If there’s one step you can add to your makeup routine that makes a real difference, it’s using a good setting spray. No matter what your skin type - oily, dry or sensitive - you can put an end to those midday touch-ups and beat the 3pm melt with a few spritzes of a face fixing mist. Ahead, the very best makeup setting sprays that *actually* work.
How we choose the best setting sprays
When picking our favourite setting sprays, we look for the best face fixing mists that hold your makeup in place for way longer than your average 9-5. With a range of finishes - dewy, mattifying, illuminating - you’re sure to find your perfect match in this lineup. We called upon our in-house beauty experts for their must-have setting sprays and, as always, your glowing reviews play an important part too - when a product racks up all those five-star reviews, we pay attention.
How do you apply setting spray?
According to Danielle Roberts, Global Makeup Artist for Urban Decay, the key to setting spray success is all in the application. 'Always apply the mist in a "T" motion through the centre of the face and an "X" to hit the outer perimeters,' She advises. That’s not all, you can also try spraying setting spray directly on your makeup brush or sponge between each makeup step for extra sturdy results.
All Nighter Setting Spray
Best for: Sweaty commutes
A consistent bestseller, Urban Decay’s legendary All Nighter Setting Spray lives up to its name and then some. Oil-free, it’s ideal for congested skin types or those prone to breakouts, plus it’ll keep excess shine under control, even in balmy weather. Now, here’s where this one gets really clever - it actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep everything in place, no matter how humid it gets on the central line, so you can expect smoother-looking skin and vibrant pigments for up to 16 hours long.
The hype: “This product is the one. It has lasted through the daily grind, the gym (yeah I’m one of those people), sweaty nights out, you name it, I’ve done it with my face still intact. Truly recommend to a friend and just about anyone that will listen. This stuff is liquid gold.” - Louise, customer review
Resting Boss Face Setting Spray
Best for: Insane longevity
If you’re a fan of more is more makeup, then this is the setting spray for you. Promising extra-hold with a matte finish, use as the last step in your makeup routine to lock everything down and preventing caking without leaving skin feeling dry or tight. You can spray this one directly over your finished look or mist over a beauty sponge during each stage of application and press into skin to really seal in each formula.
The hype: “Locks in makeup all day long! I’m glad I purchased this, does what it says on the bottle and keeps makeup in place all day - literally smudge proof and waterproof.”- Nahila, customer review
Matte Magic Mist & Set Spray
Best for: Sensitive skin
Living up to its ‘magic’ promise, e.l.f.’s budget-friendly setting spray soothes, hydrates and puts an end to excess shine, all while locking your makeup in place way beyond your 9-5. Starring vitamins B, E and calming Arctium Majus Root, it’s gentle on sensitive skin too. Coming in a handy 60ml size, take this one on your travels to keep your makeup looking fresh AF whenever, wherever.
The hype: “Most days I end up going home from work a few shades lighter than when I arrived - my face has a tendency to devour my bronzer, but this little mist actually kept my foundation and bronzer in place ALL day.”- Cosmopolitan
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Best for: Smoothing and blurring A priming *and* finishing mist, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray extends your look’s longevity for makeup that looks and feels ‘just applied’ for up to 16 hours. The hydrating formula can be used throughout the day to revive your makeup, making it look impressively fresh – even when you've been wearing a mask. With calming Aloe Vera, it's a great option for sensitive skin types. The hype: “The first batch of stock of this makeup setting spray sold out in just over 24 hours, which is testament to just how devoted Charlotte Tilbury fans are to the Airbrush Flawless Finish franchise (myself included). While I am never more than 5m away from the powder iteration to mattify skin as and when needed, the spray brings about Charlotte’s signature complexion radiance." - Vogue
Photo Focus Setting Spray
Best for: Dry skin
Harnessing hydration MVP Aloe Vera, this vegan and cruelty-free setting spray holds onto your makeup to prevent cracking, smudging, fading and creasing, while flooding parched skin cells with moisture. Even though this one comes in at less than a fiver, it delivers impressive results - keeping you looking ‘gram-ready all day long.
The hype: “You'd be forgiven for looking at the price and assuming it's just another cheap setting spray. But don't be fooled. Infused with aloe to hydrate dry skin, Wet n Wild's Photofocus Setting Spray keeps your makeup in place for hours (!) and amplifies the glow and pigment of your products.” - ELLE