The secret to giving your makeup serious staying power? A simple mist of these weightless sprays
Whether you’re new to setting sprays or a long-time devotee, the latest formulas are definitely worthy of your time. Setting sprays do far more than lock your makeup in place, they also nourish your skin and help to blend the creams or powders you’ve applied, creating a super-healthy, glowing complexion that lasts all day.
What is a setting spray?
Designed to strengthen the bond between your makeup and skin, a setting spray can enhance your overall look and make it last longer – especially in warmer weather. If you’re thinking ‘wouldn’t spraying liquid on my face ruin my makeup?’, worry not, these undetectable mists set within seconds to give a natural, slightly radiant finish. They’re a secret styling weapon that maintains your makeup from morning to night.
Do I apply setting spray before or after foundation and mascara?
Setting sprays can be used as a primer – to hydrate and prep your complexion before applying makeup – or as the final step of your routine to lock in products and help them last. To apply, hold the spray about six inches away from your face, and spritz all over. If you’re uncertain which setting spray is the one for you, here are the top-rated formulas for every skin type.
Best for a dewy finish: DIOR Backstage Airflash Mist
This hybrid setting-spray-meets-hydrating-mist from DIOR adds real staying power to your makeup, making it transfer-resistant and waterproof, while leaving skin feeling fresh and revitalised. The ultra-fine, non-sticky spray is enriched with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration for a natural, long lasting glow.
Best for a matte finish: MAC Fix+ Multitasking Setting Spray
Every MAC setting spray overachieves, but Fix+ Multitasking Setting Spray is a next-gen multitasker. The fine-mist pump distributes weightless, alcohol-free spray that hydrates, primes, sets and refreshes makeup, all while helping to blend and smooth your complexion and power up pigments.
Best overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Waterproof, weightless, and enriched with aloe vera and Japanese green tea, this delicately scented spray leaves skin feeling hydrated and makeup locked in. Like all Charlotte Tilbury setting sprays, it delivers a perfectly even mist – no droplets here – and dries fast too. What more could you wish for?
Best long wear: Fenty Beauty You Mist Setting Spray
Makeup lovers rave about the staying power of this superfine, fragrance-free mist from Fenty Beauty. Fueled by InvisiFlex Shield, an undetectable veil that protects skin against pollution and other environmental stressors, it simultaneously locks in hydration. One try and you’ll be hooked.
Best travel-size: Benefit The POREfessional Super Setter
This mighty mini contains a multitasking, microfine mist that makes makeup stay put and leaves skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Benefit’s water-based formula includes pore-blurring powders that scatter light and visibly reduce shine for a natural-looking finish with zero stickiness.
Best sweat-proof: bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil 24 HR Setting Spray
The first mineral setting spray – from bareMinerals, of course – impressively withstands sweat, humidity, water, transfer and smudging. Formulated with 95% skincare micronutrient ingredients (making it suitable for all skin types) its natural matte finish improves skin texture, making it an especially good fit for those with oily skin.
Best hydrating: Sculpted By Aimee Hydrate & Hold Setting Mist
Even if you don’t wear much makeup, this Sculpted By Aimee handbag-sized mist is great for a skin-perking spritz on the go. Enriched with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and centella asiatica to strengthen the skin’s barrier, simply spray throughout the day to give your face a lift. It’s a bargain to boot.
Best for mature skin: BY TERRY Hyaluronic Glow Setting Mist
Much more than a setting mist, BY TERRY’s skincare-infused, easily-absorbed formula includes eight different hyaluronic acids, as well as a unique protective complex of camellia japonica flower, ceramides and probiotics that help to protect skin against pollution and free radicals. Please and thank you.
Best for dry skin: Laura Mercier Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray
This nourishing alcohol-free formula from Laura Mercier is perfect for sensitive skin, and contains hyaluronic acid and mineral water for long-lasting hydration. A 98.5-per-cent skincare-based formula, it’s clinically proven to stay smudge- and transfer-proof without feeling dry, tacky or tight.
Best for sensitive skin: Clinique Set The Day Makeup Setting Spray
Specifically formulated for sensitive and reactive skin types, Clinique’s setting spray is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. The alcohol-free formula is made with 5-per-cent aloe water, and promises to lock in makeup while soothing skin with hydration.
Setting spray FAQs
- What’s the difference between setting spray and setting powder?
Setting powder and setting spray both help to lock in your makeup, but they serve different purposes. Powders (loose or pressed) absorb excess oil and mattify, whereas sprays are hydrating mists that fuse makeup layers while sealing everything in place.
- Can setting spray cause breakouts or clogged pores?
Yes, setting spray can clog pores and cause breakouts because they use ingredients that form a protective film over your makeup. If you are acne-prone, check labels for common pore-cloggers, such as heavy oils or silicones. Cleanse thoroughly before bed to avoid breakouts.
