
123RF.com (Marija Kozika)
How many times a day do you touch up your makeup? Besides lip color, hopefully, it’s one or none. If it’s any more than that, you could save yourself some serious time, money, and frustration by getting yourself a good makeup setting spray.
Makeup setting sprays can keep your foundation, eyeshadows, mascara and more, firmly locked in place. A good setting spray protects you from makeup meltdown in the heat and humidity.
These sprays can also prevent your carefully crafted look from dissolving due to your own natural oils and sweat. Setting sprays can also hydrate, mattify, or simply keep your makeup from sliding off, so you’ll look gorgeous, even on the longest days.
If you want to look fresh from dawn to dusk, consider trying one of our recommended Best Makeup Setting Sprays.
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1. Urban Decay De Slick Original Formula Oil Control Setting Spray
Pros:- Effectively sets even eye makeup
- Controls oil for a mattified look
- Delivers an ultra-fine mist that dries quickly
- Prevents makeup meltdown
Cons:- The tiniest bottle for a lot of cash
- You’ll still end up with some shine
- Not as long lasting as some
If you have super oily skin and you’re looking to prevent makeup meltdown, Urban Decay’s De-Slick could be the formula that saves the day. An overwhelming number of users report their makeup looked less shiny, didn’t slide and rarely needed to be touched up. Those are impressive results for people like us who hate to add another layer of stuff onto our already oily skin.
De-Slick is one of the longest-lasting oil-control products, and, unlike many makeup setting sprays, the sprayer delivers a calibrated, microfine mist that goes on so light, you’ll hardly feel it. After you’ve applied it and let it dry, you won’t even know it’s there (until you look in the mirror to touch up your makeup, and realize you don’t need to).
This setting spray never feels sticky or goopy, and it totally reduces your need to blot. So bring on the heat and humidity, because with this spray in your back pocket (or makeup bag) you’ll be worry free. If you’ve got plans to stay out until the wee hours, UD All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray has wicked holding power, and the big bottle means you won’t run out any time soon.
Find more Urban Decay De-slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray information and reviews here.
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2. Morphe – CONTINUOUS SETTING MIST
Pros:- Aerosol can creates a finer mist than pump sprayers
- Leaves a nice smooth inish
- Feels hydrating on the skin
- Sets your makeup for hours longer wear
Cons:- Not everyone’s a fan of aerosol
- Nozzle may cause product drip
- Not the best for those with oily skin
If you’re looking for a seriously flawless makeup finish, the Continuous Setting Mist by Morphe could be the product you’re looking for. Unlike so many, this setting spray comes in an aerosol can, which delivers a much more precise and fine mist than most pump bottles.
This weightless formula absorbs fast and dries invisibly. And because it’s water based with glycerin and botanical extracts it won’t dry out your skin. Once your makeup is complete, simply close your eyes and lightly mist with this face saver. It dries with a lovely smooth finish, so your face will look perfectly fresh and beautiful for hours to come.
Find more Morphe Makeup Setting Spray information and reviews here.
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3. Bella Jade Makeup Setting Spray
Pros:- Contains tea extracts known to promote healthier skin
- Can be used as a primer before applying makeup
- Sets makeup and leaves a nice matte finish
- Very affordable
Cons:- Scent is kind of odd
- Sprayer doesn’t produce a fine enough mist
- Not as good for setting eye makeup as some
- Can irritate your eyes
Bella Jade Makeup Setting spray is a wonderfully refreshing and hydrating mist that you can use both before and after you put on your makeup. Formulated with herbal extracts of organic rooibos, white and green tea, it provides hydration as well as anti-aging benefits.
There has been an abundance of research that reinforces the anti-aging, healthy benefits of tea for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This setting spray also includes other key ingredients that help repair, restore and rejuvenate your skin, helping to instantly tighten and improve elasticity.
When you add all that good news, along with the fact that it beautifully sets your makeup for long wear, it’s a winner. This non-irritating, paraben-free formula is also cruelty-free, which makes me like it even better. Plus it’s one of the more affordable options, and the four ounce bottle is big compared to many. The Bella Jade Oil Blotting Papers are also quite popular for those with oily skin who stuggle to keep their makeup looking good throughout the day.
Find more Bella Jade Makeup Setting Spray information and reviews here.
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4. Final Seal Matte Makeup Sealer
Pros:- Seals your makeup for all day staying power
- Water resistant formula is especially good for performers and those who perspire
- A little goes a long way
- Works well, even if you’re into water activities
Cons:- May make your mascara run
- Pretty spendy for a two ounce bottle
- Minty smell can be overwhelming
- Sprayer nozzle needs frequent cleaning to keep it misting properly
If you tend to get naturally dewy (yes, I mean sweaty), especially if you’re a performer of any kind, Ben Nye’s Final Seal is the makeup setting spray for you. It is specially formulated to deal with that sweaty moment when you least want your makeup dripping off your face.
Final Seal setting spray is a water resistant formula that will keep your makeup looking perfect even during the most gruel performances. The light, minty fragrance is especially pleasant, but be careful around your eye area as it can sting like crazy.
While the finish isn’t as mattifying as some, it’s a little easier to wash off at the end of the day. You can also get Final Seal Makeup Setting Spray in an eight ounce bottle, making the per ounce price much more affordable. For the very best results, spritz this setting spray on top of foundation but before doing your eye makeup, and for sure, use a makeup setting powder for outstanding results.
Find more Final Seal Matte Makeup Sealer information and reviews here.
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5. Spellbinder Makeup Setting Spray by True + Luscious
Pros:- Pineapple and rosewater blend delivers powerful antioxidants to your skin
- Watermelon extract has a brightening effect
- 16 hour formula developed with professional makeup artists
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:- May leave skin feeling dry
- Small bottle for the price
- Isn't oil controlling
If you love spritzing exotic botanicals on your face for both the natural benefits and the scintillating scents, Spellbinder Makeup Setting Spray is one you’ll want to snag sooner than later. Infused with organic pineapple juice and natural rosewater, this setting spray will keep your makeup in place for up to 16 hours without feeling sticky or heavy.
Developed in conjunction with professional makeup artists, this spray creates an invisible matrix over the top of your foundation to keep in looking flawless all day long. Filled with wrinkle-fighting antioxidants, it delivers anti-aging benefits along with some brightening effect thanks to the watermelon extract in the formula.
One thing we appreciate is that this spray is suitable for all skin types from dry to oily and everything in between. You’ll also love that this spray is vegan and cruelty-free.
Find more Spellbinder Makeup Setting Spray information and reviews here.
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7. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray
Pros:- An effective setting spray at a good price
- Can be used as a smoothing and plumping primer too
- Nourishes while it primes and sets with hyaluronic acid, aloe, coconut
Cons:- Not the cheapest
- Sprayer can dispense too much at once
- Contains denatured alcohol
We love a product that does its main job really well and throws in a few other benefits too. The whole IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better line is known for having great cosmetics that also offer beneficial skin actives at the same time, and their setting spray is no different.
Not only does the Your Skin But Better Setting Spray+ provide up to 16 hours of strong, yet flexible hold to keep your makeup looking fresh while helping to control oil and shine,” it also contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and aloe vera extract to hydrate and nourish.
Nope, we’re not done yet, the setting spray can also be used as a primer to smooth and plump skin before your foundation goes on. This stuff is a triple threat!
Find more IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray information and reviews here.
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8. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray + Set Makeup Setting Spray
Pros:- Definitely extends the wear of your makeup
- Pump delivers a nice fine mist
- Dries quickly without feeling tacky
- Doesn’t dry out your skin
Cons:- Scent may be off-putting
- Not mattifying enough for some
- Can feel a bit sticky
- Some packaging issues reported
Do you feel like you’re constantly having to touch up your makeup? Who has time for that? If you’re so done with having to mess with smudged eyeliner, melting foundation and eyeshadow creases, Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Setting Spray is a lightweight mist that locks in your look, and keeps your makeup looking fresh and flawless for hours without fading.
This lightweight, oil free setting spray isn’t just for your foundation, it’s also great to set your eyes and lips, preventing color from smudging or settling into fine lines. The good sized spray bottle produces a nice fine mist, that doesn’t leave splotches or marks.
And if you’re someone who worries about spending even more money on your beauty regimen, the fact that this spray extends the wear of your makeup means you’ll actually use less of your expensive cosmetics. Good news, yes?
How does their makeup setting spray work? This article from the experts at L’Oreal Paris gives you the whole scoop.
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9. Physicians Formula Instaready Setting Spray
Pros:- Mattifies and sets makeup well
- Can be used as both a primer and a hydrating mist
- Pretty affordable for a nice large bottle
- Cruelty free
Cons:- Formula is lighter than many
- May not be best for oily skin
- Nozzle may malfunction with frequent use
- Alcohol formula an issue for some
I admit it. I’m automatically inclined to like a product that was developed by a skin care doctor. That’s why Physicians Formula is an appealing and widely popular brand. This lightweight makeup setting spray is formulated to help wake up your skin and it nicely finishes your makeup, to keep it looking perfect and fresh throughout the day.
This triple threat spray, which is ideal for all skin types, instantly absorbs and can be used as a skin prep before applying your makeup, a setting spray to help keep your makeup in place, and a hydrating mist you can use throughout the day to refresh your tired and work or play weary skin.
This setting spray works to instantly mattify, blur, and visibly retexturize skin. Best of all, it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance free, gluten free, paraben free and cruelty free. If you like to finish your foundation with loose powder, Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Loose Powder is wildly popular with users who love its talc free formula.
If you’re not into heavy foundations, but you still want a clear, smooth-looking complexion, Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Cream is a terrific option to make every day a mostly no makeup day. CC creams also double as great foundations for more mature skin.
Find more Physicians Formula Instaready Setting Spray information and reviews here.
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10. Best Buy: e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set
Pros:- Effectively sets makeup
- Performs as well as much more expensive brands
- Radiance boosting formula
- Alcohol free
Cons:- Feels much like plain water
- Doesn’t set makeup as well as some
- May irritate skin
- Spray can be splotchy
When you can find a makeup setting spray that’s both easy on your wallet and seems like nearly a dupe of the spray you paid four times as much for, it’s a day to celebrate. e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set is a great setting spray to keep your makeup in place all day, and its radiance boosting invisible hold keeps up with those big name competitors in this category.
The lightweight, comfortable and, most importantly, alcohol free formula, improves your overall makeup wearability and prevents colors from running or fading. If you’re planning a long day (or long night) and you want to look great, this inexpensive option is a hit.
It absorbs quickly, and doesn’t feel tacky once applied. Hey, even if you don’t plan to burn the candle at both ends, at just a bit over six bucks, you’ll want to use it every day. Add to your flawless face routine with e.l.f. Poreless Primer. It transforms your skin into a smooth canvas, so makeup goes on evenly for a long-lasting matte finish.
Find more e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set information and reviews here.
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11. Best Mattifying Setting Spray: NYX Cosmetics Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray
Pros:- Keeps your makeup from fading for hours
- Gives a matte finish
- Minimizes oily shine through
- Very affordable
Cons:- Scent is a bit off-putting
- Can feel a little sticky at first
- Spray bottle doesn’t always mist evenly
- Contains alcohol, which can be drying
If you’ve got an oily complexion, it’s hard to keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. If you’re like me, it’s hard to keep your makeup on at all. This super affordable, matte finish NYX makeup setting spray can come to the rescue.
With a quick spritz on your forehead, chin and cheeks, your makeup will look fresh for hours, without the oily sheen peeking through. It gives you a gorgeous shine-free finish that is lightweight and comfortable, while working hard to make sure your makeup stays put without fading.
If you’re looking for a more glowing glam, NYX Makeup Setting Spray, Dewy Finish is the answer to get that velvety look. Create a completely flawless looking palette for your makeup with NYX Cosmetics Pore Filler. It smooths and minimizes the look of enlarged pores, to give you the appearance of perfect skin.
To give your face an ultra-refreshing kickstart, especially if you have oily skin, browse our list of the best toners for oily skin.
Find more NYX Cosmetics Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray information and reviews here.
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12. L.A. Girl PRO Setting Spray (2 Pack)
Pros:- Gives your makeup great staying power
- Fragrance and paraben free
- Creates a nice matte finish
- Very lightweight
Cons:- Even though it’s cheap, the bottle is tiny
- May clog pores and cause breakouts
- May not be best for very oily skin
- Nozzle doesn’t reliably produce a fine mist
To keep that matte finish of freshly applied makeup, a spritz or two of this setting spray will both moisturize and set your foundation and more. The lightweight, non-sticky formula gives your makeup for all day wear. The ultra-fine mist is refreshing and dries quickly, to help you stay beautiful longer.
Unlike some makeup setting sprays, this one is great for setting your eyeshadow, liner and mascara, as well as foundation and powder. Because it’s nicely mattifying, it works great for those of us with oily skin, but beware that it may be a bit pore clogging, so be sure to thoroughly cleanse your face at the end of every day (which you should be doing anyway.)
I also like the fact that it’s paraben and fragrance free. For even longer makeup wear, consider starting your routine with L.A. Girl PRO Prep HD High Definition Smoothing Face Primer, which also has the added benefit of filling in fine lines and minimizing the look of pores.
For additional mattifying power, consider L.A. Girl HD Pro Setting Powder as the final step before using the makeup setting spray. Its 100 percent natural mineral silica formula also helps to set your makeup for a flawless look.
Need help getting your skin thoroughly clean? Consider our carefully curated guide to the best facial cleansing brushes.
Find more L.A. Girl PRO Setting Spray information and reviews here.
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13. ArtNaturals Natural Makeup Setting Spray
Pros:- You can use it to set even eye makeup and lipstick
- Naturally hydrating formula
- Rich in antioxidants
- Refreshes skin with aloe vera
Cons:- Makeup melts a little sooner than with others
- Can make mascara run
- May not be best for dry skin
Kiss your makeup meltdown goodbye, and we mean all your makeup. That’s because this makeup setting spray is great for your whole face, including your lipstick and eye makeup. This refreshing formula uses natural zinc, copper and magnesium extracts stimulate and protect your skin cells.
This spray also soothes, hydrates and protects your skin with anti-oxidant rich pomegranate seed extract, sebum regulating sage extract, along with skin-loving aloe vera. All that natural goodness means your skin and makeup will feel as good as it looks, without cracking or fading. Plus, this is a 100 percent natural formula, so you’ll actually feel good about spritzing it on every day.
Find more ArtNaturals Natural Makeup Setting Spray information and reviews here.
Makeup Setting Mists vs. Facial Spritzers
Don't confuse these setting sprays with facial spritzers, which are primarily used for hydration. They, too, are lovely additions to your beauty regimen and some of them do claim to help set your makeup, but since most are water-based, their lasting power might not be what you're looking for.
Wondering how to use a setting spray to your best advantage? Here's a cool tutorial from Colorscience.
Choosing a Setting Mist for Your Skin Type
If you have oily skin, look for a mattifying setting spray. If you've got dry skin, choose a hydrating formula, and if you prefer natural products, consider a setting spray with wonderful botanical extracts and natural ingredients that protect and/or enhance your skin.
What to Avoid When It Comes to Setting Sprays
Watch out for formulas with an alcohol base as they might tend to dry your skin out, even if you use moisturizers.
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