natural makeup setting spray

15 BEST MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY, TESTED AND REVIEWED

For makeup enthusiasts, finding a perfect look throughout the day can feel like an ongoing battle. But don’t worry anymore! Setting sprays, those magical elixirs, come to the rescue, promising to lock in your makeup and keep it looking fresh from sunrise to sunset (and beyond). However, navigating the vast sea of setting sprays can be difficult. With countless brands and claims, choosing the right one can feel like a gamble. To help you unlock your makeup’s full potential and achieve unwavering wear, we’ve embarked on a comprehensive journey, rigorously testing and reviewing a range of top contenders. We’ve identified the 15 best setting sprays to keep your makeup looking flawless all day long. Let’s get started.

OUR TOP PICKS

URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER SETTING SPRAY

Urban Decay’s All Nighter Spray continues to lead the way as the best setting spray for oily skin, and for good reason. This fan-favorite excels in various aspects that makeup enthusiasts appreciate. One of its standout features is its quick-drying formula, ensuring a hassle-free application. The lightweight and comfortable feel on the skin contributes to a refreshing experience.

The setting spray is designed to extend the wear of your makeup, providing a smudge and transfer-resistant finish. It caters to all skin types, especially oily skin, and its non-irritating formula complements other products seamlessly, leaving behind an invisible finish and a natural-looking glow that enhances your makeup.

Urban Decay’s Temperature Control Technology, a patented innovation, takes the performance a step further by lowering the temperature of creams, liquids, and powders. This not only contributes to a long-lasting effect but also ensures transfer-resistant wear for up to 16 hours. To put its waterproof claims to the test, our tester splashed water on her face, and the result was clear – the makeup remained intact.

RARE BEAUTY BY SELENA GOMEZ ALWAYS AN OPTIMIST 4-IN-1 PRIME & SET MIST

Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Optimist Mist emerges as a standout product in the realm of setting sprays, earning the coveted title of “Glow Goddess.” Tailored for the summer months, this versatile mist goes beyond the conventional role of setting spray by offering a four-in-one solution: hydration, priming, setting, and refreshing. The fan-favorite spray not only ensures the longevity of your makeup but also provides a cooling and hydrating sensation, making it perfect for midday refreshers or resets. Its divine scent adds an extra layer of luxury to the experience, contributing to a spa-like feel.

Unlike traditional setting sprays, the Optimist Mist delivers a lighter, mist-like coverage. While this characteristic enhances the refreshing sensation, some users may find that a larger quantity of the product is needed to fully set their makeup. Nevertheless, the multi-functional nature of this mist, combined with its relaxing scent and refreshing mist, makes it a standout choice, particularly well-suited for the summer heat. Whether used as a primer, setting spray, or midday refresher, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Optimist Mist proves to be a versatile and travel-friendly companion, providing a spa-worthy experience wherever you go.

E.L.F. COSMETICS STAY ALL NIGHT MICRO-FINE SETTING MIST

Despite the popular notion that mineral spray is a luxury beauty item, e.l.f. challenges stereotypes with an affordable yet highly effective formula. This budget-friendly gem feels super light on the skin, and comes with a micro-mist that delivers a healthy-looking dewy skin without any wet or greasy feeling. While it may not have waterproof properties, it confidently promises to keep your makeup in place for an impressive 16 hours.

Although it contains a synthetic fragrance, which is known to be irritating to some skin types, we found the scent to be very mild and not overpowering. In short, e.l.f.’s mineral spray proves that quality and performance can come at an affordable price, making it an outstanding choice for those looking for an affordable yet reliable option. Therefore, this is always one of the names on the list of best setting sprays for makeup.

TOO FACED HANGOVER REPLENISHING FACE PRIMER

If you want your makeup to stay fresh and fabulous all day long, the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer is the go-to choice. Priced at $39, this setting spray works like magic to keep your look in place. It’s like a refreshing drink for your skin, giving it a boost of hydration and making your makeup last from morning to night. The primer is a must-have for those who crave a flawless finish that doesn’t budge. Trust the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer to be your beauty ally for an all-day wear that will have you looking and feeling your best.

NYX COSMETICS MATTE MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

NYX Cosmetics Matte Finish Setting Spray offers an affordable solution for those seeking a reliable makeup setting spray. With a quick-drying formula, it effectively controls shine and oil, providing a matte finish that lasts. While some users may find it slightly sticky upon application, this feeling dissipates as it dries, without compromising the makeup underneath. It performed well in The Lab and at-home tests, showcasing its effectiveness in maintaining a fresh look. 

However, it’s important to note that the spray is not waterproof, as demonstrated in a splash test where minor smudging occurred. Despite this, the overall performance and affordability make NYX’s Matte Finish Setting Spray a popular choice for those looking to keep their makeup in place throughout the day.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS SETTING SPRAY

Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray earns high praise for its natural matte finish. The positive aspects include its full-coverage capabilities and remarkable longevity, evident immediately upon application. Users appreciate its effective performance in setting makeup, ensuring it stays intact throughout the day. However, some users note a slight initial stickiness upon spraying, and there’s a tendency for the mist to reach beyond the face, occasionally landing on the shoulders. 

Despite these minor drawbacks, individuals who frequently highlight their collarbone area may find this to be a negligible concern. Overall, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray stands out for its impressive staying power and the desired natural matte look it imparts.

TOWER 28 SOS DAILY RESCUE FACIAL SPRAY

For those with sensitive skin seeking a reliable and gentle option, Tower 28’s SOS Spray proves to be a cult-loved solution. Offering a light and comfortable feel, this setting spray boasts a formula that doesn’t smudge makeup, making it an ideal choice for those wanting a fuss-free experience. Notably, it aids in reducing redness and irritation, catering to the needs of reactive skin. During testing, the product demonstrated its effectiveness in safeguarding makeup against splashes, despite not claiming to be waterproof. 

It’s worth noting that the spray has a chlorine-like scent, but if that’s not a deterrent, individuals with sensitive complexions can appreciate the soothing benefits of Tower 28’s SOS Spray. With a natural finish and cruelty-free formulation, it’s a go-to option for a seamless and comfortable makeup-setting experience.

MILK MAKEUP PORE ECLIPSE SETTING SPRAY

Milk Makeup’s Pore Eclipse Setting Spray earns a natural matte ranking, delivering on its promise to provide a mattifying effect. Users praise its ability to lock in makeup, creating a super smooth matte finish within minutes of application. However, akin to the Too Faced setting spray, some users note that this product can be quite wet and slightly sticky upon initial application. Despite this minor drawback, the overall performance of Milk Makeup’s Pore Eclipse Setting Spray makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a long-lasting, matte makeup look.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS DEWY SET SETTING SPRAY

Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dewy Set stands out with its multipurpose formula, providing a simple solution for makeup application, especially for those with dry skin. This versatile mist serves a dual purpose, acting as both a skin prep and a makeup-setting spray. The formula offers a cool and refreshing sensation upon application, accompanied by a pleasant scent. However, users note that the mist can come out too quickly, requiring a bit of caution during use. 

ONE/SIZE BY PATRICK STARRR ON ‘TIL DAWN SETTING SPRAY

For a reliable matte finish and extended makeup wear, the One/Size On ‘Til Dawn setting spray proves to be a standout choice. This lightweight formula instantly sets makeup, providing a smooth and crease-free complexion with a soft-focus blurred effect. Despite a minor tightening sensation upon application, it remains comfortable, as noted by Beyoncé’s makeup artist who used it during the Renaissance World tour, enduring even a rainstorm in Washington D.C. The waterproof feature ensures makeup stays intact, even through splashes of water. However, users should be aware of a somewhat perfumey scent that might be a concern for those sensitive to fragrances. 

SEPHORA COLLECTION ALL DAY MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

The Sephora Collection All Day Makeup Setting Spray, earning a ranking of “Drippy Popsicle,” is a budget-friendly option at just $13. While it may not boast advanced features, it serves as a reliable choice for basic setting spray needs. The affordability makes it particularly appealing for those seeking a straightforward solution without breaking the bank.  Remember that it falls short in terms of being fully transferproof and highly humidity-resistant. If you’re looking for a no-frills setting spray with a wallet-friendly price, the Sephora Collection All Day Makeup Setting Spray could be the right choice for you, as long as you don’t require extra durability against transfers or high humidity.

MILANI MAKE IT LAST SUNSCREEN SETTING SPRAY SPF 30

Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray, earning a ranking of “Melted Popsicle,” presents an affordable drugstore option at a budget-friendly price. Infused with SPF 30, it caters to those looking for added sun protection. Keep in mind that the sunscreen element seems to overshadow the setting spray aspect. While the product provides a cost-effective solution and includes sun protection, those specifically seeking a robust setting spray may find the sunscreen component to be more dominant. For individuals prioritizing budget-friendly options with sun protection benefits, Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray could be a suitable choice, despite its emphasis on sunscreen over setting-spray features.

TATCHA DEWY SKIN MIST

Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist proves to be an excellent choice. With a light and refreshing feel, this mist leaves a glowing, radiant finish on the skin, accompanied by a pleasant subtle scent. The hydrating blend of red algae, hyaluronic acid, and squalane works wonders, requiring only a few spritzes to plump up the skin and achieve a healthy glow. The weightless feel on the skin ensures comfort, effectively setting makeup in place for a luminous result. 

Despite the mist being fine, some users wish for a more powerful spray for even coverage. Although not explicitly described as waterproof, the product passes the splash test. The only downside is the relatively small bottle size considering the higher price point. Overall, Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist offers a luxurious and effective option for those seeking a radiant and hydrated complexion.

BENEFIT COSMETICS THE POREFESSIONAL SETTING SPRAY

The POREfessional presents an appealing option for those in need of a waterproof setting spray. This micro-fine mist is praised for its light and cooling sensation, providing a virtually weightless experience. The formula effectively prevents makeup from running or smearing, contributing to extended wear. However, some users note that it doesn’t excel at blurring imperfections, and the presence of fragrance may be a concern for those sensitive to scents. Overall, The POREfessional offers reliable performance in securing makeup and maintaining a lightweight, cooling feel, making it a suitable choice for those prioritizing water-resistant formulas.

MAC PREP + PRIME FIX+ PRIMER AND SETTING SPRAY

MAC’s Prep + Prime Spray has earned its status as a beauty-bag staple over the years, and rightfully so. While the nozzle initially posed a minor challenge, once mastered, it proved effective in reducing a powdery finish and securing makeup in place.

This versatile mist serves multiple purposes, functioning not only as a setting spray but also as a prep and hydrating agent for the skin. Despite a slight initial stickiness, it delivers a smoothing effect, leaving the skin with a natural-looking dewy finish. Although it doesn’t explicitly claim to be waterproof, it exhibits some resistance to moisture and boasts a promise to prolong makeup wear for up to 12 hours. The multipurpose functionality and reliable performance make MAC’s Prep + Prime Spray a must-have for those seeking a versatile and long-lasting makeup setting solution.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SETTING SPRAY?

While a good setting spray is expected to maintain the smoothness and longevity of your makeup, a great one goes beyond these basics. It acts as a protective shield against the elements, blending primer, hydration, and even SPF for those sunny summer days when you desire a fresh, made-up glow without the risk of burning. Different setting sprays cater to diverse needs, whether it’s matte-fying your face, enhancing your natural glow, or ensuring the longevity and definition of your makeup. Choosing the right spray allows you to tailor your makeup routine to specific preferences and situations.

CONCLUSION

Certainly, a makeup spray is a product that effectively supports the makeup process, catering to both young individuals and make up for older women. It aids in moisturizing the skin and fixing the makeup base, preventing it from slipping off too quickly. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will soon discover your own favorite spray.

BEST MAKEUP FOR OLDER WOMEN: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE THAT WORKS

Makeup for middle-aged individuals serves as a way to “cheat” one’s real age, aiding women in appearing younger than their actual years. With simple makeup tricks, women can effectively conceal dark spots and freckles. Each age group benefits from a distinct makeup style, requiring the makeup artist to possess good taste and an understanding of the preferences within that age bracket. Continue reading to discover the best makeup for hydrating and improving mature skin, ranging from crease-free liquid foundations to anti-wrinkle lipsticks and dark circle concealers designed to brighten the under-eye area.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR MAKEUP FOR WOMEN OVER 50

SKIN CARE PREP

Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon emphasizes hydration as the key to flawless makeup for women over 50.  ‘The secret is healthy, glowing skin,’ she says.  Before applying makeup, she recommends using a sheet mask or hydrating serum to deeply nourish the skin.  A luxurious cream, oil, or leave-on mask completes the process,  promoting a radiant, youthful complexion.

For brightening the eyes, opt for lightweight brightening creams. It’s important to avoid anything too heavy, as heavy makeup may slide and settle into fine lines. When applying skincare products, you can use your fingers or hands for a gentle touch, ensuring even distribution. Alternatively, using a brush can also achieve effective application. Whether using your hands or a brush, the key is to maintain a light touch to prevent makeup from settling into fine lines.

Masks:

  • Hydrating Sheet Masks: Look for sheet masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help attract and retain moisture in the skin.
  • Hydrogel Masks: These masks are similar to sheet masks but have a jelly-like consistency that adheres closely to the skin, allowing for deeper hydration.

Serum:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, making it a great choice for hydration.
  • Vitamin C Serums: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from sun damage and promotes collagen production, which can help improve skin firmness and elasticity.

Cream:

  • Rose Tea Eye Cream: This eye cream provides a light and airy texture, effectively plumping, hydrating, and brightening the skin around the eyes.

PRIMER

Selecting the appropriate primer can significantly diminish the appearance of fine lines and pores while prolonging the longevity of your makeup. It is suggested to gently brush on a thin layer of primer once your skincare products have absorbed. Allow it to settle for a minute before applying foundation.

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer: This lightweight, oil-free formula is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to plump and smooth the skin, providing a perfect canvas for makeup application. It also minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving a radiant, youthful finish.

Tula Skincare Prime of Your Life Smoothing and Firming Treatment Primer: This primer is a multi-tasker that combines skincare benefits with makeup prep. It contains peptides and antioxidants to help firm and brighten the skin, while blurring imperfections and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. The creamy formula also hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and supple.

FOUNDATION

Foundation cream designed specifically for older women addresses the unique skincare needs that come with aging. Formulated with a focus on hydration, anti-aging properties, and skin elasticity, these foundations cater to mature skin to provide a radiant and youthful appearance. Many foundations for older women incorporate ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to moisturize and protect the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, these foundations often offer buildable coverage, allowing women to achieve a natural and even complexion while taking into consideration the changing texture and tone of aging skin. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation:

Experience the perfect blend of hydration and sun protection with this weightless foundation featuring SPF 50. Achieve a flawless finish with buildable coverage that effortlessly conceals imperfections. Embrace the popularity of this product, hailed as one of the best full-coverage foundations.

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-in-1 Makeup: This multi-tasking product is a foundation, concealer, brightener, and moisturizer all in one. The hydrating formula is also comfortable to wear all day long.

EYES & BROWS

Specialized eye makeup and brow techniques can enhance and accentuate features, creating a refreshed and youthful appearance. Eye shadows with softer, neutral tones can bring out the eyes without emphasizing fine lines, while mascara and eyeliner applied with a subtle touch provide definition without appearing harsh. 

For brows, shaping and filling them with precision can frame the face and lend a more polished look. As the eyebrows may naturally thin with age, using products that mimic the appearance of hair, such as pencils or brow gels, helps achieve a fuller and well-groomed result. 

Victoria Beckham Beauty: The velvety stick shadow, offering eight hours of wear, contains collagen infusion to promote a smooth and firm texture on the eyelids.

Anastasia Beverly Hills: An iconic favorite for achieving natural-looking hair strokes, Anastasia’s ultra-sleek pencil effortlessly glides on, ensuring a smudge-resistant finish.

COLOR & SHIMMER

In the next step of the beauty routine, adding color becomes crucial, providing a significant impact. Particularly for mature skin, cream blush is recommended for its hydrating properties, contributing to a more youthful look. Application involves tapping it onto the apples of the cheeks and blending it out cautiously with fingertips or a brush, avoiding contouring-like placement to prevent an aging effect. The expert advises against using bronzers for contouring, proposing a horizontal application on the forehead, cheeks, and nose bridge, with a light touch along the jawline.

For women over 50, shimmer is discouraged, as it tends to highlight skin issues and aging. Instead, the expert advocates for products with subtle luminosity, which attract light and give the skin a dewy, moist, and, most importantly, youthful appearance.

Jones Road: This versatile balm effortlessly adds color to both lips and cheeks, enriched with hydrating jojoba seed oil to impart a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow to the skin.

Westman Atelier: Infused with collagen and hyaluronic acid-boosting properties, the creamy blush stick not only imparts a natural flush of color to lips and cheeks but also stimulates the production of essential skin components.

FINISHING TOUCH

A touch of powder can provide a flawless finishing touch if applied with discretion. A light dusting through the center of the face can result in a beautiful finish, although it’s advised to use it sparingly and skip it if your skin tends to be dry.

When setting the look, the expert expresses a preference for mist over setting spray, especially when aiming for a fresh and dewy appearance. Opting for a soothing rosewater mist to seal the look provides an extra touch of dewy freshness at the end.

Mally Beauty: Mally Beauty is a cosmetics brand known for its innovative and high-performance beauty products. Renowned for its long-lasting formulations and celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal’s expertise, the brand offers a diverse range of makeup essentials that cater to various beauty needs and preferences.

Mario Badescu: Mario Badescu is a skincare brand celebrated for its effective and affordable skincare solutions. Founded by a Romanian-born dermatologist, the brand focuses on creating accessible products that address a variety of skin concerns, gaining popularity for its simple yet powerful approach to achieving healthy and radiant skin.

CONCLUSION

From skincare to choosing the right products, it’s all about enhancing natural beauty and feeling confident at every stage of life. Remember, a little goes a long way, and embracing a simple routine can bring out the best in your timeless beauty.