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The 11 Best Setting Sprays We Tested That Keep Your Makeup Intact

For fresh-looking makeup that lasts all day and night.

Several setting sprays we recommend displayed on a yellow surface

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

TL;DR

Our favorite setting spray is the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, thanks to its long-lasting hold and lightweight feel. We even tested how it held up during a splash test with water on our faces and were surprised to see that our makeup did not budge. Our runner-up is the Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist. The formula hydrates and soothes the skin, sets your makeup, and leaves your face feeling refreshed. We also love that the mister is designed to spray an even amount of product across the face, without leaving behind big droplets.

Setting spray is one of those makeup products you may have gone most of your life without. But once you get your first taste of the water-resistant, glam-extending, complexion-enhancing magic, it's off to the races. When applied during your makeup routine (it can be used both during and as the last step), setting spray can help ensure your makeup look stays put and protected against the weather elements.

To find the best options available, we tested nearly 30 formulas, evaluating each based on feel, application, performance, water resistance, and wear, and ahead, we're sharing which ones performed best. From mattifying picks to glow-boosting options, we've got you covered with a host of setting sprays for a variety of skin types and makeup preferences.

Testing By the Numbers

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27

Hours of Testing

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7

Skin Types Considered

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756

Total Sprays

What We Like
  • Light, comfortable feel

  • Extends makeup wear

  • Smudge and transfer-resistant

What to Consider
  • It takes a while to fully dry


Finish: Natural | Amount: 1, 4 oz | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Urban Decay was among the first to launch a setting spray, and not surprisingly, the brand continues to reign supreme in this makeup category. After spritzing on the fan-favorite All Nighter Spray, it absorbed into the skin and we loved the refreshingly lightweight feel. Suitable for all skin types, the nonirritating formula plays well over other products, delivering a natural-looking glow that makes your makeup pop. What's more, it keeps your glam looking fresh for up to 16 hours.

Thanks to Urban Decay's patented Temperature Control Technology, this award-winning product actually lowers the temperature of your creams, liquids, and powders to ensure long-lasting, transfer-resistant wear. To investigate the waterproof claims, we splashed water on our faces. Sure enough, our makeup didn't budge.

Read Full Review: Urban Decay's Setting Spray Kept My Makeup Locked in Place for Hours

person spraying Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray onto face in front of vanity mirror

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What We Like
  • Lightweight feel

  • Extends makeup wear

  • Dewy finish

What to Consider
  • Not waterproof

Finish: Dewy | Amount: 2.7 oz | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Setting spray isn't necessarily a luxury beauty product, even if it makes you feel fancy. Case in point: this budget-friendly, highly effective formula from e.l.f. that feels super lightweight on the skin. The microfine mist leaves a healthy-looking dewy finish in its wake and we appreciated that it didn't feel wet or look greasy.

This setting spray isn't billed as waterproof, but it promises to lock in your makeup for up to 16 hours. And while it contains synthetic fragrance, which can be irritating for sensitive skin, we didn't find the scent to be overwhelming.

person spraying e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist onto face

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What We Like
  • Controls shine and oil

  • Dries immediately

  • Lightweight feel

What to Consider
  • Slightly sticky

  • Not waterproof

Finish: Matte | Amount: 2 oz | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

NYX's Matte Finish Setting Spray was a hit both in The Lab and when we tested it at home. While it felt slightly sticky at first, we found that it dried immediately and didn't smear makeup underneath.

As the name suggests, this bestseller provides a mattifying effect while controlling shine and oil production. One thing to note is that it's not waterproof. During our splash test, splashing water on the face resulted in minor smudging, though we didn't need to redo our makeup.

What We Like
  • Gentle formula

  • Helps reduce redness and irritation

  • Doesn't smudge makeup

  • Light, comfortable feel

What to Consider
  • Smells like chlorine

Finish: Natural | Amount: 1–4 oz | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Reactive skin? Go with Tower 28's cult-loved SOS Spray. Not only does it feel lightweight and virtually unnoticeable on the skin, but it also helps to tame redness and irritation and can be used alone as a calming skincare product.

Though this product doesn't claim to be waterproof, it safeguarded one of our tester's makeup during the splash test and didn't smudge when she blotted with a towel. Just a heads-up: It smells like chlorine, but if you don't mind that, your sensitive complexion will thank you.

What We Like
  • Multipurpose formula

  • Cool and refreshing

  • Nice scent

What to Consider
  • Mist comes out too quickly

Finish: Dewy/radiant | Amount: 0.4–3.4 oz | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It can be hard to avoid a dry finish when you have dry skin, but this multipurpose mist from Anastasia Beverly Hills offers a simple solution. Dewy Set can be used as a first step to prep your skin, then spritzed on again to set your makeup and refresh it throughout the day.

We should note that the nozzle works almost too well in that it's easy to overdo it with too much product. It leaves the skin feeling pretty wet after just a few spritzes, but it dried quickly and didn't disrupt our makeup. It feels cooling on the skin, has a nice coconutty-vanilla scent, and leaves a radiant, glowy finish behind.

A person spraying Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray on their face

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What We Like
  • Blurs imperfections

  • Extends makeup wear

  • Waterproof

What to Consider
  • Somewhat perfumey

  • Makes skin feel slightly tight

Finish: Matte | Amount: 1–3.4 oz | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you prefer a matte finish, we recommend One/Size On 'Til Dawn. The lightweight formula sets makeup instantly, and though it created a minor tightening sensation on the skin, it wasn't uncomfortable. Beyoncé's makeup artist even recently shared that this is the setting spray she used on the Renaissance World tour—and it lasted through a rain storm in Washington D.C.

Once dry, it leaves the complexion looking smooth and crease-free with a soft-focus blurred effect that kept our makeup intact all day—even through splashes of water. And while this setting spray is mattifying, it didn't look flat or feel dry on the skin. It smells kind of perfume-y, which some people don't mind, but the added fragrance could be irritating.

person spraying ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray onto face

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What We Like
  • Light and refreshing

  • Glowy, radiant finish

  • Nice scent

What to Consider
  • Mister is almost too fine

Finish: Dewy/luminous | Amount: 0.4–1.4 oz | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Going for a dewy finish look? Tatcha is your best bet. The brand's Luminous Dewy Skin Mist has a light, refreshing feel, and a nice subtle scent. Thanks to a hydrating blend of red algae, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, a few spritzes are all you need to plump up your skin and create a healthy glow.

We found that it felt totally weightless on the skin and worked to set makeup in place while creating a luminous finish. You don't have to worry about the mist being too aggressive or soaking your face, in fact, we wish it was a bit more powerful as it takes many sprays to evenly coat the face. While Tatcha doesn't describe this product as waterproof, it definitely passed our splash test. We just wish the bottle were a little bigger, considering the steep price point.

What We Like
  • Cool and hydrating

  • Dries quickly

  • Doesn't feel wet or sticky

What to Consider
  • Not waterproof

Finish: Radiant | Amount: 1.7–3.4 oz | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Milk's Hydro Grip Spray really impressed us. It felt cool on the face and dried quickly into a radiant finish. While the lightweight formula is very hydrating, it didn't feel overly wet or sticky.

Once dry, this skin-friendly setting spray promises to keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours. A splash of water did result in some slight smudging, but almost nothing transferred when we patted our skin with a towel.

Person spraying MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Setting + Refreshing Spray on their face

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What We Like
  • Doesn't run or smear

  • Extends makeup wear

  • Light and cooling

What to Consider
  • Doesn't blur very well

Finish: Natural | Amount: 1–4 oz | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

If you need a waterproof formula, The POREfessional has your name on it. This microfine mist has a virtually weightless, slightly cooling feel. It applies evenly and works beautifully to prevent makeup from smearing.

While this product didn't really deliver on its pore-blurring claims, it definitely seems to lock in the products underneath. Calling it a "little rain jacket for her makeup," one tester said that everything stayed intact after giving her face a good splash. With that said, you can count on The POREfessional to make good on its promise of 16-hour wear.

person spraying Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What We Like
  • Multipurpose formula

  • Leaves skin smooth

  • Natural looking skin finish

What to Consider
  • Finicky nozzle

  • Slightly sticky

Finish: Natural | Amount: 3.4 oz | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

MAC's Prep + Prime Spray has been a beauty-bag staple for several years—and for good reason. The nozzle was a little finicky at first, but once we got it working, it helped to reduce a powdery finish and set the makeup in place. It's not dewy or mattifying, it just has a natural finish, which makes it great for all skin types.

This multipurpose mist can also be used to prep and hydrate your skin and refresh your face throughout the day. Though it had a slightly sticky feel, it smoothed the skin and left it looking refreshed. And while it's not billed as waterproof, it seemed to offer some moisture resistance and promises to help your makeup last for 12 hours.

What We Like
  • Four-in-one formula

  • Refreshing and hydrating

  • Waterproof and transfer-resistant

What to Consider
  • This mist comes out very heavy

Finish: Radiant | Amount: 2.9 oz | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Rare Beauty's take on setting spray is this multipurpose mist that not only sets your makeup but also hydrates, primes, and refreshes your skin. After trying it first-hand, we can confirm that it lives up to its claims as a four-in-one formula.

One tester said that it melted her foundation into her face and left her with a "natural, glowy" complexion and smaller-looking pores. This all-star spray is also waterproof and transfer-resistant. Thanks to a blend of niacinamide (vitamin B3) and white water lily, it even helps soothe stressed skin.

What to Look for in a Setting Spray

  • Claims: Not all setting sprays do the same thing. When you're shopping for one, keep in mind what you want to get out of using a setting spray and look for products that align. For example, if you have oily skin and you're hoping to reduce shine and extend the wear of your makeup, choose one with a matte finish that promises to lock in makeup for 12+ hours, or if you want one that is resistant to sweat and humidity choose a waterproof setting spray.
  • Finish: Determine the finish you want to achieve, as well as your skin type. If you tend to get oily, a mattifying setting spray could help to counteract any shininess. If you have dry skin or you want to achieve a glow, one with a luminous finish is best for you.

How We Tested Setting Sprays

We believe in using the products we recommend just like you would—which is why make it a priority to test products in our NY-based Lab.

  • Setting Sprays Tested: 30
  • Testing Period: 27 hours of testing 
  • Methodology: Setting sprays were tested in our lab with the help of a group of Byrdie editors who had different skin types, including oily, acne-prone, dry, and combination. We also conducted a splash test to see if all “waterproof” claims were true.
  • Factors Considered: Ingredients, the finish, various skin types, lasting power, and overall results


FAQ
  • How do I apply setting spray?

    After you’ve finished applying your makeup, give the bottle a generous shake, then hold it about 6 to 8 inches from your face. With your eyes closed, spray on a light veil in a zigzag motion. Allow it to dry for at least a minute.

  • When should I apply setting spray?

    You can apply setting spray on top of foundation, on top of a full face of makeup, or after each step (misting the face after eyeshadow, lipstick, and other product layers).

  • Do you really need to use setting spray?

    While setting spray isn't a necessity, it will amp up your makeup game and help your products last. Some setting sprays even add to your makeup, creating a dewy or matte finish and blurring imperfections that your foundation might have missed.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a contributor at Byrdie. As a beauty writer, she is seasoned in researching formulas, cross-checking ingredients, interviewing experts, and testing products. Of the above brands, she has personally tried setting sprays from Urban Decay, Benefit, e.l.f., NYX, Tatcha, and Tower 28. You can find more of her bylines on People, Travel + Leisure, and The Spruce.

Edited by Shauna Beni-Haynes
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40521-020-00275-7

  2. 10.3390/molecules14010540

  3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286270242_A_Review_of_the_range_of_effects_of_niacinamide_in_human_skin

  4. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010012

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