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.
