This must-have product is a game changer, here is the right way to use it.
Not everyone does a full face of foundation and concealer every day. But if you’re covering acne, dark spots, or fine lines and want some coverage, the right complexion product can make a huge impact. The right shade with the right undertones can make it seem like those imperfections never existed.
Here is the challenge. By midday, many of the formulas start fading, slipping, or disappearing altogether, and recreating the imperfections you spent hours covering.
Many of us have been introduced to a game-changing product –Setting spray helps to lock the makeup into your skin without smudges, streaks or fading throughout the day. Setting spray keeps your looking vibrant and flawless all the day long..
Setting sprays—which come in different textures and finishes—are basically tools that will hold your foundation and concealer in for hours.
Think of this as the ultimate “apply and forget” beauty hack. Celebrity makeup artist and grooming expert Todd Harris Wolf shares, “I always have multiple setting sprays in my kit for each client’s individual skin needs, it is definitely a no-brainer and a must-have for me when I want my work to last from morning until night.”
Whether you’re getting ready for an important event, going to have a long day or fighting against the heat and humidity, the right setting spray will help your makeup stay in top shape!
What is setting spray
A setting spray, in short, is a lightweight mist that helps keep your makeup in place and lets it last longer, tells Bryan Cantor, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert. These sprays will work because they have polymers- tiny molecules that form an invisible and flexible layer on your skin. And this layer acts as a barrier to smudge, creasing, and fading for your foundation, concealer, and makeup products throughout the day. (Pro tip: The magic happens once the spray has completely dried, so make sure to wait while applying as you’re taking away its power at the same time).
Setting sprays used to have one purpose- to keep your makeup intact. Formulas have clearly come a long way from that. A lot of today’s versions even have skincare benefits to add hydration, brightness and nourishment to your skin. They now have many finishes, including velvety matte surfaces, and a flesh look for a fresh look, according to makeup expert Harris Wolf.
How to choose the best setting spray for your skin type
With so many options out there, choosing a setting spray can feel overwhelming. According to Harris Wolf, the most important aspects to consider are your skin type and what finish you want.
If you have an oily complexion, choose an oil-free, mattifying setting spray to keep shine to a minimum and your makeup looking fresh all day. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating option to add a light layer of moisture and keep your makeup from looking flaky.
When it comes to finish, matte sprays are a great option if you want a sleek, velvety, shine-free finish. If you want a luminous or radiant option, look for product labeling in these categories as they generally have tiny particles that reflect light (ex: mica) to give the skin a soft glow. Harris Wolf suggests that these luminous sprays are especially great when using powder products because it make your makeup look smoother and not chalky at all.
And if you do happen to be swimming, working out, or sweating in extremist conditions, it’s usually best to grab a waterproof setting spray so that you get the longest duration.
How to use setting spray
So, you have found your favorite setting spray – what’s next? what’s the most effective way to make the most of it? You want to use it properly! If you are using the product as intended, it will always be the last application of makeup to your face with a few exceptions. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to use it like a makeup artist:
- Keep a Distance
Spray it about 6-8 inches away to cover evenly. This will make sure the mist is dispersed and doesn’t create a wet spot on a single area.
- Spray with Purpose
Use a fluid motion with your wrist and your elbow and use a circular position of either clockwise or counter clockwise direction so the spray reaches every area on your face with a equal amount of coverage.
- Hands Off Until Dry
After you have applied your setting spray, you should not touch your face. It needs time to set everything in. While most setting sprays dry within 30 seconds to 1 minute, you can speed up the drying process with a small handheld fan (as many makeup artists use)!
- Less Is More
If you think more is better, think again. Some setting sprays go on too heavy with too many layers, which could cause your make-up to smudge, crease, or separate. You only need a light, even coat.
- Pro Tip: Layering
If you want your foundations and powders to stay longer, you can lightly mist your face once or twice right between those layers. For instance, once after you apply your concealer, and again just before you put on your foundation. This works best with cream and liquid cosmetics rather than powders.
- Use the Five Spray Method
Celebrity makeup artist Bryan Cantor has a pro trick that he calls the five spray method:
- First, spray the center of your face.
- Then, spray the upper right quadrant.
- Then spray the upper left quadrant.
- Now simply spray the lower right quadrant.
- Finally spray the lower left quadrant.
This method of application allows you to distribute the product perfectly for hold.
Some makeup artists—including Harris Wolf—actually apply their setting spray before makeup—which may be surprising to you. He states that he sometimes uses as a primer especially in combination with mattifying sprays for oily skin: “It helps with oil control around your look brand.” Brides can benefit with this trick, however, the spray doesn’t have to be used exclusively for oily skin—those with dry skin can use a hydrating spray too as a first layer prepping.
While it doesn’t replace your moisturizer, it provides a glow to your skin before putting on your foundation. And just to clarify—using it first before you start your makeup doesn’t mean you can’t spritz again once you finish with your makeup to set it.
Should setting spray be a staple in your kit? When maintaining a flawless face is important, yes.
Best setting spray pros love
Best For Sensitive Skin
Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray
Harris Wolf suggests this timeless setting spray, a reliable go-to that has stood the test of time for both makeup artists and makeup enthusiasts alike. It has impressive staying power (the makeup will stay put for up to 12 hours!) AND it is gentle on the skin, while the mist is soft and light and won’t drench your face.
Best For Dry Skin
L’Oreal Paris LUMI Shake and Glow Dew Mist
This mist will offer hydration and radiance for anyone with dry skin looking to enhance their glow. Use it either pre- or post-makeup – whatever you prefer, Harris Wolf says.” The mist includes coconut water to help hydrate the skin, while the vitamin c will help brighten skin’s radiance.
Best For Oily Skin
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Setting Spray
Cantor lauds the formula for keeping the shine away, while tempering the look of pores with a combination of lentil extract, niacinamide, and bakuchiol. While the ingredients are really potent, the formula feels weightless on the skin. Did we mention it also lasts up to 16 hours and smooths the look of the pores with ease – absolutely brilliant.
Best Primer Hybrid
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
This product can even be used as a primer before your makeup. According to Cantor, it hydrates and sets the skin, while also creating a smooth surface and reducing imperfections. That’s why it is one of his top picks.
Milani Make It Dewy Setting Spray
Achieve a radiant and long-lasting makeup application from a lightweight mist with the Milani Make It Dewy Setting Spray. The Make It Dewy Setting Spray is a 3-in-1 product; a hydrating primer, luminous finishing spray and makeup setting spray. From the start to finish, the setting spray will have your complexion fresh with a dewy glow. The lightweight formula is suitable for all skin types, and will hydrate your skin, enhance your natural glow, and keep your makeup in place for hours on end with no heavy or sticky feeling.
e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
Set your look with the e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Finish Setting Spray! This ultra-fine mist not only adds staying power to your makeup but enhances your makeup look with a lightweight, refreshing dewy finish. Perfect for all skin types, it grips your foundation, concealer, and powder without the feeling of stickiness or weight! Whether you’re getting your work on, a night out, or all day running errands, this setting spray keeps your makeup looking flawless and fresh, and glowing all day from morning to night!
