Sunscreen is a chore. We all know the drill. You apply it in the morning, feel like a greaseball for twenty minutes, and then go about your day. But then 2:00 PM hits. You’re sitting at a sidewalk cafe or walking to a meeting, and you realize that your morning application is basically gone. Reapplying cream over a full face of makeup is a nightmare that usually ends in streaks and regret. That’s exactly where the Supergoop Re Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 is supposed to save the day.
It sounds like a dream. A fine mist that sets your makeup, cools your skin, and magically adds back that UV protection you lost hours ago. But honestly? It’s a polarizing product. People either treat it like holy water or throw it in the back of their vanity after one use because they got it in their eyes. There is a specific way to use this stuff if you actually want it to work without ruining your mascara or leaving your skin feeling tacky.
What Is Supergoop Re Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 Anyway?
Basically, it’s a chemical sunscreen housed in a fine-mist spray bottle. It uses a blend of Avobenzone (2.85%), Homosalate (9.5%), Octisalate (4.75%), and Octocrylene (2.85%). These are your standard chemical filters. They work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat.
The "refreshing" part comes from peppermint oil and rosemary leaf oil. When you spray it, you get this immediate cooling sensation. It’s lovely in July. It’s less lovely if you have super sensitive skin that reacts to essential oils. Supergoop also threw in some silica silylate to help with oil control, which is why it’s marketed as a "setting" mist.
The Texture Reality Check
Don't expect this to feel like a hydrating water mist. It’s an SPF. Because it contains those chemical filters and some alcohol to help it dry down quickly, it has a distinct scent. Some people say it smells like a spa; others say it smells like a chemistry lab. To me, it’s a bit of both. It’s light, but you definitely know you’re wearing it. If you spray too much, you’ll get that "glow" that eventually turns into "shiny."
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The Big Reapplication Problem
Let’s talk about the math. Most dermatologists, including folks like Dr. Shari Marchbein, frequently point out that people don't use enough spray sunscreen to get the labeled SPF. To get the full Supergoop Re Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 protection, you’d probably have to soak your face.
That’s not what this product is for.
Think of this as a "top-up." If you didn't wear a base layer of lotion SPF 30 or 50 in the morning, this mist isn't going to save you. It’s designed to bridge the gap. It’s the insurance policy for your skin.
You’ve got to be careful with the application. If you just do one quick spritz and walk away, you’ve probably achieved an SPF of 2. Maybe. To actually get a decent layer of protection over your makeup, you need to do a generous "X" and "O" pattern across your face.
- Shake the bottle. Seriously. The ingredients settle.
- Close your eyes. Tightly.
- Hold it about 8 to 10 inches away.
- Spray in a circular motion for about 5 seconds.
- Keep your eyes closed for another 3 seconds so the mist settles and doesn't migrate into your tear ducts.
If you open your eyes too soon, it stings. Peppermint oil is great for your mood, but it's a villain for your eyeballs.
Why It’s Better Than a Powder SPF
A lot of people compare the Supergoop Re Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 to the brand's (Poof) Part Powder or other brush-on sunscreens.
Powders are great for matte lovers. But if you have dry skin, powder SPF can make you look like a mummy by mid-afternoon. The mist provides a dewy finish. It "re-wets" your makeup just enough to keep it from looking cakey.
Also, have you ever tried to clean a built-in SPF brush? It’s gross. You’re basically rubbing skin oils and bacteria back onto your face every day. A mist is touchless. It’s hygienic. For anyone struggling with adult acne who still needs to reapply sunscreen, the touchless delivery is a huge win.
The Ingredients: The Good and the Questionable
Supergoop is known for "clean" formulations, but let's be nuanced here.
The Good:
- Rosemary Leaf Extract: It’s an antioxidant. It helps fight off free radicals from pollution, which is a nice bonus when you’re out in the city.
- Peppermint Oil: Feels amazing on a hot day. It’s invigorating.
- Optical Diffusing Silica: This is the "setting" part. It helps blur the skin a bit so you don't look like a grease slick.
The Questionable:
- Alcohol Denat: This is high up on the list. It’s necessary to make the product dry quickly so it doesn’t smudge your eyeliner, but it can be drying for some.
- Fragrance/Essential Oils: If you have rosacea or extremely reactive skin, peppermint and rosemary might cause a flush. Always patch test on your neck first.
Common Mistakes People Make
Most people treat it like a setting spray first and a sunscreen second. That's a mistake. If you use it like a regular setting spray (two tiny mists), you aren't getting any UV protection.
Another issue? Wind.
If you’re trying to apply this on a windy beach, about 90% of your SPF 40 is blowing away to help the seagulls avoid sunburn. This is an "indoor" or "shielded" application product. Use it in the car, the bathroom, or a quiet corner.
Then there's the "over-misting" trap. Because it feels refreshing, it's easy to keep spraying. But this is an oil-based chemical formula. If you go overboard, your foundation will start to break down and slide off your chin. Moderate layers are key.
Real World Performance: Does It Actually Set Makeup?
Honestly, it’s a "soft" set.
It’s not going to lock your makeup down like an Urban Decay All Nighter spray would. Those sprays are basically hairspray for your face. This is more of a "refreshing" spray that happens to have setting properties. It gives a luminous finish. If you like the "glass skin" look, you’ll love this. If you want a flat matte look, you might find this too shiny.
I've found that it works best with cream products. If you’re wearing heavy powder foundation, the mist can sometimes make the powder look a bit "bunchy" if you don't spray from far enough away.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Since this is a chemical sunscreen mist, people often ask about reef safety. Supergoop has phased out Oxybenzone, which is the main culprit linked to coral bleaching. However, the debate around Octocrylene and Avobenzone in marine environments is still ongoing. If you're going for a swim in the ocean, a mineral-based water-resistant cream is a better bet for the planet.
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For the daily commute? This mist is fine.
One thing to keep in mind: try not to inhale the mist. It’s a common-sense thing, but when you’re spraying a cloud around your head, it’s easy to take a breath. Hold your breath, spray, and step out of the cloud.
Comparison: Mist vs. Stick
Supergoop also makes the Glow Stick. Which one is better?
It depends on your "ick" factor. The Glow Stick is incredibly convenient and very hydrating, but you have to rub it over your makeup. For some, that’s a dealbreaker because it picks up foundation and gets the stick dirty. The Supergoop Re Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 wins on the "not touching my face" front.
However, the stick gives a more guaranteed "coat" of protection. You know exactly where you put it. With the mist, you're trusting the air.
Who Should Buy This?
This product isn't for everyone.
If you work in an office and your only sun exposure is the walk to your car, you probably don't need this. Just a good morning SPF is fine.
But if you are:
- A bride or in a wedding party spending hours taking photos outside.
- Someone who walks a lot during lunch breaks.
- A person who wears a full face of makeup but cares about aging.
- A golfer or tennis player who needs a quick top-up without greasy hands.
Then it’s a game-changer.
It fits perfectly in a handbag or a glove compartment. The bottle is sturdy, though I’ve heard a few complaints about the nozzle clogging. If that happens, just run the plastic spray head under warm water to dissolve any dried sunscreen bits.
Practical Next Steps for Your Sun Care Routine
Don't just buy the mist and ditch your lotion. That’s a recipe for a burn.
Instead, try this routine:
Apply a nickel-sized amount of a dedicated face sunscreen (like Supergoop Unseen or Play) as your last skincare step. Let it dry for five minutes. Apply your makeup as usual.
Keep the Supergoop Re Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 in your bag. Set a "re-up" alarm on your phone for 1:00 PM. When it goes off, give yourself a 5-second misting. If you're feeling extra oily, blot your T-zone with a tissue before you spray. This prevents the mist from sitting on top of excess sebum, which helps it adhere better to the skin.
Check the expiration date on the bottom of the bottle too. Because it's a mist, people tend to keep it longer than they should. Most SPFs are good for three years, but if it's been sitting in a hot car for two summers, the chemicals might have broken down. If it smells "off" or the color changes, toss it.
Your future, less-wrinkled self will thank you for the extra thirty seconds of effort.
Actionable Insights:
- Layering is non-negotiable: Use this as a secondary shield, not your primary defense.
- The 10-inch rule: Spraying too close causes "wet spots" that melt makeup; spraying too far wastes product.
- Eye safety: Seriously, keep them closed until the "wetness" feels like it has turned into a film.
- Check the nozzle: Wipe it down after use to prevent the dreaded "stream" instead of "mist."