13 Setting Sprays That Lock Makeup in Place All Day
Whether a makeup look needs to withstand a sweaty summer wedding or a long day at the office, choosing the right setting spray for the job can be daunting. But with options for any skin type or desired finish, modern-day formulas have come a long way from their sticky, old-school counterparts.
"Setting sprays are designed to boost the longevity of your makeup by holding everything in place," Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist Melissa Murdick tells Fashionista. "Think of them as hairspray — but for your face."
With the right setting spray, gone are the days of smudged mascara, feathering lipstick and disappearing blush. In addition to long-lasting formulas, setting sprays also come in a variety of finishes. While sorting through the plethora of options may seem intimidating, Murdick advises selecting a spray based on your skin type.
"If your skin is dry, you'll likely prefer a more dewy finish, whereas if your skin is oily, you'll probably want a matte setting spray," Murdick says. "There are also sprays that create a neutral, skin-like finish that doesn't lean too far in either direction."
Murdick recommends Kim Chi Chic Beauty Stage Proof for a matte finish and Milani Make It Last for a dewy finish (or Milani Make It Last Dewy for those seeking a stronger glow). However, one of her all-time favorites is One/Size On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray: "It puts on the most even, invisible layer of any spray I have tried."
As for the actual setting spray application, Murdick's go-to method is "holding the bottle about a foot away from the face and spraying in a circular motion several times around the face." Murdick's tip for locking in a long-lasting makeup look? Use a powder to set or reduce shine and then layer a setting spray on top for an effective, cohesive blend.
With picks for matte and dewy lovers alike, we've rounded up our favorite setting sprays.
Best for dewy finish: Lys Beauty Skin Loyalty Setting Spray, $24, available here
Best for matte finish: One/Size by Patrick Starr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, $32, available here
Best for natural finish: Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray, $36, available here
Best for dewy finish: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide, $38, available here
Best for matte finish: Kim Chi Chic Beauty Stage Proof Matte Setting Spray, $16, available here
Best for natural finish: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, $38, available here
Best for dewy finish: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist, $12, available here
Best for matte finish: Nyx Marshmellow Matte Setting Spray, $10, available here
Best for natural finish: Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray, $35, available here
Best for dewy finish: Milani Make it Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray, $11, available here
Best for matte finish: Elf Cosmetics Stay All Night Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist, $10, available here
Best for dewy finish: Trixie Cosmetics All The Way Setting Spray, $15, available here
Best for matte finish: Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray, $10, available here
Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way does this affect our editorial decision-making.
Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter.
