10 Must-Have Makeup Setting Sprays That Beauty Enthusiasts Love
I have a hunch that there’s one essential makeup item missing from your beauty collection—a product that top makeup artists, celebrities, and TikTok makeup stars consider indispensable. Enter the makeup setting spray, a truly underrated yet potent tool you probably didn’t realize you needed. Its primary purpose is to keep your makeup intact under any circumstances, helping your look remain fresh and flawless while reducing smudging, melting, or fading. This means fewer touch-ups, which we can all appreciate, right?
What makes setting spray a necessity?
A setting spray is a liquid or mist crafted to hold your makeup in position. It forms a protective layer on the skin that prevents makeup from sliding or smudging. Often enriched with skin-enhancing ingredients, these sprays not only ensure your makeup doesn’t budge but also provide hydration, combat excess oil, offer SPF protection, or minimize pores.
If you find powders too heavy or primers too overwhelming, a setting spray is the perfect solution, allowing you to achieve both effects without piling on additional makeup. Picture a setting spray as a live version of the Instagram soft focus filter.
How to apply a setting spray effectively
Using a setting spray is incredibly easy. Simply spritz it over your face once you’ve completed your makeup application. You can also carry it in your bag for a refreshing boost whenever your makeup or skin needs it.
Additionally, you can apply a quick mist post-skincare and before your makeup to lock in moisture or use a setting spray to dampen a foundation brush or sponge.
What’s the distinction between setting spray and fixing spray?
Beauty educator Tiffany Lumpkin provides a clear explanation in a useful reel. “Setting sprays enhance the skin’s natural appearance,” she states. Typically, their first ingredient is water and they serve to hydrate the skin. In contrast, fixing sprays are usually aerosol-based and formulated for maximum long-lasting makeup.
Top-rated makeup setting sprays
Makeup by Mario Surrealskin Soft Setting Spray
© Makeup by MarioWhy We Like It
- Ultra-fine mist
- Hydrating
- Economical, as a little goes a long way
This ultra-fine mist can be applied close to your face without disturbing makeup; in fact, Mario recommends holding the bottle about 6 inches away and spraying in three even lines across your face.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
“The mist is just fabulous—so fine and a pleasure to spray over the face. It has a subtle scent and feels utterly refreshing. My makeup also lasted astonishingly well!”
Reviewed by Leanne Bayley, Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
e.l.f Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
Why We Appreciate It
- Dewy finish
- Non-sticky formula
- Infused with aloe juice, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and green tea seed oil
This bestselling lightweight spray is enriched with 5% aloe juice, along with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and green tea seed oil—just shake the water-based and oil-based phases to activate.
It’s a fantastic addition to keep at your desk, providing both makeup setting and a dewy, radiant finish.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
“I rely on this setting spray not only to seal my makeup but also as a refreshing spritz when my face feels tight or in need of a pick-me-up. It gives the skin a luminous, healthy appearance and enhances my makeup beautifully.”
Reviewed by Carla Challis, Commerce Partnership Editor
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray
Why We Enjoy It
- Lightweight finish
- Waterproof and sweat-proof
- Dries in just 3 seconds
L’Oreal’s setting spray sets in only 3 seconds and is formulated to hold your makeup in place—no transferring onto clothing or fading due to sweat.
Advocates claim it feels ‘light’ and is a fast-acting, non-sticky formula.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
“This setting spray is quick and truly fulfills its promises; I love it. It keeps my makeup in place, and I spritz it on before I dash out the door. It feels lightweight and doesn’t irritate my skin.”
Reviewed by Kath Robinson, Senior Lifestyle Editor
MAC Fix+ Original Setting Spray
Why We Adore It
- Infused with vitamins
- Lightweight
- Keeps makeup looking fresh for up to 12 hours.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
“I’m not loyal to any specific face setting spray, but I have been a dedicated fan of MAC Cosmetics Fix+. It pairs well with powder products and has become a staple on my vanity. I start with Fix+ as a base under my powder and finish with it to seamlessly blend everything. I adore that it offers a natural finish and maintains its charm throughout the day. My skin truly loves this product as well.”
Reviewed by Leanne Bayley, Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Why We Love It
- Temperature control technology
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Locks makeup in place for 16 hours
Urban Decay’s original setting spray is the UK’s best-selling premium option of its kind, praised for its remarkable staying power—which secures makeup for up to 16 hours. Suitable for all skin types, the waterproof formula emits a fine mist, drying down to reveal an exceedingly natural finish.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
“Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray has been my go-to for years. From scorching heat to freezing winter conditions, my makeup remains intact when I use this before stepping out. I even notice that it enhances my makeup’s appearance by preventing it from settling into fine lines and providing a soft-focus blurring effect. During my time as a beauty editor for a leading online retailer, this product consistently flew off the shelves for good reason.”
Reviewed by Hollie Brotherton, Lifestyle & Commerce Senior Writer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Why We Appreciate It
- Hydrating
- Sets makeup for up to 16 hours
- Loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients
Charlotte Tilbury has infused artistry into this award-winning setting spray, renowned for securing makeup for 16 hours while keeping the skin hydrated.
With ingredients like aloe vera, Japanese green tea, and aromatic resin, this setting spray helps to smooth and blur the skin, while minimizing the appearance of pores and imperfections.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
“I am absolutely enamored with the Charlotte Tilbury setting spray. I started using it in 2020 to maintain my makeup while wearing a face mask, and it has been my holy grail ever since. It feels incredibly lightweight and provides a slightly dewy finish without making my skin look shiny. With my dry complexion, my makeup used to cling to certain areas but with this, it stays put all day.”
Reviewed by Sophie Bates, Commerce Writer
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray
- Dewy finish
- Vegan formula
- Helps makeup remain intact for up to 8 hours
This vegan setting spray is beloved for imparting a plump, dewy look while keeping makeup anchored in place, reportedly ensuring a fresh and flawless appearance for up to eight hours.
The Body Shop Hydrating Setting Spray
Why We Appreciate It
- Hydrating formula
- Defends the skin against blue light
- Contains moringa oil and buddleja extract
The Body Shop has developed a setting spray that not only secures makeup but also, thanks to moringa oil and buddleja extract, provides hydration to the skin.
The ingredients are also chosen to protect against blue light exposure, offering a lightweight and non-sticky finish.
Makeup Revolution Super Fix Misting Spray
Why We Appreciate It
- Matte finish
- Infused with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe and vitamin E
Makeup Revolution’s five-star setting spray is favored for its remarkable staying power; just one spritz ensures your makeup remains untouched.
This lightweight formula is ideal for oily skin types, featuring skin-soothing aloe and vitamin E.
