Five Setting Sprays to Make Makeup Last
Look flawless all holiday season with these makeup setting sprays. (Photo: Ben Ritter)
If you asked us to recall life before setting sprays (read: when powder was the only legit way to lock in your makeup), we’d cringe at our teenage memories, which you can bet included many a ‘cake face’ moment. Don’t get us wrong: we’re not powder-haters (especially with all the new and improved formulas hitting shelves) but you see, these magical mists have managed to worm their way into our hearts — as well as our makeup bags, medicine cabinets, and desks. Case in point: There’s a lot of spritzing going on around here.
And we’re not alone. Makeup artists have waxed poetic about setting sprays for years, and still continue to do so. To wit: Andre Sarmiento (artist to Jamie King, Kate Bosworth, and Zoey Deutch) tells us that in today’s super-HD world, setting sprays have become his best friend. “I’ve started using less and less powder in my work because of some of the incredible formulas out there,” he said. “They’ve come a long way from simply refreshing your makeup and adding a little glow — today’s setting sprays are problem solvers.”
Sarmiento’s statement couldn’t be more on-point. Sure, a few spritzes will ensure your meticulously-applied makeup won’t budge for hours, but today’s market has taken things up a notch — offering an innovative cadre of formulas meant to fit your specific skin needs. Acne-prone, perennially parched, crazy-oily — whatever the issue, there’s a spray that will suit you.
Advanced formulations aside, the application game has also seen a recent step-up. Makeup artists have devised some ingenious new ways of using our go-to complexion-perfectors that actually aim to enhance their efficacy. Bottom line: You need a setting spray (or multiple) in your life, ASAP. To find one that speaks to your needs — and to learn how best to apply it — read on.
Skindinavia Bridal Finishing Spray ($29 for 4oz)
Enter: The OG of makeup setting sprays, and one of Sarmiento’s longtime staples. “Skindinavia has a few formulas, but the Bridal one is a must have,” he said. “It was designed for wedding days of course, when you experience it all: weather, emotions, kisses and drinks, which all break down makeup, and this spray was designed to combat it all!” Sarmiento says it’s also a lifesaver on award show days when there’s an avalanche of intense light and picture taking. Its patented formula helps eliminate the need for touchups and prohibits excess shine from filtering through. To apply, hold away from your face at arms length and spritz an even mist all over.
Face Atelier Face Finish ($30)
Suffer from redness-prone, easily irritated skin? Sarmiento highly recommends this power player, as it’s anti-inflammatory and can be applied directly to the skin or on top of makeup. “It’s incredibly refreshing because of the cucumber scent, and on hot days I’ll leave it in a bowl of ice and mist it on my clients to keep them cool and the makeup fresh,” he said. “I also love to spray it on the body to cool it down and soften any redness,” he adds. We’re definitely bringing this on our next tropical vacay.
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($30)
Here we have another cult-classic, which interestingly enough, Skindinavia helped develop. “This is one of my favorite finishing sprays to use when I’ve done a full coverage base or some heavy duty concealing,” said Sarmiento. “It really brings life back into the makeup, while making it last the whole night.” That’s everything we’ve ever wanted? To apply, Sarmiento mists some product onto a Beautyblender, which he says softens the look of full coverage and blends it out beautifully.
Tarte Miraculous Maracuja Makeup Setting Spray ($26)
Infused with the brand’s hero ingredient, maracuja oil, this unique spray is an outstanding option for dry skin, as it offers a healthy dose of hydration. This one in particular is makeup artist Roxanne Saffaie’s go-to for when she wants to add some extra moisture to a client’s finished base. Saffaie’s application method of choice is to spray it directly onto her Beautyblender and then stipple it onto the areas she highlighted. “It immediately hydrates those areas while locking in the makeup, and also gives the skin a radiant finish,” she said. Bonus? The packaging is gorgeous.
Kat Von D Lock ‘N Load Makeup Setting Mist ($24)
Kat Von D is widely known for her killer complexion products, so it’s no surprise that her setting mist is a top contender. “This makeup-setting-marathon-winner does an excellent job at holding makeup in place for hours and hours, but does not change the finish of it,” raved Saffaie. “It’s the setting spray I use to keep a matte finish matte because it does not add shine — it offers some hydration without making your skin feel sticky,” she explains. In terms of application technique, Saffaie relies on her foundation brush instead of a sponge. “I like to mist some directly onto a makeup brush, not soaking it, but applying just enough so that I can tap it directly on certain areas that I’ve already lightly concealed before applying another light coat of concealer for extra coverage,” she said. We’ll be trying that trick immediately, if not sooner.
Related:
The Best Long-Lasting Makeup Products
