The best setting sprays are a quick way of fixing your makeup in place, helping it last longer without smudging, caking or creasing.
As a lesser-known beauty hack, you can also use them as an alternative to the best primers to give your base layers good grip before you doll yourself up, too. The sprays stop products sliding, while providing a matte or dewy finish depending on preference.
How we chose the best setting sprays
We selected a range of market-leading cult classics (hello, Charlotte Tilbury) and those we’ve heard lots of buzz about as a team of beauty obsessives. We divvied them out to some of the most active members of the team – those who really work up a sweat throughout the day and therefore notice when their makeup moves as they do.
Without further ado – ready, set, spray.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Spray – tested by Saska Graville, Product Director
First impressions
“I’m not used to wearing setting sprays at all, or makeup when I exercise, so spraying it over tinted moisturiser, blusher and lipstick felt a bit claustrophobic at first. But once it dried, I forgot about it and got on with sweating through the 45-minute spin class I was using as a trial for the product, dabbing my face with a towel as I went.”
Good for your specific needs?
“I don’t wear lots of makeup when I exercise but impressively, 45 minutes after I started peddling, some of the makeup was still there. I tried it out for a day of meetings in the office too and my face stayed in place until my evening wind-down routine, by which time it’s usually faded and smeared.”
The bottom line
“If making up to exercise is your thing, then this stuff works. I’d heard good things about the grip and strength of this specific formula, so it might be even more suited to someone who wears a full face of makeup, but I’ll definitely give my face a spritz before any long days of meetings and events in future.”
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Pros
- Lasts for hours
- Good for full face makeup
- fresh floral scent
Cons
- Relatively pricey
Key specifications
| Alcohol free | No |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free | No |
Kylie Cosmetics Setting Spray – tested by Amy May Ellis, SEO Exec
First impressions
“As someone with an ‘all or nothing' approach to wearing makeup, I'm a big fan of setting sprays on my full glam days. Kylie's spray is super lightweight and easy to apply, but the product came out thick and fast, rather than the fine mist consistency I tend to prefer.”
Good for your specific needs?
“Doused in the setting spray, I went on a quick run on my lunch break to test things out. Lo and behold, my makeup did. not. move. and I felt confident heading back into the office knowing no one would be able to tell I'd just gone on a sweaty run. Maybe the heavy-duty application of the spray serves a real purpose.”
The bottom line
“This is a great choice for anyone who finds themselves in a pinch and needing to get a sweat on while wearing makeup. It doesn’t feel tacky or sticky and does genuinely set your look all day. A word of warning though: make sure you shake the bottle well before applying, as this helps with distribution (which I didn’t realise on first impression!).”
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ultra-fine mist
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Not good if you like a dewy finish
Key specifications
| Alcohol free | No |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free | Yes |
Kylie Cosmetics Setting Spray 100ml
e.l.f Power Grip – tested by Priyankaa Joshi, Sleep & Wellness Editor
First impressions
“I liked the lighter-than-air mist – just a few spritzes was enough to set my makeup and I loved the hydrated, dewy finish it gave.”
Good for your specific needs?
“I have extremely sensitive skin and was pleased to find that I didn’t have any issues with the ingredients in this. I also loved using it throughout the day when my skin needed a refresh. I put it to the test on a seriously sweaty 5k treadmill run and it did a stellar job of keeping my makeup in place – my tinted moisturiser didn’t melt off like it often does during a workout and my mascara didn’t smudge, either. I also put the product through its paces during a sweat-soaked hot Pilates class and even then, my concealer didn’t budge or flake. I was seriously impressed!”
The bottom line
“I’ll definitely keep using this setting spray going forward – as a wellness editor, I often find myself heading for a lunchtime or after-work sweat session with makeup on, so having a good setting spray is key.”
Pros
- Dewy finish
- Lasted through workouts
- Hydrating for dry skin
Cons
- Needs shaking
Key specifications
| Alcohol free | No |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free | Yes |
Urban Decay All Nighter – tested by Megan Geall, Senior Homes & Lifestyle Writer
First impressions
“The packaging gives the setting spray a really premium look, so I was excited to try it out. On first spritz, it looked and felt like any other setting spray I've tried but once it had dried, I felt like my makeup had a smooth finish.”
Good for your specific needs?
“I wore the setting spray for a brutal interval training session and my makeup lasted the whole time. Even when I was dripping with sweat, it seemed to keep my makeup mostly in place (as long as I didn't touch my face). There were a few streaks but once the sweat had dried off, my makeup still looked good.”
The bottom line
“It's a good setting spray, helping to keep my makeup in place, but it didn't have the dewy finish that I feel like it's been hyped up to offer. I was seriously impressed with how it handled a sweaty workout, though. If you’re after a spray that fixes makeup in place and aren’t desperate for a dewy finish, this is a seriously hard worker.”
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Pros
- Fragrance free for sensitive skin
- Lasted through workouts
Cons
- No dewy finish
Key specifications
| Alcohol free | No |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free | Yes |
Refy Face Setter – tested by Monai Adams Sackey, Senior Sales Exec
First impressions
“I recently tried this Refy formula, and as someone who’s been using the same setting sprays for years, I was really impressed. The small but mighty bottle allowed an even spray that felt super lightweight, leaving no unwanted patches or residue.”
Good for your specific needs?
“I always use setting spray generously – as I wear medium-to-heavy coverage makeup – and this kept my face set the whole day. After fixing everything down to not a smidge of mascara out of place during a full schedule of back-to-back of meetings, this has the potential to become a firm favourite.”
The bottom line
“My makeup still looked and felt hydrated after four and eight hours – of course, it wasn't as hydrated as when first applied, but I was pleased with the minimal creases under my eyes and smile lines. My general setting spray tip is that you should apply it after skin prep, before powder, and once your makeup is done for a glowy, skin-like finish!”
Pros
- Lightweight and hydrating
- Chic packaging
- Fragrance free for sensitive skin
Cons
- Needs shaking to avoid settling
e.l.f Illuminating Mist & Set Spray – tested by Maddie Evans, Lifestyle Writer
First impressions
“Before watching the latest Bridget Jones film, I was strongly briefed to expect to veer between hardcore sobbing and belly laughs, so I couldn’t think of a better time to test out the limits of a setting spray.
“And so, I came armed with tissues, waterproof mascara and a few spritzes of the e.l.f Illuminating Mist & Set. On application, it added a nice sheen to my complexion. I steer away from anything mattifying, so I was glad to see that this spray added the lovely glowy and dewy look that I aim for instead. There was no overpowering scent either, which I like.”
Good for your specific needs?
“Day-to-day, I wear a foundation base with concealer, but I don’t usually apply setting spray. By the afternoon I can start to see my makeup looking a little dry and deteriorated, so this refreshing, vitamin-infused spray could be the perfect dose of replenishment it needs to extend its wear and top up my glow throughout the day. I do wish that the mist was a little finer though, as I found that the first couple of sprays let out are slightly unevenly distributed. When I remember to give it a shake first, this usually sorts that out.”
The bottom line
“After an emotionally draining two hours watching Bridget, I was surprised to see that it had kept my base pretty much in place and maintained some sheen. I often find that my foundation can start to look a little sunken into the cracks and dry by the afternoon, but this spray definitely extended its freshness. As someone who didn’t use setting spray before, I can safely say that this one is a new staple in my makeup bag (and tear-jerker survival kit).”
Pros
- Affordable
- Dewy
Cons
- Smaller than the rest (60ml)
Key specifications
| Alcohol free | No |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free | Yes |
What to consider before you buy a setting spray
How should I apply a setting spray?
Most sprays can be applied both before and after makeup. Spray about arm’s length (15-30cm) away from the face, avoiding the eye area, and leave to air-dry for a few minutes. We recommend that you test the product on your hand first to check the strength of the spray nozzle. It can also be used to moisten your foundation sponge or brush to help with a smoother application of makeup.
GHI tip: Apply your mascara after using the setting spray to keep your eyes smudge proof
Will a makeup setting spray dry out my skin?
A good setting spray shouldn’t cause dryness. Alcohol is usually included as a “carrier” to deliver the ingredients to the skin. It evaporates on contact, giving you a refreshed feeling and letting the other ingredients get to work.
How does a setting spray work?
Polymers are makeup setting spray’s not-so-secret key ingredient, which are dissolved into solvents like alcohol to provide your make-up with some waterproofing power. When the solvents evaporate away, the polymers can form a barrier on the skin holding your make-up in place.
How do I choose a makeup setting spray?
Purpose: Are you looking for something to just enhance the look of your make-up and make it look more blended? Or also hold it in place through the night? Most sprays on our list have two main purposes: to smooth-out or “set” makeup and refresh the skin, and to prolong the wear of makeup – also known as “fixing” – protecting it from smudging or transferring.
Some brands say that their formulations are sweat and water-resistant too. Three that made our list above are designed to only set rather than set and fix but we still mentioned if testers noticed their make-up lasting longer.
Finish: Depending on your skin type and preference, you may want to look for (or even avoid) certain finishes. Dewy-finish setting sprays tend to provide a glow to the skin and some have shimmery pigments. Matte-finish sprays can help to control shine and excess oil. Not all will state either way, but it’s good to keep an eye out so you know what to expect when purchasing.
Ingredients: If you’ve found certain ingredients or fragrances can irritate your skin, it’s best to avoid them. We’ve tried to outline below which sprays contain ingredients such as alcohol and fragrance so you can quickly see the best choice for you.
Portability: Sprays that come in larger containers or glass bottles may not be suitable for travelling abroad or for your bag.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
