Photo credit: www.wellandgood.com
Setting sprays are essential for those who want their makeup to last throughout the day, whether it’s during a workout, at a concert, or on a dinner date. Fortunately, effective formulas are available at drugstore prices, proving that quality doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Many affordable options provide a range of finishes, from matte to dewy, and meet various skin needs, such as controlling shine or combating dryness. To assist consumers in finding the perfect setting spray, NYC-based makeup artist Jonet Williamson shares insights on what to consider when shopping.
Top 16 Drugstore Setting Sprays
Best overall: Morphe Continous Setting Mist, $17
Best natural finish: Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray, $11
Best matte finish: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray, $10
Best dewy finish: e.l.f Beauty Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray, $10
Best with hyaluronic acid: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist, $12
Best long-lasting: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Up to 36HR Wear Setting Spray, $11
Best for glow: Makeup Revolution Fix & Glow Fixing Spray, $14
Best hydrating: e.l.f Beauty Dewy Coconut Setting Mist, $10
Best calming: Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist, $15
Best for oily skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray, $6
Best budge-proof: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Setting Spray, $10
Best for dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray, $15
Best for priming: Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray, $8
Best plumping: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Makeup Setting Spray, $10
Best budget: Wet ’n’ Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Spray, $6
Best for sensitive skin: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water, $13
Details on the Recommended Product
Best overall: Morphe Continous Setting Mist — $17.00
Size: 2.8 fl oz, 6.5 fl oz | Finish: Natural
This setting mist offers a radiant finish and is enriched with vitamin E, vitamin B5, and fruit extracts. It hydrates the skin while ensuring makeup stays in place throughout the day. The unique powder spray format guarantees comprehensive coverage.
Pros: Affordable, available in large sizes.
Cons: Some users report that it may lead to breakouts.
Best natural finish: Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray — $11.00
Size: 2.03 fl oz, 6.0 fl oz | Finish: Natural
This spray hydrates while preventing clumping, featuring glycerin, niacinamide, and antioxidants to enhance your makeup’s appearance. Notably vegan, it offers up to 24 hours of lasting power.
Pros: Vegan, clean ingredients.
Cons: Contains fragrance, which may irritate some users.
Best matte finish: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray — $10.00
Size: 2.03 fl oz | Finish: Matte
For those with oily or acne-prone skin, this spray helps eliminate shine and absorbs excess oil, keeping makeup looking fresh for up to 16 hours.
Pros: Vegan, cruelty-free.
Cons: Contains alcohol that may dry out skin.
Best dewy finish: e.l.f Beauty Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray — $10.00
Size: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Dewy
This spray contains a bi-phased formula that sets and hydrates makeup, infused with hyaluronic acid and soothing ingredients like aloe vera.
Pros: Long-lasting, vegan.
Cons: Can feel slightly sticky upon application.
Best with hyaluronic acid: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist — $12.00
Size: 3.72 fl oz | Finish: Dewy
This setting spray incorporates hyaluronic acid for hydration and is designed to reduce the look of fine lines while drying quickly for a fresh finish.
Pros: Contains glycerin and allantoin.
Cons: Some users feel its longevity could improve.
Best for glow: Makeup Revolution Fix & Glow Fixing Spray — $14.00
Size: 3.38 fl oz | Finish: Radiant
This illuminating spray contains micro-shimmer particles, giving skin a vibrant glow without requiring heavy makeup.
Cons: Not ideal for oily skin types.
Best hydrating: e.l.f Beauty Dewy Coconut Setting Mist — $10.00
Size: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Radiant
Infused with coconut, green tea, and cucumber extracts, this pleasant-smelling mist hydrates while setting makeup.
Cons: Contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin.
Best calming: Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist — $15.00
Size: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Natural
Enriched with rose water and green tea, this mist calms and balances skin, providing a soft-focus finish.
Cons: Strong rose scent may not be appealing to everyone.
Best for oily skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray — $6.00
Size: 3.3 fl oz | Finish: Matte
This economical option controls oil and maintains a matte appearance throughout the day while preventing smudging.
Cons: Contains fragrance, potentially irritating.
Best budge-proof: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Setting Spray — $10.00
Size: 3.4 fl oz | Finish: Matte
With the ability to keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours, this setting spray offers a weightless finish.
Cons: The heavier feel may not be suitable for some users.
Best for dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray — $15.00
Size: 3.4 fl oz | Finish: Dewy
This hydrating spray is ideal for dry skin, featuring hyaluronic acid to moisturize and rejuvenate.
Cons: May not be suitable for very oily skin types.
Best for priming: Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray — $8.00
Size: 1.69 fl oz | Finish: Dewy
This versatile formula serves as both a primer and a setting spray, enhancing skin’s freshness and radiance.
Cons: Some users have noted a displeasing scent.
Best plumping: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Makeup Setting Spray — $10.00
Size: 1.7 fl oz | Finish: Radiant
Featuring vegan collagen, this spray adds hydration and brightness to makeup, providing a refreshing boost.
Cons: The stickiness may not appeal to everyone.
Best budget: Wet ’n’ Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Spray — $6.00
Size: 1.52 fl oz | Finish: Matte
This affordable setting spray helps prevent makeup from creasing while ensuring a soft-focus look.
Cons: Some reviewers have mentioned an unpleasant fragrance.
Best for sensitive skin: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water — $13.00
Size: 10.1 fl oz | Finish: Natural
This soothing thermal spring water is excellent for minimalistic makeup users and can provide hydration on-the-go.
Cons: Might not suit heavier makeup applications.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drugstore Setting Spray
Williamson advises considering the longevity and finish that a setting spray promises. Identify your desired finish—be it matte, dewy, or radiant—based on your makeup requirements. Ingredients play a crucial role; for instance, if you prefer a matte finish, look for oil-absorbing components, whereas hydrating sprays feature hyaluronic acid.
The Finish
A well-formulated setting spray should offer a specific finish, whether that be matte or dewy, and should cater to your unique skin type and conditions. Ensure to read the labels thoroughly to avoid confusion when selecting a product.
The Longevity
Longevity is critical for a setting spray’s effectiveness. Seek one that boasts at least 24-hour wear. Williamson recommends applying the spray both before and after setting powder for optimal results.
Mist Type
Lastly, the type of mist is essential; an ultra-fine or powder mist can effectively cover all facial areas, minimizing creasing, especially in areas prone to fading. Aim for sprays that deliver a fine mist for the best coverage.
Source
www.wellandgood.com