The 14 Best Setting Sprays That Can Pull An All-Nighter
From TikTok viral faves to an MUA’s staple.
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At the end of every makeup tutorial, just before the model-like smize into the camera to show off the final look, the subject shuts their eyes and purses their lips as they spray a watery substance in an X shape on their face. It’s what the beauty world knows as setting spray, the magical wonder you reach for to seal your makeup or refresh your skin throughout the day.
“The purpose of setting spray is to add a protective layer to the skin on top of makeup; it helps maintain the longevity of makeup, reduce oil and sweat production, and decrease makeup creasing,” Dominique Lerma, Los Angeles-based makeup artist and OMNIA brush executive artist, tells ELLE.com. “Using a setting spray helps the makeup blend together and can prevent it from looking too powdery or cakey on the face, giving an almost skin-like appearance.”
Our picks for the best setting sprays of 2024
The best setting sprays are ones packed with ingredients that soothe and hydrate the skin while also gripping the makeup so it doesn’t move or transfer throughout the day. TikTok has its opinions on the best setting sprays on the market, from Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray to Milk Makeup’s uber-viral Hydro Grip Dewy version—and ELLE.com editors have their own. After perusing our personal stashes and dozens of online customer reviews, we found the 14 best expert-approved setting sprays that won’t disappoint you.
Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray – Oil Control Formula
Pros
- Controls oil and shine
Cons
- May not be best for sensitive skin
You’ve likely seen this spray in YouTube makeup tutorials growing up, and it’s still a makeup artist must-have to this day. Tailored specifically to oily skin, Skindinavia’s setting spray controls oil so your makeup doesn’t slide or transfer easily and blurs the look of pores.
Size: 4 fl oz
Beautylish rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “This setting spray is a pro MUA’s best-kept secret for 15+ years. The formula is lightweight, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and vegan. I especially love that the formula has a slow release of moisture, meaning that its protective layer allows the moisture on the face to evaporate, which helps prevent your makeup from melting off. I keep their travel-friendly size in my small kit, touch-up bag, and carry on when traveling.”—Dominique Lerma, OMNIA Brush Executive Artist
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Makeup Setting Spray
Pros
- Airbrushed finish
Cons
- Pricey
If TikTok made you purchase this, you’re not alone—almost everyone has or has used this Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray. With firming and antioxidant properties, this spray works as a primer to create a smooth, flawless base and as a sealer to set your makeup in place.
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “It wasn’t until recently that I started regularly using setting spray, and Charlotte Tilbury’s version has been showing me exactly what I’ve been missing. This lightweight, breathable formula keeps my makeup in place for hours, even through insane New York humidity. Plus, it's super hydrating, helping to combat dry patches and impart a dewy, glowy finish without feeling too wet or sticky.”—Sam Peters, Senior Commerce Editor
Pros
- Soothing ingredients
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin
Even with a face full of makeup, your skin deserves the best treatment. LYS Beauty, which stands for “Love-Your-Self,” takes its mission seriously by providing good-for-you ingredients in its offerings, including its Skin Loyalty Setting Spray. Formulated with cucumber extract, aloe leaf juice, and green tea, this spray quenches dry, thirsty skin while leaving a soft, matte finish.
Size: 3.38 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “This setting spray absolutely holds your makeup in place all day! I absolutely love how refreshing it feels on application!”
Milk Makeup Mini Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray
Pros
- Layers well under makeup
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin
A product doesn’t reach TikTok virality for no reason. Milk Makeup’s bestselling setting spray imparts a subtle dew and “grips” your makeup so it doesn’t budge all day. Sounds scary for a product to stay on your face for so long, but this formula has the best skin-loving ingredients one can ask for: hyaluronic acid, aloe, agave extract, niacinamide, and more.
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “I’ll admit that TikTok influenced me to buy this spray, but it has worked enough wonders to remain a staple in my makeup routine. As a full-glam girl, I love using a mix of matte and natural finish formulas. The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip spray allows my products to meld together seamlessly and stay in place no matter where my day takes me.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor
MAC Prep & Prime Fix + Makeup Setting Spray
Pros
- Refreshes makeup
Cons
- Applicator can leave white splotches
The MAC Prep & Prime Spray is an iconic staple in practically everyone’s makeup collection. It has a multipurpose formula that allows you to “fix” any makeup mishaps—from quick-drying concealers that won’t budge mid-blending to matte formulas that need a little hydrating touch-up throughout the day.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I use this spray between every layer of makeup. It helps blend the liquid, cream and powder products.”
Pros
- Light, continuous mist
Cons
- Applicator can be faulty
Some setting sprays can amp up the “dew” or cause your face to feel like a statue. This super-fine mist meets you in the middle by providing a finish that looks like skin, but better. Plus, the Continuous Setting Mist doesn’t suffocate you with an unpleasant smell.
Size: 2.8 fl oz
Morphe rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “On days when I wear lightweight, dewy tints, I reach for my Morphe spray to tone down the radiance. This spray always gives me a soft matte, natural finish that doesn’t feel stiff. I barely retouch my makeup with this on, because I know it’s reliable.”—NP
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist
Pros
- Primes and sets the skin
Cons
- Can feel too oily
If you accidentally skipped primer, Rare Beauty’s spray is built around four pillars: prime, hydrate, set, and refresh. Regardless of whatever step you miss, this spray will help to correct it while giving your skin the radiance it deserves.
Size: 2.87 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “I honestly really hate to admit this but this setting spray is ABSOLUTELY amazing! I bought it to help prep my skin but it has MAJORLY helped with oil control and the longevity of my makeup. Now instead of lasting maybe 6-7 hours, I’m able to walk around for 10+ hours without retouching my face.”
Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Pros
- Cooling technology for long-lasting makeup
Cons
- Pricey
The magic of this spray lies in its name—All Nighter. Not only does Urban Decay’s fan-favorite setting spray have a water-resistant formula, but it’s also designed with temperature control technology to ensure your makeup doesn’t budge, especially through tears (we’ve all been there).
Size: 4 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars
“Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is the one product I pull out when I’m attending concerts. I’m the head-banging, sweating, and crying (sometimes) concertgoer, so I need a spray that won’t allow tear and sweat stains to ruin a perfectly executed mug. A staple in my arsenal for over five years, I can proudly say this setting spray is worth every single penny.”—NP
Iconic London Prep Set Glow Hydrating Spray Glow
Pros
- Adds shimmer to makeup look
Cons
- Applicator can spray too much product at once
Every now and then, a little extra glow is necessary. Iconic London’s Prep Set Glow spray douses your skin with a nourishing formula, courtesy of green tea, chamomile extract, and vitamin E, to provide a gorgeous glow with light-reflecting shimmer particles in every spritz.
Size: 4 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “Smells amazing and adds a beautiful glow to my makeup. I have sensitive/acne-prone skin and the fragrance didn’t cause any irritation or break-outs. Love it and have re-purchased multiple times!!”
Caudalíe Beauty Elixir
Pros
- Soothes skin with rosemary, mint, and essential oils
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin types
Think of this spray as an all-encompassing product you should never leave home without. Caudalíe’s Beauty Elixir acts as a toner, primer, and setting spray that reduces the look of pores, refreshes the skin, and keeps makeup in place, all while smelling like a dream.
Size: 1 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “A perfect way to set makeup and refresh throughout the day - especially on hot and humid days! Beautiful scent, and a little goes a long way.”
Kryolan Ultra Setting Spray
Pros
- Super matte finish
Cons
- May not be best for sensitive skin
The best-kept secret in a makeup artist’s collection is this Kryolan spray. It’s mainly used for moments that call for an ultra-matte, water-resistant finish, like camera work or long hours on the job. Each spritz deposits a light mist that dries quickly, so make sure your look is complete before you set—this spray seals the deal.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Camera Cosmetics rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “Kryolan setting spray will lock in your makeup like no other. Popular amongst the theater set, makeup won’t budge while actors are singing, dancing, and sweating under hot Broadway lights. So naturally, my long days in the NYC sun and subway are child’s play for this super effective product.”—Danielle James, ELLE.com Beauty Director
Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray
Pros
- Blurring effect
Cons
- Pricey
Skip the Paris filter and opt for this blurring setting spray from Hourglass. The lightweight spray provides a “soft focus” finish with a subtle dose of radiance and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day.
Size: 4.05 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I was introduced to this product by a friend and it’s such a lovely setting spray. It works well with both the Hourglass foundation and other brands. I find I can layer products again during the day, if needed, without risk of products creasing or looking heavy and this setting spray blends everything together seamlessly.”
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray
Pros
- Blurring effect
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
Benefit Cosmetics’s main mission is to change the conversation around pores—not promise to erase them. Here’s a setting spray with a soft blurring effect to reduce the appearance of pores and keep your makeup intact.
Size: 4 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “I used to never believe in setting sprays. Most of the ones I tried mostly just made me look damp, and I couldn’t vouch for their ability to make my makeup last all day long. But when this version launched, it changed my whole perspective. For one, unlike most sprays where you have to brace yourself before the onslaught, this mist is gentle and fine, so spraying it is actually an enjoyable experience. Secondly, I noticed that my skin looked blurry and smooth in photos. And lastly–smudging or fading? Never heard of her.”—Tatjana Freund, Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Milani Make It Last Original
Pros
- Great primer
Cons
- Mist could be finer
While it has many alternative versions, none come close to the original formula. Milani’s Make It Last spray is a three-in-one wonder that not only sets your makeup but can be used to prep the skin before the onslaught of products or correct any mishaps during application.
Size: 2.3 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I have really sensitive skin and have a hard time finding a setting spray that doesn’t give me acne but this one is good! It’s a very natural finish and makes your makeup last a lot longer. I do feel like the bottle is a bit small but it’s a good price.”
Is setting spray necessary in a makeup routine?
Like all products for your face, thorough research, as well as trial and error, will help you determine whether setting sprays are necessary and which ones to use for your face.
“I think this is very unique to the person, their makeup style, their lifestyle, and the climate that they are in. A setting spray does not have to be in your daily routine. You can use it as needed,” Lerma says. “I would recommend using a setting spray if you have oily or combination skin, and you need your makeup to stay put for 10-plus hours or if you are attending a wedding in a humid environment.”
How do you use setting sprays on your clients?
“I use a setting spray as the last step during my makeup application. I give the bottle a little shake, hold it eight to 10 inches away from the face, and spray it in the shape of a T and then an X,” she explains. And don’t forget your neck!
“Make sure to cover the décolletage if that area needs setting as well. I then use a fan or my hand to create wind to help dry it quickly. Pro tip: If you feel like you’ve gotten a little heavy-handed on your setting spray application, don’t fret. Use a flat, fluffy makeup brush (my personal fave is the Omnia Pro BOM-186) to blur the excess product into the face. It’s a dense, soft paddle brush that’s the perfect size and density to gently press the setting spray without compromising the makeup application,” she explains.
Meet the experts
Dominique Lerma is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and Omnia brush executive artist.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care. For this piece, she consulted a makeup artist to find the best setting sprays on the market.
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