The BEST setting sprays to keep your make-up on all day long

You'll still look fresh hours later

A picture of the seven setting sprays featured in this article.

by Bella Evennett-Watts |
Updated on

Wondering why your make-up is slipping? If you don't use a setting spray, this article is going to be life-changing - well, a little bit anyway.

We all know how it feels when you perfect your makeup game - only to look in the mirror after a long day to see your bronzed cheekbones and pink pout are no more.

But when you're already using primer with your favourite make-up, how can you really set your makeup to ensure it won't slip?

The answer is setting spray. If you don't already invest in setting spray, you're in for a treat. These little beauties are about to become your new best friends.

Are setting sprays worth it?

Yes, yes and YES. It may feel like you're spending your hard-earned cash on an unessential bottle of spritzy stuff, but after that first pump of mist, you will be thanking the makeup gods for this revolutionary tool - they are worth every. single. penny.

CHECK OUT our favourite setting sprays:

Gallery

Best Setting Sprays

A picture of the Pixi Make-up Fixing Mist1 of 9
CREDIT: Pixi

Pixi Make-up Fixing Mist

Pixi is known for its problem-solving skincare products so why not combine the magic of skin-loving ingredients with the power of a setting spray. Not only will this product ensure make-up looks refreshed and hydrated but it will take care of the skin underneath. The blend of rose water and green tea allows make-up to look freshly applied whilst carefully hydrating and protecting the skin to look and feel radiant. This spray also has skin-friendly ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide to keep any blemishes at bay and calm the skin's protective barrier. A complete must-have in any make-up bag.

A picture of the Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray2 of 9
CREDIT: Kate Somerville

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray

This product combines the magic of a setting spray with the importance of SPF 50 to protect the skin from the sun. This allows you to ensure your make-up is set in place with a gentle mist to spritz throughout the day to ensure the skin is topped up with sun protection.

A picture of the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray3 of 9
CREDIT: Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

The iconic make-up artist brand that provides backstage secrets to our everyday make-up routines. This setting spray both primes and sets the skin allowing make-up to stay put for up to 16 hours. It ensures that both liquid and powder products don't melt or fade away throughout the day or when you're dancing through the night. It blurs the skin to maintain that Charlotte Tilbury flawless glow.

A picture of the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Mattifying Mist4 of 9
CREDIT: MAC

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Mattifying Mist

A setting spray for those who suffer from oilier skin; the classic MAC Fix +. Ideal for anyone who finds their make-up slides around throughout the day, this skincare-infused spritz controls the oil on the skin whilst refreshing the make-up to keep it looking freshly applied.

A picture of the NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray5 of 9
CREDIT: NYX

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

At just £7, this hero product is a must-have in every beauty bag. Available in a dewy or matte finish, NYX cosmetics has covered all bases. Make-up lovers with dry skin do not need to worry about a flat, finished look, nor do oily skin types have to check for make-up slip-ups.

A picture of the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray6 of 9
CREDIT: Urban Decay

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

You must have been hiding under a rock for the past few years if you haven't already heard friends, colleagues and critics rave about this product. Urban Decay's famous All Nighter setting spray does everything it says on the label. Those days of cowering under bright lights after girls' night are over. This spray will literally make your make-up last all. night. long. Can we get an amen?The iconic spray comes in different formulas depending on your desired finish. Whether your skin is dry, oily or dehydrated, there's a setting spray that will suit you and your skin type. Buy the Ultra Matte Setting Spray here.Buy the Extra Glow Setting Spray here.

A picture of the Iconic London Prep-Set-Glow7 of 9
CREDIT: Iconic London

Iconic London Prep-Set-Glow

A three-in-one product that acts as a primer and a radiant setting spray to amp up the glow. This product comes in three shades to suit all skin tones and desired looks. It also works wonders on the chest and shoulders to catch the light, and when you want to give your make-up look a refresh. If you have had your make-up on for a few hours but you decide to head out in the evening after work, this is the product for you.

A picture of the Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray8 of 9
CREDIT: Hourglass

Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray

This setting spray is a top pick if you struggle with oiliness or enlarged pores. Not only does it ensure make-up is locked into place, but it gives the skin an illusion of a soft-focus blurring effect to mask any signs of open pores. It's pricey, but it's worth it.

A picture of the Morphe Continuous Setting Mist9 of 9
CREDIT: Morphe

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

A micro-fine mist that leaves the skin feeling refreshed and radiant. This mist is so fine, it will lock any make-up look into place without disturbing the masterpiece of a bold lip or a statement eye.

FAQs

What do setting sprays do?

Setting spray acts as a seal to lock make-up in place ensuring it will look freshly applied throughout the day or partying through the night. They are an essential step for those who find themselves looking in the mirror and wondering why their contour has smudged to the chin or why mascara finds itself near the brow.

Do I have to spend more on setting sprays to see results?

Absolutely not. There are so many brands that have added setting sprays to their hall of fame. No matter what price point, there’s a setting spray for you that will be your new best friend.

Is it worth investing in a setting spray if my skin is dry?

If you find your make-up is looking a little dull or dehydrated after a few hours, using a radiant or hydrating spray will instantly bring your look back to life. Many setting sprays focus heavily on including skincare ingredients to plump up the skin and give your make-up an added oomph.

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Need to find your dream waterproof mascara? Check out our pick of the top waterproof mascaras for wedding day makeup.

Whether you're the bride in need of flawless makeup, or an emotional guest who is bound to weep at the ceremony, you need to nail your tear-proof mascara.

Picking out your mascara might not seem top priority, but you’d regret not giving it more thought when your wedding photos are more panda-eye than Disney princess. If you're choosing to do your own make up, or have your mates do it for you, then you'll want to have the best kit possible – as we all know, a work-woman is only so good as her tools.

And if you've already blown the budget on – well – on everything else, then fear not.

Starting from just £6.99, we've got purse friendly mascara options like Maybelline and NYX, right through the mid-range to high end brands like Dior and YSL

What's your favourite setting spray? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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