Warmer weather is swiftly approaching, and our makeup is starting to sweat off just thinking about it — which means it's time to break out the makeup setting spray. Taking your final step beyond a setting powder, makeup setting sprays will seal your entire look — from lids to lips and every inch of foundation in between, no matter what time of the year it is.
After misting on a veil of the makeup setting spray, you can sweat, splash, and cry to your heart's desire, making these products a must-have for any occasion. Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, connected with a few makeup artists who revealed the best makeup setting sprays on the market, and your new favorite is definitely on this list, no matter your budget.
The Best Makeup Setting Sprays
How to Shop
When you're shopping for a makeup setting spray, there's one (obvious) goal y0u should have in mind: setting makeup. However, formulas can be designed to give you a dewy or a matte finish, and some serve multiple purposes, too, like a primer and a setting spray.
Makeup Setting Spray Versus Finishing Spray
You've probably noticed brands reference these products as either makeup setting sprays or finishing sprays, but what do these names really mean? To find out, we asked celebrity makeup artists Jenny Patinkin and Jenna Apel to explain the actual differences between the two product types.
- Makeup setting sprays leave a light film to help lock in the makeup and prevent it from smudging or evaporating no matter the weather.
- Finishing sprays melt the make into the skin for an “I woke up like this” radiant glow and boost hydration.
Luckily for us, plenty of brands have combined the long-wearing properties of traditional setting spray with the makeup-melting and moisturizing properties associated with finishing spray, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Consider Your Skin Type
Before you mist on a spray, be sure to consider your skin type and if you want your face to look matte or dewy.
- Oily and combination skin will benefit from a makeup setting spray that offers a matte finish and should look for shine-control ingredients like witch hazel and kaolin.
- Dry, normal, and mature skin should look for a makeup setting spray with hydrating and soothing properties like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera for a luminous, second-skin finish.
Price
Another important factor is cost, and we made sure to include top-rated picks at various price points, highlighting both drugstore buys and luxury makeup setting sprays. Apel and Patinkin aren't the only ones who love these formulas: these picks earned rave reviews from shoppers over at Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more. Here are the best makeup setting sprays for every skin type.