A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 10, 2024
The right setting spray is the essential finishing touch for any look. We break down the best setting spray options for every skin type and event.
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A setting spray makes or breaks any makeup look. Setting sprays were once an open beauty secret in the entertainment industry to keep carefully applied makeup intact under any studio circumstances. Today, everyone can add this simple but essential final step to their makeup routine.
Similar to hair spray, setting mists create a lightweight invisible shield over foundation and bronzer to prevent smudging. Not only do they extend the wear of makeup, but they also create seamlessness between products on the face for a dewier, less cakey-looking finish. As a trained makeup artist, I never let anyone leave the makeup chair without a coat of setting spray. It takes two seconds to apply, yet adds hours of longevity to any makeup application.
I’ve tried and tested an extensive range of setting sprays on different complexions from my time as a makeup artist. Combined with other professional recommendations and online reviews, we curated a compact list to ensure you find the best setting spray for your needs.
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An easy makeup secret from professional makeup artists and beauty fans everywhere, the All Nighter Setting Spray from Urban Decay has long been seen as the magic mist that keeps makeup in place for hours on end.
Whether you’re working all day or dancing all night, this setting spray ensures makeup stays put and looks fresh. We’d consider it a year-round bathroom shelf essential. A few light spritzes to finish off a makeup look means products won’t budge or transfer—even in soaring temperatures or unexpected showers.
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Just two spritzes of this setting spray from NYX will keep makeup looking as though it’s been freshly done even hours after application. For those who have never tried one before, this best drugstore setting spray is a great option to see the benefits of setting sprays. Coming in at under $9, it provides incredible staying power for makeup, meaning less reapplying throughout the day. It also works especially well on oily skin due to its soft matte finish.
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This setting spray from Charlotte Tilbury went viral during the pandemic due to how well makeup held up under face masks after applying it. While its $38 price tag deems it a luxury purchase, a little product goes a long way. It’ll also save you from having to reapply frequently and doubles as a primer. The flawless finish (along with gorgeous packaging) makes it totally worth the splurge.
“My second time buying this because I LOVE IT!” raves Amazon purchaser Rita Hurtado. “I have oily skin and after using a setting powder plus this makes my makeup literally last all day! Last week I had allergies and my eyes were watering but I had used this and you could not even tell I had been wiping my eyes all throughout the day.”
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The fact that this setting spray from Milani has over 40,000 ratings is enough to make it a must-have Amazon beauty product. Founded in East L.A., it’s no surprise that Milani keeps makeup looking fresh in the sweltering city heat. This mist doesn’t disappoint—wear it under or over makeup or on its own for a natural glow. Makeup doesn’t budge after using this spray and with its versatile uses, it’s an easy repurchase.
Five-star reviewer Jessica says, “This setting spray keeps my makeup looking amazing all day! That’s coming from someone who works in a restaurant for hours running all around! Have bought it multiple times and is now a vital part of my makeup routine. It blends all my makeup together and makes my skin look gorgeous.”
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Ever wondered how singers and dancers keep their makeup looking in check for entire concerts? It’s most likely that they all have a bottle of this peppermint green spray in their dressing rooms. Performers and makeup artists have used Ben Nye Final Seal for years due to its unmatched ability to literally seal in makeup. More than just a setting spray, this product locks in makeup to withstand just about any environment.
“One of my favorite setting sprays for special occasions and mask-wearing,” writes Amazon reviewer Carla May Pare. She also has some advice for new users. “Since it is drying (I imagine decreasing oil production is part of how it works) I recommend an intense moisturizer and pore cleanser after use,” she says. “And ALWAYS wash it off at the end of the day.”
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Everyone loves a good wedding but keeping makeup intact through tears and endless photos is something that concerns brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests alike. Fear not as setting spray expert Skindinavia has come up with this mist to solve that problem. It uses special cooling technology to keep products in place and leave the makeup camera ready.
This is a hidden gem setting spray, and five-star reviewer Krystal Mosely agrees. “As a makeup artist, I love this product,” she says. “It’s my holy grail for over a decade. I sweat on my face and the makeup holds up and never separates. Works well under hot weather, hot lighting and more.”Â
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The majority of setting sprays tend to be chemical- and alcohol-heavy, which can leave anyone with sensitive skin susceptible to irritation. For almost 90 years, Physicians Formula has made hypoallergenic makeup and its gently formulated InstaReady Setting Spray is both fragrance- and paraben-free. It’s perfect for delicate skin and ideal for everyday use. It also mattifies makeup without drying out skin and causing breakouts.
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For those long days that never seem to end, trust this heavy-duty mattifying setting spray from ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr. This dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, waterproof and vegan spray handles rigorous conditions without transferring or smudging for over 16 hours. Plus, its ultra-light formula features oil-absorbing green tea and witch hazel to keep sweat and moisture at bay.
Your skin type plays a significant role in choosing the right setting spray. Fortunately, there are options for every skin type—oily, dry or sensitive. Regardless of your skin type, adding a primer to your makeup routine enhances longevity while protecting the skin.
Finish is a key factor when selecting a setting spray. Common options include matte, luminous, glowing, SPF and skincare-infused finishes:
Choose setting sprays with brightening, sebum-balancing polymers that secure makeup and reduce excess moisture. Ingredients like green tea and witch hazel help control oil and prevent makeup from sliding off. Avoid alcohol-based sprays, which can irritate the skin.
Some setting sprays include fragrances to enhance the makeup application experience. While some are mildly scented, others may be heavily perfumed. Fragrance-free sprays may not smell as pleasant but are better for those with sensitive skin or eczema. Always check labels to avoid potential irritants.
If price matters, know that drugstore sprays can be as effective as high-end options. For those who splurge on luxury cosmetics, many high-end sprays come in various price ranges that might fit your budget. Weigh the cost against the product’s value to determine if a higher price point is justified.
Clare Holden holds a degree in makeup artistry from the LA Academy of Creative Arts and has her own artisan brand, White Night. With over 15 years of experience in writing and editorial roles at InStyle, MindBodyGreen, Byrdie, SCMP, Reader’s Digest and more, she is a trusted source for advice on the best setting sprays in the beauty and makeup industry.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Reader’s Digest, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
We reviewed numerous setting sprays, considering skin type compatibility, finishes, ingredients, fragrances and prices to compile our final recommendations. Our search revealed that different setting sprays yield varying results based on skin type—whether oily, dry or combination. As a result, we recommended a range of finishes to accommodate as many users as possible. We also examined essential ingredients and found that sprays with green tea or witch hazel are best for extending the longevity of makeup.
The top option we discovered is Charlotte Tilbury’s setting spray. This spray is widely beloved and highly rated, as it suits all skin types and provides a natural finish that won’t alter a makeup look.
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray delivers up to 16 hours of wear without transferring powder, foundation or blush. This option is sulfate-, paraben- and cruelty-free and contains antioxidants like green tea to prevent skin irritation.
First, determine your skin type and the effect you want your setting spray to achieve. Consider the available finish options and ingredients to ensure it can deliver the desired effect without causing breakouts or irritation. Finally, read reviews from customers or brands to assess the product’s viability.
