The Best Setting Sprays To Lock In Makeup And Hydrate Skin

Everyone wants their makeup to last for eternity. Or at the very least, until the end of the day. After all, there’s nothing worse than sitting across the table at a first date and wondering whether your concealer has begun to wear off. Or arriving to the wedding reception worrying if your bronzer needs a touch-up.

So why not just practice the ol’ set and forget method by spritzing your finished makeup look with a long-lasting setting spray. Oh, and while you’re there, make it one that’s been infused with skin-loving ingredients to ensure you’re hydrating your complexion at the same time.

What is makeup setting spray?

Consider a makeup setting spray to be like a hairspray for your face. It works to lock your final look in place and prevents it from fading. The only difference? A setting spray is actually formulated for your face and won’t stick your eyelashes together.

And no, hairspray is not an equal swap if you’re ever caught short.

Is there a difference between ‘setting’ spray and ‘finishing’ spray?

Most ‘setting’ and ‘finishing’ sprays are designed with a similar goal – to make your makeup last longer. However, they do this in very different ways. Makeup ‘setting’ spray is formulated to be budge-proof and keep your makeup right where you left it, while ‘finishing’ sprays are typically used to moisten the skin.

Therefore finishing sprays are more commonly used to ‘reset’ makeup during the day to prevent any cakeiness and keep it fresher for longer. So while it may not increase longevity per se, it can mean less touch-ups as the makeup stays hydrated and fresh, especially if your skin is on the drier side. Some makeup artists and beauty vloggers also like to spritz their eye brushes with finishing spray, to moisten and deepen the pigment of their eyeshadows.

Should you be using a makeup setting spray?

Like most makeup products, using makeup setting spray is really up to your own personal preference. Though they’re often not required every day, a setting spray can be a great addition when you’re headed to a day-to-evening event, a wedding, music festival or any occasion when you really need your makeup to last.

How do you use a makeup setting spray?

To apply your makeup setting spray, wait until your makeup is completely finished. Hold it about an arm’s length away, then spritz and let the product fall onto your face naturally. There’s no need to rub it in, just leave it to set. The amount of pumps you need will vary depending on the product, but one to three is usually sufficient. You don’t want to drench the face, just lightly mist it.

What are the best setting sprays?

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray

We say: Choose your fighter: dewy or matte. Next, mist your makeup and remain looking as fresh as you did first thing in the morning.

You say: “Very light weight reliable setting spray, held up pretty much the whole day. Very enjoyable to wear on face I liked how it made my face feel.” – bonrainforest

Want to know more? Read NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray reviews here…

$16.99 at Amazon

Lancôme Fix It Forget It Makeup Setting Spray

We say: Leave your complexion better than you found it. Infused with hyaluronic acid and plant extracts, this lightweight mist works to hydrate the skin for 24-hours as it enhances makeup wear time and keeps colour true.

You say: “I use this setting spray for a while now (the bottle’s almost finished), so it has been over winter then summer. I have to use a matte powder before the spray, if not the makeup just slips and slides like Side the Seagull putting on sunscreen.” – cosmoslyn

Want to know more? Read Lancôme Fix It Forget It Makeup Setting Spray reviews here…

Nude by Nature Natural Setting Spray

We say: Here’s a setting spray that comes equipped with all the bells and whistles. From brightening vitamin C to youth-enhancing wattleseed to a 2022 Glosscar, this nourishing spray comes with everything you could ever want. Lock in your makeup, refresh your complexion and set out for a full day of activities.

You say: “This setting spray from nude by nature is a simple but effective setting spray. It has a light refreshing formula that mists over the skin gentle to give a glowing dewy finish to your look. I find the formula to be very gentle and refreshing and feel good knowing I am not spraying any nasties over my face.” – Nicoler112

Want to know more? Read Nude by Nature Natural Setting Spray reviews here…

$19.95 at Nude by Nature

M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix

We say: Here’s a product that requires no introduction. This refreshing and makeup-setting mist has been a staple in the kit of makeup artist’s since the dawn of time. Or at least the last decade. Why? Because it just works.

You say: “This is my go to setting spray. I have used a few different brands and types over the years but always go back to this one. it always feels so refreshing on my skin without making my skin feel too wet and sticky. Helps my make up to last a lot longer and i feel like my skin isn’t as dry if i have used this product with my make up. It has the perfect misting feature, it applies the product like a light mist.” – mserin13

Want to know more? Read M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix reviews here…

$45 at Adore Beauty

essence instant matt make-up setting spray

We say: Is your oily skin ruining your makeup? You’re preachin’ to the choir. Formulated to fight exactly that, this Essence mist is free from all oil and works to mattify the skin, setting makeup in place and ensuring it’s there to last.

You say: “I have pretty oily skin and often find myself super shiny at the end of a work day despite blotting multiple times. I bought this setting spray yesterday to try and wore it for the first time over my powder foundation. My makeup stayed in place and I could really tell the difference at the end of the day, my skin was much less shiny than usual. For the price I will repurchase and stick to this product for everyday use!” – ksm

Want to know more? Read essence instant matt make-up setting spray reviews here…

Revlon PhotoReady Prep, Set, Refresh™ Mist

We say: Revlon’s mist has three functions: prime, set, refresh. A handbag hero, this will keep your makeup looking its best and give thirsty skin a hit of hydration.

You say: “For people that don’t like to have to put much heavy product on or just don’t have a primer handy on them then this product for you I love how it’s a two in one where you can prime and set as I don’t like to put primer on some times I get lazy this is amazing super lightweight and easy to use and makes you face hydrated.” – georgiatink

Want to know more? Read Revlon PhotoReady Prep, Set, Refresh™ Mist reviews here…

$26.95 at Chemist Warehouse

Main image credit: @inhersixties

Have you used a makeup setting spray before? What’s your favourite makeup setting spray?