Setting spray is a staple of the makeup routine of many and can be found in both drugstore and high-end products. Setting spray is typically used to prolong the wear of makeup and can be found in both wet spray and dry spray forms. The advantage of a setting spray is not only the lengthening of the wear time but also the mattifying effect that is left behind.
There are a lot of brands that offer setting sprays, however, some products include hazardous ingredients that will harm your skin. A lot of mainstream makeup setting sprays use dimethicone, which can clog pores and suffocate the skin. Not only are the ingredients harmful to your skin but they are also unnecessary because there are less toxic alternatives that will do the same job.
Cheaper brands used to create their formulas with alcohol or witch hazel, both of which can be very drying on the skin. However, more recent releases have moved away from these ingredients because consumers became aware of how harsh they were on their pores. Mainstream brands have started swapping out alcohol for natural sugars to bulk up their products’ texture while increasing shelf life.
Makeup artists also love baking soda for its mattifying properties, but it is extremely irritating when applied directly to the face- so don’t try to DIY your own version of this product.
Regardless of the ingredients, all setting sprays should be applied before and after applying your makeup as a final step for locking in your look. This will help prevent creasing and fading over time as well as add extra moisture if the formula is on the drier side. For oily skin types, we recommend spraying it after because it will not only mattify shine but also minimize large pores by soaking up excess sebum that can contribute to their appearance.
There are many different types of setting sprays available which is why I have created a guide to help you find your perfect match! Note, this list contains my personal preferences so keep an open mind when reading along.
Urban Decay Setting Spray
This is the best setting spray I have ever used. It works best when the face is very moist before application, but it does work if your skin is dry or nearly dry. I usually use a primer before applying my foundation, so that has something to do with why my makeup lasts all day long when using this product. When you buy this product you get 1 fluid ounce of liquid which will last you for quite some time since only 3-4 sprays are needed at any given time – more than that will just make your face look wet.
This Urban Decay setting spray is a travel-ready size and most importantly is vegan, cruelty-free, and has a mattifying mist that provides oil and shine control.
This matte setting spray, which includes Temperature Control Technology, actually lowers the temperature of your makeup—from foundation and concealer to eyeshadow and blush—to secure it in place. The product is extremely easy to use, simply shake the bottle thoroughly after priming and makeup application. Hold setting spray 8-10 inches from face and mist three to five times in an “X” and “T” pattern until completely damp.
Morphe Setting Spray
MORPHE continuous setting mist is a long-lasting, lightweight, and waterproof setting spray that locks in makeup for up to 16 hours. This innovative setting mist helps maintain the longevity of your makeup all day. It keeps you looking fresh and flawless with no caking, fading, or melting. Your make-up will be ready for anything!
The ultra-blendable formula creates a soft-focus effect that reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, creating a more even skin tone without compromising wear time. Greatly enhances the look and use of other products such as pigments and liquids applied afterward.
Shake well before using. Spritz face 2-4 times from a minimum distance of 8 inches. Continue applying as needed after makeup application. Use anytime for touch-ups, especially over makeup—great for when you need a little pick me up during the day or before a special occasion!
NYX Setting Spray
The matte finish adds an extra layer of absorption to ALL Complexion Products ALL Skin Types ALL Eye Shapes Features & Benefits Long-lasting effect. It keeps makeup flawless and intact for several hours, provides an extremely matt.
To complement your makeup look, use the entire NYX Professional Makeup face product line to assist with color correction and coverage, blush, bronzer, foundations, contouring concealer, palettes powders, and setting sprays.
The biggest advantage of this setting spray is that the company believes animals belong in our arms, not in a lab. Thus, all of their makeup is certified & acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. They don’t test any of their products on animals. Also, they do not include any animal-derived ingredients in their formulations.
Also, this setting spray is paraben-, sulfate- and phthalates-free.
Wrapping Up
Setting spray is a must-have for all makeup lovers. Some setting sprays are good for acne-prone or oily skin, others are perfect for all-day makeup that stays put no matter what.
What I love about a setting spray is the fact that it can be used with any type of makeup – whether you’re wearing a light face of makeup or full coverage foundation, this spray will make sure your makeup stays in place until you decide to take it off.
Setting sprays have gone through quite some controversy since many people claimed they contain alcohol, which would make the product terrible for dry & sensitive skin. Additionally, research showed that water isn’t even used as the main ingredient in setting sprays – which makes the product way worse than what some people claim it to be. However, this is not true for all types of setting sprays out there – I’ve tested quite a few of them and they worked like a dream.
Still, it is important to consider that everyone is different, and you have to find the best product for your skin type. Do not only trust product reviews, make your own research and compare products to find out which one suits you!
