13 Best Makeup Setting Sprays (Tested & Reviewed for 2023)
All the best picks for waterproof, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof makeup.
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I used to be skeptical of makeup setting sprays, but everything changed once I tested out Urban Decay's iconic All-Nighter Setting Spray. Seeing how fresh my makeup looked after a long, sweaty day made me a devout believer that misting your face with a setting spray can truly work wonders. Depending on the formula, a good setting spray can make your foundation, concealer, blush, and other makeup products waterproof and/or transfer-proof, mattify the oiliest of complexions, or magically blur pores into near non-existence.
According to makeup artist Sofia Tilbury the key ingredient in most setting sprays is film-forming polymers, which create an invisible shield on your skin to help set your makeup and lock it into place for hours. But despite this commonly shared ingredient, no two formulations are the same, and each has its own unique benefits that cater to different skin types and concerns. So to help you find your perfect match, I tested and reviewed a ton of makeup setting sprays and rounded up the top 13 formulas below. Here's a lil sneak peek:
Our top picks for best makeup setting sprays of 2023:
Best Drugstore Makeup Setting Spray
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Makeup Extender
Read more
Best Pore-Minimizing Makeup Setting Spray
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray
Read more
Keep reading for the full list of the 13 best makeup setting sprays, including pros and cons and first-person reviews for each. And don't forget to check out pro tips for choosing the best makeup setting spray from two pro makeup artists too.
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Pros
- Longwear formula is an industry gold standard
- Makes makeup transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and waterproof
Cons
- Some testers reported that they don't love the scent
With thousands of five-star ratings, it shouldn't be surprising that Urban Decay's All-Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray turned me into a setting spray enthusiast. I've used it faithfully for many years now, and I can attest that it's the best at locking my makeup in place all day and all night. No matter what elements are thrown my way—be it sweat, snow, tears, or a goddamn hurricane—this setting spray consistently ensures my makeup looks like it was applied minutes earlier. Plus, it has a natural finish that doesn't change the look of my makeup—even after a few generous spritzes.
- Size: 4 fl oz
- Waterproof? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, combination, oily
Glowing customer review: “After using this product for the last 6 years, I can say it is a staple in my routine. This setting spray stays on all night, especially while out for dinner, at the bar, or even the club. It makes your makeup last all night long, just like the name says.”
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Makeup Extender
Pros
- Reviewers say it works just as well as setting sprays that are double the price
- Loaded with hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Nozzle pretty heavily
I'm most loyal to Urban Decay's All-Nighter Setting Spray, but this bb is my second most recommended setting spray. It's half the price and countless shoppers, including myself, agree that it keeps your makeup looking its best for over 10 hours while preventing your glam from fading, becoming shiny, or straight-up disappearing.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz
- Waterproof? No
- Skin types: Dry, combination
Glowing customer review: “This is by far my favorite setting spray. I have worn this for up to 10+ hours, and it doesn't budge!! My makeup never smudges under my mask and I tend to get pretty sweaty and it doesn't move!!”
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray
Pros
- Gives skin a smooth, filter-like finish
Cons
- Contains synthetic fragrance
Pores are completely normal so there's absolutely no need to stress about shrinking or hiding them. However, if that's your preference, I support ya. Personally, when I'm going for a full glam look, I lean towards using products that give me the smoothest finish, and that's when I turn to this Benefit makeup setting spray. It uses silicones to blur the look or uneven skin texture and give skin a silky, soft-focus effect that makes my pores so much less noticeable.
- Size: 4 fl oz
- Waterproof? Yes
- Skin types: Dry, oily, combination
Glowing customer review: “This setting spray does everything it says it will do! The blurring/soft finish is kinda magical. The super fine mist doesn’t have a strong smell or leave a sticky residue. My makeup lasts ALL DAY!”
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains alcohol which may be drying for some skin types
Matte makeup looks and this setting spray from NYX are a perfect match. The drugstore formula is affordable, reliable, and has your back in the rare but potential case you need your glam to last over 15 (!) hours with zero shine or greasiness. It's also infused with niacinamide to regulate your skin's oil production and soothing plantain leaf extract for nourishment so your face doesn't get tight during the day.
- Size: 2.02 fl oz
- Waterproof? No
- Skin types: Oily, combination
Glowing customer review: “I have been purchasing the NYX Matte Finishing Spray for years but would rotate between this and other high-end sprays. I always end up coming right back to NYX because the finish is incomparable. No matter which foundation I use, my makeup is longwearing, stays matte and there's no cakey, oily or that melted/separated look even after hours of wear. I also have some visible pores on my cheeks and this spray does NOT highlight them or make them stand out more like other sprays do.”
Pros
- Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and housed in recyclable pacakging
- Hydrates skin and soften the looks of fine lines
Cons
- Some testers say the packaging is a bit bulky and prone to leaking
LYS Beauty came onto the scene in 2021 and quickly caught my attention with its aesthetically pleasing triangular-shaped packaging. What sealed the deal for me was its clean yet highly efficacious product offerings, like this hydrating makeup setting spray. The lightweight formula uses hydrating glycerin, antioxidant-rich green tea extract, and soothing aloe and cucumber extracts to plump skin and prevent your makeup from transferring and getting all dried out and patchy throughout the day.
- Size: 3.38 fl oz
- Waterproof? No
- Skin types: Dry, combo, sensitive, dull
Glowing customer review: “LYS Beauty products are so underrated but they are so good & the packaging is gorgeous!! I am a dry skin girly but this fine mist setting spray keeps your girl, hydrated and makeup in place! This is a must for my makeup!”
Dermablend Lock and Last Water-Resistant Setting Spray
Pros
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Cons
- Required six full sprays around the entire face for best results
Dermablend's whole shtick is that it creates makeup safe for all skin types, especially acne-prone—and this setting spray is no exception. It levels up Urban Decay and NYX's longwear claims with a nonchalant promise of up to 24 hours of wear. As for the ingredients, it uses oil-absorbing witch hazel and soothing allantoin and willow leaf extract to keep pores clear and your skin nice and matte but not tight or dry.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz
- Waterproof? No
- Skin types: Combination, oily, acne-prone, sensitive
Glowing customer review: "I 100% recommend this, I have very oily and acne prone skin - this setting spray did not break me out or let my oil shine thru my foundation! Most importantly it STAYS all day! I got compliments on my skin, I’m sure it was a combo of the foundation I used along with this but worth a try for sure. I don’t use anything but this now.”
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Pros
- Safe for those with rosacea and/or eczema
- Helps reduce redness quickly
Cons
- Won't fully set makeup or lock it in place for hours like other options on the list
Since its debut in 2022, this facial spray has taken TikTok by storm for how well it reduces acne and inflammation. While it may not match the longevity of other setting sprays on our list (think of it more as a makeup refresher than a setter), it's a true gem for individuals prone to redness and irritation. The magic? Hypochlorous acid, which is loved for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep skin flare ups in check.
- Size:
- Waterproof? No
- Skin types: Dry, sensitive, acne-prone
Glowing customer review: “A life saver for angry, irritated skin. Also amazing for maskne. I use it before skin care and to set my face. I also spray some on the inside of my mask and it really prevents breakouts.”
Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray
Pros
- Controls excess oil for up to 16 hours
Cons
- Bottle must be shaken vigorously before application to evenly disperse the clay particles
Over the years, Urban Decay has come out with a few different versions of their iconic All Nighter spray, tweaking the formula to suit specific skin concerns. While my skin tends to be combo-to-dry, a former coworker raved that the All Nighter Ultra Matte is the It Girl of setting sprays for those with super oily skin. What distinguishes it from the original is that it contains kaolin clay, which absorbs excess oil and keeps shine at bay.
- Size: 4 fl oz.
- Waterproof: Yes
- Skin types: Oily, combination
Glowing customer review: “I have struggled with oily skin for most of my adult life and have tried so many different products and makeup to help with not much success. A makeup artist I have been following on Social Media suggested anyone with oily skin to try Urban Decay so I decided to give it a try. I was impressed with this product the first time I used it. By the end of the day, my skin and makeup looked as good as it did in the morning. I have been using it for about a month now and am extremely impressed with how good this product is.”
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Pros
- Pool and beach day approved
- Mist is ultra-fine and won't mess up makeup
Cons
- Some testers don't like the fact that it comes in an aerosol can
I swear I don't only love this setting spray for its Barbie-pink packaging. It gives Urban Decay a run for its money in the waterproofing department. To illustrate, I tested it during a scorching New York summer, and my makeup emerged unscathed. Trust me—if you need your makeup to stand up to heat and sweat, this product is well worth the splurge.
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Waterproof? Yes
- Skin types: Oily, combination
Glowing customer review: “The first day I tested this out, I got caught in the rain and nothing moved! The second day I used it, I put it through my true test.. I wore a hat on a hot day. Even though I sweated like crazy, absolutely no makeup transferred onto the hat band and my forehead looked untouched when I took the hat off. This product exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to literally anyone.”
Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray with SPF 30
Pros
- A great way to reapply sunscreen during the day
Cons
- Some testers with sensitive skin said the chemical sunscreen filters burned near their eyes
This makeup setting mist with SPF 30 shouldn't take the place of regular face sunscreen in your skincare routine, but it's a great way to get some extra UVA/UVB protection—especially on days when you know you're going to be spending a ton of time outside. I love using it in the summer to set my makeup and shield my skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
- Size: 2.02 fl oz
- Waterproof? No
- Skin types: Dry, combination, oily, acne-prone
Glowing customer review: “This is by far the BEST setting spray I have ever used. It keeps my dry skin dewy all day long, seriously if you have dry/sensitive skin and need to keep reapplying sunscreen all day while keeping your makeup in perfect condition you need this spray!”
Physicians Formula Rosé All Stay Illuminating Setting Spray
Pros
- Contains tiny light-reflecting particles to give skin an immediate glow
- Helps camouflage the look of uneven skin tone
Cons
- Testers with sensitive skin (or noses) may be bothered by the scent
The only word I can think of to describe this rose water-infused setting spray is “heavenly.” As someone unbothered by scent, the relaxing aroma doubles as a lil self-care ritual. And aside from smelling divine, the formula help brighten up my dull skin both short and long term thanks to itty-bitty pearlescent mica particles (they give skin an instant dewy glow) and vitamin c-rich kakadu plum to help fade dark spots and discoloration with continued use.
- Size: 3.4 fl oz.
- Waterproof?
- Skin types: Dull, dry, combination
Glowing customer review: “I really like this product. It smells amazing and leaves my face looking fresh and "glowy" without looking greasy/oily. I don't have overly sensitive skin, but sometimes I do get small breakouts if I add new products but I had no issues with this. I'm on my second bottle and will definitely continue to use it!”
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist
Pros
- Can be used to prep for makeup, set makeup, and refresh makeup
- A great option for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin thanks to an abundance of hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Contains several essential oils, which may irritate sensitive skin types
Choose your own beauty adventure with Selena Gomez's multipurpose setting spray. Use it to hydrate your skin post-cleanse, to prime your skin before makeup, setting your makeup once it's done, or refresh your makeup throughout the day. Just give it a good shake before spritzing to blend its bi-phase formula of water-based actives and nourishing oils. Otherwise, you probably won't reap the full benefits of its ingredient list, which features hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing panthenol, and pore-refining niacinamide.
- Size: 2.87 fl oz
- Waterproof? No
- Skin types: Dry, combination, oily, dull
Glowing customer review: “I use this to prime my face before I start my makeup routine, then I use it again after my face is done before moving onto my eyes, then I use it at the very end to set my entire face. I think it works great. My face doesn't look cakey or oily at all. It gives a refreshing and natural glow to your skin."
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Day Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist
Pros
- Testers love the lightweight, ultra-fine mist
- Excellent quality for the relatively low price
Cons
- Contains denatured alcohol, which can be a bit drying
As someone who spends the better part of my day glued to their computer screen, I make it a point to wear broad-spectrum SPF constantly to help shield my skin from blue light. But my defense doesn't end there, thanks to this e.l.f setting spray which is powered by glucosylrutin (an antioxidant that has been studied to prevent oxidative stress caused by blue light). I've found it to be my go-to mid-day makeup refresher, though thousands of fellow shoppers use it religiously to keep their makeup flawless from sunrise to sunset.
- Size: 2.7 fl oz.
- Waterproof? No
- Skin types: Combination, oily, dull, acne-prone
Glowing customer review: “This stuff works MIRACLESSSSS, it's the only setting spray to actually make my makeup last throughout the day and I LOVEEEE it!! AND blue light protection? I definitely recommend!!”
Which is the best makeup setting spray?
The best makeup setting sprays vary from person to person based on your skin type and makeup preferences. However, according to celebrity makeup artist J Guerra, a common denominator among top choices is the presence of film-forming polymers, which "create a weightless, flexible, and breathable film over makeup to lock it in place." Many of the best ones also use silicones such as dimethicone, known to "smooth the skin's appearance and extend the wear of makeup," he adds.
What setting spray do professional makeup artists use?
Professional makeup artists are diverse in their approaches, and while some may share favorite products, no singular setting spray is endorsed by everyone—nor does everyone have a distinct favorite. (For context: J Guerra keeps "a few" in his makeup kit to customize the finish to each of his client's makeup.) Regardless, what's consistent in pro makeup artists' favorite setting sprays, per Guerra, is the need for faultless longevity. He emphasizes that the best settings sprays should "extend the wear of makeup for several hours and resist environmental factors such as heat, humidity, movement, and sweat."
Additionally, Guerra prefers weightless formulations that leave no residue and boast a quality nozzle for a fine and consistent mist. Quick-drying capabilities and no flashback are also necessary, especially for "time-crunched press days or live events."
Is setting spray better than setting powder?
According to J Guerra, asking if setting spray is better than setting powder isn't a question of superiority; neither is objectively better. The choice depends on your skin type and desired makeup finish. For instance, setting powder suits oily skin, offering a matte finish, blurred pores, and oil absorption. Conversely, a setting spray may be preferable for dry skin as it "doesn't typically add texture or weight," sparing dry patches.
Makeup artist Sofia Tilbury not only rejects the idea of one being better than the other but says they complement each other. She suggests using the two together for full-glam looks, applying powder in the areas you want to control shine and prevent creasing (such as in your T-Zone and under eyes) and then misting your face with a setting spray for all-over longevity.
Do you put on setting spray before or after foundation?
Both makeup artists consulted for this piece said that makeup setting spray is "typically used after you've applied your foundation—as well as the rest of your makeup—to lock everything in place," says J Guerra. But that's definitely not the sole way people use it. The pro says you can also mist it on your skin before applying makeup for extra grip. "This creates an additional layer of longevity from beneath the makeup, much like a primer," explains J Guerra.
How to choose the best setting spray:
Consider your skin type.
Your skin type matters in choosing a setting spray. I know we touched on this already (sry for sounding like a broken record), but those with oily skin should look for formulas with a matte finish and oil-controlling ingredients, per J Guerra, while dry skin should scan out hydrating ones. Sensitive skin types, on the other hand, “should seek out sprays free from irritants like alcohol and fragrance,” he says.
Decide on your preferred finish.
Setting sprays come in different finishes. The main ones are matte, dewy, and natural. Matte finishes tend to be best for those with acne-prone skin to help control shine. Dewy finishes, on the other hand, are perfect for those who want a radiant and hydrated look. Natural falls somewhere in the middle and is great for a soft, skin-like finish.
Settle on how long you need it to last.
Many setting sprays boast specific hours of wear. If the longwear element is crucial for you, pay attention to products emphasizing staying power in their marketing and reviews that confirm it. If longevity isn't a priority, you might save some cash by choosing a setting spray that doesn't tout 24 hours of wear.
Meet the experts:
- Sofia Tilbury is a celebrity makeup artist based in London and niece to celebrity makeup artist and eponymous brand founder Charlotte Tilbury. She has a host of celebrity clients, including Bella Hadid, Salma Hayek, and Kate Moss, among others.
- J Guerra is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York, NY. He’s sought-after for his work in editorial, runway, and commercial and he has a steady stream of celebrity clients.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Marisa Petrarca is a contributing beauty writer for Cosmopolitan.com with over five years of experience researching and writing about makeup, skin, and hair, ranging from from skin-tightening cream to face fillers. She discussed setting sprays with the two makeup artists featured in this story and dove into reviews, research, and her makeup stockpile to recommend the best products.
Marisa Petrarca is a contributing beauty writer for Cosmopolitan.com. In the rare case that she’s not working on a story, you can find her testing new makeup, skin, or hair launches, binge-watching bad reality TV, or diligently working (but failing) to get her inbox to zero. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, POPSUGAR, and GRAZIA USA, among others. Follow her on Instagram for corgi photos and shameless self-promotion.
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