Best Makeup Setting Sprays 2023 For All Skin Types

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Best Makeup Setting Sprays 2023 For All Skin Types

You've probs seen them in the aisles of Boots and at the end of your favourite TikTokers' makeup tutorials, but what's the deal with makeup setting sprays? Do they actually work? We decided it was time to put an end to the makeup myths and put 9 face-fixing mists to the test...

Setting sprays are the glue that holds our makeup together. They might seem like a gimmick, but ask any beauty buff to list off their top five prods and we'd bet a tenner Urban Decay's setting spray makes the cut. So what's the deal, why are they so special and do they really work?

We get that they sound slightly too good to be true, like, how can this liquid possibly possess the magical powers to keep your base on till the early hours of the morn? Like with skincare: the secret is in the ingredients. Most setting sprays contain alcohol, which, while effective at keeping everything in place, can be drying and even irritating for more sensitive skin types. If your complexion is easily irritated opt for a water-based formula, like Laura Geller's Spackle Mist.

You'll be pleased to know you can choose a spray specifically catering to your complexion needs. For example, Beyoncé's go-to ONE/SIZE On 'Till Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, is great for oilier skin types, while Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Setting Spray is (hint in the name) for those wanting to boost their glow. There are also soothing sprays infused with hydrating and calming ingredients, like MAC's Prep + Prime.

The setting spray that does the most: Urban Decay's face-preserving formula All Nighter, has been handed the top spot for its incredible staying power skillz. One spritz and you're set for a full 16 hours come rain or shine. Plus, you don't need a lot to save face.

Makeup artists recommend spraying over your skin post-makeup application. If you're looking for a super sturdy base, say for a big night or even a wedding, a pump between each makeup step is the key to really locking it in. Simples.

So, which one is worth your hard-earned cash? We've reviewed 12 over an 8-hour workday - and as we all know the proof lies in the before and after pics - so we each took a snap of our faces first thing in the morning AND at the end of the day - so you can see which makeup setters really performed (and which ones didn't)...

They say: "This fine clear setting spray helps makeup stay put, and helps control shine for beautiful-looking skin. Infused with Vitamin B, E, and Arctium Majus Root to help hydrate, and soothe. The lightweight, comfortable formula helps improve makeup wearability, and prevent colour from running or fading."

e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set

Victoria says: "I genuinely cannot believe this only costs £6. Yep... SIX. English. Pounds - that is it. I think the before and after pictures speak for themselves (yes, my lip balm is long gone - but that was always going to happen).

Most days I end up going home from work a few shades lighter than when I arrived - my face has a tendency to devour my bronzer, but this little mist actually kept my foundation and bronzer in place ALL day. I knocked off half a point because at just 80ml the spray is one of the smallest, but to be fair, it's also one of the cheapest."

They say: "A refreshing mist that sets make-up and prolongs its hold while providing a feeling of instant freshness and well-being. Also provides continuous hydration and comfort."

Laura Says: "Considering the price, this isn't the most generously sized bottles I've ever seen. That said, it'd be good for sticking in your handbag or taking in your hand luggage.

It's nice to use, feels lovely and refreshing on the skin and it's really lightweight. I do think it made my makeup last longer than without it, but I did have to touch up my foundation a little sooner than I'd have liked."

They say: "Makeup Revolution's Pro Fix Oil Control Makeup Fixing Spray is a lightweight setting spray that helps deflect surface shine for a natural matte finish. High tech ingredients keep foundation and eye makeup in place, with no smudging and no fading. Get that 'just-applied' look for up to 12 hours."

Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Oil Control Fixing Spray

Laura says: "I'm not normally a fan of a matte finish, but I wanted to see if this really would keep my makeup on all day for just £5, and it did (kind of).

By 5pm I definitely had shine in my usual areas, but my foundation hadn't gone patchy. If you can't afford an Urban Decay Setting Spray, this is a pretty great dupe."

They say: "For that fresh make up look that lasts NYX Professional Makeup Makeup Setting Sprays are lightweight and comfortable while working hard to make sure your makeup stays put."

NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray

Victoria says: "Compared to other makeup setting sprays, I wouldn't say this is the best I've ever used. Don't get me wrong, it feels really nice and light on my face and it did mattify my makeup (a look I love), but I don't think it made my makeup last any longer than if I hadn't used it.

As you can see from the pictures, my bronzer all but disappeared by 5:30pm. I'd definitely use this in future to get rid of any shine or dewiness though."

They say: "This 2 in 1 makeup primer & setting spray that can be applied underneath or over the top of your makeup."

Rimmel Lasting Finish Fix & Go Setting Spray

Victoria says: "Whilst my base makeup faded throughout the day, I was impressed that this setting spray appeared to keep my eye makeup intact. The bottle's directions say to use it as both a 'priming and setting mist', so that's exactly what I did.

Whilst it felt a little bit OTT using a 'primer mist', I can't deny that it gave my skin a well-hydrated dewiness, and it ensured my makeup applied seamlessly. All in all, I'd probably use this more as a mid-day face freshener, rather than a makeup setting spray."

They say: "A lightweight mist of water packed with vitamins and minerals, infused with a blend of green tea, chamomile and cucumber to gently soothe and refresh the skin. Gives an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup."

Laura says: "An oldie but a goodie - yes, MAC's Fix+ isn't going to lock down your face for thaaat long, but what it does do is work with the cosmetics on your face to mesh the formulas together and leave everything looking natural and beautifully blended."

They say: "Is a makeup meltdown ruining your midnight mojo? Mist on this weightless spray to give your makeup serious staying power. All Nighter Setting Spray keeps makeup looking gorgeous for up to 16 hours — without melting, fading or settling into fine lines."

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray

Victoria says: "I can't even begin to explain how much this single product has changed my life, honestly it's beyond amazing. A super lightweight spray that actually keeps makeup in place all day and all night.

I doubt any amount of words could do it justice, but it's definitely worth the pretty hefty price tag (plus one bottle will last a good six months)."

They say: "Formulated with cosmetic alcohol that evaporates instantaneously, allows for extreme fixing of your make up, without changing it. Imperceptible and non-sticky, Make Up Fixer is mild on the face thanks to the special Chamomile extract formula."

KIKO Milano Face Make Up Fixer

Victoria says: "Yes, I know I look a tad paler by 5:30pm - this experiment has taught me that my bronzer is always the first thing to buckle, but I was impressed by how great this makeup setting mist kept my foundation looking.

When it comes to bases I always opt for a lightweight coverage, and that usually means the formula isn't particularly long-wearing, not today though, my foundation stayed put long past 5:30pm, in fact it stuck around till bedtime."

They say: "L.A. Girl PRO.setting HD High Definition Matte Finish Setting Spray is an incredible setting spray that maintains that matte finish you achieve with freshly applied makeup."

"With the ability to ensure that the makeup stays intact for even longer, this ultra-fine mist coats the skin in non-sticky hydration, whilst ensuring that the effect that has been created with makeup is not lost throughout the day."

L.A. Girl PRO High Definition Matte Finish Setting Spray

Victoria says: "Yes it's fairly cheap, but with just 30ml in the bottle you don't get much product for your money. That being said, it's teeny enough to chuck in your handbag, so if it's a super-hot humid day and you want to freshen up your face, the compact size comes in quite handy.

I like how the spray gives off more of a light mist than a heavy spritz, so there are no blotchy water marks left on the face. My bronzer faded a little, but my foundation and blush seem to stay intact."

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