What Is Beauty Water — and Should You Be Using It?
Short answer: Yes.


They say that the secret to youthful skin and hair is lots and lots of water, so let’s talk about about the H2O that’s been taking over the beauty world by storm. And no, this kind isn't for drinking: These age-defying, pH balancing, ultra-hydrating beauty waters are applied topically and infused with ingredients like charcoal, aloe, and collagen to beautify from the outside in.
So why should you implement water into your routine? Well, the newest batch of water-like creams, cleansers, and stylers deliver droplets of hydration straight into your skin/hair, and the thinner consistency means they soak in faster without leaving behind any residue. Since they tend to be lighter, the formulas are perfect for people who are oily, sensitive, or acne-prone (not to mention they just feel so damn refreshing). Below, our favorite liquidized beauty products that come in nature’s most simple, and effective, element.
A couple spritzes of Evian’s refreshing face mist will be a serious pore-saver after a long day in the office. It's full of mineral and amino acids, so you can rest assured knowing you’re not just spraying water on your face.
This beauty water is formulated with coconut oil and hydrating fruit extracts to moisturize your skin, and has a slight shimmer to give your face a subtle highlighted glow.
Whether you’re going for "sun-kissed glow" or "two-foundations-darker-bronze," Vita Liberata’s tanning water is great because it lets you tailor your tan. After spraying, the grease-free formula dries in 1-2 minutes for natural-looking results within 4-6 hours. If you want a deeper tan, just reapply as soon as your first application dries to gradually intensify your glow. It’s even infused with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate your skin.
Apply this liquid hair treatment after shampooing and rinse out. The hydrolized proteins will provide an extra pack of moisture post-shower without weighing down your strands.
Is your hair in desperate need of a hair mask but you just can’t seem to find the time? This magical liquid works in just eight seconds (yes, eight!) to make damaged hair feel super shiny and silky, so we think it's pretty aptly named.
Don’t let the thin, translucent texture fool you; Dior’s water essence has the same ultra-concentrated effects of a s.rum, while helping offset heavy moisturizing ingredients that can feel too thick and clog pores.
No beauty water roundup is complete without cleansing water. Garnier’s newest version has a lovely rose aroma and lifts away dirt and makeup like a magnet, leaving your face clean...but not squeaky clean.
8. Shiseido WASO Beauty Smart Water
Shiseido’s 3-in-1 formula does it all. Inspired by Japanese amazake (fermented rice-based drink), this smart water cleanses your complexion, locks in moisture for extra hydration, and primes pores for makeup with a sebum-absorbing powder that doesn’t strip the skin. Launches in January 2020.
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Hana Hong is the beauty assistant at Marie Claire, where she covers skincare, makeup, and haircare, and is identifiable by her signature cateye.
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