Wearing makeup needs a lot of maintenance and caution, especially during heat, where the face is prone to sweat. The makeup on the face may smudge if it gets wet with sweat and oil released by the skin. Therefore, the face needs a makeup setting spray that will help in keeping the wear of the makeup for a longer period of time with less mess and smudges without having the feeling of putting another layer on. The makeup setting spray is commonly formulated with water and alcohol, but some companies remove alcohol from their ingredients list to avoid drying sensation and maintain hydration.
With these makeup smudging issues, the top 10 best makeup setting sprays of 2022 are listed as these are going to help with the makeup experience in all type of skin types and skin colours. These sets of makeup setting sprays have been chosen and narrowed down from countless brands and companies to give the best and most effective one depending on the skin type, whether in oily, dry, or even acne-prone skin. The formulation and longevity have also been considered in evaluating these products. For instance, the Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is considered as the best overall because of its non-oil formulation, non-artificial appearance, and a long-lasting effectivity.
Listed below are the top 3 makeup setting sprays for all skin types in 2022.
- Best Overall: Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is the best overall setting spray for all skin types because it is long-lasting, stands between dewy and matte, and controls the secretion of natural oils from the skin.
- Best Budget-Friendly: e.l.f. Makeup Mist and Setting Spray due to its affordable yet packed with various essential ingredients such as aloe, green tea, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and E.
- Best Long-Lasting: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray because of its capability to hold the makeup in place with fewer smudges for a 16-hour duration.
1. Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray (Best Overall)
The Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is among the best setting sprays for oily skin of 2022. With its non-oil formula, it is highly recommended for all skin types. It has kaolin clay for the management and control of the production of too much oil and a shiny look. Its satin finish makes it fall between a soft and matte texture despite having different skin types and different skin colour. This Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is not just all about the finish; it can last up to 16 hours, which means that no need to re-apply or even retouch the makeup. This Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating because of its ability to keep the makeup in place even under humid weather or even after getting the face wet from water and sweat. It has also justified its longevity claim because it can make makeup last all day. The Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray costs around £13.61 GBP to £29.61 GBP.
Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray Advantages |
e.l.f. Makeup Mist and Setting Spray Disadvantages |
Oil-free formulation |
Uneven spray areas |
2. e.l.f. Makeup Mist and Setting Spray (Best Budget-Friendly)
The e.l.f Makeup Mist and Setting Spray comes with a lot of healthy ingredients at a very affordable price. This makeup mist and setting spray is full of hydrating ingredients such as aloe, green tea, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and E. Its purpose is not just about keeping away smudges and maintaining the makeup look, but also to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. This has a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating from its valued customers. The product goes well with every skin colour which means that it does not only prioritise people with lighter skin tones, it is also suitable for every skin type because it hydrates while controlling oils, and it can last all day. Its price ranges from £4.94 GBP to £6.59 GBP.
e.l.f Makeup Mist and Setting Spray Advantages |
e.l.f Makeup Mist and Setting Spray Disadvantages |
Full of healthy ingredients |
Difficult to Use |
Long-lasting |
Heavy |
Hydrating |
Poor Texture |
3. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (Best Long-Lasting)
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is known for its longevity that can last up to 16 hours, similar to the Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. The (mention the product) has been featured by people on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Its Japanese green tea, aloe vera, and aromatic resin make it the best product for reducing the appearance of pores, lessening the texture of fine lines, and to help the skin in maintaining the makeup in its designated place. This also has the capability to keep the natural skin tone of the face, lessens the drying sensation, and not heavy for a comfortable makeup experience. Its rating is a 4.4 stars out of 5.0 with 1,001 reviews because it holds and prevents the makeup from melting while keeping the fresh and hydrated appearance of the face. It can also last up to 16 hours as claimed by the brand. Its price range is from £16.48 GBP to £28.84 GBP.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Advantages |
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Disadvantages |
Lightweight |
Strong Scent |
Pore Appearance Reduction |
Not Transfer-free |
4. NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
The NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray’s matte finish makes it one of the best setting sprays for oily skin of 2022 together with the Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. This NYX setting spray has three main features; it leaves a matte finish, prevents a shiny appearance, and lessens the appearance of pores, whether the face has oily or combination skin and a lighter or darker skin colour. It also keeps the makeup in place all day, keeps away sweat, gets rid of the cakey look, and helps avoid uneven moisture from damaging the entire makeup look. The NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is a 4.5 out of 5.0 on the official website of NYX. According to customers, this product lasts all day long, even working under a humid environment, and maintains a fresh and non-sticky look due to its matte finish. The price of this makeup setting spray ranges from £7.83GBP to £10.50GBP.
NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Advantages |
NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Disadvantages |
Lasts all day |
Causes break-outs (for those have sensitive skin) |
No-transfer wear |
Greasy in the face |
5. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Makeup Setting Spray
The MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Makeup Setting Spray is made with a bunch of essential ingredients to keep the skin fresh and hydrated while on makeup. Green tea, chamomile, and cucumber are carefully formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin. This MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Makeup Setting Spray is not made to serve just one objective; thus, its name comes with different combinations. This dual-purpose makeup setting spray from MAC brings out the best out of the skin for a smoother and more even distribution of makeup onto the face that lasts up to 12 hours. It has a 4.5/5.0 rating due to its smoothing, hydrating, and long-lasting effect. This can be purchased for around £25.61 GBP to £30.61 GBP.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix + Makeup Setting Spray Advantages |
MAC Prep + Prime Fix + Makeup Setting Spray Disadvantages |
Hydrating |
Pricey |
Lightweight |
Leaves white spots |
6. Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30
The Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 is a multitasking makeup setting spray that helps in keeping the makeup look new from the start of the day until the night while protecting the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. This is also formulated with aloe vera and cucumber to give a gentle and cooling sensation while getting rid of dryness. This works great with sensitive, oily, dry, and combination skin. Its rating is 3.6 stars out of 5.0 with 207 customer reviews from the official Coola website because of its non-drying, customers love. The Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 is currently available for £25.50 GBP to £29.67 GBP.
Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 Advantages |
Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 Disadvantages |
SPF-packed |
Alcohol-based |
Lasts All Day |
Prone to Cause Irritation |
7. Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray
The Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray provides a makeup hold for approximately 12 hours. It is also a non-alcohol formulated product, which prevents the skin from dryness and irritation. The Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray gives the skin the hydration effect while maintaining a well-ventilated skin layer and a glass skin glow appearance. This works with combination, dry, and sensitive skin. It has been rated as 4.7/5.0 stars by 1,218 customers which according to them, this makeup setting spray gives an all-day fresh look and a beautiful natural glow. This product’s price starts from £16.48 GBP to £29.67 GBP.
Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray Advantages |
Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray Disadvantages |
Hydrating |
Pricey |
Glowy Finish |
Prone to Cause Oiliness |
8. Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray
The Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Supper Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray is a must when mostly concerned with the appearance of pores. This is where the product best works due to its formulation that hides the pores while helping to improve the overall makeup look. This is a non-alcohol based product which maintains hydration for its 16-hour hold duration. Its matte finish helps in avoiding a shiny look which people with oily skin want to achieve in wearing makeup in the face. This setting spray formulation is also made to prevent fading, melting, smudging and provide a non-transfer makeup experience. It has a 4.6 out of 5.0 stars rating because it actually blurs the pores as indicated, it acts as a barrier between the oil and makeup, and it lasts long. The price of this makeup setting spray ranges from £12.39 GBP to £26.43 GBP.
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray Advantages |
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray Disadvantages |
Blurs the Pores |
Expensive |
Long-lasting |
Cakey (After 4 hours and up of using.) |
Waterproof |
Too pricey for its performance. |
9. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is one of the best because it is formulated to give a makeup look that is moisturised and glowing, which is beneficial for people with normal, combination, and dry skin. The ingredients list contains humectants and botanical oils, which work as primary hydrating elements to avoid drying the skin before applying makeup and make the makeup fresh and not cakey throughout the day. Its formulation contains amino acids and other necessary ingredients to avoid skin ageing and boost the production of collagen that will provide the skin a blooming and renewed appearance. This Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is a 4.7 out of 5.0 stars, mainly because of its moisturising, long-lasting, and a value for money product. The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is currently available for £38.81 GBP to £40.50 GBP.
The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist Advantages |
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist Disadvantages |
moisturising |
Too watery |
Long-lasting |
Sticky |
10. Morphe Continuous Setting Mist
This setting mist from Morphe is made to provide a bright and glowing makeup look. It is formulated with vitamins E and B5, and fruit extracts to help achieve a healthy and glowing skin while on makeup. With its hydrating ingredients, the Morphe Continuous Setting Mist is suitable for sensitive, dry, and combination skin. The Morphe Continous Setting Mist is currently rated 4.4 out of 5.0 stars, mainly because of its lightweight, natural-looking, and long-lasting effects. The price of this product ranges from £13.21 GBP to £18.16 GBP.
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist Advantages |
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist Disadvantages |
Lightweight |
Can Cause Oiliness |
Smooth Finish |
Strong Scent |
How to choose the best Makeup setting spray?
The best makeup setting spray must be hydrating, long-lasting, oil-free, friendly to all skin types, and lightweight. The first requirement for a setting spray is its hydrating capabilities. A hydrating ingredient is important for a setting spray product since most users are wearing makeup for several hours and if it is not capable of providing hydration, the skin is prone to dryness, irritation, and breakouts. One of the best makeup setting spray is Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. This product made with humectants and botanical oils to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised to avoid a dry skin and a cakey makeup. Next, setting spray must be long-lasting to keep a good hold of the makeup as it is being used on the face for a long period of time. The setting spray must be able to keep the makeup melt-free and fade-free for at least 12-16 hours. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is considered as the best long-lasting setting spray that can hold the makeup for up to 16 straight hours. In addition, setting spray must be oil-free. The skin already has the capacity to secrete natural oils from its pores and using a setting spray highly formulated with oils will just make the skin wet and sticky and this can ruin the makeup because it can cause melting, fading, and smudging. The NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is highly recommended as it gives a matte finish that is good for oily skin as it lessens the shiny appearance of the makeup brought by the oiliness. The next thing to be considered is to check if the makeup setting spray is friendly to all skin types. The skin on the face is delicate and if the setting spray that has been put on does not suit the face’s skin type, it may lead to irritation, breakouts, and other severe skin conditions. One of the best friendly setting spray products for all skin types is the Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. It has an ingredient that is oil-free which is beneficial for oily skin but also hydrating which is great for combination, dry, and sensitive ones. Lastly, the best setting spray is lightweight. In makeup, it is not just about the looks, but also about the comfort. Makeup is already heavy on the face which is a little uncomfortable, and using a makeup setting spray will just add more layers. Therefore, choosing a lightweight makeup setting spray helps in keeping the weight of makeup on the face while also protecting it from damage.
What to do before applying setting spray?
The first thing to do before applying setting spray is to make sure that the face is clean, thus, using a gentle cleanser to ensure that the face is clean and calm so that the absorption of products is easy and flawless. After cleansing the face, it is best to apply a good moisturiser to create a barrier between the skin and the products and also to maintain the skin’s healthy status despite wearing makeup for a long period of time. Allow the moisturiser to be fully absorbed by the skin, then it is now time to apply a primer. This product is a must because it will do the work of making the skin smooth and even. If the face is dry then use a dewy primer, and if it is oily then use a matte finish primer. Next is applying a colour corrector on the face.; This product is used to hide all the imperfections in the skin such as redness and black spots. Then use a foundation after that matches the colour of the skin. Lastly, after completing the makeup, it is now time to apply the setting spray. Many beginners have been struggling on how to use the setting spray for makeup. To use setting spray properly, apply the setting spray on the face in an X or T direction to evenly distribute the proper amount of it and make the makeup last all over the day.
What is the best setting spray for oily skin?
There are many setting sprays available in the market today. Some of the best setting spray for oily skin 2022 are The Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, and Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30. The Urban Decal All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is known to reduce the secretion of excess oil from the skin, which is beneficial for the ones with the oily skin type. With this, the makeup will stay on the face without a shiny appearance for an entire 16-hour duration. The NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, on the other hand, has the capability to leave a matte finish that can suppress the wet and shiny effect brought by the natural oils from the skin. The makeup can still look flawless and fresh even after hours of usage. Lastly, the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 is able to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun while providing the skin a soothing and hydrating effect which can help in reducing the production of oils from the skin.
What is the best setting spray for dry skin?
There are many popular products for setting spray that are being used by many. Some best setting sprays for dry skin are Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray, and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is known to have humectants and botanical oils that are great for moisturising the skin, while it prevents the makeup to be cakey and cause any dryness to occur. The Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray has a great formulation to provide the proper hydration, promote a breathable skin layer to avoid any irritation which is common for dry skin, and gives a glowy finish for a better makeup look. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is known for its longevity, and also it has an aloe vera which is very well-known for moisturising especially the face; it also lessens the drying sensation of the face, so this is perfect for those who have a dry skin texture.
What is the difference between setting spray and facial mist?
It is always a big question among consumers about what is the difference between a facial mist and a setting spray. The difference between setting spray and facial mist is the purpose of each product on the face. The setting spray is used after the makeup application in order to lock the looks all over the day and prevent it from smudging. On the other hand, “facial mist” can do both; some beauty enthusiasts use facial mist as a setting spray but according to some of them it only lasts for 1-4 hours, unlike the setting spray that can last up to 16 hours. It is also designed to make the skin gentle, smooth and calm upon the application of products on the face; the facial mist can be also used to refresh the makeup.
Is setting spray healthy for skin?
Yes, setting spray is healthy for skin, however, there are some brands of settings spray that contains alcohol content in their ingredients list that can make the skin dry or even worse, it will irritate the skin so before purchasing a product such as setting spray it is a must to check first the ingredients list to ensure that it’s not risky for the skin and to avoid it from damaging, and also, please be reminded that this kind of product is not designed for everyday use especially to those who have sensitive skin type.