Lock in Your Look: Explore the Top Setting Sprays for Makeup that Lasts

Imagine spending hours creating that perfect, oh-so-jaw-dropping makeup look only for it to melt away after a mere few hours. Heartbreaking, right? So what do you do to ensure that your hard work pays off? This is where the setting spray comes in. Holding the absolute power of gripping your makeup, they are the final step and one of the essential products in the beauty world, obviously after makeup.

According to Victoria Vohland, a cosmetic chemist, setting spray comprises three parts: water, film former, and alcohol. All three of them work together, creating a barrier that prevents the makeup from slipping. These sprays act as liquid cellophane paper for your makeup and soak up all the additional moisture from your skin to ensure your flawless makeup stays that way. 

While it may seem simple to use a spray, all you have to do is spritz it, and voila, but here’s a catch. Some tips from famous makeup artists believe certain motions and techniques are more admirable and valuable for better results. Below discover top-notch setting

Comparing Most Functional Setting Sprays 

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray — Best Overall

Chances are you’ve heard of the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, the most popular and cult product in this category. Formulated with patented temperature control technology, this oil-free microfine mist lowers the temperature of your liquids, powders, gels, and cream to ensure long-lasting wear. Plus, it keeps your glam looking vibrant and fresh throughout the day and night, thanks to it being waterproof.

The non-irritating formula feels weightless and quickly absorbed into the skin, giving a refreshing feel. With it being non-drying, it’s suitable for all skin types and delivers a natural-looking glow. The smudge-proof and transfer-proof elements that keep the makeup vibrant all the time make this product the best overall on our list.

Milani Make It Last Setting Spray — Best Hydrating Formula

While setting sprays are known for their multifunctional properties, this one from Milani Make It Last boldly lives up to its claims. Inside a clear bottle is a lightweight, vegan formula that delivers the right dose of hydration in just two to three pumps. This pick grips your makeup for the long haul, primes, corrects and sets your skin for smooth application. 

It’s a fan-favorite for being available in four finishes; original, matte, dewy, and SPF. Also, this fantastic range makes it incredibly easy to find one that suits your skin needs. With this in your makeup routine, there is no need for frequent touch-ups, as this ultra-fine mist locks your makeup for up to 16 hours.

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray — Best Matte Finish

This NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray is a classic for holding makeup in its place. Being a cult favorite, this pick is lightweight and comfortable. The fact that it keeps the oil and shines at bay makes it perfect for all people with oily skin types. With this in your beauty bag, it’s time to say bye-bye to heaps of sweat and greasiness. 

Plus, this primer gives a mattifying effect and leaves your skin fresh and smooth all day long. It’s also waterproof, thus keeping your makeup pop without worrying about smearing or smudging away. This setting spray is travel-friendly and a must in your beauty routine, available in mini and jumbo-size bottles. 

MAC Prep + Prime + Fix Setting Spray — Timeless Classic

This iconic MAC Prep + Prime + Fix Setting Spray is a multipurpose product that sets not only your makeup but also primes and preps your skin. It’s a beauty-bag staple as it keeps your makeup refreshed throughout the day. This pick is extremely lightweight and feels ultra-comfortable on the skin. What’s more impressive is that this mist contains powerful ingredients such as chamomile, green tea, and cucumber that gently soothe your skin. 

With an instant boost of hydration, it delivers moisture and glow to the skin. It is ideal for dry, dehydrated, and parched skin types. Just a few spritzes of this darling spray extend the longevity of your makeup and offer a soft, dewy, translucent finish. So if you want to escape the agony of makeup running down or melting to sweat, get this all-star spray, as it will never do you wrong!

e.l.f Dewy Coconut Setting Spray — Best Dewy Finish

e.l.f Dewy Coconut Setting Spray is reasonably priced and comes in a generously sized can. This drugstore mist has coconut, green tea, and cucumber that hydrates your skin, nourishes and conditions it for a healthy-looking glow. It holds the makeup for long hours without it being smudging or creasing. 

The scent of coconut refreshes and brightens up your mood instantly. So if you’re looking for a skin-friendly mist, this drugstore spray is one to grab. Plus, the fact that this pick leaves a dewy and radiant glow with long-lasting makeup power behind checks all the boxes for being one of our favorites.

Buying Guide: Settling Spray 

As you’re familiar with the best setting sprays, it’s time to find one that caters to your skin type and needs. Keep reading to learn about the crucial factors you must consider when shopping for this magical potion. 

What to Keep in Mind 

Ingredients 

For this, you need to know about your skin type and concerns. While mists with alcohol are known for prolonged power, too much of it can cause dryness and irritation. So if you are sensitive to alcohol or have a dry to combination skin type, it’d be ideal to go with water-based formulas. If redness or puffiness is the issue, ingredients like chamomile and cucumber help as they soothe and nourish the skin.

Longevity 

Can there be any more important factor than this in these magical sprays? No. Staying the power of your setting spray is the key to determining how long you can flaunt your flawless makeup look without having to run to the ladies’ room to touch it up. Most sprays extend the wear of your makeup between 12 to 24 hours. But before deciding which one to go with, ask yourself how long you intend to wear the makeup and where you’ll be. For humid temperatures, waterproof ones would be perfect, but if it’s going to be cold and freezing, going with hydrating formulas would be ideal. All these factors would help you make the right choice about how long-lasting it should be. 

Finish 

Those with oily skin should choose sprays with a matte finish. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a dewy finish would be perfect as it’d illuminate the skin. But if you’re with combination skin, try setting sprays with different formulations to determine what suits you best. 

Viral Setting Spray Hacks 

Shuffle the order

While we know doing things in a specific order has its unique pleasure, once in a while, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. We’re religiously following the format of applying the spray at the end after doing our entire makeup, but recently beauty gurus have been experimenting with it. Here is what they’ve come up with: 

After applying your moisturizer and before the foundation, waltz the makeup mist spray in between. Doing this would ensure a crease-free base and glowy finish that blurs the approval pores and fine lines. 

Say yes to creaseless eyeshadow 

Let’s face it, perfecting the eyeshadow is challenging yet satisfying to a whole another level. But the frustration is indescribable when it creases or settles into the fine lines a few hours later. Fret not. This viral hack will ensure your eyeshadow last all day long. 

After dipping the eyeshadow brush into the shadow of your choice, spritz a few pumps of setting spray on it. Apply the brush on your lids and blend it well for a great color payoff that makes you and everyone fall in love with your eyes. 

Dry sponge on the rescue 

Thanks to the makeup artist Kevin Kodra who come up with this fantastic viral hack that is doing rounds on Tik Tok. Instead of spraying directly on your face, take a dry beauty sponge out, spray on it and press it gently onto your face. Doing this will lock your makeup in place while giving a luminous glow to your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions