Glow Recipe Watermelon Mist Dupe: 2026 New Affordable Options
2026 Update: The original Ulta Watermelon Facial Mist I compared in this post isn’t around anymore (even though it was so good!) so I want to update this post with some new affordable options that gives a similar hydrated, glowy feel!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you.
the shortlist:
Essence Bouncy Plump: Best Budget Pick
MCoBeauty Hydrate & Glow: Closest Ingredient Match
Beauty Crop Oui Cherie: Best If You Can Find It
The INKEY List Hydro-Surge: Best Hydration Effect
Neutrogena Hydro Boost: Best Drugstore Makeup Mist
Find out more below on why each one made the list!
-
price: $6
best for: The closest affordable replacement for the original Ulta watermelon mist.
why I like it: It’s cheap, easy to find, watermelon-scented, and gives that fresh, hydrated, dewy-skin feel without spending Glow Recipe money.
keep in mind: It is not a perfect formula dupe, but it makes the most sense if you want the same quick mist-and-glow moment.
-
price: $11.99
best for: Closest ingredient-style match.
why i like it: This one has the watermelon, aloe, and hyaluronic acid angle, so on paper it feels more like what people wanted from the Glow Recipe mist.
keep in mind: It may have more of a shimmer or face-and-body glow effect, so I’d test this one before calling it the official winner.
-
price: $18
best for: Strongest formula-style match, if you can find it.
why I’d try it: Watermelon, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and an ultra-fine mist make this one sound very close to the hydrating watermelon-glow idea.
keep in mind: This one can be harder to find, so I wouldn’t make this the main pick unless it is actually in stock.
-
price: $14
best for: Someone who wants the same hydrated, dewy effect but does not care about the watermelon scent.
why I like it: This is more of a skincare-first mist that works on bare skin or over makeup, and it is a good option if your main goal is hydration and glow.
keep in mind: It is not watermelon, so it is more of an “effect dupe” than a true Glow Recipe Watermelon Mist dupe.
Shop here
-
best for: A drugstore hyaluronic acid mist that leans more makeup than skincare.
why i like it: It gives a dewy finish, has the Hydro Boost hydration angle, and it’s easy to grab at Target or Walmart.
keep in mind: This feels more like a glowy setting spray than a watermelon skincare mist, so I’d use it for makeup refresh days.
the original
Glow Recipe - Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist
Price: $29
my thoughts: Obviously this is a great mist. It has hyaluronic acid in it and always keeps my face looking plump and feeling hydrated with a nice glow.
what it is: This ultra-fine, hydrating, fog-like mist is designed for ultimate skin radiance and makeup enhancement. It’s uniquely formulated with hibiscus flower which naturally contains AHAs to smooth the look of skin, apple cider vinegar (ACV) which naturally helps balance oil production, and rice germ oil which helps protect against free radicals.
So let’s see if we can find some affordable alternatives!
Essence Bouncy Plump Hydrating Dewy Spray
Price: $5.99
my thoughts: This is not an exact formula dupe, so I wouldn’t buy it expecting the same product in a cheaper bottle. But for the price, it gives a really similar vibe.
It has that fresh watermelon scent, it feels hydrating, and it leaves the skin looking dewy and refreshed. I also like that it has hyaluronic acid, which the old Ulta mist did not have. That makes this one feel like a better current affordable option if you are mainly wanting that hydrated, juicy-skin finish.
I would use this as a makeup prep spray, a refresh spray during the day, or one of those quick little “my skin looks tired and I need help” sprays.
image source: target.com
MCoBeauty Hydrate & Glow Ultra-Fine Mist
Price: $11.99
my thoughts: This one might be one of the closest options on paper because it has watermelon, aloe, and hyaluronic acid, which is more in line with what people are probably looking for when they want a Glow Recipe Watermelon Mist dupe.
If you want something that feels more like a glowy, hydrated, watermelon-scented mist, this is one I would keep on the list. But give it a sniff test, this watermelon scent isn’t for everyone.
image source: beauty crop
Oui Cherie Twist Watermelon Hydrating Setting Mist
price: Around $13
my thoughts: This one sounds like a really good match if you can actually find it. It has the watermelon, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and ultra-fine mist idea, so it checks a lot of the boxes for that fresh, hydrated, watermelon-glow feeling.
The only reason I wouldn’t make this my main pick is it’s hard to get your hands on.
But if you do see it available, I think this is one of the better ones to try if you want something that feels closer to the Glow Recipe vibe without spending Glow Recipe money.
image source: ulta.com
The INKEY List Hydro-Surge Dewy Face Mist
price: $14
my thoughts: This isn’t not watermelon, so obviously not a true Glow Recipe Watermelon Mist dupe. But if what you really want is that hydrated, dewy, refreshed-skin effect, this is the one.
It feels more like a skincare mist than a fun watermelon mist, so I would pick this if your skin is feeling dry, dull, or like your makeup needs a little life brought back to it. It can be used on bare skin or over makeup, which makes it easy to keep in your routine.
So no, it does not give you the watermelon part. But it does fit the “my skin looks more hydrated and glowy” part.
image source: walmart.com
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Setting Spray
price: $14.99
my thoughts: This one feels more like a makeup setting spray than a skincare mist, but it still belongs on the list because it has that Hydro Boost hydration angle and gives a dewy finish.
I would not buy this expecting a Glow Recipe watermelon moment because it does not have the same watermelon scent or skincare feel. But if you want something easy to grab at the drugstore that can refresh your makeup and make your skin look a little more glowy, this is a good option.
I’d use this one more when I’m doing makeup and want everything to look less powdery, less flat, and more fresh.
runner up:
image source: walmart.com
Holler & Glow The Glow Ritual Toner and Face Serum Duo
Price: $8.42
This one is a little different, it’s not a facial mist, so I would not call this a Glow Recipe Watermelon Mist dupe. HOWEVER if you are looking for that affordable watermelon-glow skincare feel, this is a great affordable option to try.
The toner is more of the refreshing step, and the serum gives you more of that soft, hydrated, plump-skin finish. So instead of being a quick spray you keep in your bag or use over makeup, this feels more like a mini watermelon skincare routine.
Would I replace the Glow Recipe mist with this? No.
Would I buy it if I wanted a fun, affordable watermelon skincare set for around $8? Yes.
final verdict:
The Essence Bouncy Plump Hydrating Dewy Spray isn’t a perfect Glow Recipe dupe, but it is a really good affordable alternative if you want that same refreshing, hydrating, watermelon-glow feel.
If you want the finer mist, prettier formula, and full Glow Recipe experience, I would still go with Glow Recipe.
But if you just want your skin to feel fresh, hydrated, and glowy without spending almost $30, the Essence spray is a solid little $5.99 find.
