Having one of the best setting sprays as part of your makeup arsenal is incredibly important. After all, what’s more annoying than having your makeup melt off your face just hours after putting so much effort into it in the first place?
Without a setting spray, you are more likely to end up with a shiny T-zone, creased eyeshadow and smudged mascara. On top of that, your base makeup – including contour, blush, highlighter and foundation – is unlikely to last (especially if you’re planning on wearing them for more than 10 hours, be it for a wedding or a night out). Plus, the constant summertime heatwaves don’t exactly help, either.
Best setting sprays at a glance:
- Best setting spray overall: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, WAS £27 NOW £22.40, Amazon
- Best setting spray for sensitive skin: Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist, £26, Space NK
- Best waterproof setting spray: ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, £30, Sephora
- Best blurring setting spray: Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Setting Spray, £29, Cult Beauty
Investing in one of the best setting sprays is a guaranteed way to make sure that your makeup not only lasts longer, but also looks just as good as it did upon application. And the best part is, if you pair it with a solid setting powder, you can be 100% sure that your makeup won’t slip or move throughout the day (or night).
Luckily, the market is full of setting sprays to fit every budget, need and preference. From those that are infused with top-notch skincare ingredients to mists with a matte, dewy or shimmery finish and SPF protection, you will definitely find one that ticks all the boxes for you. Depending on the formula you choose, you can opt for a setting spray that can give you that extra hydration boost with the help of hyaluronic acid, or pick one that visibly reduces pores for a soft blurred effect.
Which setting spray is best for you?
There’s a whole sea of formulas out there. And we’ve tried and tested them all. To figure out which one should you choose, make sure to consider both your preferred finish (matte or dewy) as well as your skin type (are you team oily, dry or combination?).
Of course, no round-up of makeup setters would be complete without a mention of the iconic Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. It is a hero in the beauty community and basically bulletproof (but maybe don’t test that), deserving of every rave review it gets. It’s the ultimate makeup wingman (just read our Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray review if you don’t believe us). Best part? There’s a version of it for an ultra matte finish, extra glow and even one that’s infused with vitamin C.
Elsewhere, we’re quite the fans of Nimya’s Set It And Forget It fix setting spray, which not only smells divine and gives your skin a lovely shimmer, but it’s also is powered by VP, which provides an effective layer over makeup for long-lasting wear. Or how about YSL’s Nu Glow Mist, which helps to keep makeup in place while enhancing a natural-looking, lit-from-within glow?
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product and more. For more from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.