You’ve put in time, effort, and a lot of product trying to nail that makeup look. It would be quite a shame to end up with a smudged face a couple of hours later.
A few spritzes of a setting spray can help you avoid that sad end. But out of all the options on the market, which should you pick?
Today, I’ll help you make that decision. Here is my pick of the best setting sprays for makeup!
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Top 7 Makeup Setting Sprays
1. One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray
I couldn’t get the list started with anything better than the cult-favorite spray, On ‘Til Dawn.
Patrick Starrr’s promo videos promised a super waterproof spray, so I wasn’t surprised by the hold.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the blurring effect. The witch hazel is doing a lot of heavy lifting in this formula, absorbing excess oil to keep the skin nice and matte!
Pros:
- Blurred finish with a mattifying effect
- Tightens the pores (thanks to the green tea extract)
- Available in full-size and convenient travel-size bottles
Cons:
- Smells a bit like hairspray
2. Huda Beauty Resting Boss Face Setting Spray
Did you hear about the hairspray-as-setting-spray hack? Yup, it’s a thing, and it apparently works well – so much so that this hack inspired the Resting Boss Face extra-hold, waterproof spray.
Of course, the formula wears a lot more comfortably than actual hairspray.
You could use it as usual, spraying about 8” from your face. Or you could go with Huda’s tip and apply some product onto your sponge before pressing it on your face.
Personally, I find the second approach easier and more effective.
Pros:
- Provides extra hold without feeling sticky or heavy
- Matte finish suitable for those with oily skin
- Packaged in a non-aerosol bottle (unlike hairsprays)
Cons:
- Heavily scented
3. Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
The matte finish isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. Maybe you’d like a dewy look? In this case, this mist from Pixi can be a great pick.
With rose water and green tea, the formula is made to balance the skin, wear comfortably, and prevent makeup from settling into fine lines. And it does all that without drying your face out.
Some people even use it as a hydrating primer/pre-primer.
Pros:
- Refreshing and hydrating formula
- Even mists that dry quickly
- Pleasant and non-irritating rose water scent
Cons:
- Not waterproof
4. Flower Beauty Seal the Deal Setting Spray
Seal the Deal setting spray has a strong smell, but it’s surprisingly pleasant.
You know what else is pleasant? The feel of this lightweight formula. Expect a moisturized (but not too dewy) look.
If you have an issue with shine, I’d recommend the Jet Set powder formula from the same line. It’s better at absorbing excess oils.
Pros:
- Not too harsh on dry skin
- Available in both matte and dewy versions
- Lightweight formula that feels comfortable
Cons:
- Could leave tiny white dots behind
5. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Finish Spray
Cracks, smudges, and fading spots don’t fly in a professional photo session. The lights and close-up angles expose all the tiny flaws.
This Wet n Wild setting spray promises to reduce these problems at a reasonable price.
It also works well for prepping the face, so you’re getting a nice bang for your buck. I would have preferred it if the bottle was a bit bigger. But hey, we shouldn’t be greedy!
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Available in matte and natural finish versions
- Infused with aloe vera to prevent drying
Cons:
- Pump can sometimes get stuck
6. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Just as the name implies, the Airbrush Flawless spray gives a blurred (yet natural) finish.
Plus, the formula is pretty light, and you could use it to prime and set your looks. This way, you’ll get extra longevity.
Pros:
- Aromatic resin controls the pores
- Aloe vera leaves the skin smooth and supple
- Faintly scented formula
Cons:
- Makeup does still transfer onto clothes
7. Caliray Surfproof Setting Spray
Caliray’s Surfproof Setting Spray might not be the most popular option on the market, but it’s still worth a mention. It’s lightweight, blurring, sustainable, and handles sweat/splashes well.
The formula is also chock full of skincare ingredients (niacinamide, glycerin, agave, zinc lactate, prickly pear, etc.) for hydration, skin recovery, and oil control.
Pros:
- Ultra-fine mist for a comfortable feel
- Refillable bottle made with 100% upcycled plastic
- Doesn’t dry the skin
Cons:
- Not fully waterproof
3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Makeup Spray
Is this your first time buying and using a spray? Here are three tips to help you choose a formula and make the most out of it:
1. Setting vs. Fixing vs. Finishing
These three terms are sometimes used interchangeably. While they aren’t mutually exclusive, there’s a slight distinction to be made.
Setting sprays mainly mesh and emulsify the makeup layers together to create a seamless look while preventing melting. Meanwhile, fixing formulas work on the top layer to hold it in place.
Finishing formulas, on the other hand, just give the makeup a specific finish (matte, dewy, etc.).
2. Finish Type
The finish alone can help you narrow down your options. It has to suit your skin type, after all.
Those with oily skin could use a mattifying formula to counteract the shininess. But a glowy/dewy spray works well for dry skin.
Of course, you also need to consider which finish complements the makeup looks you usually do.
3. Spray Pattern
Regardless of the formula type, you’ll want to nail your spray pattern to get the most out of the product.
The general rule is to spray in an X-shape and follow up on your T-zone. This way, you know for sure that you’ve covered everything.
If your spray doesn’t give you even coverage, you could spot-spray as needed.
Final Thoughts
For my personal pick of the best setting sprays for makeup, both the On ‘Til Dawn and Resting Boss Face offer excellent hold with a matte finish. But for a dewy look, I’d go with the Pixi mist.
No matter which you choose, make sure you give the product a few minutes to dry before you get dressed. Otherwise, you’ll end up with ugly smears!
What’s your favorite setting spray for makeup? Let me know in the comments below!