14 Best Setting Sprays for Makeup, Tried and Tested

Adding a setting spray can make all the difference to your makeup routine. No matter what your skin type - oily, dry or sensitive - you can put an end to those midday touch-ups and beat the 3pm makeup melt with a few spritzes of a face fixing mist. Read on to discover our best setting sprays for makeup that have the power to stop your look from sliding.

Q: What is setting spray?

A: Used in makeup application, setting spray helps to set and hold your makeup in place to create a look with serious staying power. Once you've applied other makeup products like foundation, concealer, and powder, you can apply setting spray in a liquid form as the final step in your makeup routine. One spritz over the face is all you need to form a protective layer over makeup, helping to prevent smudging, fading, and transfer. 

Q: What does setting spray do?

A: Setting spray helps to fix your makeup in place and make it last longer. Tired of frequent touch-ups? You won't be with a good setting spray. So how does setting spray work? Some are formulated to control excess oil and shine on the skin, while others add a radiant glow. They're our top choice for revitalising makeup and the refreshing sensation is an extra treat.

Q: How to use setting spray

A: Danielle Roberts, Global Makeup Artist for Urban Decay, has given us the inside scoop on the key to setting spray success - putting an end to the question: does setting spray *actually* work? The answer is yes, but it's all in the application. So how do you apply setting spray? "Always apply the mist in a 'T' motion through the centre of the face and an 'X' to hit the outer perimeters," Danielle advises.

Once you've finished all the steps in your makeup routine, shake the setting spray and hold the bottle at an arm's length to mist evenly over your face. Let it air-dry naturally. Try to avoid using a fan to speed up the drying process. If you've used to much, gently blot your face with a clean tissue or blotting paper. For even more effectiveness, mist it directly on your makeup brush or sponge between each makeup step.

Q: When to use setting spray

A: The most common and effective time to use setting spray is after completing your makeup as the last step in your makeup routine. Or you can use it for quick top-ups throughout the day to keep your makeup fresh, no matter what your plans are. We wouldn't recommend applying it between layers of makeup as this might interfere with the way your products blend into your skin.

If you live in or are jetting off to a hot location, setting spray can help control excess moisture and prevent that makeup melt. Long days ahead, workdays, or travel days? Use a light mist of setting spray for makeup that looks as good as new. And if you feel like you've gone too heavy on the powder, wet your face again with a spritz of setting spray to help blend and give a more natural finish.

Q: What is in a makeup setting spray?

A: The ingredients in makeup setting sprays depend on the brand, but they're all about the H2O, with water serving as a base to create a fine mist. Polymer Agents prevent smudging, Emollients like Oils add hydration, and Humectants such as Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid hold moisture. Sounds like the formula for dreamy skin.

While Alcohol helps the spray evaporate, it can also be drying so alcohol-free sprays are our preference. If you're not a fragrance fan, go fragrance-free. Have sensitive skin? Soothe with Botanical Extracts like Aloe Vera, Chamomile, or Green Tea. For added skin protection, look for antioxidants like Vitamins C and E.

Q: Are there setting sprays for different skin types?

A: Absolutely! You'll find setting spray formulations that cater to your skin type. For combination or oily skin, choose a matte setting spray to help with excess shine and sebum production. Give dry skin a healthy glow with dewy setting sprays. And you can find sensitive skin formulas to minimise the risk of irritation. Make sure to check the product's ingredient list for potential allergens or irritants. If you're still unsure, strike a balance with setting sprays suitable for all skin types. Our top tip? Try out travel-sized versions before committing to the full size formula. 

Q: How we choose the best makeup setting sprays

A: When picking our best rated makeup setting sprays, we look for the face fixing mists that hold your makeup in place for way longer than your average 9-5. With a range of finishes - dewy, mattifying, illuminating - you’re sure to find your perfect match in this line-up. We called upon our in-house beauty experts for their must-have setting sprays and, as always, your glowing reviews play an important part, too.

By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 21 February 2024