Best Drugstore Setting Sprays

Setting spray is a must for any makeup look, as it helps to set and keep your makeup in place all day long.

While many great high-end options are available, you don’t need to spend much money to get a good one.

Having tried many setting sprays from high-end and drugstore brands, I’ve found that some of the best options are available at the drugstore.

After testing 37 drugstore setting sprays, here are our 25 favorites that worked well.

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Best Drugstore Setting Sprays For Oily Skin

NYX Professional Makeup Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

This setting spray is one of the most popular ones on the market.

It’s affordable and does a great job setting makeup and keeping it in place all day long.

It has a matte finish, and it’s great for those with oily skin as it prevents the makeup from transferring and makes the pores less visible.

It has a light formula that feels comfortable on the skin.

The only downside is that it doesn’t have a fine nozzle that ensures an even distribution of the product.

It might take a couple of minutes to dry down completely, but once it does, it keeps the makeup in place for many hours.

Pros: Lightweight formula that sets the makeup well.

Cons: It takes a couple of minutes to dry down to a matte finish.

TIP: Take a piece of cardboard and fan your face after applying the setting spray to help it dry down faster.

e.l.f. Stay All Day Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist 

This setting spray holds the makeup in place and gives the skin a matte finish.

It’s great for those with oily skin as it gives a shine-free finish and keeps the makeup from separating.

It has a light formula that doesn’t look heavy on the skin. I tested it during hot summer days, and it kept my makeup in place for many hours.

Since the nozzle doesn’t distribute the product evenly on the skin, I like to tap the product with a beauty blender afterward.

The formula has a chemical smell that some people might not like.

Overall, this is a great setting spray for those with oily skin, and it gives a matte finish and extends the wear of your makeup.

Pros: It keeps makeup in place all day long.

Cons: The nozzle doesn’t distribute the product evenly, and the formula has a chemical smell.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray

If you have oily skin and you’re looking for a setting spray that will help to keep your makeup last all day, this is a great option.

It has a lightweight formula that doesn’t make the skin feel greasy or sticky.

It leaves the face matte and not dewy or greasy. It melts everything together, so the makeup looks more natural.

The only downside is that the nozzle isn’t the best, and it can be difficult to control the amount of product that comes out.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well, leaves the face matte.

Cons: Nozzle could be better.

Rimmel Stay Matte Fix And Go Setting Spray

This is an excellent setting spray if you have oily skin and are looking for one to help keep your makeup in place.

It has a mattifying effect that will help to control shine and oil throughout the day.

It dries fast and doesn’t leave the skin feeling sticky.

TIP: Apply a mattifying primer before foundation to get a shine-free look that lasts all day.

Pros: Mattifying effect, sets makeup well, dries fast.

Cons: It is not suitable for dry skin.

Related: Best Silicone-Based Primers

Makeup Revolution Superfix Misting Spray

This setting spray has a mattifying effect that will control shine and oil throughout the day.

It contains aloe and glycerin to keep the skin nourished and hydrated. It doesn’t feel sticky and it dries to a natural matte finish.

Be careful to spray only a little because it can make the makeup look patchy.

Pros: Mattifying effect, sets makeup well.

Cons: You can make makeup look patchy if you spray too much.

Milani Make It Last Prime + Correct + Set Makeup Setting Spray.

This setting spray does a fantastic job of setting the makeup and keeping it in place all day.

It has a lightweight formula that feels comfortable on the skin. It feels very refreshing and adds a natural glow to the skin.

It doesn’t make the skin look greasy, which makes it an excellent choice for all skin types.

It has a floral scent but dissipates quickly, so it might not be a big deal for most people.

Overall, this is a great setting spray that does a fantastic job setting makeup and keeping it in place all day long. It gives the makeup a dewy look without looking greasy.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well, doesn’t make the skin look greasy.

Cons: Has a floral scent.

Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Make Up Setting Spray 

This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a matte setting spray that sets makeup and keeps it in place.

It has a lightweight formula that feels comfortable on the skin and doesn’t make it look greasy.

The nozzle could be better, but the product itself is good.

I like to spray it on a makeup sponge and then pat it on the skin to get an even distribution.

It can dry the skin, so if you have dry skin, you should skip this one.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well, matte finish.

Cons: Nozzle could be better.

Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist

This hydrating setting spray sets makeup and helps to get rid of the powdery look.

It contains witch hazel water which protects against skin damage.

However, according to Insider, witch hazel water should not be used on dry skin as it might cause irritation.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well.

Cons: It might not be suitable for very dry skin.

L.A. Girl Setting Spray

L.A. Girl is one of the most affordable drugstore brands, and this setting spray is an excellent option for keeping makeup in place.

It has a lightweight formula that feels comfortable on the skin and doesn’t make it feel greasy or sticky.

It has glycerin to soothe the skin and dries to a semi-matte finish.

The key is to spray only a little because it can make the makeup look wet.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well.

Cons: It can make makeup look wet if you spray too much.

FLOWER Beauty Jet Set Invisible Powder Spray

This product has a unique formula. It is a powder in a spray that helps to set the makeup and keep it in place all day long.

It’s great for people with oily skin because it contains zea mays (corn) starch which controls shine and oil.

Pros: Sets makeup well, controls shine and oil.

Cons: It’s more expensive than other drugstore sprays.

Jason Wu Beauty Magic Spell Setting Spray – Stay Matte

I recently discovered this setting spray from Jason Wu and i am so glad i did.

I has Rose Water and it helps to keep the skin fresh without looking greasy.

A little bit goes a long way with this spray so you only need to spray a minimal amount. Otherwise, it might leave the face feeling sticky.

It gives the skin a semi-matte finish and it prevents the makeup from melting during the day.

Pros: It has a lightweight formula and it sets makeup nicely.

Cons: It might feel sticky if you apply too much.

Best Drugstore Setting Sprays For Dry Skin

Wet n Wild Photofocus Natural Finish Setting Spray

This setting spray gives the skin a beautiful dewy finish, making it an excellent choice for dry skin.

It has a lightweight formula that doesn’t make the skin look greasy and does a fantastic job of refreshing the makeup.

After testing this spray in hot and humid weather, I’ve found that it works more as a setting spray and not as a finishing spray.

That means it eliminates the powdery look and makes the makeup look more natural. However, it might extend the wear of the makeup-less than other setting sprays.

The bottle is smaller than other setting sprays, but you don’t need to use a lot of product, so it might last a while, depending on how often you use it.

Pros: Gives the skin a beautiful dewy finish, refreshing, lightweight formula.

Cons: It doesn’t extend the wear of makeup as much as other setting sprays.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Setting Spray

This is an excellent option if you have dry skin and you’re looking for a setting spray that will give you a dewy finish.

It has a lightweight formula that doesn’t make the skin feel sticky and does a fantastic job setting up makeup.

I only wish the spritz was able to distribute the product more evenly. Other than that, this is a great setting spray.

You can also use this setting spray without makeup as a hydrating facial mist. It contains glycerin and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and nourishes the skin.

Pros: Lightweight formula, gives the skin a dewy finish, sets makeup well.

Cons: The spritz doesn’t distribute the product evenly.

NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Prime Set Refresh Spray

This setting spray is another affordable option that sets the makeup and eliminates the powdery look.

It contains glycerin, aloe, and cucumber extracts to nourish and hydrate the skin.

The formula is lightweight, and it works very well for dry skin.

It doesn’t prolong the wear of makeup as much as other setting sprays, but it does an excellent job of refreshing the makeup.

It can also be used as a primer to give the skin a boost of hydration before applying foundation.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well, refreshing, can be used as a primer.

Cons: It doesn’t extend the wear of makeup as much as other setting sprays.

Pixi by Petra Makeup Fixing Mist 

This is a great option if you’re looking for a setting spray that melts the makeup together and gives the skin a dewy finish.

It has a lightweight formula that doesn’t feel sticky on the skin, which makes it a great choice for oily, dry, and combination skin.

It contains many nourishing ingredients, such as rosewater and green tea.

According to Healthline, rose water has many benefits for the skin, such as reducing redness and irritation.

Pros: It sets makeup well and contains nourishing ingredients.

Cons: The pump spray could be better.

Revlon ColorStay Lock Setting Mist

This spray contains aloe, which helps set makeup and prolong its wear.

It has a lightweight formula that is comfortable on the skin and doesn’t make it feel greasy.

If you have very oily skin, this spray might not be enough to keep your makeup in place, but it’s a good option for people with normal to dry skin.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well, contains aloe.

Cons: It might not be enough to keep makeup in place for people with very oily skin.

Catrice Prime And Fine Multitalent Fixing Spray

This fixing spray helps the makeup look fresh and non-cakey.

It can be used as a primer and sets makeup well.

It has a lightweight formula that is comfortable on the skin. I like that it has a fine mist that distributes the product evenly into the skin.

It dries quickly, and it doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well, can be used as a primer.

Cons: None.

FLOWER Beauty Seal The Deal Hydrating Setting Spray

The mist of this spray is so fine, and it distributes the product evenly into the skin.

It’s an excellent choice for people with dry or combination skin because it helps to keep the makeup in place while providing hydration.

It contains glycerin, and it gives a natural finish to the makeup.

This spray has been my go-to for a while because it ticks all the boxes: it’s affordable, sets makeup well, and doesn’t make the skin feel greasy or sticky.

Pros: Fine mist, sets makeup well, contains glycerin.

Cons: None.

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

This setting spray has a continuous mist, making it very easy to apply.

It sets makeup well and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy or sticky.

It is more suitable for dry skin because it has a hydrating formula.

Unfortunately, Morphe changed the formula, and it now has a different smell that is not the best. I would not recommend this spray if you’re not a fan of scented products.

Pros: Continuous mist, sets makeup well, hydrating formula.

Cons: The new formula has a strong scent.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber, and Green Tea

This facial mist can be used before or after makeup.

It has a refreshing scent and helps hydrate the skin, giving it a fresh look.

You can also spray it on your makeup brushes or sponge before makeup application. It doesn’t make the skin look greasy and sets the makeup nicely.

It’s not meant to keep the skin matte or shine-free, but it’s a great setting spray for dry or combination skin.

Pros: Refreshing scent, hydrates the skin, can be used before or after makeup.

Cons: None.

FLOWER Beauty Seal the Deal Luminizing Setting Spray

If you like a glowy, radiant look, this setting spray is for you.

It gives the skin a nice healthy sheen thanks to its illuminating pearls.

It is more suitable for normal to dry skin because it hydrates and it might not work for oily skin as it can leave it feeling greasy.

A little bit goes a very long way with this spray, leaving the makeup looking fresh until the end of the day.

Pros: Gives the skin a healthy sheen, more suitable for normal to dry skin.

Cons: Not the best option for people with very oily skin.

NYX Dewy Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Vegan Formula

Even though the word ‘dewy’ is in the name, this setting spray gives a natural finish that’s not too dewy or too matte.

The formula is very lightweight and sets the makeup well without making it look cakey.

It’s a great choice for normal to dry skin because it leaves the skin looking hydrated and fresh.

It feels comfortable on the skin and doesn’t make it feel greasy.

Pros: Lightweight formula, sets makeup well, leaves skin looking hydrated.

Cons: None.

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

Infused with aloe and green tea, this setting spray hydrates the skin and sets the makeup into place.

The mist is fine, and applies the product evenly on the face.

It’s a great choice for normal to dry skin because it doesn’t leave the skin feeling tight or dry.

Pros: Hydrates the skin, sets makeup well, fine mist.

Cons: None.

Best Drugstore Setting Spray For Sweat

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Infinite Mattifying Longwear Makeup Fixing Spray

This setting spray is excellent for people who have oily skin or live in humid climates.

It helps control shine and keeps the makeup in place even when you sweat.

The mist is strong and sprays a lot of product at once, so be careful not to overdo it.

A little bit goes a long way with this setting spray.

It also has a strong fragrance, so there might be better choices if you’re not a fan of scented products.

Besides, it’s a great setting spray that does its job well.

Pros: Helps control shine, keeps makeup in place, and is excellent for people with oily skin.

Cons: The mist is strong.

Morphe Luminous Hydrating Setting Spray

This sweat-resistant setting spray helps to keep the makeup in place while hydrating the skin.

It’s infused with apple extract and coconut water and has glycerin.

The mist is fine and applies to the product evenly on the face.

It melts all the makeup together, and it eliminates any powdery finish. It prevents the foundation from transferring, too, which is great.

Pros: Sweat-resistant, hydrates the skin, fine mist.

Cons: It contains fragrance.

Your Questions, Answered: 

How to Apply Setting Spray?

A setting spray can make all the difference in how your makeup looks throughout the day.

To get a long-lasting, flawless makeup look, follow these steps:

1. Shake the bottle well before use to evenly distribute the product.
2. Hold the bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face and close your eyes.
3. Spray the setting mist evenly over your entire face. Follow the X and T rule by spraying first in an X shape and then following up with a T shape.
4. Use a piece of cardboard to fan your face and help the setting spray dry faster. 
5. Let the setting spray dry completely before applying any additional makeup products.
6. (Optional) Follow by dabbing the spray onto the skin with a makeup sponge to set the makeup even more.

Should You Use Setting Spray Every Day?

Using a setting spray daily helps control shine and keep your makeup looking fresh.

However, most setting sprays contain alcohol, which can dry the skin if used too often.

It’s best to use a setting spray only when you need it, such as on special occasions or days when you need your makeup to last.

For example, if you are wearing a full-coverage foundation and smokey eyes, using a setting spray will help to keep your makeup in place and prevent it from creasing or smudging.

However, you won’t need a setting spray for a minimal everyday makeup look.

Can You Apply Setting Spray With a Sponge?

Yes, you can use a makeup sponge to apply the setting spray.

This hack works great for setting sprays with a strong mist, as it can help to control how much product is applied to the face.

The sponge will help to distribute the product evenly and set the makeup.

To do so, hold the sponge 6 to 8 inches away from the bottle and spray it evenly.

Dab the sponge gently into your skin to set the makeup.

Let the setting spray dry completely before applying any additional makeup products.

Conclusion

A setting spray can help to keep your makeup in place and prevent it from creasing or smudging.

Choosing the right setting spray for your skin type is essential to get the best results.

For example, if you have oily skin, look for a matte setting spray that helps to control shine during the day.

If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating setting spray that will help extend your makeup’s longevity.

If you live in a hot and humid climate, look for a sweat-resistant setting spray.

I hope this article helped you find the perfect setting spray for your needs.

What are your thoughts on setting spray? Do you have a favorite brand or type that you like to use? Let me know in the comments below!

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