Setting sprays and facial mists have long been an overlooked product in people’s makeup routines, but they’re finally receiving the attention they deserve. Celebrities, MUA and beauty editors alike are waxing lyrical about the benefits of make-up setting sprays. There is a lot of confusion about different makeup sprays, but basically, a setting spray is a simple solution for achieving a flawless, natural finish to your makeup look.
What they do
Despite its name, a makeup setting spray will not necessarily keep your makeup lasting longer. It actually works to blend layers of makeup together so they bind onto your skin in one even layer. Most setting sprays are formulated with purified water, botanical extracts and oils. The oils are essential as they ‘burst’ the microspheres in powdery makeup products, such as foundation, concealer and contour. This allows your makeup base products to emulsify for a flawless finish and will keep your makeup from looking powdery and caked.
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When to use them
Its best to use setting sprays if you include a lot of matte-based or powder products in your makeup routine, including foundations, blush, bronzer, contour and highlighter. Setting sprays should be the final step into your makeup routine, unless you’re also wanting to use a fixing spray. A little goes a long way, so you only need a quick spritz. Don’t go overboard as it can cause your makeup to move or streak.
What’s the difference?
This might be news to some, but setting sprays, finishing sprays, setting powder and fixing sprays are all different products, contain different ingredients and do different things to your makeup.
Most people think a makeup setting spray is a product that you can use to set your makeup in place so it lasts longer, but that is actually a makeup fixing spray. A fixing spray will simply make everything last longer and its purpose it to seal your makeup in place. Fixing sprays also help makeup from running or slipping off due to sweat, heat or humidity and are perfect for a night out or a music festival.
A makeup finishing spray is more nourishing and lightweight than both fixing sprays and setting sprays and is best used as a refreshing spritz throughout the day. They are generally water-based and also contain other good ingredients like vitamins and minerals.
Not technically a spray, a makeup setting powder is similar to a fixing spray. The translucent powder won’t change the colour of your foundation but a light covering will help to keep it in place and prevent your makeup rubbing off on to clothes or your fingers. If you like to use a makeup setting powder, sweep it on before your setting spray.
Suit your skin type
There’s a makeup setting spray for almost every skin type, so make sure you choose wisely. If you have dry skin, choose one that contains nourishing oils or hyaluronic acid. For oily skin types, consider a mattifying setting spray. Sensitive skin types should go for an alcohol-free formula and anyone prone to redness or blemishes should reach for a spray with ingredients like aloe vera. There are even waterproof setting sprays to make sure your makeup can last a swim, but will also survive through hot and sweaty summer days.
Read on to find out about the best 10 setting sprays available in Australia right now.
10. Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray, $45.
This spray is best for oily skin types or those sensitive to alcohol-based products. Made from a fine mist formula, it won’t dry out the skin but will still last all day. This products also provides full-face illumination, giving your makeup a luminous and glowing finish. Spray more than usually needed for a more intense glow.
9. Marc Jacobs Beauty Re(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Setting Mist, $61.
This hydrating setting mist lasts for 24 hours while adding a luminous glow to your complexion. The coconut water ingredient leaves skin feeling nourished and hydrated but never sticky.
8. NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, $15.95.
Made with a lightweight formula, the NYX Setting Spray can create a powdered look without making your skin look dry or cakey. This product is ideal for those with oily or dry skin and comes in two finishes. The matte spray will keep your skin looking radiant and reduce oiliness, while the dewy finish will give you a fresh faced look.
7. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist 4-in-1 Setting Mist, $39.
This product can multitask – it’s a primer, setting spray, hydrating mist and skin refresher all rolled into one. It will keep your makeup set for up to 12 hours but also works to minimize the appearance of pores, redness and puffiness.
6. Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, $49.
A true cult favourite, a bottle of the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is sold every 15 seconds. Perfect for a night out, this spray prevents melting, fading or settling into lines and keeps makeup set for up to 16 hours. The formula is slightly heavier but it has also been developed with something called ‘temperature control technology’ which regulates the temperature of your makeup so your eyeshadow, lipstick and foundation are compatible with the weather.
5. Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer and Setting Spray, $49.
A triple threat, this primer and setting spray from Too Faced can be reached for at every step of the makeup routine. The lightweight formula is made with coconut water and aloe vera, making it the perfect choice for those with sensitive skin or those who are irritated by alcohol-based products. Use this as a primer before applying makeup, as a setting spray to blend or as a refreshing spray of hydration throughout the day.
4. Lancome Fix Forget It Setting Spray, $52.
Lasting for up to 24 hours, this spray will keep your makeup set all day and night, from 9am to 2am the next morning. The light formula will help any powder on your face melt into your foundation and look seamless. It also boasts of being sweatproof, weatherproof and contains hyaluronic acid to aid dry skin. For all its benefits, this product can leave your face feeling greasy if you have especially oily skin.
3. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, $10.
This super affordable and versatile mist can be sprayed onto the face, neck and hair. For those with dehyrated, tight or irritable skin, apply before or after applying moisturizer to increase hydration. When used as a setting spray, it will leave your skin looking fresh and dewy and can also double as a finishing spray.
2. Mac Prep + Prime Fix +, $36.
Don’t be misled by the word ‘fix’, this product is still a setting spray. Its hydrating formula will melt layers of makeup together to achieve a flawless finish. It is also super soothing for sensitive skin due to the addition of cucumber, green tea and chamomile. The Prep + Prime Fix + can also be spritzed before makeup, giving your face a final dose of nourishment.
1. Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray, $39.95.
This spray from Skindinavia actually operates as setting spray and was one of the first one the market, over 10 years ago. This product can be used by all skin types and adapts to the weather through temperature control technology – meaning it stops makeup melting in summer and drying out in winter. The formula is also oil-controlling, so you can finally throw those blotting sheets away.
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