You can have a flawless smoky eye and Kardashian-level contouring, but none of that matters if your makeup melts off your face a few hours later. A makeup setting spray is key to preventing smudges and looking flawless all day (and night) long.
When we want our makeup to last, we usually reach for long-wearing formulas or primers. But we sometimes forget the final step that seals the deal: a good setting spray. It’s like a nail polish top coat for your face. It may seem strange to spritz over freshly applied makeup, but a lightweight setting spray will seal makeup in place without smudging or distorting it. The best formulas also hydrate and provide a healthy glow.
When used in conjunction with primers and long-wearing makeup formulas, makeup setting sprays ensure your makeup will stand up to heat, humidity and sweat — no touch-ups required. Here are the best makeup setting sprays to help avoid makeup meltdowns this season.
15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #1
Milani Make It Dewy Setting Spray Hydrate + Illuminate + Set, $9.99 at Ulta Beauty
This lightweight, illuminating spray adds a soft glow while it hydrates and cools skin. It promises to keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours without smudging or fading. It can even be reapplied throughout the day for a refreshing effect.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #2
GLAMGLOW GLOWSETTER Makeup Setting Spray, $32 at Ulta Beauty
There's more to GLAMGLOW than amazing masks — like this makeup setting water. The hot pink package earns it plenty of points, but the way it sets makeup makes it really good. It's infused with three types of tea, caffeine and charged waters to energize, smooth and hydrate skin. Spray it on as the final step in a makeup routine or every time skin needs a refresher.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #3
NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray, $8.50 at NYX Cosmetics
Prefer a velvety matte finish compared to a dewy one? This budget-friendly mist delivers a shine-free finish so there's no mistaking a glow for greasy skin. Complete any makeup look with the lightweight mist to prevent smudges and creasing. Spray it throughout the day if skin gets oily.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #4
Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray, $31 at Ulta Beauty
When this mist promises all-day wear, it means it. Hold the bottle 10 inches away from skin and apply a fine layer over makeup. The quick-drying formula ensures foundation, eyeshadow and powder stay put. It can even be applied to the body for a subtle sheen. The more applied, the greater the glow.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #5
Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray, $33 at Sephora
Oily skin and makeup are not a good combination. A greasy forehead can make products slide off shortly after they're applied. Luckily, Urban Decay has come up with an oil-controlling mist to manage grease and ensure makeup stays where it's supposed to. The setting spray handles shiny spots so skin maintains a gorgeous matte finish without the need for powder.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #6
MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+, $29 at MAC Cosmetics
A mist shouldn't just set makeup, it also has to nourish skin for comfortable, all-day wear. This best makeup setting spray fulfills both requirements. The lightweight water formula contains vitamins, minerals and a blend of cucumber, green tea and chamomile for ample nourishment. After the spray is applied, skin will have a soft, healthy glow.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #7
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Fix Wear Boosting Setting Spray, $7.18 at Amazon
Even the best makeup products could do with a boost. And that's what this setting spray is for. It helps products stay put and maintain their vibrant colors. The quick-drying formula absorbs into skin without distorting makeup. It also doesn't leave behind any residue or uncomfortable stickiness.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #8
Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Oil Control Makeup Fixing Spray, $8 at Ulta Beauty
This multitasking formula prevents smudging and fading for up to 12 hours so makeup always looks like it was just applied. It also helps control grease so it's an ideal choice for oily skin. Who needs blotting sheets?
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #9
KVD Beauty Lock-It Makeup Setting Mist, $29 at Sephora
Lock that look with a few squirts of this micro-mist. It keeps foundation, lipstick and eyeshadow right where they should be thanks to a blend of naturally refreshing ingredients. Night owls will love this best setting spray since it promises to fix makeup for 24 hours.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #10
Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray, $33 at Too Faced
Disclaimer: You don't actually need to be hungover to enjoy the coconut water and probiotic ingredients of this setting spray. Like two products in one, you can use it before makeup as a primer or after makeup to seal in your application. The silicone-free mist can also be sprayed on throughout the day for a fresh-faced look.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #11
COOLA Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30, $36 at Sephora
Say farewell to thick sunscreens and makeup meltdowns thanks to this setting spray with sun protection. It offers SPF 30 protection and a cooling sensation thanks to cucumber and aloe vera extracts. The formula is also made with over 70 percent certified organic ingredients. And unlike those fake coconut-scented sunscreens, this setting spray has a natural green tea and aloe scent.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #12
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water, $32 at Nordstrom
It may be called primer water, but this is actually a two-in-one product that functions as a primer and a makeup setting spray. Apply it before makeup to create a smooth canvas and use it after applying makeup to seal everything in place. The alcohol-free formula hydrates and refreshes skin while providing long wear. It's also dermatologist tested, non-acnegenic and ophthalmologist tested.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #13
Physicians Formula #InstaReady Setting Spray, $14.45 at Walmart
Skin will be ready for just about anything after a few squirts of this hypoallergenic mist. The innovative formula is like a primer, blurring cream and setting spray in one. The setting spray gives skin a lovely matte finish while it blurs and retexturizes. Of course, it stops makeup from melting, too. Spray it on before or after makeup and throughout the day to manage grease.
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15 Makeup Setting Sprays That Make Makeup Meltdowns History #14
E.L.F. Makeup Mist & Set, $7 at E.L.F.
Nourish skin while fixing makeup with this affordable setting mist. It contains cucumber, aloe, green tea and vitamins A, C and E to calm and nourish skin. The mist is even formulated to enhance the colors of makeup for a more striking finish. Spray on the liquid by holding the bottle an arm's length away. Then allow it to dry naturally.
