Though I love setting powder, and use it frequently, when I want my makeup to really last, I reach for setting spray. It used to be something I reserved for weddings, on-air appearances and other camera-ready events, but as I’ve gotten older and my skin type has become a little more combination (I blame hormones), I find myself reaching for it more. This is especially the case in the summer when humidity soars and makeup seems to disappear off my face come afternoon. Or, it settles into the fine lines around my eyes. No thanks! Here, we name the best setting spray for every skin type and concern, so you can keep your glam on lock this season and beyond.
What Is Setting Spray?
Think of setting spray as insurance for your makeup, especially if it’s a full face of glam that you want to last all day or night. These mists are designed to prolong the wear time of complexion makeup like foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, highlighter, etc. Many of them contain specific ingredients to prevent creasing and make sure they stand up to water and sweat. There are formulas for every skin type and concern, whether the goal is blurring large pores or hydrating dry skin. Makeup artists use setting spray on celebrity clients before red-carpet events, on film sets and for photo shoots, and call it essential for locking makeup in place. Though formulas of the past used to be sticky (like wearing hairspray on your face), modern versions offer fine mists that feel like you have nothing on and deliver on their claims.
How to Apply Setting Spray
Make sure setting spray is the last step in your makeup routine, as it will create an invisible shield of sorts on your skin. Hold the bottle or can about 8 inches away from your face and spray in an even, continuous motion. Many makeup artists recommend spraying the mist onto your face in an “X” shape first, and then a “T” shape, which ensures you’ve covered your face completely. If you are wearing makeup on your neck, décolleté and/or shoulders, make sure to give those areas a spray as well. Give the spray a minute to dry before you touch your face (though you should avoid touching your face entirely if you can). Some makeup artists also spray setting spray directly on top of setting powder (while it’s still baking, if you will) for double-duty makeup protection.
Find the Best Setting Spray for Your Skin
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When you have dry skin, setting spray might seem like something that will make you look and feel even drier, but that’s not the case with this fan-favorite formula. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, hemp seed extract and aloe to hydrate and moisturize skin for a dewy (not greasy) finish.
How long it lasts: 12 hours
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This superfine, smudgeproof mist is the OG setting spray beloved by both pros and makeup newbies (brides love this one as well). It also boasts a unique temperature-color technology that helps keep your skin cool so makeup won’t melt, which is a great thing to keep in mind for outdoor events and activities.
How long it lasts: 16 hours
3 / 11
If you want to keep your makeup in place while also giving your skin a gorgeous glow, this is the shimmery setting spray to try. It contains light-reflecting properties that act as a bit of an allover highlighter, and you can also use it on bare skin. (It’s great on the body as well, especially during bathing suit season.)
How long it lasts: The brand doesn’t make a specific claim, but in our testing, it lasted, on average, six to eight hours.
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The name of this one says it all: You can go surfing with this magical mist over your makeup and maintain your glam (well, not your non-waterproof mascara, but you get the idea). Its waterproof, sweat-proof, perfect for beach days and pool parties, and gives the skin a natural finish (not shiny, but not matte).
How long it lasts: 24 hours
5 / 11
If oily skin makes makeup application a nightmare, this viral setting spray can help. The fine aerosol mist employs witch hazel to sop up excess oil for an airbrushed, matte finish that won’t move until it’s time to cleanse.
How long it lasts: 16 hours
ONE/SIZE On Til Dawn Waterproof Setting Spray 6 / 11
Why not get bonus sun protection benefits from your setting spray, too? Not meant to be used as your exclusive SPF, this fine, mattifying mist should be treated like any other sunscreen face mist, which is best for reapplying throughout the day. But, of course you get the benefit of sun protection (and a high SPF 50 too), which is great if you’re wearing makeup outdoors for daytime activities.
How long it lasts: Because this formula contains SPF, the brand recommends reapplying it every two hours. However, we definitely noticed it helped makeup last much longer than that.
7 / 11
A former NewBeauty Award Winner and crowd-pleaser, this multitasking setting spray is a no-brainer that won’t break the bank. Not only does it lock makeup in place and keep creasing at bay, but it also can be used as a primer and gives skin a natural finish. Another thing we love is how refreshing it feels on the skin, making it even more essential for makeup lovers who live in hot, humid climates.
How long it lasts: 16 hours
8 / 11
Another OG in the setting spray category, this microfine mist is a must-have for anyone who wears makeup and considers their pore size a concern. The formula contains pore-blurring powders to banish shine and give skin a matte, soft-focus (not super matte) finish. In fact, it’s actually quite hydrating.
How long it lasts: 16 hours
9 / 11
It’s no secret that synthetic fragrance can be irritating for some skin types (especially sensitive), but this vegan formula leaves that out of the mix. It’s also lightweight and sweat-proof, and even hydrating, courtesy of heavy-hitting skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rice ferment filtrate. This makes it a great option for refreshing your skin throughout the day as well.
How long it lasts: 16 hours
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Shake up this biphase setting spray before using to mix the makeup-gripping water phase and moisturizing oil phase, which allow the mist to work its magic. We love the use of 5-percent aloe vera in addition to hyaluronic acid, squalane and green tea seed oil, which deliver hydration and a dewy finish you can both see and feel. Plus, you can’t be the price!
How long it lasts: The brand doesn’t make a specific claim, but in our testing, it lasted, on average, eight hours (definitely through the work day).
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Mature skin needs extra TLC, and Laura Geller knows that better than most. Though any age can use (and will love) this hydrating mist, it’s especially beneficial for aging skin because it provides a boost of electrolytes, including magnesium, zinc and copper, which help strengthen and rejuvenate skin. Botanical extracts from grape seed and centella asatica were also added for even more skin-care benefits, including blue light protection.
How long it lasts: The brand doesn’t make a specific claim, but in our testing, it lasted, on average, six to eight hours.
