16 of the best setting sprays for every skin type and finish
As a beauty editor for the past 10 years, I've been backstage at countless fashion shows and photoshoots – and if there’s one thing make-up artists always reach for, it’s a great setting spray. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, party or even just looking for something to keep your make-up in place throughout the day, setting sprays are essential. Not only do they lock your make-up in place, but they also help blur imperfections and control shine, giving you that flawless finish from morning to night.
The secret behind a good setting spray lies in its ability to create a barrier between your make-up and the elements: think humidity, sweat and pollution. Plus, with the variety of formulas available now, you can find a setting spray for every skin type, from oily to dry, and with every finish, from matte to dewy. Below, we've rounded up some of the best setting sprays that’ll keep your make-up looking fresh all day, no matter what the day throws at you…
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Known for creating that lit-from-within glow, this setting spray locks your make-up in place for up to 16 hours. Infused with aloe vera and Japanese green tea, it hydrates while keeping oil at bay. Perfect for those with a wedding or party ahead, this is a bridal favourite for achieving that smooth, poreless look without feeling heavy.
Vieve Invisiveil Setting Spray
Vieve’s Invisiveil Setting Spray combines skincare benefits with make-up setting power. With niacinamide as one of its hero ingredients, it helps to calm and soothe the skin while keeping your make-up in place. It’s great for anyone prone to redness or sensitivity.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray
If you're after a formula that hydrates while setting, this one’s for you. Packed with hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and aloe vera, it gives your skin a boost of moisture while keeping your make-up intact for up to 16 hours. It’s ideal for dry or sensitive skin, ensuring your make-up never cakes or settles into fine lines.
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Setting Spray
This oil-free, mattifying spray is a must for oily skin types. It blurs the appearance of pores and controls shine without drying out your complexion. Plus, its lightweight, breathable formula makes it perfect for those who want a soft-matte finish that still feels like skin.
Laura Mercier Translucent Pure Setting Spray
This alcohol-free formula is perfect for anyone looking for a gentle option that won't irritate the skin. It locks in your make-up for up to 16 hours and delivers a weightless finish. The result? A natural, skin-like look that stays put all day long – great for normal to dry skin types.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
A true icon in the world of setting sprays, Urban Decay’s All Nighter is renowned for its ability to lock in make-up for up to 16 hours. Its oil-free, temperature-control technology ensures your make-up withstands humidity, heat, and even sweat, making it ideal for big events like weddings or nights out. Suitable for all skin types, this cult-favourite delivers a natural, soft-matte finish without ever feeling tight or drying on the skin.
Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray
For a silky-smooth finish that feels luxurious on the skin, Hourglass’ Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray is a must-try. It gives your make-up a soft-focus effect, blurring imperfections and leaving your skin with a natural radiance. Ideal for normal to dry skin types, it’s also weightless, so you’ll hardly know it’s there.
L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray
Affordable and effective, this setting spray works for all skin types. It delivers a long-lasting matte finish, making it great for oily skin or those prone to shine. The fine mist sets quickly and ensures your make-up looks freshly applied throughout the day.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Mattifying Mist
A cult favourite with a mattifying twist, this mist is perfect for those with oily or combination skin. It helps absorb excess oil while locking in your make-up, providing a shine-free finish without compromising on hydration. Plus, it’s infused with cucumber extract to soothe the skin.
Kylie Cosmetics Setting Spray
Lightweight and hydrating, this setting spray from Kylie Cosmetics leaves a dewy finish without feeling greasy. It’s enriched with glycerin to lock in moisture, making it ideal for dry to normal skin types, and is perfect for giving your skin that subtle, healthy glow.
Too Faced Hangover Doll-Size 3-in-1 Setting Spray
This multi-purpose setting spray primes, sets, and refreshes. Infused with coconut water and probiotic-based ingredients, it’s a hydrating option that’s great for dry skin. It also helps to revive make-up throughout the day, giving it a fresh, just-applied look.
Illamasqua Hydra Setting Spray
Hydration is the key focus of this setting spray, making it ideal for dry skin types. Infused with peptides and other skin-loving ingredients, it not only keeps your make-up looking flawless but also nourishes your skin, keeping it soft and supple all day.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray
If you're a fan of dewy, glowing skin, this is the one for you. The water-based formula is packed with hydrating ingredients and delivers a radiant finish without feeling sticky. It’s perfect for normal to dry skin and helps give your make-up that glass-skin effect.
Make Up For Ever Mist and Fix Matte-23 Spray
This setting spray is designed for long-wear matte perfection. It locks in make-up for hours while controlling shine, making it perfect for oily skin types. The formula is sweat-resistant, ensuring your look stays flawless even in humid conditions.
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray – Dewy Finish/Long Lasting
One of the best budget-friendly options, this setting spray delivers a dewy finish that rivals more expensive brands. It’s lightweight and long-lasting, making it a great everyday option for normal to dry skin. Plus, the dewy finish gives your complexion a healthy, radiant glow.
Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray
A multi-tasking hero, this spray can be used to prime, set, and refresh your make-up throughout the day. Its star ingredient is hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, which helps hydrate and soothe the skin. This one's a great choice for those with dehydrated or dull complexions.
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