Face Mists & Essences

Hydrate On the Go with Face Mists & Essences

Face mists and essences are lightweight hydration steps designed to support the skin at different points in your routine. Whether you are layering moisture into your skincare or refreshing throughout the day, these formats offer flexible, easy-to-use options. At ARC, this category includes brands like COSRX, lelive, Dermalogica, Mixsoon, and SKIN1004.

Setting Spray vs Face Mist — Know the Difference

Face mists are skincare-focused, typically used to add a light layer of hydration or refresh the skin throughout the day. They can be applied to bare skin or over makeup, depending on the formula. Setting sprays, on the other hand, are designed to help extend the wear of makeup rather than deliver skincare benefits.

Products like Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist are formulated to boost hydration and support the skin barrier, while lelive. The Drip Hydrate + Energise Mist offers a quick refresh with a lightweight finish. Choosing between the two depends on whether your focus is skin or makeup.

How Essences Fit Into Your Routine

Essences are typically used after cleansing and before serums, adding a layer of hydration that helps support the skin barrier and improve overall skin comfort. Rather than “prepping” skin in a technical sense, they work by increasing moisture levels, which can help subsequent products apply more evenly.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is known for its focus on hydration and skin support, while Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence targets a more even-looking complexion. Mixsoon Bean Essence offers a lightweight, plant-based option that layers easily into a routine without feeling heavy and offers light exfoliation.