If you’re a makeup lover, you know how frustrating it can be when your carefully applied look starts to fade, smudge, or melt away throughout the day. Whether it’s due to heat, humidity, sweat, or oil, nobody wants to deal with a makeup meltdown. That’s why you need a good setting spray in your arsenal.
A setting spray is a fine mist that you spray over your face after you finish your makeup. It helps to lock in your makeup and prevent it from transferring, creasing, or fading. Some setting sprays also offer additional benefits, such as hydration, mattification, or luminosity.
But with so many setting sprays on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? And how do you use it correctly to get the most out of it? In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions about setting sprays and share our top picks for the best ones in 2023.
What are the benefits of using a setting spray?
A setting spray can make a big difference in how your makeup looks and lasts throughout the day. Here are some of the main benefits of using a setting spray:
- It extends the wear time of your makeup. A setting spray creates a thin film over your makeup that helps to keep it in place and resist external factors like heat, humidity, and friction. This way, you don’t have to worry about touching up or reapplying your makeup as often.
- It prevents your makeup from smudging or transferring. A setting spray reduces the chances of your makeup rubbing off on your clothes, mask, phone, or anything else that comes in contact with your face. It also prevents your makeup from migrating or settling into fine lines and pores.
- It enhances the finish of your makeup. A setting spray can help to smooth out any powderiness or cakiness that may occur after applying multiple layers of makeup. It can also add some extra glow, hydration, or mattification to your complexion, depending on the formula you choose.
- It refreshes and hydrates your skin. A setting spray can provide a burst of moisture and freshness to your skin, especially if it contains ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, or rose water. It can also soothe and calm any irritation or redness that may occur during or after applying makeup.
How to choose the best setting spray for your skin type and makeup preferences?
Not all setting sprays are created equal. Some are more suitable for certain skin types and makeup preferences than others. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best setting spray for you:
- Your skin type. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, look for a setting spray that contains hydrating and nourishing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or plant oils. Avoid alcohol-based sprays that can dry out your skin further. If you have oily or combination skin, look for a setting spray that contains oil-absorbing and mattifying ingredients like silica, kaolin clay, or witch hazel. Avoid sprays that are too dewy or oily that can make your skin look greasy.
- Your desired finish. If you want a natural-looking finish that is neither too matte nor too shiny, look for a setting spray that is labeled as “invisible”, “weightless”, or “translucent”. These sprays will not alter the finish of your makeup but will simply seal it in place. If you want a dewy or radiant finish that adds some glow and luminosity to your skin, look for a setting spray that is labeled as “dewy”, “illuminating”, or “glow”. These sprays will contain light-reflecting particles or oils that will enhance your natural glow. If you want a matte or velvety finish that reduces shine and oiliness on your skin, look for a setting spray that is labeled as “matte”, “oil-control”, or “blotting”. These sprays will contain ingredients that will absorb excess oil and keep your skin matte for longer.
- Your level of activity. If you’re going to be exposed to high temperatures, humidity, sweat, or water throughout the day, look for a setting spray that is labeled as “long-lasting”, “waterproof”, or “sport”. These sprays will contain ingredients that will create a stronger film over your makeup and make it more resistant to external factors. If you’re going to be indoors most of the time and don’t need extra durability for your makeup, look for a setting spray that is labeled as “lightweight”, “refreshing”, or “hydrating”. These sprays will provide enough hold for your makeup without feeling too heavy or sticky on your skin.
How to use a setting spray correctly?
To get the most out of your setting spray, follow these steps:
- Shake the bottle well before use. This will ensure that the ingredients are well mixed and distributed evenly.
- Hold the bottle at least 6 inches away from your face. This will prevent the spray from being too concentrated or uneven on your skin.
- Spray in a zig-zag motion across your face. This will cover all the areas of your face and create a thin and even layer of spray.
- Wait for the spray to dry completely before touching your face. This will allow the spray to set and seal your makeup properly.
- Reapply as needed throughout the day. You can use the setting spray to refresh and revive your makeup whenever you feel like it needs a boost.
Our top picks for the best setting sprays in 2023
Now that you know how to choose and use a setting spray, here are our top picks for the best ones in 2023:
- Best overall: Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. This cult-favorite setting spray is loved by makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike for its ability to keep makeup looking fresh and flawless for up to 16 hours. It has a lightweight and breathable formula that is suitable for all skin types and finishes. It also contains temperature control technology that helps to prevent makeup from melting, fading, or settling into fine lines.
- Best budget: E.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist. This affordable setting spray delivers a high-performance hold for your makeup without breaking the bank. It has a micro-fine mist that is easy to apply and feels comfortable on the skin. It also contains cucumber fruit extract and castor oil that help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
- Best for sensitive skin: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. This gentle setting spray is ideal for sensitive skin as it contains only three ingredients: water, hypochlorous acid, and sodium chloride. Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring molecule that helps to fight bacteria, inflammation, and irritation on the skin. Sodium chloride helps to balance the pH level of the skin and prevent dehydration. This spray not only sets your makeup but also soothes and heals your skin.
- Best for dry skin: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray. This hydrating setting spray gives your skin a dewy and radiant finish that lasts all day. It contains coconut water, glycerin, and algae extract that help to moisturize and plump up the skin. It also has a subtle coconut-vanilla scent that smells delicious.
- Best matte finish: One/Size by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray. This setting spray is created by celebrity makeup artist Patrick Starrr, who knows a thing or two about keeping makeup flawless under any condition. This spray has a matte and velvety finish that reduces shine and oiliness on the skin. It also has a long-lasting formula that keeps makeup in place for up to 12 hours.
- Best dewy finish: Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist. This luxurious setting spray is inspired by Japanese beauty rituals and ingredients. It contains squalane, red algae, and silk extract that help to hydrate, smooth, and soften the skin. It also has a fine mist that delivers a dewy and luminous finish to the skin.
- Best radiant finish: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray. This setting spray is infused with hemp-derived cannabis seed extract and blue agave extract that help to hydrate and grip your makeup for longer wear time. It also contains niacinamide, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid that help to brighten, soothe, and plump up the skin. It has a radiant finish that adds some glow and dimension to the skin.
- Best waterproof: Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Setting Spray. This setting spray is designed to keep your makeup waterproof, smudge-proof, and fade-proof for up to 16 hours. It has an ultra-fine mist that feels weightless and invisible on the skin. It also contains pore-blurring powders that help to minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections on the skin.
- Best classic: MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Primer and Setting Spray. This iconic setting spray is a staple in many makeup kits for its versatility and effectiveness. It can be used as a primer before makeup, as a setting spray after makeup, or as a refreshing spray throughout the day. It contains vitamins, minerals, green tea, chamomile, and cucumber that help to nourish and revitalize the skin. It has a natural finish that works well with any makeup look.
Conclusion
A setting spray is an essential product for anyone who wants their makeup to last longer and look better throughout the day. It can help to prevent your makeup from fading, smudging, or melting away due to external factors like heat, humidity, sweat, or oil.
To choose the best setting spray for your needs, consider your skin type, desired finish, level of activity
and personal preferences. You can also experiment with different setting sprays to find the one that works best for you.
A setting spray can also enhance the finish of your makeup, whether you want a natural, dewy, matte, or radiant look. It can also refresh and hydrate your skin, especially if it contains soothing and nourishing ingredients.
To use a setting spray correctly, make sure to shake the bottle well, hold it at a safe distance from your face, spray in a zig-zag motion, and wait for it to dry completely. You can also reapply it as needed throughout the day to revive your makeup.
We hope this guide has helped you to learn more about setting sprays and how to use them effectively. We’ve also shared our top picks for the best setting sprays in 2023, based on different skin types, finishes, and needs. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly, sensitive-skin-friendly, waterproof, or classic setting spray, we’ve got you covered.
Now that you know how to keep your makeup looking flawless all day long with a setting spray, why not try creating some graphic art with your favorite makeup products? Just type #graphic_art(“your prompt”) and see what we can come up with. Have fun! ?