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One of the easiest ways to ensure that your makeup lasts all day is to use a setting spray at the end of your beauty routine. But what exactly IS a makeup setting spray, and how do you know which one to use? Keep reading this ultimate guide to makeup setting sprays to learn everything you need to know!
What is a setting spray?
A makeup setting spray is a cosmetic product that helps your makeup last longer.
If you want the technical details, there are polymers in the formula of setting sprays that create a film on your makeup which makes it last longer. I recommend checking this article out by Lab Muffin if you want an in-depth, chemist’s look at setting sprays.
Why should I use a setting spray?
You should definitely be using a setting spray if you see your makeup start to wear off before you’re home from school or work, because the spray will help the makeup last longer on your skin.
Additionally, makeup setting sprays can help your makeup look less “powdery” on your skin – they melt the powder into your face, creating a more realistic and skin-like finish!
To top it off, setting sprays can also help your skin appear more hydrated or more matte, depending on the spray you use and your skin type!
Should I use a setting spray instead of a setting powder?
This depends partially on your skin type, partially on personal preference.
Setting powders are more dying to your skin than setting sprays. If you have oily skin, you may find that a setting spray doesn’t keep your makeup from slipping around throughout the day – in which case, I suggest you use both a setting powder and a setting spray!
Conversely, if you have dry skin you may find that setting powders are far too drying and make your skin look flakey! In that case, you can lessen the amount of powder you use or ditch it completely, and opt for a setting spray instead.
Personally, I have combination skin – with both oily and dry spots. Throughout the year my skin changes too! In the summer when it’s hot and I sweat more, my skin gets much more oily, and in the winter it dries out. Because my skin has different needs at different times, I change my routine accordingly. In the winter I ditch (or very minimally use) setting powder and only use a setting spray. In the summer, I will pack on the powder and use a setting spray to melt it into my skin and get rid of that “cakey” powdery look! But no matter what, I always use a spray.
Here’s an infographic comparing the benefits of the two products:
Which setting spray should I use?
This depends on how you want your makeup to appear! Here are some great suggestions based on the finish you desire.
Matte
Matte setting sprays are very popular among people with oily skin, because they help keep your oils from coming through and ruining your makeup. They are also very long lasting and work on almost everyone!
This Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is a fan favorite and holy grail to SO many people in the beauty community. At $32 a bottle, it does come with a higher price than most sprays, so if you’re just starting out I’d recommend you try this NYX one instead, for just a fraction of the price!
This NYX alternative is an awesome buy for the price! It’s much more matte than most sprays claim.
Dewy
Dewy setting sprays are popular for those of us with dry skin because they help you look more hydrated and refreshed. These mists also tend to look the most natural and illuminating. I personally prefer dewy sprays!
My favorite spray is the Morphe Continuous Setting Mist. This stuff is incredible – great price, amazingly fine mist, and it gives an awesome dewy-but-not-wet finish.
I also LOVE using Mac Fix+ for a dewy setting spray – even though it isn’t as long-wearing as some setting sprays, I love the look it gives and the way it makes my skin feel. It’s also great as a primer and for misting shimmer eyeshadows, so it’s a definite buy in my opinion.
Once again, NYX comes to the rescue with a lower-cost but quality setting spray, this time in a dewy finish.
Most setting sprays fall between a matte and a dewy look – after all, you are spraying your face with a liquid, so it won’t look entirely dry, but it might not be as illuminating as “dewy” sprays are.
You can also layer setting sprays! When I want my makeup to REALLY last, I always grab my Skindinavia setting spray (this stuff is awesome!) and then layer it with my Morphe mist on top so I achieve my desired dewy glow with the staying power of a heavy-duty spray.
When should I use a setting spray?
Every day at the end of your makeup routine!
At the minimum, I would recommend using a spray on days that you need your makeup to last – a long day, an event, a wedding (ESPECIALLY if you’re the bride).
Each spray has directions on them, but in general, you hold the spray about 10 inches from your face and spray an even layer, covering all areas, and let it dry. Follow specific instructions if your spray’s directions differ.
If you really need your makeup to last, you can apply setting spray several times throughout your makeup application!
For instance, if I want my makeup to look great and last all day, I will spray after my foundation and concealer on top of the cream products, and push the spray into my skin with my makeup sponge. I will again spray after I use powder (if I use powder), and again press it into my skin with my makeup sponge. At the end, I’ll spray my face again – let it dry – and spray it AGAIN. It could probably last forever with this method, but it helped me a ton when I did my own wedding makeup and then moved South and had to adjust to much more humidity and heat!
Ultimate Guide to Makeup Setting Spray
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I hope this article helped you learn a bit about makeup setting spray!
It’s definitely a makeup product that I didn’t think I needed, but now that I use one I can never go without!
What’s your favorite setting spray?? Do you need help finding one to suit your needs? Let me know in a comment below!
Everyone has different complexions and skin tones. Just like makeup, you have to find the right kind of setting spray for your skin type.
Thanks for sharing such an amazing guide on setting spray! Keep sharing such informative articles!
thanks, Adam!