For a makeup look that doesn’t falter or fade as the day advances, the finest setting sprays have your back. Imagine the protective finish of a clear coat on a freshly painted canvas; these dewy or matte formulas ensure your artistry remains as vibrant and precise as when you first completed it. These aren’t your grandmother’s face mists but rather technologically advanced spritzes designed to seal, protect, and sometimes even enhance your makeup’s staying power.
Renowned makeup artists have touted the necessity of a good setting spray for years. It’s the final step of your makeup application that ensures your work stays intact,” they advise. No matter the circumstance – be it a day at the office, a glamorous red carpet event, or an impromptu pool party – the right spray is your insurance policy against smudging, creasing, and fading.
A high-quality spray doesn’t just preserve your makeup; it enhances the overall appearance, adds a dash of glow or mattification, and harmonizes the layers into a unified whole. Choose a hydrating formula for a boost of moisture or a mattifying one to keep excess shine in check. Truly, setting sprays have come a long way from their humble beginnings and have claimed their rightful place in our makeup routines.
Setting sprays can come in different formats – aerosols, trigger sprays, pump bottles – but their goal is the same: to envelop your face in a weightless mist that dries quickly and transparently. Don’t be afraid of overdoing it – the more, the merrier, especially when you’re looking for that extra hold.
Ready to find out which setting sprays have made it to our top-rated list? Continue reading as we reveal our favorites, including a budget-friendly option that punches above its weight class and a luxury brand’s iconic formula that continues to be a staple in every professional makeup artist’s kit.
- Long-lasting makeup
- Weightless feel
- Dermatologist-tested
Urban Decay’s setting spray is unlike any other on the market. It’s waterproof and keeps your makeup looking fresh for up to 16 hours, even in humid conditions.
This means that you can stay out all night and still look like you just applied your makeup—no smudging or fading! The cooling mist is also great for keeping your skin feeling refreshed and comfortable throughout the day.
What’s more, it prevents settling into fine lines, so your skin stays smooth and shine-free without a hint of creasing. It works especially well with any foundation, but we also love how it feels when mixed with a little bit of our favorite tinted moisturizer!
“My skin is normal to dry, so makeup tends to not last on my skin,” explained one tester. “I’m an esthetician, so I’m exposed to steam all day and my makeup still holds up.”
- Soothing and hydrating
- Multipurpose use
- Travel-friendly
Tower 28 Beauty’s setting spray is a daily rescue spray for stressed-out skin. It can be used twice daily on clean skin, or alternately it can be used over makeup and as needed to refresh and purify.
The product comes in a convenient pump bottle, so it’s easy to use and carry around with you.
Containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial—helping defend your skin from harmful bacteria. It’s pH balanced (4.5) and formulated for facial skin, so it’s safe for all ages and anywhere on the face.
“I’m outdoors quite a bit, and this product not only provides a cooling effect when I spray it on, but I also notice less irritation and redness by the end of the day,” shared one reviewer.
- Affordable price
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-control
If you’re looking for a setting spray that will keep your makeup looking fresh all day, look no further.
e.l.f. Cosmetics’ setting spray is lightweight and clear, so it won’t change the color of your foundation or tinted moisturizer. It also contains Arctium majus root to hydrate and soothe skin, as well as vitamins B and E to nourish and soften it.
This spray is infused with a blend of natural ingredients that work together to control shine for a matte finish, refresh your makeup throughout the day for a quick touchup, and nourish and soften skin—all while keeping your makeup in place!
According to beauty enthusiasts, “This is a great setting spray to use over sunscreen to keep your makeup in place all day.”
- Multi-functional
- Hydrating and nourishing
- Infused with botanicals
It’s time to stop settling for just a moisturizer or just a primer or just a setting spray.
This all-in-one mist from Rare Beauty is packed with skin-loving ingredients and intended to hydrate, prime, set, and refresh your skin with an uplifting glow boost that lasts.
In addition to nourishing your skin with vitamin B3, niacinamide brightens the complexion and diminishes the look of pores and blemishes. A botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white water lily creates a soothing and calming sensation as well as an instant radiance boost.
Simply spritz 2-4 times on your face before makeup application for the ultimate in skincare.
- Long-lasting
- Natural finish
- Alcohol-free
MAC Cosmetics has been a beauty staple for decades, and their Fix+ Stay Over Setting Spray is no exception.
This lightweight spray sets makeup for 16 hours while also delivering protection from pollution and blue light. It’s hydrated, transfer-resistant, and alcohol-free—plus it features a fine-mist pump. And did we mention that it’s infused with cucumber fruit extract and green tea leaf extract?
If you’re looking for a new spray to keep your makeup fresh all day, this is a great pick!
“This is a phenomenal setting spray. It has all the benefits of the hydration and smoothing of the original Fix+ coupled with adding longevity and transfer resistance,” wrote one buyer.
- Hydrating formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Locks in makeup
If you’re looking for a product that will set your makeup and protect it from the elements but still give you a dewy finish, check out Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dewy Set Setting Spray.
This water-based formula goes on weightlessly and blends seamlessly with other products. It sets makeup while giving skin a smooth and refreshed look. And it’s gentle enough for those with dry skin.
The coconut vanilla scent is divine—strong enough to be noticeable without overpowering. And if you don’t need to wear face makeup, this can also be used as a primer by itself before applying foundation.
It contains purslane, which helps to improve elasticity in your skin’s natural barrier function and locks in moisture for hours after application.
- Lightweight
- Hydrating and nourishing
- Vegan and cruelty-free
If you’re a beauty junkie, you know that setting spray is one of the most essential products in your arsenal. It’s the final step that takes your makeup from “I’m going out” to “I mean business.” That’s why we were so excited to try Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray.
It’s a dual-phase product, which means it comes in two separate bottles: one with a blue agave extract that forms an invisible layer to grip and set makeup and another with hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering what all those things are doing in a setting spray!
The good news is that they work together to hydrate skin while locking in moisture for a breathable, glassy glow—and all without alcohol! That means you can keep your skin looking beautiful without worrying about drying it out.
- Airbrushed finish
- Long-lasting makeup
- Suitable for all skin types
Charlotte Tilbury has created a product that is sure to become a staple in your makeup bag: the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.
It weightlessly primes and sets your makeup, leaving it delicately scented and inspired by the smoothing, pore-blurring effects of airbrushes. The high-performance formula works in harmony with foundations, concealers, and bronzers to keep your look in place all day long—no melting or fading.
The product also features aloe vera and Japanese green tea extract for a boost of hydration and antioxidant protection for healthy-looking skin.
- Extends makeup wear
- Affordable price
- Cruelty-free
This setting spray from Pixi Beauty is a great option for anyone who wants their makeup to last all day. It keeps makeup from moving, melting, and settling into fine lines or pores.
The rose water and green tea-infused formula comforts, protects, and balances skin while creating a fresh face. It also extends and refreshes makeup—so you don’t have to worry about your makeup looking worn out by the end of the day.
The spray is suitable for all skin types and adds a soft-focus finish that’s perfect for everyday use.
“As a full-time student, a good setting spray is definitely needed,” wrote one wearer. “This was glow y and hydrating.”
- Sun protection
- Lightweight
- Versatile use
This setting spray from Morphe is a game-changer.
The SPF 30-infused mist sets and improves the wear of your makeup, protects your complexion against the sun, blue light, and daily environmental stressors. It’s easy to apply and affordable compared to other brands, plus it feels refreshing on your skin.
It’s also breathable, so you don’t have to worry about feeling like you’re wearing a mask—it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
What to Look for in Setting Sprays
Type of Setting Spray
The type of setting spray that you select largely depends on your skin type and desired finish. There are mattifying sprays for oily skin, hydrating ones for dry skin, and illuminating sprays for a dewy glow. Consider your skin’s needs and the look you want to achieve when choosing a spray.
Longevity
A key purpose of a setting spray is to extend the longevity of your makeup. Look for sprays that promise to keep your makeup in place for extended periods, whether it’s during a long day at work or a night out. Reading reviews or checking for wear tests online can give you an idea of how well a spray performs in this regard.
Ingredients
Just like any other skincare or cosmetic product, the ingredients list is important when choosing a setting spray. Avoid those with excessive alcohol, which can be drying. Look for beneficial ingredients like glycerin, which helps makeup adhere to your skin, or calming botanicals like chamomile and green tea.
Spray Mechanism
The spray mechanism might not seem important, but it can greatly affect your experience with the product. A good spray should have a fine, even mist for seamless application. A poor-quality sprayer can leave large droplets on your face that disrupt your makeup.
Additional Benefits
Finally, many sprays now offer additional benefits beyond just setting your makeup. Some provide hydration, control oil, or offer a cooling effect. Others even include SPF for added sun protection. Consider what additional benefits you’d like in a setting spray when making your choice.
