The best makeup setting sprays for an all-day hold
Updated
9Product Reviews
While setting spray is sometimes a forgotten step in the makeup routine, we'd argue that it's essential. Not only does it lock your makeup in place for the hours ahead, but it can also act as a hydrating salve for the skin when it's full of product.
Setting sprays are becoming increasingly advanced, with a range of options catering to different needs. There are options for a dewy or matte finish, ones infused with nourishing skincare ingredients, and others that double as primers.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Best overall setting spray
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Super Setter
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Why we love it: This setting spray is expelled as a fine mist that absorbs quickly, giving makeup a very natural finish. We also love the pore-blurring effect mastered by Benefit.
This is our best pick overall for several reasons. It has a great natural finish and the fine mist doesn't leave droplets on the face. It also reduces shine on the skin and gives your makeup a soft look. Perfect for daily use and light makeup wearers, it also holds up for more high-glamour looks.
Best affordable setting spray
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray in Matte or Dewy
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Why we love it: These setting sprays are both highly-rated, but come in under $20.
Both around the $18 mark, these setting sprays by NYX allow you to choose between a matte or dewy finish according to preference. Promising to set both liquid or powder foundations, you can trust the hold for up to 16 hours with either spray. They're also very compact in their 60mL bottles, perfect for slipping into your handbag for further touch-ups.
Best hydrating setting sprays
Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Setting Spray
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Why we love it: With a reported wear time of up to 24 hours, this setting spray is alcohol-free and very hydrating.
This setting spray contains two hydrating ingredients, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, so you can trust it won't dry out your skin. Its lack of alcohol amongst the formula means it doesn't sting when it goes on, and Make Up For Ever has also nailed the ultra-fine mist we love to see in a setting spray, as well as an added level of radiance to your overall look.
Lancôme Fix It Forget It Makeup Setting Spray
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Why we love it: This setting spray is infused with lovely skincare ingredients, meaning your skin can get some love even with a full makeup look on.
The Lancôme Fix It Forget It Setting Spray might be pricier than other setting sprays, but it's definitely worth it. It enhances wear time by locking your makeup in place. It also includes hyaluronic acid, kiwi, moringa seed, and witch hazel among its ingredients, all of which lovingly hydrate the skin.
Best matte finish setting spray
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
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Why we love it: It gives a matte finish at a very affordable price.
For those who prefer a tight, matte finish to their makeup, this affordable Maybelline mist is highly recommended. With 16 hours of hold on your makeup, you can get through an entire day with just a few pumps. Quick-drying, it will keep your makeup fresh and enhance the colours of your look.
Best hybrid setting spray
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
9Product Reviews
Why we love it: This setting spray doubles as a primer, so you can use it before and after applying makeup. It's so convenient!
Charlotte Tilbury has become a fast favourite in the beauty community, with beauty editors singing the praises of various products. The Charlotte Tilbury is no exception – it doubles as a primer and is recommended to be used before applying makeup to prepare the skin. After application, finish it off with another spritz to lock everything in place.
Our tip: For extra staying power, you can use a few spritzes to dampen your Beauty Blender or makeup sponge instead of water.
Best-lasting setting spray
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray
9Product Reviews
Why we love it: The Make it Last Setting Spray from Milani is particularly good for creating a lasting face of makeup.
Many loyal customers seem to have heard about this spray and bought it based on reviews, which claim that it has excellent hold, even on lipsticks and mascara, which are always the first products to smudge.
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