The 18 Best Setting Sprays of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Water Resistance
  4/5
• Performance
  5/5

Urban Decay was among the first to launch a setting spray, and not surprisingly, the brand continues to reign supreme in this makeup category. After spritzing on the fan-favorite All Nighter Spray, our tester said that it absorbed quickly into her skin and that she loved the refreshingly lightweight feel.

Suitable for all skin types, the non-irritating formula plays well over other products, delivering an invisible finish and a natural-looking glow that makes your makeup pop. What's more, it keeps your glam looking fresh for up to 16 hours.

Thanks to Urban Decay's patented Temperature Control Technology, this award-winning product actually lowers the temperature of your creams, liquids, and powders to ensure long-lasting, transfer-resistant wear. To investigate the waterproof claims, our tester splashed water on her face. Sure enough, her makeup didn't budge.

Price at time of publish: $33

Finish: Natural | Amount: 1–4 ounces | Waterproof: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist

4

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4/5
• Performance
  4/5

Setting spray isn't necessarily a luxury beauty product, even if it makes you feel fancy. Case in point: this budget-friendly, highly effective formula from e.l.f. Our tester loved how light it felt on her skin. Although the micro-fine mist leaves a healthy-looking dewy finish in its wake, she appreciated that it didn't feel wet or look greasy.

This setting spray isn't billed as waterproof, but it promises to lock in your makeup for up to 16 hours. And while it contains synthetic fragrance, which can irritate some skin types, our tester said that the scent wasn't overwhelming.

Price at time of publish: $10

Finish: Dewy | Amount: 2.7 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Most Popular

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  3/5
• Water Resistance
  4/5
• Performance
  4/5

NYX's Matte Finish Setting Spray was a hit both in The Lab and with our at-home product reviewer. While it felt slightly sticky at first, our tester said that it dried immediately and didn't smear her makeup underneath.

As the name suggests, this best-seller provides a mattifying effect while controlling shine and oil production. One thing to note is that it's not waterproof. Our tester said that splashing water on her face resulted in minor smudging, though she didn't need to redo her makeup.

Price at time of publish: $10

Finish: Matte | Amount: 2 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  3.5/5
• Water Resistance
  5/5
• Performance
  4/5

Reactive skin? Go with Tower 28's cult-loved SOS Spray. Describing the formula as "not aggressive at all," our tester was a big fan of the lightweight, virtually unnoticeable feel.

Though this product doesn't claim to be waterproof, it safeguarded her makeup during the splash test and didn't smudge when she blotted with a towel. Just a heads-up: It smells like chlorine, but if you don't mind that, your sensitive complexion will thank you.

Price at time of publish: $28

Finish: Natural | Amount: 1–4 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dry Skin

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray

4.3

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4/5
• Performance
  4.5/5

Makeup application can be tricky with dry skin, but this multipurpose mist from Anastasia Beverly Hills offers a simple solution. Dewy Set can be used as a first step to prep your skin, then spritzed on again to set your makeup and refresh it throughout the day.

We should note that the nozzle works almost too well in that it's easy to overdo it with too much product. Although our tester's face was somewhat wet after spraying it on, it dried quickly and didn't disrupt her makeup. She said that it feels cooling on the skin, has a nice coconutty-vanilla scent, and leaves a radiant, glowy finish in its wake.

Price at time of publish: $15

Finish: Dewy/radiant | Amount: 0.4–3.4 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Matte Finish

One/Size by Patrick Starr On ‘Till Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Water Resistance
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Wear
  5/5

If you prefer a matte finish, we recommend One/Size On 'Til Dawn. The lightweight formula set our tester's makeup instantly, and though it felt slightly tight on her skin, it wasn't uncomfortable.

Once dry, her complexion was smooth and crease-free with a soft-focus blurred effect that kept her makeup intact all day, even through splashes of water. And while this setting spray is mattifying, our tester said it doesn't feel dry or look flat. It smells kind of perfumey, which some people don't mind, but the added fragrance could be irritating.

Price at time of publish: $30

Finish: Matte | Amount: 1–3.4 ounces | Waterproof: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Dewy Finish

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Water Resistance
  4.5/5
• Performance
  4/5

Going for a dewy dumpling look? Tatcha is your best bet. The brand's Luminous Dewy Skin Mist has a light, refreshing feel, and a nice subtle scent. Thanks to a hydrating blend of red algae, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, a few spritzes are all you need to plump up your skin and create a healthy glow.

After spraying it on her face, our tester said that it didn't smear her makeup but rather locked it into place. She was left with a natural-looking radiance that allowed her to skip the highlighter. While Tatcha doesn't describe this product as waterproof, it definitely passed our splash test. We just wish the bottle were a little bigger, considering the steep price point.

Price at time of publish: $48

Finish: Dewy/luminous | Amount: 0.4–1.4 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Radiant Finish

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Water Resistance
  3.5/5
• Performance
  4.5/5

We also like Milk's Hydro Grip Spray. Our tester said that it felt cool on her face and dried quickly into a radiant finish. While the lightweight formula is very hydrating, it didn't feel overly wet or sticky.

Once dry, this skin-friendly setting spray promises to keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours. A splash of water did result in some slight smudging, but almost nothing transferred when our tester patted her face with a towel.

Price at time of publish: $36

Finish: Radiant | Amount: 1.7–3.4 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Waterproof

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Water Resistance
  5/5
• Performance
  4/5

If you need a waterproof formula, The POREfessional has your name on it. This micro-fine mist has a virtually weightless, slightly cooling feel. After she sprayed it on, our tester's makeup was set with no smudges or smears to speak of.

While this product didn't really deliver on its pore-blurring claims, it definitely seems to lock in the products underneath. Calling it a "little rain jacket for [her] makeup," our tester said that everything stayed intact after giving her face a good splash. With that said, you can count on The POREfessional to make good on its promise of 16-hour wear.

Price at time of publish: $30

Finish: Natural | Amount: 1–4 ounces | Waterproof: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Classic

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Primer and Setting Spray

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  3/5
• Water Resistance
  4/5
• Performance
  4/5

MAC's Prep + Prime Spray has been a beauty-bag staple for several years—and for good reason. The nozzle was a little finicky at first, but once she was able to coat her face, our tester said that her makeup was set and smudge-free.

This multipurpose mist can also be used to prep and hydrate your skin and refresh your face throughout the day. Though our tester noted a slightly sticky feel, it smoothed her skin and left her with a natural-looking dewy finish. And while it's not billed as waterproof, this product seems to offer some moisture resistance and promises to help your makeup last for 12 hours.

Price at time of publish: $24

Finish: Natural/dewy | Amount: 3.4 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Multi-Use

Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist

5

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Water Resistance
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

Rare Beauty's take on setting spray is this multipurpose mist that not only sets your makeup but also hydrates, primes, and refreshes your skin. After trying it first-hand, we can confirm that it lives up to its claims as a four-in-one formula.

Our tester said that it melted her foundation into her face and left her with a "natural, glowy" complexion and smaller-looking pores. This all-star spray is also waterproof and transfer-resistant. Thanks to a blend of niacinamide (vitamin B3) and white water lily, it even helps soothe stressed skin.

Price at time of publish: $24

Finish: Radiant | Amount: 2.9 ounces | Waterproof: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Value

Beauty Bakerie Spray Your Grace Baking Spray

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Water Resistance
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5

This reasonably priced setting spray from Beauty Bakerie comes in a generously sized can. The aerosol format delivers a continuous mist, making it easy to coat your face evenly .

Our tester said that it dries quickly and doesn't have a heavy or sticky feel. Her makeup didn't smudge, smear, or transfer, even when she splashed her face with water. While the formula contains synthetic fragrance, she found the light scent pleasant and non-irritating.

Price at time of publish: $18

Finish: Natural | Amount: 3.4 ounces | Waterproof: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Performance
  4/5

Our favorite drugstore option is Pixi Fixing Mist—and not just because the name rolls off the tongue. This affordable formula isn't waterproof, but it hydrates and soothes the skin, sets your makeup, and leaves your face feeling refreshed.

Our tester appreciated that it dried quickly, leaving her with smooth makeup and soft-looking skin. And while we realize that lots of folks prefer fragrance-free products, she really loved the scent.

Price at time of publish: $22

Finish: Natural/dewy | Amount: 2.7 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Oil-Absorbing

FLOWER Beauty Jet Set Invisible Powder Spray

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This popular spray offers an invisible mattifying effect, controlling shine without leaving a powdery white residue behind. Because it absorbs extra oil, it's best for those with already oily skin. If you're dry, this will only enhance that.

Price at time of publish: $16

Finish: Matte | Amount: 1.5 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sun Protection

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray

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SPF 50 offers a layer of added protection when sprayed over your makeup. That makes this product ideal for the summertime, though the soft-focus finish will mean you'll want to wear it any time of the year. We love the addition of hyaluronic acid, which increases hydration and helps to smooth the appearance of the skin.

Price at time of publish: $44

Finish: Matte | Amount: 3.4 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Anti-Aging

Bella Jade Botanicals Setting Spray

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Boasting a cocktail of anti-aging ingredients, like green tea and MSM (short for Methylsulfonylmethane, a naturally occurring chemical found in some green plants), means this spray is great for those with problem skin. Other ingredients like DMAE penetrates beyond the outermost layer of the skin, targeting wrinkles and fine lines. So even acne-prone types can set their makeup and protect their skin at the same time.

Price at time of publish: $20

Finish: Shiny | Amount: 4 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Scented

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater

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This cult-favorite mist helps revive dehydrated skin but the scent is so nice you might be tempted to spritz it all day long, with or without makeup. We love the finish, which offers a dewy glow, and the floral infusion feels good on the skin.

Price at time of publish: $12

Finish: Dewy | Amount: 5 ounces | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes