Setting Sprays Usually Disappoint—Hours of Testing Later, We Found 12 Exceptions

Harper Rose23 hours agoLast Updated: 2 April 2025

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Setting Sprays Usually Disappoint—Hours of Testing Later, We Found 12 Exceptions

As a beauty editor, I know that my makeup is only as good as the length of time it lasts. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been sabotaged by fleeting foundations, brief blushes, and short-lived lipsticks. It’s like my makeup is perfect one minute and gone the next.

Over time, I’ve learned how to separate the bad products from the good ones and prevent a makeup vanishing act. I’ve also learned how important it is to prep my complexion with hydrating skincare products and makeup-gripping primers and set everything with an effective setting spray.

“Setting sprays are your makeup’s best friend, as typically each is designed for extended wear, and while it’s not a required step, it’s extremely beneficial for lasting makeup,” says celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. Not only do they lock in makeup and keep it where it’s supposed to be, but Greenberg says they can keep products from fading on the skin and can provide a preferred finish—whether matte, natural, or dewy. “What all setting sprays have in common is extending the longevity of your makeup,” she says.

With so many options out there, it can be tough to find one that works well for your skin type and preferred makeup aesthetic. Do you have oily skin but want a matte finish? Or vice versa? What if you have combo skin and you only want to control shine in one area of your face?

We’re skeptics when it comes to grand product claims, so we took it upon ourselves to research and trial some of the best formulas on the market. After scouring the internet for the best setting sprays, we personally tried 12 of the most highly rated formulas and documented our thoughts about each. The products ahead met our high standards, defying sweat, humidity (and the occasional tears), to preserve our expertly painted faces throughout long days. Keep reading for the 12 best setting sprays that are so good, they’re unfair to gatekeep.

The Best Setting Sprays, at a Glance

Best Overall: One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Best Drugstore: Milani Make It Last Natural Finish Setting Spray
Best for Dry Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray
Best for Oily Skin: Nyx Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray
Best Long-wearing: Too Faced Makeup Insurance Longwear Setting Spray

Best Overall: One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

Best Drugstore: Milani Make It Last Natural Finish Setting Spray

Best for Dry Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray

Best for Oily Skin: Nyx Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray

Best for Combination Skin: Benefit The Porefessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray

Best Long-wearing: Too Faced Makeup Insurance Longwear Setting Spray

Best Blurring: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Best Skin Finish: Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

Best with Skincare: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

Best for Prep: Rare Beauty Always an Optimist 4-in-1 Prime and Set Mist

Best Multi-Purpose: MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+ Primer and Setting Spray

What Should I Look for in a Setting Spray?

The first step is to identify your skin type. Do you lean dry and need something that offers hydrating skincare benefits, maybe even adds a faux glow to your skin after you’ve applied your makeup? The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray may be for you. On the other hand, people with combination or oily skin may want something a little more mattifying, and in that case will want to reach for the shine-controlling Nyx Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray or Benefit Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray. Once you specify your skin type, you can get to testing.

What’s better: setting sprays or setting powders?

Greenberg: I often use both. I start by setting my under-eyes and foundation with powder, then follow up with a spray for extra security and a dewy finish. It’s all personal preference and depends on your skin type. If you have naturally oily skin, powders are better suited for you or topped with a mattifying setting spray. If you want a natural skin finish, then a dewier spray should be applied.

When Should I Use a Setting Spray?

Some sprays can be used before or after makeup application, depending on your preference. If you want extra-secured coverage, applying in between makeup steps will help to lock each step in place.

How Should I Apply Setting Spray?

The beauty of setting sprays is that you don’t have to reapply throughout the day—they’re designed to keep you lasting all day long! To ensure you’re applying properly, spray a few inches away from the face, and go in circular motions making sure to cover the T-zone. Let the product dry before walking out the door; this way the spray is properly set. You can also use powders throughout the day to touch up smudged or creased areas.

How We Tested

This test, like all others, took weeks to complete. Not only do we conduct hours of research, but we also put products through rigorous testing, conducted by our very own editors.

Here’s how it went down. First, we spent hours researching different products and assembling them into a color-coded spreadsheet. We also took into account our own editors’ expertise from the past trial and error they’ve conducted. From there, we compared the lists, color-coded each setting spray, and counted the number of times they were mentioned. Finally, we chose the 10 best-reviewed ones for our editors to personally test.

After all of this, we had our list of setting sprays. All that was left was our own personal testing. We judged them by price, application (whether the mist was fine and lightweight or heavy and wet), and overall efficacy (Did each setting spray really make a difference in the wear and appearance of our makeup?). By the end, we had crowned our overall favorite.