No products in the cart.
Table of Contents
The Best Makeup Setting Spray for 2023
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
Isn’t it heartbreaking when you’re done glamming yourself up and all and then, in a few moments, you’re already heading into a major makeup meltdown? Let’s be real here, there’s no one out there who likes it when even just a tiny portion of their eyeshadow creases, or their lipstick smudges a little. Or, in worst cases, all your foundation just melts off and fades away due to circumstances you can’t control.
You can use all the best beauty products out there that claim they won’t fade, melt, smudge, and more. It’s great to have faith in products that do deliver what they promise but also, there really are just some cosmetics out there that can’t stand up to factors like the weather, humidity, or even your own skin condition.
Thankfully, makeup setting sprays exist, and they exist to prevent your makeup from failing and your heart from breaking after you’ve worked so hard creating that perfect eye line. In this article, we compiled the best makeup setting sprays in the market. Check them out and see which of the best setting sprays are worthy of a spot in your vanity!
WHAT ARE THE BEST MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall | Best Classic | Best for Oily Skin Types |
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting SprayThis Urban Decay setting spray is our top pick thanks to it's great staying power, smooth finish, and lightweight feel. | MAC Prep + Prime Fix+We love this classic MAC fix, it's a setting powder, a primer all in one. It contains vitamins and minerals, and it's alcohol-free! | Nyx Matte Finish Setting SprayWe love how this Nyx Matte Finish Setting Spray keeps oiliness at bay, it has a matte finish so you're sure to be shine-free at the end of the day! |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
LET’S GO OVER EACH OF THE BEST MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
#1: URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG-LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
Awarded all across the board, it seems like no other setting spray will ever compare to Urban Decay’s All Night Long-Lasting fixer. Just ask any beauty expert — certainly the majority of them will answer this. It’s dubbed as a legendary makeup spritzer, after all.
One of the best setting sprays, the Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup takes pride in their formula that uses a patented Temperature Control Technology. This all nighter setting spray technology is what makes this unique and has it positioned above everyone else. As soon as the ultra fine mist hits your face, it instantly lowers the temperature of your makeup, effectively preventing everything from melting off. Urban Decay also added hyaluronic acid for a luminous dewy skin mist look.
Urban Decay’s setting spray also prevents you from getting slick and shiny as the day (or night) goes on. This waterproof setting spray ensures your makeup stays in place for a whopping 16 hours! With this, you can truly dance the night away.
Makeup artists love this refreshing spray as this waterproof setting spray locks makeup so much that even after taking a dip in the pool, your makeup look stays the same. Add Urban Decay all nighter in your makeup routine before and after applying makeup for that smooth makeup finish.
PROS AND CONS OF THE URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG-LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Long-wear ✔️ Smooth finish ✔️ Lightweight fine mist | ✖️Pricey |
#2: MAC PREP + PRIME FIX+
Here’s a setting spray that’s considered a the best classic mac prep + prime fix+ . It’s also a staple in a professional makeup artist’s arsenal. MAC’s fixing spray has become a household name thanks to its multi-tasking capabilities. It can prepare and prime your skin, and then fix all your makeup down to prevent it from fading away.
Formulated with vitamins, minerals, green tea, chamomile, and cucumber, this alcohol-free mist delivers a boost of hydration to the skin once it’s spritzed. As mentioned, you can use it to prep your skin, and use it once more to lock your makeup down, and also use it as a refresher for more humid days. You can even use it as a mixer for your powder products. This flawless setting spray can work for sensitive skin types as this is an alcohol free setting spray. This refreshing spray also has a light mist for that luminous dewy skin mist finish.
MAC promises that this pats down your makeup for a seamless finish and keeps it from fading for 12 hours.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MAC PREP + PRIME FIX+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Hydrating ✔️ Powdery finish ✔️ Free from alcohol | ✖️Pricey |
#3: NYX MATTE FINISH MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
One of the best setting spray for oily skin types. If you’re of the oily skin type, here’s something that you may want to look into. NYX is at it yet again with another cult favorite, their Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray. Just as it says on the tin, spraying this sets your makeup with a matte touch to it. NYX promises that this helps to keep the grease at bay, effectively locking your makeup in.
NYX uses a lightweight and vegan formula for their spritzer, promising to prolong wear and intensity of the pigments on your face. Not only that, but it’s affordable as well, making it a great favorite among beauty lovers. If you have oily skin and you’ve tried multiple setting sprays that wont work for you skin, add this mattifying setting spray to your makeup routine.
While we’re only singing praises for the Matte version of this NYX Professional makeup fixer in this article, it actually has other variants, namely Dewy and Radiant, to address other skin types.
PROS AND CONS OF THE NYX MATTE FINISH MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ For oily face ✔️ Matte finish | ✖️ Contains alcohol in its ingredients |
#4: MILANI MAKE IT LAST
Tired of touching up in the middle of the day? Then maybe Milani’s setting spray is what you need in your arsenal.
A part of Milani’s Make It Last lineup — which includes a setting powder and a standalone primer — this spray is a multitasker that claims to “reduce the appearance of imperfections.” Use it to prep your skin, and then spritz it over to lock your best makeup look for the long haul.
There are several variations of this spray, such as one with a dewy finish, one that has charcoal as the main ingredient, and one with SPF 30. No matter the variation though, Milani promises that you’ll enjoy their sprayer and be worry-free of creases and smudges for about 16 hours. They are also cruelty-free and vegan.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MILANI MAKE IT LAST
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Multitasker ✔️ Quickly dries down on the face | ✖️ Contains alcohol in its ingredients |
#5: COVER FX HIGH PERFORMANCE SETTING SPRAY
Looking for a setting spray that goes well with all skin types? Cover FX has, well, got you covered. Dubbed as a cult-favourite product, the brand’s High Performance Setting Spray promises to set makeup for long-wear without it fading, melting, or setting into fine lines.
This very fine mist also promises to protect your face from pollution as it contains fermented algae extract as the main ingredient. It also claims to reduce the appearance of pores.
Cover FX’s spray has a lightweight formula that’s free from alcohol, parabens, gluten, mineral oils, sulfates, and talc. It’s also fragrance-free, ideal for those who cannot stand strong scents in their beauty products. The brand also recommends spraying this on your favorite foundation/concealer brush or sponge before using it to apply to your face as it can also help in extending your makeup even longer.
PROS AND CONS OF THE COVER FX HIGH PERFORMANCE SETTING SPRAY
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Fragrance-free ✔️ For all types of skin | ✖️ Some may not like the nozzle |
#6: E.L.F. MAKEUP MIST & SET
Sticking to a budget and want a bang-for-the-buck setting sprayer? Look no further for the E.L.F. spray is here.
This product is definitely the most affordable one in this article. Would you believe that this starts with a price tag of PHP 299? That’s how affordable it is.
This drugstore find is designed to hold your face and eye makeup in place for the entire day. E.L.F. claims that with just a spritz, it can revitalize your entire look. Infused in this mist’s formula are aloe, green tea, cucumber, and even vitamins A, C, and E. All those ingredients account to soothe and hydrate the skin aside from keeping your foundation, bronzer, and everything in place.
PROS AND CONS OF THE E.L.F. MAKEUP MIST & SET
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Bang for your buck price ✔️ Soothes and hydrates | ✖️ Some may find the bottle small |
#7: PIXI BY PETRA MAKEUP FIXING MIST
Pixi by Petra stands out from the rest of its competitors as not only can their Makeup Fixing Mist keep your makeup from moving, it can also take care of your skin.
Pixi by Petra prides itself on its skincare benefits by having rosewater, known for its hydrating properties, as an ingredient in their setting spray. Another of its main ingredients is green tea, which has antioxidant properties that can treat acne and moisturize the skin as well.
That’s not all, though. This setting mist also contains willow bark extract, an ingredient that balances and reduces excess oil, as well as having the ability to minimize pores. Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes’ account swears by it, saying that this “fixing mist truly does care for both your makeup and your skin.”
PROS AND CONS OF THE PIXI BY PETRA MAKEUP FIXING MIST
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Has skincare benefits ✔️ Hydrating | ✖️ Can be pricey |
#8: MAKE UP FOR EVER MIST AND FIX MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
Are you on the dry or sensitive side and want a refreshing spray that can also keep your makeup locked in? Then maybe, Make Up For Ever’s fixing spray is the one that you need. This product contains 90% pure water, a pvp polymer, and MUFE’s O2 skin complex, all working together to improve makeup wear.
According to the brand, its water-rich formula and humectants offer intense moisturization, making it ideal for individuals with dry skin. Add to that, the pvp polymer helps ensure that makeup will adhere to while remaining flexible and comfortable on the skin while the O2 skin complex aids in boosting skin radiance.
Moreover, sensitive skinned individuals will love its formula that’s free from alcohol. Professional makeup artists have testified that this spritzer is gentle and fine, and allows makeup application to be a breeze.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MAKE UP FOR EVER MIST AND FIX MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Gentle ✔️ For dry and sensitive types | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ Not for oily types |
#9: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS DEWY SET
Aiming for that ultimate dewy glow? Anastasia Beverly Hills has your back with their water-based face mist. Not only can it set makeup in place, but it can also make your skin look radiant. It’s ideal for those with combination skin as it can both lock your make-up down and make your skin look glassy.
The brand asserts that you can use this in three ways: as a standalone spritzer for a healthy glow, as something to prep your skin for smooth make-up application, or as a setting mist with a dewy finish.
It goes on weightlessly, and even has a delicious coconut-vanilla scent when applied. Another thing that this spritzer has going for it is its gorgeous packaging and custom-designed nozzle. It comes in a luxe-looking bottle that has golden glitters and sparkles — but don’t let it fool you. The product goes on clear and is free of any shimmers. The nozzle also has a rather cute touch to it as it seems to have a heart-shaped lock mechanism to prevent it from spilling or accidental spraying.
PROS AND CONS OF THE ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS DEWY SET
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Incredible staying power ✔️ 32 shades | ✖️ Some shades may not be flattering depending on skin tone ✖️ Some shades have large glitter particles |
#10: L’OREAL INFALLIBLE PRO SPRAY & SET ALL-DAY MAKE-UP EXTENDER
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Setting Spray is a mild spray that can help keep your makeup looking freshly applied throughout the day and what’s more, it has a formula that’s free of oils.
A member of L’Oreal’s Infallible lineup — a collection of long-wear cosmetics that include foundation, concealer, lipstick, and more — it’s not a surprise that this spritzer also prides itself on its staying power. L’Oreal promises that their setting mist can significantly reduce melting, fading, and the need to touch-up.
It comes in a sleek, no-frills black bottle, with a nozzle that spritzes an ultra-fine mist, like a little rain jacket on your face. It works well with your foundation, concealer, or any cosmetic of your choice, but using it along with the rest of L’Oreal’s Infallible lineup feels like you’ve built a strong, immovable wall of beauty.
PROS AND CONS OF THE L’OREAL INFALLIBLE PRO SPRAY & SET ALL-DAY MAKE-UP EXTENDER
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ No oil in its formula ✔️ Lightweight ✔️ Affordable | ✖️ Scent might not be to everyone's liking |
#11: NICHIDO MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
With the affordable price, it’s hard not to try the Nichido Matte Finish setting spray. Lightweight, oil-free, and paraben-free, the spray helps your makeup stay on longer without any of the annoying greasiness that can occur.
If you’ve got sensitive skin, then this mild formula guarantees that your complexion doesn’t dry up whether you’re wearing a lot of makeup or just a little.
PROS AND CONS OF THE NICHIDO SPRAY
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Paraben-free and oil-free ✔️ Affordable price tag ✔️ Mattifies makeup | ✖️ Not as hydrating as others |
DOES A SETTING SPRAY ACTUALLY DO ANYTHING?
You may be wondering, do these bottles of liquid truly hold so much power over the cosmetics we put on our face? We won’t turn science-y on you, no, but we can assure you that yes, it does have that much power and actually does something for your makeup. According to beauty and make-up expert Gloria Elias-Foeillet, “Setting sprays absolutely make a difference in the wear of your makeup.” It’s all thanks to the ingredients and formulation of spray.
WHAT DOES A MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY DO?
If you’ve ever used a hair spray, well, that’s exactly what a makeup setting spray is, except it’s used for your face and not on your hair. Setting spritzers are designed to be spritzed on your face after applying all your products, from your base all the way to the last touch of your lipstick. These fixers are made with specialized formulas that contain water and polymers to hold your make-up securely on your face. They’re usually the last step in a routine, but these days, some spritzers can also now be used to prep your skin for a smoother application.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there any alternatives to the setting sprays mentioned here?
Of course there are! You can look into Fenty Beauty What It Dew Fixer as an alternative to the classic MAC spritzer. Another alternative is the Toofaced Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray. For a more budget find, you can get the Maybelline Lasting Fix sprayer. For a setting spray with SPF try, Supergoop! (Re)Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40.
One of the best setting sprays with an all-natural ingredient, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting Spray is water resistant and has aloe vera that can cater to oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin.
Want to blur pores? Try Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Super Setter Pore Minimizing Setting Spray. Benefit cosmetics super setter pore minimizing setting spray is a top choice among influencers as their makeup looked smooth after use.
You can also try Spray Your Grace Baking Spray. This setting spray is infused with aloe vera and has anti-aging benefits.
What setting spray does Jeffree Star use?
Popular beauty guru Jeffree Star uses a variety of fixers, such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set, the Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix, and even Jeffree’s very own Set & Refresh Mist that’s a collaboration with the brand Morphe.
What’s the difference between setting spray and finishing spray?
A setting spray can be referred to as a makeup glue as it fixes it all into one layer, allowing for a seamless, smoother, and more natural look. On the other hand, a finishing spray adds longevity and staying power to the cosmetics you’ve applied for your glammed-up look. Finishing mists usually have alcohol in their ingredients list, while setting spritzers contain oils and hydrating products.
Is translucent powder the same as setting spray?
They’re both used to keep your makeup intact. However, translucent powders are usually used on areas that you want to look matte. Powders are also usually used to combat oil, making them ideal for those who are combination-skinned.
Does makeup setting spray really work?
Let me tell you, makeup setting spray is a game-changer in the beauty industry! It’s an essential product that every makeup enthusiast should have in their arsenal.
Now, let me break it down. Makeup setting spray works wonders in helping your makeup stay in place all day long. It’s a fine mist that’s specially formulated to lock in your makeup, preventing it from smudging, fading, or melting off your face.
Think of it as a topcoat for your makeup – just like how a clear coat of nail polish helps your manicure last longer, makeup setting spray works the same way for your makeup.
Not only does it keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless, but it also hydrates and nourishes your skin. Some setting sprays even have ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins that benefit your skin while locking in your makeup.
So, to answer your question – YES, makeup setting spray really does work. It’s a must-have product that will take your makeup game to the next level, giving you a flawless, long-lasting look all day long.
CONCLUSION
That’s it for our ranking of the best makeup-setting sprays out there! We hope that our article was able to help you wade through and find the best makeup setting spray that will work the best for you. As always, do remember to consider the type of skin that you have and what issues you need to be addressed when choosing the best makeup setting spray to include in your arsenal.
Editor’s Choice
URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG-LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY
Looking for the best of the best among all makeup setting sprays? Well, search no further for the answer is right here in front of you: it’s Urban Decay’s highly-praised, highly-raved All Nighter! Ask any makeup artist out there and certainly, the overwhelming answer will be this long-lasting setting spray.
Formulated with a patented temperature control technology, it can be likened to having a tiny AC unit inside a bottle as it cools your makeup to secure it in. This microfine mist assures to lock in your makeup the moment you spritz it all over. It can also be likened to having a best friend that you always have by your side and won’t ever let you down.
As its name suggests, you can take it for a night out and you’re guaranteed your makeup will still be intact all the way to sunrise.
Ira Arellano graduated with a degree in Multimedia Arts from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. When she’s not busy writing, Ira uses her remaining free time fawning over groups with too many members, reading three books simultaneously, crying over animated shows and fictional people, and being salty over her lack of gacha luck.