Setting sprays are already doing such amazing work, and it becomes one of the necessary parts of our beauty regimen if we want our makeup to stay put through all day long without touch-ups. While higher-end brands have many different types of setting sprays, there are also great options in drugstores that may save you a pretty penny. No matter if you want a matte finish, dewy glow, or hold that lasts for hours on end; this list is here to be your complete guide to all the best drugstore setting sprays.
What is a Setting Spray?
A setting spray is essentially a makeup product that sets your makeup in place, basically sealing it off. fresh and on point all day. It can help prevent your makeup from smudging, fading, or transferring which is important for long days where you’ll be busy and have no time to waste applying little touch-ups here and there, special events also a great product because it will not let us down when we need our face on fleek + daily routine. Most of the setting sprays have different finishes such as matte, dewy, or natural offering a wide variety to fake good skin.
Drugstore Setting Sprays I Love
Drugstore versions present several benefits that could make them a viable choice for makeup fans;
Price:
Drugstore products are generally much more affordable than their higher-priced counterparts so you can look great without breaking the bank.
Convenience:
For the average consumer, drugstore brands are relatively easy to find in stores therefore it is easier for an individual notified of a particular brand lower budget and accessible price-setting spray product.
Good for:
Most drugstore setting sprays give the pricier options a run for their money in terms of effects. Drugstore products have improved in formulation, becoming as effective and dependable.
Top Drugstore Setting Sprays
Before you hop on the bandwagon, we have a guide of some top drugstore setting sprays to suit any kind of skin type, finish, or preference.
1. NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Matte Finish
Good for: Oily, combination skin
This setting spray has achieved a cult status amongst beauty obsessives. The product is a shine control mattefying which will help keep the skin’s natural look all day long. It is hyper lightweight which dries out quickly and is perfect for people who have oily or combination skin. It makes sure that your makeup on place for 16 hours and does not smudge or fade away.
Pros:
- Long-lasting matte finish
- Controls oil and shine
- Inexpensive and common
Cons:
- Could be a bit drying for people with very dry skin
How to Apply:
After applying makeup, shake the bottle well and hold it about 8-10 inches away from the face. Mist in an “X” shaped pattern across the face to set. Allow it to dry naturally.
2. e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set
Good For: Oily skin, Budget-Friendly
Category e.l.f. is well known for its low-priced but high-quality beauty and makeup products, that’s true with the Matte Magic Mist & Set being no exception This finishing spray will give you a matte look and reduce oil in your skin all day. It is also packed with vitamins B, and E and cucumber extract to calm skin down by adding another layer of nourishment.
Pros:
- Controls oil and shine
- It has all the essential ingredients for your skin.
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Inconsistent spray nozzle.
- The fragrance can be too overpowering
Usage:
Shake well before using. Spray it lightly about 8 to 10 inches away from your face over your setting make-up.
3. Milani Make It Last Natural Finish Setting Spray
What it’s good for: Provides maximum hold and is suitable for all skin types
This 3-in-1 multi-tasker will prime, correct, and set your makeup in place for all-day wear. Gives up to 16 hours of wear ensuring your makeup stays fresh all day. It is good for all skin types as it gives a natural finish. It also helps blur any imperfections and minimize the look of pores.
Pros:
- Long-lasting wear
- Evens skin tone, blurs imperfections, and fills pores
- Mobile (can be utilized as a primer and setting spray)
Cons:
Affordable but a tad pricier than other drugstore alternatives.
Usage:
Hold the bottle 8-10 inches from the face and spray all over evenly. It can be used as a primer, setting spray, and touch-up throughout the day.
4. Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
Good for: Oily skin, prolonging matte finish and event makeup
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray is for the woman on the go who does not have time to sneeze or reapply. This gives a matt finish and makes the makeup last up to 16 hours! It is also a piss-resistant makeup setting spray perfect for days when you require your makeup to remain in a location without smearing.
Pros:
- Long-lasting matte finish
- Transfer-resistant
- Non-greasy and heavy formula
Cons:
- Not great for dry skin
Directions for Use:
Shake well before using. Keep the bottle at an arm’s distance of 8–10 inches from your face and spray in a steady, uniform mist.
5. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender
Good for: All Skin Types, Natural Finish
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set is a favorite among lovers of all things long-wear-meets-natural finish. This setting spray ensures your makeup keeps place on the skin and does not melt, fade, or creep into small lines. It also works for any skin type and gives you a sheer, natural finish.
Pros:
- Natural finish
- 24-hour makeup wear
- Material: Lightweight, soft feel on the skin.
Cons:
- More expensive than other drugstore alternatives
How to Apply:
Hold the bottle 8-10 inches from your face and spray in a circular motion to preserve an even, matte finish.
6. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Natural Finish Setting Spray
Ideal for: Glowy and glowy all skin types
Need a little extra glow on your skin, as the higher-end setting sprays do. Wet n Wild created their new Photofocus Natural Finish Setting Spray that packs instant hydration in one deliciously scented formula! This setting spray makes makeup stay in place and gives a night complexion. The formula is lightweight and ideal for even dry skin.
Pros:
- Dewy, glowing finish
- Affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Might not work as well at oil control as matte sprays
Directions:
Shake well before use. For a glowing finish, spray the Mica Mist 8-10 inches away from your face evenly.
7. CoverGirl Lascivity Active Setting Spray
The Best: Active, and All-Day Wear
Something tells me the CoverGirl version is intended for people who live an active lifestyle and need a spritz or two to help keep everything locked down after logging 20k steps. It is transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and delivers a natural finish that lasts all day. Ideal for workouts, outdoor activities, and busy days where you need your makeup to last.
Pros:
- This is sweat/ smudge resistant.
- Long-lasting wear
- Ideal for active lifestyles
Cons:
- Might not offer sufficient moisture for those with dry skin
Application:
Spray a light mist on the entire face 8-10″ away. Lastly, if you need more hold throughout the way just reapply.
How to Select the Right Drugstore Setting Spray
Depending on your skin and glow preference, you would be looking at the type of setting spray that suits you. Best decision-making guide for you:)
For Oily Skin:
No surprise, if your skin is oilier you will want to keep an eye out for a mattifying setting spray that reduces shine and prevents excess oil from forming on the surface. Great options include the NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray or e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set
For Dry Skin:
To finish, spritz a hydrating or dewy finish setting spray (this provides an extra boost of moisture and adds a light sheen to the skin.
Combination Skin:
For those with combination skin, you might need to try out a few setting sprays before finding the right one. A mist such as L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender is good because it gives hold, but isn’t too matte or dewy.
Sensitive Skin:
If you have sensitive skin, make sure the setting sprays are free of fragrance and gentle ingredients. Remember to patch test before trying out any new product regardless if it contains retinol or not.
How to Use Setting Sprays Properly
Learn how to use your setting spray the right way for maximum benefits
Shake Well
Before using, shake the bottle vigorously to ensure that the formula is thoroughly mixed throughout.
Keep a Good Distance:
8-10 Inches up to the face to get an equal spread of spray in the full area. Too close will result in a patchy application, too far away and the product loses efficiency.
Spray in a “T” and an “X”:
Using the mist, apply it on your whole face by spraying the product on or across two areas of your face. Then you can spray along those two lines where you just sprayed to help wear into parts that the middle may not have reached, so consistent with this idea we can call them cross-lines-technique.
Extra Hold Layer:
To achieve extra long-lasting hold, add setting spray in a layered effect. A fine spray can be applied after each step of your makeup routine (e.g.: apply to the base, in powder, and at the end).
Allow to Dry:
Allow the setting to spray dry without rubbing on your face to prevent smudging.
Carry Your Setting Spray:
Reapply as needed (ie long day out, special event) A quick spritz also revives makeup and prevents it from setting into a cakey finish.
Conclusion
The best drugstore setting spray selection of quality is a key setting spray for makeup is a crucial ally in the goal to keep your face hydrated and help you look as natural as possible throughout the day. Over time multiple sprayed cases will fit your specific skin or finish style and not break the bank. If you like your foundation matte or with a dewy sheen, to last all day, there’s probably some setting spray here for exactly that. Depending on your skin type and desired finish, as well as tracks to apply it in, a long-wearing foundation can deliver a seamless effect.
FAQs
A: Normally, we use a setting spray after doing our makeup only once. But, if you extra cling or are in a situation where your makeup might be compromised (such as high humidity or an all-day event), plan to touch up midday. Spritz on a light mist after each major step in your makeup or as the final seal.
A: Yes, but please choose the one that fits sensitive skin or is fragrance-free. Patch-test any new product before use to avoid irritation or an allergic reaction.
A: Dewy setting spray gives the face a glowing, luminous finish that is perfect for dry or combination-skinned girls who want extra hydration and a wake-up look. It just depends if you want more of a dewy silky finish or a dry matte face.