At the end of each makeup tutorial, just before the model smiles at the camera to reveal the final look, the subject closes her eyes and pouts her lips while squirting an X-shaped spray of the water-like substance onto her face.
Known in the beauty world as setting spray, this is the wonder that locks in your makeup or revitalizes your skin throughout the day.
"The purpose of a setting spray is to provide a protective layer to the skin after makeup is applied; it helps keep makeup long-lasting and reduces the production of oil and sweat," Los Angeles makeup artist and OMNIA brush artist Dominique Lerma tells ELLE.com. And reduce the formation of cosmetic creases.
"Using a setting spray can make makeup blend easier and prevent your face from looking too powdery or cakey, giving it an almost skin-like appearance. " The best setting sprays contain a variety of ingredients that soothe and moisturize skin while holding makeup in place so it doesn't move or transfer throughout the day.
TikTok has some of the best setting sprays on the market, from Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray to Milk Makeup's version of its popular Hydro Grip Dewy, and ELLE.com editors have their own. After sifting through our personal collection and dozens of online customer reviews, we found 14 of the best expert-approved setting sprays that don't disappoint.
1. Skindinavia Setting Spray – Oil Control Formula:You may have seen this spray in makeup tutorials on YouTube as a kid, and it's still a must-have for makeup artists today. Tailored for oily skin, Skindinavia's setting spray regulates oil levels so your makeup doesn't slip or transfer easily, or blur pores.
Our experts say: "This setting spray has been a well-kept secret among MUA pros for 15 years." The formula is lightweight, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and purely vegan. I particularly like that the formula slowly releases moisture, which means the protective layer allows moisture to evaporate from your face and prevents makeup from melting. I keep them in the travel-friendly size in my small tool bag, makeup bag, and carry-on items when I travel. ” – Dominique Lerma, Executive Artist, OMNIA Brush
2. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray: If TikTok made you buy it, you're not alone—just about everyone owns or has used this Charlotte Tilbury setting spray. With firming and antioxidant properties, this spray acts as a base for a smooth, flawless base and acts as a sealant to set makeup.
Our expert says: "I had never started using a setting spray regularly until recently, and Charlotte Tilbury's version showed me exactly what I was missing."
This lightweight, breathable formula keeps my makeup on for hours within, even in New York’s extremely humid conditions. York. Plus, it's super hydrating to help fight dry patches and create a dewy, radiant look without feeling too wet or sticky. ” - Sam Peters, Senior Business Editor
3. LYS Beauty Skin Loyalty Setting Spray: Even if your face is covered in makeup, your skin deserves the best care. LYS Beauty, which stands for "Love Yourself," takes its mission seriously by offering beneficial ingredients in its products, including Skin Loyalty Setting Spray.
Containing cucumber extract, aloe vera leaf juice and green tea, this mist soothes dry, thirsty skin while leaving a soft, matte finish. One Sephora reviewer said: "This setting spray will definitely set your makeup all day long!" I love how refreshing it feels when applied!
4. Milk Makeup Mini Hydro Grip hydrating long-lasting makeup setting spray: There’s a reason products go viral on TikTok. Milk Makeup's best-selling setting spray provides a subtle dewy finish and "sets" your makeup so it stays put all day long.
It sounds scary to leave product on your face for so long, but this formula contains the best skincare ingredients you could ask for: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, agave extract, niacinamide, and more.
Our expert says: “I’ll admit that TikTok inspired me to buy this spray, but it works wonders enough for me to make it a regular part of my makeup routine. “As a glam girl, I love using a mix of matte and natural makeup formulas .
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Spray allows my products to blend in seamlessly and stay put no matter where I go. ” —Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Business Editor, ELLE.com
5. MAC Prep & Prime Fix + Setting Spray: MAC Prep & Prime Spray is an iconic staple in nearly every makeup collection. It's a multi-purpose formula that helps you "fix" all your makeup woes—from quick-drying concealers that won't budge when blended to matte formulas that require a little hydration throughout the day.
One Ulta reviewer says: "I use this spray between every layer of makeup. It helps blend liquid, cream, and powder products."
6. Morphe Lasting Setting Spray: Some setting sprays can add "dew" or make your face feel like a statue. This ultra-fine mist is sprayed onto your skin from the center for a skin-like finish, but with better results. Plus, the continuous spray won't suffocate you with bad smells.
Our experts say: "When I wear light, dewy sunglasses, I use Morphe spray to lighten the shine. This spray always gives me a soft, matte, natural look that doesn't feel stiff .I rarely use it for touch-ups because I know it’s reliable.” – NP
7. Rare Beauty 4-in-1 Setting Spray by Selena Gomez Always An Optimist: If you've accidentally skipped foundation, Rare Beauty's mist has four pillars: Prime, hydrate, set, and refresh. No matter which step you missed, this spray will help correct it while giving your skin the glow it deserves.
One Sephora reviewer says: "Honestly, I hate to admit it, but this setting spray is absolutely amazing! I bought this to prep my skin, but it really helps me control oil and stay The longevity of makeup. Instead of lasting 6 to 7 hours, I can now walk around for 10+ hours without retouching my face."
