4 makeup-setting sprays that will keep your face glowing through the holidays

My name is Kerry, and I’m addicted to setting sprays. Well, all makeup products, really, which would explain why I love to bathe my face with a spray that allows my makeup to last throughout the day. And in the midst of the holiday season, with the new year quickly approaching, I wanted to see if I could get even more out of my makeup — so I tested four different makeup-setting sprays to see which one would help me to do just that.

I’m a beauty writer, so the week leading up to the holidays was debatably busier than any family or friend festivities on their own. With end-of-the-year beauty events and our company’s holiday party, I knew I’d be out and about, which meant it was the perfect time to experiment. So I gathered a collection of setting sprays with the help of the beauty team and got to spraying.

I spent four days applying a full face of tried-and-true makeup products that were set with a different spray each day. From a $5 option to one that was $38, I wore each of them out to see how well they worked and which one would ultimately be deemed the winner.

Day 1 — NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Setting Spray
NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Setting Spray. (Photo: NYX Cosmetics)
NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Setting Spray. (Photo: NYX Cosmetics)

On the first day of the challenge, I went for the most affordable option from NYX. Having used the matte version of their setting spray, I had high hopes for this one, which promises a dewy finish. It definitely kept my makeup on all day, with just a little bit of breakup around the nose and chin areas of my foundation. However, the finish wasn’t much different from the matte formula. It’s definitely a great option, especially at its price point, but I wouldn’t expect a hydrating, dewy finish. ($5.59, target.com)

Day 2 — Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray
<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/tagged/cover-fx" data-ylk="slk:Cover FX;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cover FX</a> Illuminating Setting Spray (Photo: Cover FX)
Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray (Photo: Cover FX)

Day 2 provided the most telling test of all the days, since it was the evening of our holiday party. I wore my makeup for more than 12 hours, and not only was it almost entirely intact by the end of the night, but also it maintained a luminous glow on the skin. I absolutely loved the illuminating effect this spray provided and would highly recommend it for anyone with normal to dry skin. It’s a bit of a splurge but will guarantee a glow during the winter. ($31, coverfx.com)

Day 3 — Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray. (Photo: Kate Somerville)
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray. (Photo: Kate Somerville)

On the third day, I took this Kate Somerville spray — one I was highly anticipating — for a spin. With its SPF of 50, this setting spray was unlike any others that I’ve tried. And although it did the job of keeping my makeup on throughout the day, I don’t see myself reaching for it again. The product definitely felt more like a sunscreen than a setting spray, so it’s probably of better use for a beach day than during the winter workweek. At the highest price point, this spray is a pass for me. ($38, katesomerville.com)

Day 4 — Flower Beauty Seal the Deal Hydrating Setting Spray
Flower Seal the Deal Hydrating Setting Spray. (Photo: Flower Beauty)
Flower Seal the Deal Hydrating Setting Spray. (Photo: Flower Beauty)

Last but not least, this hydrating setting spray from Drew Barrymore‘s own cosmetic line Flower Beauty — the formula that our beauty director, Dana Oliver, allowed me to borrow and was dying for me to try. Needless to say, I have yet to return it to her. From the refreshing feel and light floral scent during application to the subtle luminosity that remained throughout the entire day, this product blew me away. And besides its reasonable price, I found that it performed well on my skin — as it would on most skin types — and kept my makeup looking freshly applied until evening. I was left with a face of makeup that I didn’t want to take off after nearly 12 hours of wear. ($13, flowerbeauty.com)

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