even more moisture loss from the skin cells through the osmosis/diffusion phenomenon. The final result is a skin that is more dehydrated than what you started out with, hence wrongful use of the culprit will only cause more harm than good.  The thermal water sprays don't have any moisture binding ingredients in their formulation so as they evaporate the skin cells are basically "sucked dry".
The key in preventing this from happening is also simple as well. Use as directed, spay all over your face, let it sit for about 30-60 seconds and most importantly BLOT the excess away. Trust me, the difference is really more than noticeable and for the first time I am able to appreciate this product properly.
My favorites thermal mineral waters include - La Roche Posay ($12.99 for 5.2 oz), Avene ($18.00 for 10.58 oz) and Evian ($11.00 for 5 oz).

A sub-category of facial sprays includes specifically hydration targeting formulas too, in which case the blot-factor is not essential because these include moisture-trapping ingredients that are able to penetrate skin surface and balance the natural skin "water" content. These new-generation hybrids can have added glycerin, hyaluronic acid, plant botanicals and even essential oils to provide even more benefits to your skincare routine.
My favorites of this kind are - Caudalie Grape Water Soothing Moisturizing Spray ($19.00 for 6.7 oz), NUDE Hydrating Water Spray ($32.00 for 3.4 oz), Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist ($86.00 for 3.4 oz) and The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist($16.00 for 3.2 oz). 

Top Picks for Facial Mists with The Body Shop, Omorovicza, NUDE Skincare

Now that I have read the description and very necessary directions I have found many unique ways to use these spa-inspiring facial mists
1. In place of toner, prior to serum and/or moisturizing cream to improve absorption
2. A light mist as a finishing-setting step after makeup application to achieve the "dewy glow"
3. To fix "powdery" mistakes during makeup application
4. Refreshing pick-me up during the day (especially hot, humid summer days and nights)
5. Airplane hydration treatment

Even though facial sprays are not necessity a must-have item for someone with an otherwise good skincare routine I would still recommend giving them a try. The skin-loving benefits can be targeted by selecting the right brand and formulation but where this product really shines is the appropriately named "dewy factor". A light mist of these sprays is a sure way to achieve that baby skin glow that can elevate your look to a much more youthful, healthy level. That alone is reason enough for me :-)

You can purchase my favorites or discover new ones at Sephora, Ulta, The Body Shop, Dermstore and Amazon

I hope that was helpful!

Do you have a favorite facial spray? Any tips for using these products even better?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Do You Put Oil On Your Face? I Do!

If someone would have told me years ago that I would be slathering oil on my face every day I would have never believed it. My skin is combination dry and even though it can get dehydrated from time to time, I always assumed that oils are better left for "dry-skinned" individuals. Its not that I didn't think oils were beneficial, on the contrary being a beauty connoisseur I was very-much aware, but I was afraid of oil inducing congestion and pesky breakouts that come with it. 

My first facial oil experience started out with Paul & Joe (review here) so after that success, naturally I decided to explore a bit more and "presto" a new obsession was born. After much trial and error I have finally narrowed down my collection to a manageable size, which means that only the best (for me, personally!) made the cut!

If my skin is feeling particularly parched I tend to reach for some of the more hydrating formulas. For me that means REN Rose O¹² Ultra-Moisture Defence Serum and Antipodes Organic Avocado & Rosehip Divine Oil. Just a few drops added to my night cream soothe and heal any pesky dry spot practically overnight. Massaging the oil in to my skin quickly transforms my standard skincare routine into a pampering experience especially when its coupled with a scent i cant resist. REN's Rose Serum wins that prize hands down!

When I am after something with some added benefits then I reach for my Pure Marula Facial Oil and my newest discovery NUDE Skincare ProGenius Treatment Oil. Both of these oils provide deep hydration but its coupled with some anti-aging properties too.
The NUDE oil is said to be formulated using 10 specific plant oils which are suppose to be rich in all the good stuff your skin needs - Omega 3,6,7 and 9. This oil produces a plumping effect on my face better than any I have ever tried and I always wake up with grease-less glow on my cheeks. You could say that ProGenius has become my MVP in the oil word.

Marula Oil is produced from the oil found in Marula nuts, which are harvested by women in East Africa and then cold pressed for the hughest purity and quality possible. I love the light texture and for this reason this is the only oil that I can use during the day as well and not worry about makeup meltdowns.


The Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil was recommended to me for treatment of scars, hyper pigmentation, old acne "dots" and even stretch marks. Its suppose to be quite good for dehydrated skin and anti-aging concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles. The results are definitively not dramatic and if you are looking to see immediate results you will be disappointed, however give it a few months and the results will be obvious even to the most critical of eyes.

Honorable mentions that I will feature or review in the future include - Clarins Lotus Oil, REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum, Decleor Aromessence, Josie Maran Argan Oil, Suti Rejuvenate Organic Facial Oil and others.


Do you guys use facial oils? What are your favorites?


XOXO


ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)