What does a setting spray do?

Setting spray helps to set and preserve your makeup so that it does not fade, smudge or melt due to masks, sweat, or daily activity. It can also create a specific finish to your makeup, such as a dewy or illuminated look.

Is setting spray really necessary?

Setting spray is not necessary. However, setting spray is a wise choice if you want your look to last longer without fading or smudging. You can also use a primer to help keep your makeup in place or use both for a longer-lasting effect.

Do you put setting spray on before or after makeup?

You can use setting spray before and after makeup, but it is often applied afterward. Some setting sprays can be applied before makeup and act as a primer, but most are designed as a final step.

Which setting spray is best?

Our pick for the best setting spray you can find at the drugstore is the L'Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Spray. It’s oil-free, lightweight, and mists on evenly to preserve your entire look. It is suitable for oily skin and can last 12 hours.

Does setting spray cause acne?

Setting spray could cause acne for some people. Look for a setting spray that is oil-free and lightweight without added fragrances to reduce the risk of breakouts. Most likely, other products will contribute to acne since they are closer to your skin and can block pores.

The 13 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays in 2023

A makeup setting spray might seem like a go-to for special occasions and nights out on the town, but what about your everyday looks? There’s nothing more frustrating than leaving the house with perfect makeup, only to discover shortly thereafter that your eyeliner has practically disappeared and there’s more blush on your shirt (or your mask) than your face.

The right setting spray will put your worries at ease, but you don’t have to splurge on an expensive product to get the job done. If you want to keep your makeup look intact without breaking the bank, we’ve rounded up our favorite products for every skin type and concern.

Keep scrolling for the best drugstore setting sprays that will give you the confidence it takes to pose for a picture at the end of the night.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

L'Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Setting Spray at Amazon

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Best Budget:

E.l.f Cosmetics Matte Magic Mist & Set at Ulta

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Best Waterproof:

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Oily Skin:

Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Primer & Spray at Amazon

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Best for Dry Skin:

Milani Dewy Hydrating Setting Spray

Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:

Avène Thermal Spring Water at Amazon

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Best Mattifying:

Wet n Wild Matte Finish Setting Spray

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Best Natural:

Pacifica Makeup Setting Spray at Ulta

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Best for Mature Skin:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Glow:

Rude Cosmetics Lasting Makeup Mist at Hbbeautybar.com

Jump to Review

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

No melting
Creates a just-applied look
Super lightweight

What We Don't Like

Not for sensitive skin

Get that just-applied look with this oil-free spray. It’s super lightweight and mists on evenly to keep bold lips pigmented and winged liners on point. It also gets kudos for being suitable for both dry and oily skin types. Users of all skin types rave that it survives 12-hour shifts and heatwaves alike.

Price at time of publish: $17

View On Ulta

What We Like

Easy to use
Wallet-friendly
Travel-friendly
Soothing

What We Don't Like

Too watery of a formula to some

This fine, easy-to-use mist keeps your makeup in place while controlling shine. We’ve long been fans of this brand because the products are so wallet-friendly, but the results with this spray really speak for themselves. The lightweight mist gives your makeup a perfect finish and a barely-there feeling that lasts.

Price at time of publish: $6

To intensify the effect of eyeshadow, liner, or blush, spray a little setting spray on a brush before dipping it into the color.

4.2

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Matte

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Vegan
Long-lasting
Full of natural ingredients

What We Don't Like

Not suitable for oily skin

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte Review

Waterproof? Check! Mask-proof? Absolutely. Sweat-proof? You’ve got it. This setting spray seriously does it all and provides long-lasting hold. It's a fan favorite amongst the Youtube beauty set—with its consistent mattifying effect for skin of all ages, we can totally see why. If you want all of the staying power but prefer a dewier look, try the NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Dewy Finish.

Price at time of publish: $10

nyx professional makeup matte setting spray — Byrdie / Khera Alexander

What Our Testers Say

"It keeps your shine to a minimum while giving just the right amount of hydration for natural, beautifully matte skin." —Khera Alexandra, Product Tester

Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Primer & Spray

View On Amazon

What We Like

2-in-1 primer and setting spray
Good staying power
Transfer-resistant

What We Don't Like

Mist comes out more like a stream

You might not expect much from a setting spray that rings up at less than five bucks, but this one gets a standing ovation for delivering a matte finish all day long. The oil-free formula dries quickly to use as a primer before your makeup, or a setting spray to finish off your look and keep it in place.

If you want to take the matte up a notch, try pairing it with the Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer cream.

Price at time of publish: $8

Milani Make it Dewy Hydrating Setting Spray

View on Ulta View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Great dewy look
Use under or over makeup or alone
Lasts up to 16 hours

What We Don't Like

Hard to apply

For those of us with dry skin (raises hand), there’s nothing we love more than a dewy finish. This setting spray will get the job done without sacrificing the endurance of your makeup. Use it to prime and set an illuminated look, or to refresh and hydrate throughout the day for a subtle glow. This hydrating spray boasts 16 hours without creasing, smudging, or fading, according to the brand, and users say the dewy finish rivals more expensive brands.

Price at time of publish: $11

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Dermstore

What We Like

Reduces dry skin
Minimizes skin sensitivity
Provides antioxidant protection

What We Don't Like

Spray nozzle needs better engineering

Avène Thermal Spring Water Review

When your makeup has been on all day, your powder is starting to crease, or your face just feels dry, this soothing spray is the perfect pick-me-up. It’s optimal for a multitude of uses like sunburn relief or even diaper rash, but it’s also a great setting spray for dry skin.

Price at time of publish: $14

What Our Testers Say

"Results vary depending on how you’re using it, but I find when I use Avène's Thermal Spring Water to sandwich my skincare products, my skin looks so juicy and hydrated. The mist itself is super fine, so I love the freshness it brings to a finished makeup look as well." — Emily Algar, Product Tester

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Setting Spray

View on Ulta View On Target View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Like

Keeps makeup from flaking
Infused with aloe vera
Comfortable wear

What We Don't Like

Spray nozzle tends to get stuck

Key Ingredients

Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The aloe plant's inner gel mucilage (the part that's used in skin care products) is made up of 99.5% water.

For a matte finish that controls shine without leaving your skin dry or cakey, reach for this ultra-fine mist. It has aloe vera meant to keep your dry matte on the cute side (no flaking here) while freezing your makeup in place to withstand the summer heat. It’s especially great for use with oily skin that requires blotting throughout the day.

Price at time of publish: $6

To get the most out of your setting spray, hold it 8 to 10 inches away from your face and mist in a downward motion.

Pacifica Crystal Dew Makeup Setting Spray

View On Ulta View On Pacificabeauty.com

What We Like

Full of fruit extracts
Very hydrating
Uniquely infused with rose quartz

What We Don't Like

Feels more wet than dewy to some

Vegan, cruelty-free, and full of plenty of yummy ingredients, this nutrient-rich setting spray nourishes your skin while setting your makeup. Gogi berry and grapefruit seed extracts provide a refreshing natural fragrance, while vitamin E, coconut oil and quartz powder promise to do all of the work to lengthen the time between touch-ups.

Price at time of publish: $5

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray with Peptides

View On Amazon View On Riteaid.com

What We Like

Formulated with antioxidants
Quick drying
All-day wear

What We Don't Like

Feels heavy to some

Who says that being a makeup lover means that you can’t prioritize skincare? This skin-enhancing mist delivers in both departments. The weightless spray locks makeup into place, leaving behind a radiant glow, and it is also infused with peptides and antioxidants.

Price at time of publish: $14

Rude Cosmetics Radiant Lasting Makeup Mist

View On Hbbeautybar.com

What We Like

Refreshing
Cool packaging
Balancing

What We Don't Like

Results not drastic enough to some

You might love a good glow, but nobody wants an overdone greasy look. This long-lasting makeup mist allows you to get your glow on without ever looking oily. The illuminating formula will hydrate, refresh, and balance your face. It settles all powder products to blend more seamlessly with your skin and it provides just enough dew. Spray it on and have your makeup last all day.

Price at time of publish: $6

Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Breathable
Soft hold
Wallet-friendly

What We Don't Like

Results not drastic to some

This lightweight formula provides a breathable, comfortable hold that keeps your makeup in place until you take it off yourself. It controls shine for all skin types and does an amazing job of preventing transfer. You can rock your makeup on your skin instead of inside your mask or on your shirt.

Price at time of publish: $8

Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Charcoal Setting Spray

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Milanicosmetics.com

What We Like

Available in dewy finish
Acts as a spray and blotter
Absorbs new moisture as it forms

What We Don't Like

May cause breakouts for some

A shiny t-zone usually results in brows that slide and fade during the day, but this charcoal spray has the solution. It acts as a setting spray and blotting paper in one product, featuring micro-fine charcoal meant to literally absorb new moisture as it forms. It reduces the appearance of pores and mattifies skin for up to 16 hours, according to the brand.

Price at time of publish: $10

Revlon PhotoReady Prep, Set, Refresh Mist

View On Amazon

What We Like

Primes, sets, and refreshes
Leaves skin smoother
Infused with botanical fruit complex

What We Don't Like

Not much staying power

This spray does everything you’d expect: prime, set, and refresh. Use it to prep your skin for foundation or afterward to blend and settle your makeup, but it really shines in the refreshing department. The light cucumber scent reawakens both tired skin and the senses to help you look alive for the rest of your day.

Price at time of publish: $13

What to Look For in Drugstore Setting Sprays

Skin Type

Consider your skin type when looking for a drugstore setting spray. Some setting sprays will offer additional moisturizing properties for dry skin, while others mattify those with oily skin.

Some sprays offer vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients that provide additional benefits to the skin.

Long-Lasting

Setting spray is meant to help lock your makeup in place to create a longer-lasting, smudge-free look. Look for a setting spray known for its ability to stand the test of time during the day or night without creasing or melting

Finish

Setting sprays can create a specific finished look on your face. Look for a finish that appeals to your preferences, such as dewy, illuminating, matte, or natural. If you have dry skin, you likely want to look for a more natural or dewy finish as mattifying setting sprays might be too drying for you.

FAQ

What does a setting spray do?

Setting spray helps to set and preserve your makeup so that it does not fade, smudge or melt due to masks, sweat, or daily activity. It can also create a specific finish to your makeup, such as a dewy or illuminated look.

LEARN MORE: Does Setting Spray Really Work? Experts Weigh In
Is setting spray really necessary?

Setting spray is not necessary. However, setting spray is a wise choice if you want your look to last longer without fading or smudging. You can also use a primer to help keep your makeup in place or use both for a longer-lasting effect.
Do you put setting spray on before or after makeup?

You can use setting spray before and after makeup, but it is often applied afterward. Some setting sprays can be applied before makeup and act as a primer, but most are designed as a final step.
Which setting spray is best?

Our pick for the best setting spray you can find at the drugstore is the L'Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Spray. It’s oil-free, lightweight, and mists on evenly to preserve your entire look. It is suitable for oily skin and can last 12 hours.
Does setting spray cause acne?

Setting spray could cause acne for some people. Look for a setting spray that is oil-free and lightweight without added fragrances to reduce the risk of breakouts. Most likely, other products will contribute to acne since they are closer to your skin and can block pores.

The 18 Best Setting Sprays of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Guo X, Mei N. Aloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2016;34(2):77-96. doi:10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826