12 Best Makeup Setting Sprays: Spritzes That Seal And Stay

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 09, 2024
Best Makeup Setting Sprays
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Pumps and cooling spritzes of little misty bottles that seal the makeup and avoid melting, sliding, and smudging: enter, the best makeup setting sprays. Once deemed suitable only in celebrities’ vanities or revered exclusively for professionals, the makeup setting sprays have quickly become a makeup staple for all enthusiasts. The refreshing bouts of watery sprays have manifold benefits – when used in the correct manner, these sprays ensure that your makeup remains intact throughout the day. 

Whether you love a dewy finish or prefer a matte look, you can get a setting spray to suit your look and mood. To choose a top-notch setting spray, check out our handpicked list below. 

12 Best Makeup Setting Sprays

This NYX setting spray will not let you down if your choice is to set your makeup with a flawless dewy finish. Its lightweight formula keeps your skin feeling comfortable and fresh even under all the makeup. It is suitable for oily skin and keeps the makeup intact for up to 16 hours. The vitamins and electrolytes enriched formula are great for achieving an extended stay on the skin. Plus, nothing is better than a vegan and cruelty-free product that can be carried around in your handbag whenever you might need it! 

Pros
  • Good for heat and humidity
  • Mature skin friendly
  • Natural finish
  • Makeup stays put
  • Does not cake
Cons
  • None
  • Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

    Milani Make It Last Setting Spray
  • Living up to its name, Milani’s Make It Last setting spray does secure makeup for long hours so that you can spend your day and not worry about your makeup looking cakey or creased. This 3 in 1 bottle of magic primes plus corrects plus sets your skin to look perfect and natural. It can be worn before makeup, after makeup, or just on your bare skin for the days when all you want is for your skin to look radiant. Its vegan and cruelty-free formula is also very hydrating and energizing for the skin. Just when you think it can't get any better, their setting sprays come in 4 finishes to cater to all your moods!

    Pros
    • Best setting spray for sensitive skin
    • Locks makeup for up to 16 hours
    • Ultra fine mist
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • Most popular

    URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER WATERPROOF MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

    URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER WATERPROOF MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
  • Cult favorite for all the right reasons, URBAN DECAY’S All Nighter setting spray will not disappoint you. Its temperature control technology is perfect for keeping the makeup look clean and smudge-free while adding vibrancy to your face. Its waterproof and transfer-resistant formula makes it a must-have in your makeup box. Its long-lasting stay on your skin keeps you carefree throughout the day (or night) and leaves your makeup looking new and fresh. And it is an environmentally conscious product, which is the cherry on top.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Quick drying
    • Natural finish
    • No skin irritation
    Cons
    • Not fragrance-free
  • Best Vegan Option

    jane iredale POMMISST Hydration Spray

    jane iredale POMMISST Hydration Spray
  • Introducing jane iredale POMMISST Hydration Spray, the ultimate mineral makeup setting spray crafted for all skin types. This vegan and cruelty-free formula goes beyond setting makeup; it hydrates and conditions your skin with a burst of antioxidants. Infused with the extracts of pomegranate, white tea, and rosemary - this spray neutralizes free radicals and supports skin elasticity. Designed to revive your complexion, it leaves you feeling refreshed and radiant. Mist it lightly for a quick midday pick-me-up or use it to set your makeup for a flawless, long-lasting finish. 

    Pros
    • Hydrating formula
    • Antioxidant boost
    • Versatile use
    • All-skin types
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Long-lasting finish
    Cons
    • Price
  • Maybelline New York Facestudio Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray

    Maybelline New York Facestudio Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
  • A dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, and sensitive skin-friendly makeup setting spray that gives you a matte finish is Maybelline’s Lasting Fix setting spray! This product is truly a purple bottle of wonder. It's budget-friendly and keeps your makeup perfect even after long hours. It has a very breathable and lightweight formula that gives you a boost of coolness and freshness when applied. Not to mention it controls oil on your face and prevents shine to achieve a flawless matte finish. 

    Pros
    • Unscented
    • Shine control
    • Makeup locking
    Cons
    • No apparent cons
  • Best budget

    e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set

    e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set
  • Truly a star product for being loving to your skin and pocket both! This makeup setting mist is a very gentle, fine particle spray with a mild aroma that refreshes you as soon as you apply it. The formula contains aloe, green tea, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and E that provide comfort and hydration to the skin. Just like all other e.l.f products, this setting spray is 100% free from phthalates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals to save your skin from damage and gives nothing else but love. It stays on the skin throughout the day, as long as you wish! 

    Pros
    • Glowy finish
    • No makeup fading
    • Pleasant smell
    • Stays for long
    Cons
    • Might not work for oily skin
  • Best natural finish

    Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Setting Spray

    Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Setting Spray
  • Enriched with peptides and antioxidants, this skincare-infused setting spray by Neutrogena is trustable by all skin types to keep the makeup appearing smooth and the skin looking healthy. Its weightless formula feels just right on the skin and adds a radiant glow. For freshness round the clock and a silken-shiny texture, this spray is all things good for the skin and your makeup look. Besides adding those finishing touches, you can soak the misty goodness in your sponge or makeup brush for an enhanced application. 

    Pros
    • Sits well on the skin
    • Healthy glow
    • Natural finish
    • Clean scent
    Cons
    • Might not work for oily skin
  • Best fragrance

    e.l.f. Dewy Coconut Setting Mist

    e.l.f. Dewy Coconut Setting Mist
  • This mist is nothing short of a fresh bout of coconut, straight from the beachy summer days. The e.l.f. Dewy Coconut mist helps you achieve a healthy-looking glow and hydrated skin. The other conditioning ingredients, besides coconut, include green tea and cucumber. The multipurpose setting spray can seal the makeup, be used as a refreshing face mist, and help set up a glowy base before applying makeup. Not only is this product minus the toxins and harsh chemicals but also cruelty-free and vegan. 

    Pros
    • Dewy finish
    • Fine misty application
    • Value for money
    • Excellent smell
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Can feel sticky on oily skin
  • Best hydration

    TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

    TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
  • This dewy skin mist delivers combined benefits of skincare and makeup. Infused with botanical oils and humectants, including a complex of Okinawa red algae and hyaluronic acid, the mist offers intense moisture and dewy soft skin. The trinity of Uji green tea, Akita rice, and Mozuku algae is the ideal blend for reducing signs of aging and leaving the skin radiant, glowy, and supple. This hydrating spray-on is fast-absorbing and can be used all over the makeup. Specially curated for dry to normal skin, this mist has full coverage to offer a flawless and luminous makeup finish. 

    Pros
    • Prevents cakiness
    • Easy touch-up
    • Refreshing properties
    • Sugarcane derived squalane
    • Long-lasting
    • Pleasant smell
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best for dewy finish

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
  • A favorite of beauty gurus, pros, and makeup aficionados alike, Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless setting spray is a weightless formula that instantly locks up the makeup for up to 16 hours. The priming and setting properties are coupled with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, Japanese green tea, and aromatic resin. The magic spray is all about glam with complexion-perfecting and pore-blurring features that allow a smooth finish, and a sealed makeup that does not melt, fade, or crease. The freshness is owed to a delicate floral scent, which enhances your finishing makeup steps to the max. 

    Pros
    • Natural makeup finish
    • Non-sticky
    • Dewy
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best long-lasting

    RUBY KISSES 24HR LONG LASTING SETTING SPRAY

    RUBY KISSES 24HR LONG LASTING SETTING SPRAY
  • A micro-fine mist that undoubtedly feels and looks fresh! This setting spray by RUBY KISSES is inclusive of all skin types and skin tones and works wonders for up to 24 hours, making it trusted and loved by everyone for all occasions. Its formula sets your makeup well and keeps the vibrant colors of your makeup intact. Infused with temperature control technology, the misty spray will prevent the makeup from melting down with a fresh and dewy finish. 

    Pros
    • Lasts long
    • Transfer proof
    • Affordable
    • Holds makeup
    Cons
    • Not suitable for oily skin
  • Best water-based

    ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Dewy Set Setting Spray

    ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Dewy Set Setting Spray
  • What looks like an alluring gold dust magic is the Dewy Set setting spray from Anastasia Beverly Hills. With a lovely coconut-vanilla scent, it tends to instantly refresh and seamlessly blend into the skin to set the makeup and give a dewy finish that is non greasy, yet radiant. The water-based formula is weightless and gentle, ideal for dry skin. You can prep your skin with the priming properties of the spray, as well as finish and set the makeup, leaving the skin smooth with a luminous glow. 

    Pros
    • Does not clog pores
    • No breakout
    • Pleasant smell
    • Alcohol-free
    • Refreshing feeling
    Cons
    • None

    How to Choose Makeup Setting Sprays?

    Prolong the life of your makeup by taking into consideration the following pointers and choosing the best, most-suited makeup setting spray:

    • Ingredients: Setting sprays majorly are either alcohol-based or water-based. The former tends to last longer but might irritate the skin. Look for ingredients that suit your skin type; it is always best to avoid harsh chemicals like silicone and pick fragrance-free formulas. Some skin-loving ingredients to look for can be hydrating and moisturizing emollients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, aloe vera, and green tea extracts. Some naturally calming elements with a clean and mild fragrance can also be considered; the list includes cucumber extract, rose, lavender, etc. 
    • Finish: The primary goal of setting sprays is to create a moisture-rich film on the skin that keeps it hydrated and seals the makeup for long hours without smudging. The film can be shimmery-glowy, dewy, or matte finished. Always look for the finish that the mist offers to suit your skin type. The shiny-dewy finish works best for dry to normal skin, while the mattifying properties are great for oily skin types. 
    • Added benefits: You can look for multipurpose products that offer manifold advantages. For instance, a skincare-infused liquid that doubles as a setting spray and a skin-treating face mist. You can also go for an option inclusive of SPF to protect the skin on days when you are under the sun for long hours. 

    How to Use Makeup Setting Sprays?

    • The most basic use of setting spray as a finisher step requires simply shaking your magic liquid well and spritzing across the face in an X and T motion from a distance. 
    • Another prominent way of using a makeup setting spray is to prep and prime the skin by sparsely spraying the mist all over your face.
    • For avoiding blotchiness, patches, and creases, the makeup pros use the setting spray in between the layers of the base. This creates a strong film and stays put through the day.
    • For an effortless and flawless glide, you can dampen your foundation sponge or brush with a few spritzes before using the tool to apply the product. 
    • Another popular trend is to dampen the eyeshadow brush for enhancing the pigmentation of the shimmery shadows. 

    Set the course of your makeup for upcoming long hours, humid weather, or a night out with a few refreshing spritzes of your pick from the best makeup setting sprays we have shortlisted. Setting mists are often infused with hydrating ingredients that allow the skin to be smooth and moisturized. You don’t have to worry about your makeup melting, sliding, creasing, or smudging with the right setting spray. There are multiple ways of incorporating the spray into your makeup regime, which makes this product essential for the vanity and one for the keeps! 

    FAQ's

    Which is the best setting spray for makeup?
    Based on your usage and skin type, you can choose the best setting spray. For a glowy look choose a dewy spray, if you have oily skin, go for a matte finish non-comedogenic spray.
    What is the best setting spray used by professionals?
    A good setting spray with high-quality ingredients and high performance like ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Dewy Set Setting Spray, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, and NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Dewy Setting Spray are some of the top products preferred by professionals.
    Which is better: mist or setting spray?
    The two are interchangeably used quite often. However, a mist is more a part of skincare that freshens up the skin and delivers the goodness of skin-loving ingredients. The setting spray on the other hand is primarily for locking the makeup and making it last for long hours. Based on your needs and preference you can choose one or use both.
    Is setting spray or powder better for mature skin?
    There is no one-size-fits-all and you can choose a setting tool that suits you. For dry skin, a dewy or matte finish spray will be a good option. If you have oily skin, a setting powder can be befitting.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our in-house makeup and beauty expert and the author of this article, swears by using a makeup fizer mist religiously. Whether in her professional space, personal makeup regime, on a vacation, or while hitting the gym, she never steps out without spritzing in her favorite setting spray. To bring her essentials to you, she has curated this list of the best setting sprays for makeup and a holistic buying guide for you to help you make the right choice. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More