Makeup

15 best setting sprays to smudge-proof your makeup

02/06/2024

Finding one of the best setting sprays for your skin type and desired finish may feel like an overwhelming task, given just how much variety there is out there. When it comes to makeup-prolonging mists, we’re spoilt for choice, so how on Earth do you choose the right one?

And before you say it: yes, a quality setting spray makes all the difference, especially now that we’re heading into the summer. The number one thing you want from a setting spray is more time with your makeup – there’s nothing more irritating than having your mascara, eyeshadow, base, blush and bronzer (and entire makeup look) melt off your face mere hours after applying it in the first place, and on warmer days, it almost feels inevitable.

Once you’ve chosen a spray has top marks in longevity, it’s time to move onto your desired finish: are you a dewy girl or somebody who prefers a blurred-out, matte effect? Perhaps you want something in-between, or a little bit of both. Then there are the extra little details that you’ll want to consider, from extras such as added SPF protection all the way down how the mist diffuses onto your skin.

As a girl who used to resort to spritzing hairspray over her makeup before an evening out (NEVER do it), I’ve been through a journey trying to find the perfect setting spray. I’m a glowy gal, so radiance is key for me – I’ve always wanted a setting spray that keeps makeup in place and gives me a dewy look without looking greasy. Luckily, I’ve managed to find several I absolutely adore and think are worth raving about. And the best part is, if you pair any of them with a solid setting powder, you can be 100% sure that your makeup won’t slip or move throughout the day. British summertime heatwaves won’t stand a chance, either.

Best setting sprays at a glance:

Best setting spray overall: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Best setting spray for sensitive skin: Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist
Best setting spray for acne-prone skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Best blurring setting spray: Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Setting Spray

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

£22.80 AT LOOKFANTASTIC

Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist

£26 AT SPACE NK

£26 AT SEPHORA

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

£32 AT CHARLOTTE TILBURY

£32 AT CULT BEAUTY

Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Setting Spray

£34.82 AT CULT BEAUTY

£37 AT SEPHORA

Which setting spray is best for each skin type?

There’s a whole lot of formulas out there – and we’ve tried and tested them all. As mentioned, in order to figure out which one you should choose, be sure to consider both your preferred finish (matte or dewy), as well as your skin type, whether you have an oily, dry or combination complexion. If you need a quick guide to finding the perfect product to make your face last until the end of the day, try the following:

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For dry or dehydrated skin, try a setting spray that’s designed to give a dewy or hydrating finish. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. If you want your skin to glow, you’ll do well with a radiant finish or something that boosts hydration. Dull skin will benefit from a product that features vitamin C, which has a brilliant brightening effect.
If you have oily or combination skin, it’s advised that you look for a setting spray that boasts a matte or blurring finish, or even for a product that promises to target enlarged pores. Likewise, if you tend to wear matte makeup and like that effect, a mattifying or blurring spray will be your go-to.
If your skin is on the sensitive side, you may want to steer clear of formulas with actives such as vitamin C.

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How we tested makeup setting sprays

The GLAMOUR team – alongside our freelance writers – have over the years tested dozens of makeup setting sprays from a range of brands that range in price, ingredients’ lists and packaging. We have looked for which mists increase the longevity of makeup, as well as the kind of finish they have and how they feel on the skin. The following list consists of our favourites (find out how we test here).

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Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product and more. For more from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.

Scroll for our full edit of the best setting sprays to banish makeup smudging…

1. Best setting spray overallUrban Decay All Nighter Setting SprayWhy we love it: You can’t go wrong with a bestseller – after all, it’s one of the best makeup setting sprays and a favourite among makeup artists for a reason. This long-wearing fixing spray from Urban Decay helps keep your makeup fresh, smudge-proof and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours at a time, minimising the need for touch-ups. In short, it has the ultimate staying power.Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes.£22.80 AT LOOKFANTASTIC
2. Best setting spray for sensitive skinRare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 MistWhy we love it: Refreshing, hydrating AND soothing? Name a better recipe for sensitive skin, we’ll wait. Jokes aside, this setting spray is actually good, and here’s why: apart from giving you that healthy-looking glow, this mist also minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as dark circles. Throw in niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate and we’re totally sold.Looking for savings? Check out these Space NK discount codes when shopping for the best setting sprays.£26 AT SPACE NK £26 AT SEPHORA
3. Best setting spray for acne-prone skinCharlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting SprayWhy we love it: This Charlotte Tilbury formula has been a firm-favourite setting spray for a long time, particularly during those face mask-wearing times we’re all keen to forget about. It has a profound ability to lock your look in place and create an invisible shield between you and the elements, brimming with calming aloe vera, as well as Japanese green tea to soften. It helps to prevent pores from becoming congested.£32 AT CHARLOTTE TILBURY £32 AT CULT BEAUTY
4. Best matte setting sprayMAC Prep + Prime Fix+ MatteWhy we love it: Ideal as either a setting spray or a smoothing primer (or even to apply directly to your makeup brushes!), Mac Fix+ is a vitamin-powered soothing mist that combines oil-absorbing powders and agents to help extend the wear of makeup while also rebalancing and mattifying your skin. It also instantly reduces the appearance of pores, which is always a plus in our book.Save when you shop for the best setting spray with our Boots discount codes.£23.20 AT BOOTS £29 AT LOOKFANTASTIC