We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
The 10 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays We Tested for Long-Lasting Makeup
From dewy to matte, these setting sprays helped our makeup last all day and night.
Byrdie
TL;DR
The Neutrogena Radiant Makeup Setting Spray is our top pick, thanks to its ease of use and solid performance. The fine and lightweight mist dries down to a natural finish. It also helps blend makeup products easily. Our runner-up is the Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray. It costs only $8 and provides long-lasting coverage with a stunning, dewy glow.
Whether you’re doing your makeup yourself or getting it done by a professional, there’s one thing we all wish—to keep our makeup set in place for as long as possible. The good news? There’s this magical beauty product called setting spray, and experts swear by it to keep makeup locked in place all day. “Setting spray is applied after makeup or in between layers of makeup to prolong the wear of the glam,” says celebrity makeup artist Gabriella Lascano. “They work by drying out the makeup slightly and locking it in place by creating a protective veil over the makeup. It’s perfect for girlies to use daily, especially if they have oily skin, sweat a lot, or have long days at work,” she explains.
While setting sprays typically prevent transferring, some have additional benefits, such as pore-minimizing and moisture-boosting effects. There are also a plethora of finishes, ranging from dewy to matte to satin and natural. We tested 23 setting sprays in our daily lives, spending over 200 hours working to find the best options for various skin types and concerns, including dry, acne-prone, and combination skin. We also consulted makeup artists on their usage of setting sprays to answer the most common questions about the product. Here, find the best drugstore setting sprays that performed above and beyond.
Top Picks
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray at Amazon$18$15
Jump to Review
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray at Amazon$8$7
Jump to Review
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
Jump to Review
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray at Target$10
Jump to Review
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray at Amazon$11
Jump to Review
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray at Amazon$10$8
Jump to Review
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray at Ulta$22
Jump to Review
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
Jump to Review
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist at Amazon$10
Jump to Review
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray
-
Provides a radiant glow
-
It’s fast-absorbing
-
It may improve dry skin
-
It has a slight fragrance, which could irritate sensitive skin.
Size: 3.04 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray performed very well and had long-lasting staying power. It has a soft scent, akin to a spa, with a clean aroma. The nozzle has a fine mister, which allows for even layering, and it makes the skin feel smooth, allowing products like bronzer and highlighter to blend easily and have a natural look. Our tester didn’t need to reapply or touch up their makeup after six hours of wear. The formula is rich in antioxidants, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate to brighten skin and tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E with intense moisturizing properties. Both are good for anti-aging properties, and added peptides help boost collagen and skin repair.
Kelsey, tester with combination skin: “I used this setting spray for my bridal shower and noticed that my face looked as flawless from the beginning to the end. There was absolutely no streaking or separation of my existing makeup, and the product only elevated my makeup.”
Best Budget
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray
-
Gives a refreshing, dewy finish at an affordable price
-
Extends makeup wear
-
Adds shimmer to the skin
-
Testers reported that the nozzle sprayed heavy
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating spray is easy to apply and provides a refreshing, dewy finish. It rings up at just $8, making it the best affordable setting spray on this list. The spray sets the makeup well without leaving behind any residue or stickiness, but keep in mind that it does require time to dry down,and a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Ashley, tester with combination/normal skin: “I like the dewy finish it delivers, and you seriously can’t beat the price. It’s not a perfect dupe of my Urban Decay setting spray, but if someone were on a tight budget, I would say this is a decent alternative.”
Best Natural Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
-
Makes makeup look very natural
-
The formula is lightweight
-
Makes blending products easier
-
The nozzle may get stuck, causing inconsistent spraying/layering
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We’re huge fans of e.l.f. Cosmetics. They’re known for offering great quality makeup at affordable price points, so it’s no surprise their setting spray made the list. Our testers noted that the nozzle was a bit tricky to use as it locks up occasionally, but when it’s spritzed, the mist is fine and gives an even coat. Testers didn’t notice much of a fragrance, and the formula made it easier to blend products, giving off a natural finish. It did a great job at reducing oily spots and you can wear it for hours to help keep your makeup in place. It’s also formulated with cucumber fruit extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that hydrate the skin when topically applied.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “The finish was natural, and it melted my makeup together and helped it all look smoother. There was no separation or leftover dots that showed where the spray landed. While it was a natural finish, it also helped keep my oily spots from getting shiny.”
Best Long-Lasting
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray
-
It lasts for hours
-
It controls oil levels
-
It improves blendability
-
The formula is watery and takes a while to absorb
Size: 0.9 oz | Scent: | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has a heavy formula that can be a bit watery. However, it has great hydrating ingredients like castor oil, which can help with dry skin and leave it feeling moisturized. Formulated with goji berry, which has antioxidants, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It helped control oil levels and buildup and lasted for hours—our tester didn’t need to reapply. It creates a soft blur effect and a matte finish without drying out the skin.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “I loved how this melted my makeup together and made it look seamless all day with limited blotting. It also helped keep my skin mostly oil-free except in the areas where I’m always oily, like my T-zone and cheeks.”
Best for Dewy Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
-
Leaves skin hydrated and dewy
-
It’s comfortable on the skin
-
It dries down quickly
-
You need a few sprays to apply evenly, and it doesn’t last long
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The e.l.f. Cosmetics power grip primer has been a longtime fan favorite, so it’s no surprise that its setting spray counterpart would do just as well. It left an irresistible and refreshing glow on the skin, and for just $11, you can’t go wrong. When you first spray it onto the skin, you’ll feel a slight cooling sensation, and it doesn’t leave any stickiness, film, or tightness on the skin. However, it didn’t blend well with cream blush or powder foundation—the cream needed to be reapplied in just a few hours, and our testers noted that it caused small clumps in powders.
Candice, tester with combination skin: “This setting spray absorbs almost instantaneously after application, although I did wait for it to dry down a little bit. I think the ultrafine mist really helped with this. It also does not create any sort of noticeable film on the skin even on the first spritz.”
Best Quick-Drying
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
-
It dries down quickly
-
It has long staying power
-
It’s easy to apply
-
It provides a matte finish that’s nondrying
-
The formula is a bit oily
Size: 3.4 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray provides the most natural glow and absorbs almost instantly into the skin. With no leftover shine or greasy feel, our tester said that it’s the most comfortable setting spray, especially for a matte pick. And since, it’s matte it’s one of the best drugstore setting sprays for oily skin. It’s extremely lightweight, and after an eight-hour work day and an evening out, our tester said her makeup remained in place without any fading or smudging.
Jessica, tester with combination skin: “It absorbed quickly, but it left some oil behind, so I just applied a light powder, and I was good to go. I didn’t notice a film on my skin, just a slight shine. I feel like 80% of the product was absorbed into my skin. My skin looked very natural after the application.”
Best With Niacinamide
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray
-
Niacinamide in the formula may help improve dark spots and uneven skin tone
-
A little goes a long way
-
The formula is moisturizing
-
The product takes a while to absorb
Size: 2.03 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has the best formula: a little goes a long way, and it’s packed with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, a humectant that helps keep your skin hydrated and helps heal damaged skin by attracting moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (top layer of skin). The formula’s most notable ingredient is niacinamide, which works to even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Despite how ingredient-heavy it is, the spray felt lightweight and gave an even layer with just a few spritzes. It has a natural finish, so it is not too dewy or shiny, and it feels refreshing on the skin.
Wendy, tester with combination skin: “I love when beauty products are multiuse, and this one is. In addition to setting my makeup, the formula is moisturizing since it’s made with glycerin and niacinamide. What I like most about this product is how natural it looks!”
Best Mattifying
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
-
Has a matte finish that works great on oily skin
-
It’s fast-absorbing
-
Products such as bronzer lasted longer
-
Doesn’t dry out the skin
-
It has a slight alcohol scent
Size: 2.02 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you need a quick refresh, this setting spray from NYX Professional Makeup will become your new go-to. It takes about 30 seconds to absorb, and the result is a blurred and soft matte finish. which makes it one of the best setting sprays for oily skin. The fine mist also creates a smoothing effect on the makeup, which lasts for hours without any film or greasy residue. Our tester applied this spray over her makeup and didn’t need to reapply for 10 whole hours, nor did her makeup transfer—we call that a winner in our book!
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “The NYX Matte Finish Long-Lasting Makeup spray gives a matte finish and leaves my skin with a subtle glow hours after applying. This smooth setting spray gave me the finishing touch to my makeup routine without causing any separation.”
Best Hydrating
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist
-
Makeup still looked natural while skin was hydrated
-
Required little to no touch-ups
-
There was zero pilling
-
It’s best for dry skin
Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Natural/essential oils | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re looking for hydration, this setting spray is the one. Our tester wore this on her skin for hours and reported no pilling or separation with her makeup. The mist is formulated with skin-loving ingredients, including vegan collagen, which helps regenerate skin cells and improve skin elasticity, and vitamin C, which improves brightness.
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “This spray gives more of a dewy and natural finish on my skin, which I loved because that is how I want my skin to look anytime I’m wearing makeup. The nice thing is that there was zero pilling with my makeup or any kind of separation. It wasn’t noticeable and didn’t interfere with my makeup one bit.”
Best Glowy
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
-
Gives a filter IRL glow
-
It’s fragrance-free
-
It’s transfer-proof
-
It sits on top of the skin
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Floral | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
You can unlock your skin’s best glow with this setting spray from Pixi. Providing blurred skin and giving Instagram filter in real-life vibes, the formula is lightweight and has a fine and even spray. It does tend to sit on top of the skin and isn’t the fastest absorbing, which is something to keep in mind. It was fragrance-free and was worn for six hours without any smudging or transferring.
Saleam, tester with combination skin: “My makeup looked glowy but not overly dewy, giving me more of a ‘lit-from-within’ appearance, which I really liked. It added a subtle top layer that almost felt like a real-life filter, which I didn’t expect but ended up really liking.”
What to Look for in Drugstore Setting Sprays
- Skin Type: “If you have oily skin, you would want a setting spray with mattifying properties to reduce shine,” says professional makeup artist and ambassador for Black Radiance, Tamara Boyd. “If you have dry skin, you should choose something with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to prevent makeup from looking cakey. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a setting spray that says hypoallergenic or fragrance-free to avoid irritation.” And if you have acne-prone skin, celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher recommends avoiding comedogenic ingredients such as silicones.
- Ingredients: “Ingredients that are important to look for in setting sprays include glycerin to moisturize and protect, alcohol denat to dry out the skin and create a matte veil, and caprylyl glycol, which is a humectant, which means it helps hydrate the skin,” says Lascano.
- Staying Power: Staying power for setting sprays can vary based on climate and skin type. “You’ll get maybe 30-40% more wear in a typical climate if you have oily skin, and if you are someone who has dry skin, you’ll still see an improvement in the wear of your product,” says Alexis Androulakis, a member of the TikTok duo The Lipstick Lesbians. “But it is important to say that it’s more beneficial for warmer climates and oily skin.”
How We Tested Drugstore Setting Sprays
We believe in using the products we recommend, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings.
- Drugstore Setting Sprays Tested: 23
- Testing Period: 288 hours of testing in total
- Methodology: We tested various setting sprays over the course of a month. Testers recorded their results based on performance, feel, finish, and absorption. Testers wore the sprays in different settings (weddings, work, occasional nights out) and recorded their experience throughout the day. Results were based on the staying power, oil buildup, and blendability.
- Factors Considered: Performance, feel, finish, absorption
Meet Our Experts
To learn more about drugstore setting sprays and the features to consider, we interviewed the following experts:
- Gabriella Lascano is a celebrity makeup artist and content creator. Lascano has practiced makeup since the age of 12 and has performed makeup services on numerous celebrity clients.
- Alexis Androulakis is a member of the duo, The Lipstick Lesbians. Androulakis worked in the beauty industry for 20+ years as a makeup artist and worked in corporate beauty as an innovation lead.
- Tamara Boyd is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles with over a decade of experience in the industry. Boyd specializes in bridal, special events, and photoshoot makeup and has worked on a number of celebrity clients.
- Natalie Dresher is a celebrity hair and makeup artist based in Miami. Drescher has over eight years of experience in the beauty industry and specializes in bridal makeup.
Why Trust Byrdie
Náosha Gregg discovered her love for beauty during the pandemic. It started with lipstick, then blush, then foundation, and now she is a full-fledged makeup lover. When evaluating beauty products, she looks for four things: quality, texture, performance, and price. As someone with oily skin, she prefers a matte setting spray, though she has found some dewy and hydrating ones to give her the perfect glow.
She has tested dozens of setting sprays and paired them with various foundations—liquid, powder, and creme—considering performance, feel, finish, and absorption. She also looked at ingredients, especially since she has sensitive skin.
Shauna Beni-Haynes
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We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
The 10 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays We Tested for Long-Lasting Makeup
From dewy to matte, these setting sprays helped our makeup last all day and night.
Byrdie
TL;DR
The Neutrogena Radiant Makeup Setting Spray is our top pick, thanks to its ease of use and solid performance. The fine and lightweight mist dries down to a natural finish. It also helps blend makeup products easily. Our runner-up is the Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray. It costs only $8 and provides long-lasting coverage with a stunning, dewy glow.
Whether you’re doing your makeup yourself or getting it done by a professional, there’s one thing we all wish—to keep our makeup set in place for as long as possible. The good news? There’s this magical beauty product called setting spray, and experts swear by it to keep makeup locked in place all day. “Setting spray is applied after makeup or in between layers of makeup to prolong the wear of the glam,” says celebrity makeup artist Gabriella Lascano. “They work by drying out the makeup slightly and locking it in place by creating a protective veil over the makeup. It’s perfect for girlies to use daily, especially if they have oily skin, sweat a lot, or have long days at work,” she explains.
While setting sprays typically prevent transferring, some have additional benefits, such as pore-minimizing and moisture-boosting effects. There are also a plethora of finishes, ranging from dewy to matte to satin and natural. We tested 23 setting sprays in our daily lives, spending over 200 hours working to find the best options for various skin types and concerns, including dry, acne-prone, and combination skin. We also consulted makeup artists on their usage of setting sprays to answer the most common questions about the product. Here, find the best drugstore setting sprays that performed above and beyond.
Top Picks
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray at Amazon$18$15
Jump to Review
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray at Amazon$8$7
Jump to Review
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
Jump to Review
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray at Target$10
Jump to Review
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray at Amazon$11
Jump to Review
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray at Amazon$10$8
Jump to Review
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray at Ulta$22
Jump to Review
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
Jump to Review
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist at Amazon$10
Jump to Review
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray
-
Provides a radiant glow
-
It’s fast-absorbing
-
It may improve dry skin
-
It has a slight fragrance, which could irritate sensitive skin.
Size: 3.04 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray performed very well and had long-lasting staying power. It has a soft scent, akin to a spa, with a clean aroma. The nozzle has a fine mister, which allows for even layering, and it makes the skin feel smooth, allowing products like bronzer and highlighter to blend easily and have a natural look. Our tester didn’t need to reapply or touch up their makeup after six hours of wear. The formula is rich in antioxidants, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate to brighten skin and tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E with intense moisturizing properties. Both are good for anti-aging properties, and added peptides help boost collagen and skin repair.
Kelsey, tester with combination skin: “I used this setting spray for my bridal shower and noticed that my face looked as flawless from the beginning to the end. There was absolutely no streaking or separation of my existing makeup, and the product only elevated my makeup.”
Best Budget
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray
-
Gives a refreshing, dewy finish at an affordable price
-
Extends makeup wear
-
Adds shimmer to the skin
-
Testers reported that the nozzle sprayed heavy
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating spray is easy to apply and provides a refreshing, dewy finish. It rings up at just $8, making it the best affordable setting spray on this list. The spray sets the makeup well without leaving behind any residue or stickiness, but keep in mind that it does require time to dry down,and a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Ashley, tester with combination/normal skin: “I like the dewy finish it delivers, and you seriously can’t beat the price. It’s not a perfect dupe of my Urban Decay setting spray, but if someone were on a tight budget, I would say this is a decent alternative.”
Best Natural Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
-
Makes makeup look very natural
-
The formula is lightweight
-
Makes blending products easier
-
The nozzle may get stuck, causing inconsistent spraying/layering
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We’re huge fans of e.l.f. Cosmetics. They’re known for offering great quality makeup at affordable price points, so it’s no surprise their setting spray made the list. Our testers noted that the nozzle was a bit tricky to use as it locks up occasionally, but when it’s spritzed, the mist is fine and gives an even coat. Testers didn’t notice much of a fragrance, and the formula made it easier to blend products, giving off a natural finish. It did a great job at reducing oily spots and you can wear it for hours to help keep your makeup in place. It’s also formulated with cucumber fruit extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that hydrate the skin when topically applied.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “The finish was natural, and it melted my makeup together and helped it all look smoother. There was no separation or leftover dots that showed where the spray landed. While it was a natural finish, it also helped keep my oily spots from getting shiny.”
Best Long-Lasting
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray
-
It lasts for hours
-
It controls oil levels
-
It improves blendability
-
The formula is watery and takes a while to absorb
Size: 0.9 oz | Scent: | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has a heavy formula that can be a bit watery. However, it has great hydrating ingredients like castor oil, which can help with dry skin and leave it feeling moisturized. Formulated with goji berry, which has antioxidants, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It helped control oil levels and buildup and lasted for hours—our tester didn’t need to reapply. It creates a soft blur effect and a matte finish without drying out the skin.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “I loved how this melted my makeup together and made it look seamless all day with limited blotting. It also helped keep my skin mostly oil-free except in the areas where I’m always oily, like my T-zone and cheeks.”
Best for Dewy Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
-
Leaves skin hydrated and dewy
-
It’s comfortable on the skin
-
It dries down quickly
-
You need a few sprays to apply evenly, and it doesn’t last long
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The e.l.f. Cosmetics power grip primer has been a longtime fan favorite, so it’s no surprise that its setting spray counterpart would do just as well. It left an irresistible and refreshing glow on the skin, and for just $11, you can’t go wrong. When you first spray it onto the skin, you’ll feel a slight cooling sensation, and it doesn’t leave any stickiness, film, or tightness on the skin. However, it didn’t blend well with cream blush or powder foundation—the cream needed to be reapplied in just a few hours, and our testers noted that it caused small clumps in powders.
Candice, tester with combination skin: “This setting spray absorbs almost instantaneously after application, although I did wait for it to dry down a little bit. I think the ultrafine mist really helped with this. It also does not create any sort of noticeable film on the skin even on the first spritz.”
Best Quick-Drying
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
-
It dries down quickly
-
It has long staying power
-
It’s easy to apply
-
It provides a matte finish that’s nondrying
-
The formula is a bit oily
Size: 3.4 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray provides the most natural glow and absorbs almost instantly into the skin. With no leftover shine or greasy feel, our tester said that it’s the most comfortable setting spray, especially for a matte pick. And since, it’s matte it’s one of the best drugstore setting sprays for oily skin. It’s extremely lightweight, and after an eight-hour work day and an evening out, our tester said her makeup remained in place without any fading or smudging.
Jessica, tester with combination skin: “It absorbed quickly, but it left some oil behind, so I just applied a light powder, and I was good to go. I didn’t notice a film on my skin, just a slight shine. I feel like 80% of the product was absorbed into my skin. My skin looked very natural after the application.”
Best With Niacinamide
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray
-
Niacinamide in the formula may help improve dark spots and uneven skin tone
-
A little goes a long way
-
The formula is moisturizing
-
The product takes a while to absorb
Size: 2.03 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has the best formula: a little goes a long way, and it’s packed with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, a humectant that helps keep your skin hydrated and helps heal damaged skin by attracting moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (top layer of skin). The formula’s most notable ingredient is niacinamide, which works to even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Despite how ingredient-heavy it is, the spray felt lightweight and gave an even layer with just a few spritzes. It has a natural finish, so it is not too dewy or shiny, and it feels refreshing on the skin.
Wendy, tester with combination skin: “I love when beauty products are multiuse, and this one is. In addition to setting my makeup, the formula is moisturizing since it’s made with glycerin and niacinamide. What I like most about this product is how natural it looks!”
Best Mattifying
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
-
Has a matte finish that works great on oily skin
-
It’s fast-absorbing
-
Products such as bronzer lasted longer
-
Doesn’t dry out the skin
-
It has a slight alcohol scent
Size: 2.02 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you need a quick refresh, this setting spray from NYX Professional Makeup will become your new go-to. It takes about 30 seconds to absorb, and the result is a blurred and soft matte finish. which makes it one of the best setting sprays for oily skin. The fine mist also creates a smoothing effect on the makeup, which lasts for hours without any film or greasy residue. Our tester applied this spray over her makeup and didn’t need to reapply for 10 whole hours, nor did her makeup transfer—we call that a winner in our book!
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “The NYX Matte Finish Long-Lasting Makeup spray gives a matte finish and leaves my skin with a subtle glow hours after applying. This smooth setting spray gave me the finishing touch to my makeup routine without causing any separation.”
Best Hydrating
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist
-
Makeup still looked natural while skin was hydrated
-
Required little to no touch-ups
-
There was zero pilling
-
It’s best for dry skin
Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Natural/essential oils | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re looking for hydration, this setting spray is the one. Our tester wore this on her skin for hours and reported no pilling or separation with her makeup. The mist is formulated with skin-loving ingredients, including vegan collagen, which helps regenerate skin cells and improve skin elasticity, and vitamin C, which improves brightness.
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “This spray gives more of a dewy and natural finish on my skin, which I loved because that is how I want my skin to look anytime I’m wearing makeup. The nice thing is that there was zero pilling with my makeup or any kind of separation. It wasn’t noticeable and didn’t interfere with my makeup one bit.”
Best Glowy
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
-
Gives a filter IRL glow
-
It’s fragrance-free
-
It’s transfer-proof
-
It sits on top of the skin
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Floral | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
You can unlock your skin’s best glow with this setting spray from Pixi. Providing blurred skin and giving Instagram filter in real-life vibes, the formula is lightweight and has a fine and even spray. It does tend to sit on top of the skin and isn’t the fastest absorbing, which is something to keep in mind. It was fragrance-free and was worn for six hours without any smudging or transferring.
Saleam, tester with combination skin: “My makeup looked glowy but not overly dewy, giving me more of a ‘lit-from-within’ appearance, which I really liked. It added a subtle top layer that almost felt like a real-life filter, which I didn’t expect but ended up really liking.”
What to Look for in Drugstore Setting Sprays
- Skin Type: “If you have oily skin, you would want a setting spray with mattifying properties to reduce shine,” says professional makeup artist and ambassador for Black Radiance, Tamara Boyd. “If you have dry skin, you should choose something with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to prevent makeup from looking cakey. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a setting spray that says hypoallergenic or fragrance-free to avoid irritation.” And if you have acne-prone skin, celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher recommends avoiding comedogenic ingredients such as silicones.
- Ingredients: “Ingredients that are important to look for in setting sprays include glycerin to moisturize and protect, alcohol denat to dry out the skin and create a matte veil, and caprylyl glycol, which is a humectant, which means it helps hydrate the skin,” says Lascano.
- Staying Power: Staying power for setting sprays can vary based on climate and skin type. “You’ll get maybe 30-40% more wear in a typical climate if you have oily skin, and if you are someone who has dry skin, you’ll still see an improvement in the wear of your product,” says Alexis Androulakis, a member of the TikTok duo The Lipstick Lesbians. “But it is important to say that it’s more beneficial for warmer climates and oily skin.”
How We Tested Drugstore Setting Sprays
We believe in using the products we recommend, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings.
- Drugstore Setting Sprays Tested: 23
- Testing Period: 288 hours of testing in total
- Methodology: We tested various setting sprays over the course of a month. Testers recorded their results based on performance, feel, finish, and absorption. Testers wore the sprays in different settings (weddings, work, occasional nights out) and recorded their experience throughout the day. Results were based on the staying power, oil buildup, and blendability.
- Factors Considered: Performance, feel, finish, absorption
Meet Our Experts
To learn more about drugstore setting sprays and the features to consider, we interviewed the following experts:
- Gabriella Lascano is a celebrity makeup artist and content creator. Lascano has practiced makeup since the age of 12 and has performed makeup services on numerous celebrity clients.
- Alexis Androulakis is a member of the duo, The Lipstick Lesbians. Androulakis worked in the beauty industry for 20+ years as a makeup artist and worked in corporate beauty as an innovation lead.
- Tamara Boyd is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles with over a decade of experience in the industry. Boyd specializes in bridal, special events, and photoshoot makeup and has worked on a number of celebrity clients.
- Natalie Dresher is a celebrity hair and makeup artist based in Miami. Drescher has over eight years of experience in the beauty industry and specializes in bridal makeup.
Why Trust Byrdie
Náosha Gregg discovered her love for beauty during the pandemic. It started with lipstick, then blush, then foundation, and now she is a full-fledged makeup lover. When evaluating beauty products, she looks for four things: quality, texture, performance, and price. As someone with oily skin, she prefers a matte setting spray, though she has found some dewy and hydrating ones to give her the perfect glow.
She has tested dozens of setting sprays and paired them with various foundations—liquid, powder, and creme—considering performance, feel, finish, and absorption. She also looked at ingredients, especially since she has sensitive skin.
Shauna Beni-Haynes
Byrdie
TL;DR
The Neutrogena Radiant Makeup Setting Spray is our top pick, thanks to its ease of use and solid performance. The fine and lightweight mist dries down to a natural finish. It also helps blend makeup products easily. Our runner-up is the Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray. It costs only $8 and provides long-lasting coverage with a stunning, dewy glow.
Whether you’re doing your makeup yourself or getting it done by a professional, there’s one thing we all wish—to keep our makeup set in place for as long as possible. The good news? There’s this magical beauty product called setting spray, and experts swear by it to keep makeup locked in place all day. “Setting spray is applied after makeup or in between layers of makeup to prolong the wear of the glam,” says celebrity makeup artist Gabriella Lascano. “They work by drying out the makeup slightly and locking it in place by creating a protective veil over the makeup. It’s perfect for girlies to use daily, especially if they have oily skin, sweat a lot, or have long days at work,” she explains.
While setting sprays typically prevent transferring, some have additional benefits, such as pore-minimizing and moisture-boosting effects. There are also a plethora of finishes, ranging from dewy to matte to satin and natural. We tested 23 setting sprays in our daily lives, spending over 200 hours working to find the best options for various skin types and concerns, including dry, acne-prone, and combination skin. We also consulted makeup artists on their usage of setting sprays to answer the most common questions about the product. Here, find the best drugstore setting sprays that performed above and beyond.
Top Picks
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray at Amazon$18$15
Jump to Review
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray at Amazon$8$7
Jump to Review
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
Jump to Review
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray at Target$10
Jump to Review
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray at Amazon$11
Jump to Review
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray at Amazon$10$8
Jump to Review
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray at Ulta$22
Jump to Review
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
Jump to Review
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist at Amazon$10
Jump to Review
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray
-
Provides a radiant glow
-
It’s fast-absorbing
-
It may improve dry skin
-
It has a slight fragrance, which could irritate sensitive skin.
Size: 3.04 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray performed very well and had long-lasting staying power. It has a soft scent, akin to a spa, with a clean aroma. The nozzle has a fine mister, which allows for even layering, and it makes the skin feel smooth, allowing products like bronzer and highlighter to blend easily and have a natural look. Our tester didn’t need to reapply or touch up their makeup after six hours of wear. The formula is rich in antioxidants, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate to brighten skin and tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E with intense moisturizing properties. Both are good for anti-aging properties, and added peptides help boost collagen and skin repair.
Kelsey, tester with combination skin: “I used this setting spray for my bridal shower and noticed that my face looked as flawless from the beginning to the end. There was absolutely no streaking or separation of my existing makeup, and the product only elevated my makeup.”
Best Budget
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray
-
Gives a refreshing, dewy finish at an affordable price
-
Extends makeup wear
-
Adds shimmer to the skin
-
Testers reported that the nozzle sprayed heavy
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating spray is easy to apply and provides a refreshing, dewy finish. It rings up at just $8, making it the best affordable setting spray on this list. The spray sets the makeup well without leaving behind any residue or stickiness, but keep in mind that it does require time to dry down,and a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Ashley, tester with combination/normal skin: “I like the dewy finish it delivers, and you seriously can’t beat the price. It’s not a perfect dupe of my Urban Decay setting spray, but if someone were on a tight budget, I would say this is a decent alternative.”
Best Natural Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
-
Makes makeup look very natural
-
The formula is lightweight
-
Makes blending products easier
-
The nozzle may get stuck, causing inconsistent spraying/layering
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We’re huge fans of e.l.f. Cosmetics. They’re known for offering great quality makeup at affordable price points, so it’s no surprise their setting spray made the list. Our testers noted that the nozzle was a bit tricky to use as it locks up occasionally, but when it’s spritzed, the mist is fine and gives an even coat. Testers didn’t notice much of a fragrance, and the formula made it easier to blend products, giving off a natural finish. It did a great job at reducing oily spots and you can wear it for hours to help keep your makeup in place. It’s also formulated with cucumber fruit extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that hydrate the skin when topically applied.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “The finish was natural, and it melted my makeup together and helped it all look smoother. There was no separation or leftover dots that showed where the spray landed. While it was a natural finish, it also helped keep my oily spots from getting shiny.”
Best Long-Lasting
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray
-
It lasts for hours
-
It controls oil levels
-
It improves blendability
-
The formula is watery and takes a while to absorb
Size: 0.9 oz | Scent: | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has a heavy formula that can be a bit watery. However, it has great hydrating ingredients like castor oil, which can help with dry skin and leave it feeling moisturized. Formulated with goji berry, which has antioxidants, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It helped control oil levels and buildup and lasted for hours—our tester didn’t need to reapply. It creates a soft blur effect and a matte finish without drying out the skin.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “I loved how this melted my makeup together and made it look seamless all day with limited blotting. It also helped keep my skin mostly oil-free except in the areas where I’m always oily, like my T-zone and cheeks.”
Best for Dewy Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
-
Leaves skin hydrated and dewy
-
It’s comfortable on the skin
-
It dries down quickly
-
You need a few sprays to apply evenly, and it doesn’t last long
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The e.l.f. Cosmetics power grip primer has been a longtime fan favorite, so it’s no surprise that its setting spray counterpart would do just as well. It left an irresistible and refreshing glow on the skin, and for just $11, you can’t go wrong. When you first spray it onto the skin, you’ll feel a slight cooling sensation, and it doesn’t leave any stickiness, film, or tightness on the skin. However, it didn’t blend well with cream blush or powder foundation—the cream needed to be reapplied in just a few hours, and our testers noted that it caused small clumps in powders.
Candice, tester with combination skin: “This setting spray absorbs almost instantaneously after application, although I did wait for it to dry down a little bit. I think the ultrafine mist really helped with this. It also does not create any sort of noticeable film on the skin even on the first spritz.”
Best Quick-Drying
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
-
It dries down quickly
-
It has long staying power
-
It’s easy to apply
-
It provides a matte finish that’s nondrying
-
The formula is a bit oily
Size: 3.4 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray provides the most natural glow and absorbs almost instantly into the skin. With no leftover shine or greasy feel, our tester said that it’s the most comfortable setting spray, especially for a matte pick. And since, it’s matte it’s one of the best drugstore setting sprays for oily skin. It’s extremely lightweight, and after an eight-hour work day and an evening out, our tester said her makeup remained in place without any fading or smudging.
Jessica, tester with combination skin: “It absorbed quickly, but it left some oil behind, so I just applied a light powder, and I was good to go. I didn’t notice a film on my skin, just a slight shine. I feel like 80% of the product was absorbed into my skin. My skin looked very natural after the application.”
Best With Niacinamide
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray
-
Niacinamide in the formula may help improve dark spots and uneven skin tone
-
A little goes a long way
-
The formula is moisturizing
-
The product takes a while to absorb
Size: 2.03 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has the best formula: a little goes a long way, and it’s packed with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, a humectant that helps keep your skin hydrated and helps heal damaged skin by attracting moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (top layer of skin). The formula’s most notable ingredient is niacinamide, which works to even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Despite how ingredient-heavy it is, the spray felt lightweight and gave an even layer with just a few spritzes. It has a natural finish, so it is not too dewy or shiny, and it feels refreshing on the skin.
Wendy, tester with combination skin: “I love when beauty products are multiuse, and this one is. In addition to setting my makeup, the formula is moisturizing since it’s made with glycerin and niacinamide. What I like most about this product is how natural it looks!”
Best Mattifying
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
-
Has a matte finish that works great on oily skin
-
It’s fast-absorbing
-
Products such as bronzer lasted longer
-
Doesn’t dry out the skin
-
It has a slight alcohol scent
Size: 2.02 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you need a quick refresh, this setting spray from NYX Professional Makeup will become your new go-to. It takes about 30 seconds to absorb, and the result is a blurred and soft matte finish. which makes it one of the best setting sprays for oily skin. The fine mist also creates a smoothing effect on the makeup, which lasts for hours without any film or greasy residue. Our tester applied this spray over her makeup and didn’t need to reapply for 10 whole hours, nor did her makeup transfer—we call that a winner in our book!
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “The NYX Matte Finish Long-Lasting Makeup spray gives a matte finish and leaves my skin with a subtle glow hours after applying. This smooth setting spray gave me the finishing touch to my makeup routine without causing any separation.”
Best Hydrating
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist
-
Makeup still looked natural while skin was hydrated
-
Required little to no touch-ups
-
There was zero pilling
-
It’s best for dry skin
Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Natural/essential oils | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re looking for hydration, this setting spray is the one. Our tester wore this on her skin for hours and reported no pilling or separation with her makeup. The mist is formulated with skin-loving ingredients, including vegan collagen, which helps regenerate skin cells and improve skin elasticity, and vitamin C, which improves brightness.
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “This spray gives more of a dewy and natural finish on my skin, which I loved because that is how I want my skin to look anytime I’m wearing makeup. The nice thing is that there was zero pilling with my makeup or any kind of separation. It wasn’t noticeable and didn’t interfere with my makeup one bit.”
Best Glowy
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
-
Gives a filter IRL glow
-
It’s fragrance-free
-
It’s transfer-proof
-
It sits on top of the skin
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Floral | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
You can unlock your skin’s best glow with this setting spray from Pixi. Providing blurred skin and giving Instagram filter in real-life vibes, the formula is lightweight and has a fine and even spray. It does tend to sit on top of the skin and isn’t the fastest absorbing, which is something to keep in mind. It was fragrance-free and was worn for six hours without any smudging or transferring.
Saleam, tester with combination skin: “My makeup looked glowy but not overly dewy, giving me more of a ‘lit-from-within’ appearance, which I really liked. It added a subtle top layer that almost felt like a real-life filter, which I didn’t expect but ended up really liking.”
What to Look for in Drugstore Setting Sprays
- Skin Type: “If you have oily skin, you would want a setting spray with mattifying properties to reduce shine,” says professional makeup artist and ambassador for Black Radiance, Tamara Boyd. “If you have dry skin, you should choose something with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to prevent makeup from looking cakey. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a setting spray that says hypoallergenic or fragrance-free to avoid irritation.” And if you have acne-prone skin, celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher recommends avoiding comedogenic ingredients such as silicones.
- Ingredients: “Ingredients that are important to look for in setting sprays include glycerin to moisturize and protect, alcohol denat to dry out the skin and create a matte veil, and caprylyl glycol, which is a humectant, which means it helps hydrate the skin,” says Lascano.
- Staying Power: Staying power for setting sprays can vary based on climate and skin type. “You’ll get maybe 30-40% more wear in a typical climate if you have oily skin, and if you are someone who has dry skin, you’ll still see an improvement in the wear of your product,” says Alexis Androulakis, a member of the TikTok duo The Lipstick Lesbians. “But it is important to say that it’s more beneficial for warmer climates and oily skin.”
How We Tested Drugstore Setting Sprays
We believe in using the products we recommend, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings.
- Drugstore Setting Sprays Tested: 23
- Testing Period: 288 hours of testing in total
- Methodology: We tested various setting sprays over the course of a month. Testers recorded their results based on performance, feel, finish, and absorption. Testers wore the sprays in different settings (weddings, work, occasional nights out) and recorded their experience throughout the day. Results were based on the staying power, oil buildup, and blendability.
- Factors Considered: Performance, feel, finish, absorption
Meet Our Experts
To learn more about drugstore setting sprays and the features to consider, we interviewed the following experts:
- Gabriella Lascano is a celebrity makeup artist and content creator. Lascano has practiced makeup since the age of 12 and has performed makeup services on numerous celebrity clients.
- Alexis Androulakis is a member of the duo, The Lipstick Lesbians. Androulakis worked in the beauty industry for 20+ years as a makeup artist and worked in corporate beauty as an innovation lead.
- Tamara Boyd is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles with over a decade of experience in the industry. Boyd specializes in bridal, special events, and photoshoot makeup and has worked on a number of celebrity clients.
- Natalie Dresher is a celebrity hair and makeup artist based in Miami. Drescher has over eight years of experience in the beauty industry and specializes in bridal makeup.
Why Trust Byrdie
Náosha Gregg discovered her love for beauty during the pandemic. It started with lipstick, then blush, then foundation, and now she is a full-fledged makeup lover. When evaluating beauty products, she looks for four things: quality, texture, performance, and price. As someone with oily skin, she prefers a matte setting spray, though she has found some dewy and hydrating ones to give her the perfect glow.
She has tested dozens of setting sprays and paired them with various foundations—liquid, powder, and creme—considering performance, feel, finish, and absorption. She also looked at ingredients, especially since she has sensitive skin.
Shauna Beni-Haynes
TL;DR
The Neutrogena Radiant Makeup Setting Spray is our top pick, thanks to its ease of use and solid performance. The fine and lightweight mist dries down to a natural finish. It also helps blend makeup products easily. Our runner-up is the Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray. It costs only $8 and provides long-lasting coverage with a stunning, dewy glow.
Whether you’re doing your makeup yourself or getting it done by a professional, there’s one thing we all wish—to keep our makeup set in place for as long as possible. The good news? There’s this magical beauty product called setting spray, and experts swear by it to keep makeup locked in place all day. “Setting spray is applied after makeup or in between layers of makeup to prolong the wear of the glam,” says celebrity makeup artist Gabriella Lascano. “They work by drying out the makeup slightly and locking it in place by creating a protective veil over the makeup. It’s perfect for girlies to use daily, especially if they have oily skin, sweat a lot, or have long days at work,” she explains.
While setting sprays typically prevent transferring, some have additional benefits, such as pore-minimizing and moisture-boosting effects. There are also a plethora of finishes, ranging from dewy to matte to satin and natural. We tested 23 setting sprays in our daily lives, spending over 200 hours working to find the best options for various skin types and concerns, including dry, acne-prone, and combination skin. We also consulted makeup artists on their usage of setting sprays to answer the most common questions about the product. Here, find the best drugstore setting sprays that performed above and beyond.
Top Picks
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray at Amazon$18$15
Jump to Review
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray at Amazon$8$7
Jump to Review
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
Jump to Review
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray at Target$10
Jump to Review
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray at Amazon$11
Jump to Review
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray at Amazon$10$8
Jump to Review
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray at Ulta$22
Jump to Review
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
Jump to Review
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist at Amazon$10
Jump to Review
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray
-
Provides a radiant glow
-
It’s fast-absorbing
-
It may improve dry skin
-
It has a slight fragrance, which could irritate sensitive skin.
Size: 3.04 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray performed very well and had long-lasting staying power. It has a soft scent, akin to a spa, with a clean aroma. The nozzle has a fine mister, which allows for even layering, and it makes the skin feel smooth, allowing products like bronzer and highlighter to blend easily and have a natural look. Our tester didn’t need to reapply or touch up their makeup after six hours of wear. The formula is rich in antioxidants, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate to brighten skin and tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E with intense moisturizing properties. Both are good for anti-aging properties, and added peptides help boost collagen and skin repair.
Kelsey, tester with combination skin: “I used this setting spray for my bridal shower and noticed that my face looked as flawless from the beginning to the end. There was absolutely no streaking or separation of my existing makeup, and the product only elevated my makeup.”
Best Budget
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray
-
Gives a refreshing, dewy finish at an affordable price
-
Extends makeup wear
-
Adds shimmer to the skin
-
Testers reported that the nozzle sprayed heavy
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating spray is easy to apply and provides a refreshing, dewy finish. It rings up at just $8, making it the best affordable setting spray on this list. The spray sets the makeup well without leaving behind any residue or stickiness, but keep in mind that it does require time to dry down,and a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Ashley, tester with combination/normal skin: “I like the dewy finish it delivers, and you seriously can’t beat the price. It’s not a perfect dupe of my Urban Decay setting spray, but if someone were on a tight budget, I would say this is a decent alternative.”
Best Natural Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
-
Makes makeup look very natural
-
The formula is lightweight
-
Makes blending products easier
-
The nozzle may get stuck, causing inconsistent spraying/layering
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We’re huge fans of e.l.f. Cosmetics. They’re known for offering great quality makeup at affordable price points, so it’s no surprise their setting spray made the list. Our testers noted that the nozzle was a bit tricky to use as it locks up occasionally, but when it’s spritzed, the mist is fine and gives an even coat. Testers didn’t notice much of a fragrance, and the formula made it easier to blend products, giving off a natural finish. It did a great job at reducing oily spots and you can wear it for hours to help keep your makeup in place. It’s also formulated with cucumber fruit extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that hydrate the skin when topically applied.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “The finish was natural, and it melted my makeup together and helped it all look smoother. There was no separation or leftover dots that showed where the spray landed. While it was a natural finish, it also helped keep my oily spots from getting shiny.”
Best Long-Lasting
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray
-
It lasts for hours
-
It controls oil levels
-
It improves blendability
-
The formula is watery and takes a while to absorb
Size: 0.9 oz | Scent: | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has a heavy formula that can be a bit watery. However, it has great hydrating ingredients like castor oil, which can help with dry skin and leave it feeling moisturized. Formulated with goji berry, which has antioxidants, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It helped control oil levels and buildup and lasted for hours—our tester didn’t need to reapply. It creates a soft blur effect and a matte finish without drying out the skin.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “I loved how this melted my makeup together and made it look seamless all day with limited blotting. It also helped keep my skin mostly oil-free except in the areas where I’m always oily, like my T-zone and cheeks.”
Best for Dewy Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
-
Leaves skin hydrated and dewy
-
It’s comfortable on the skin
-
It dries down quickly
-
You need a few sprays to apply evenly, and it doesn’t last long
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The e.l.f. Cosmetics power grip primer has been a longtime fan favorite, so it’s no surprise that its setting spray counterpart would do just as well. It left an irresistible and refreshing glow on the skin, and for just $11, you can’t go wrong. When you first spray it onto the skin, you’ll feel a slight cooling sensation, and it doesn’t leave any stickiness, film, or tightness on the skin. However, it didn’t blend well with cream blush or powder foundation—the cream needed to be reapplied in just a few hours, and our testers noted that it caused small clumps in powders.
Candice, tester with combination skin: “This setting spray absorbs almost instantaneously after application, although I did wait for it to dry down a little bit. I think the ultrafine mist really helped with this. It also does not create any sort of noticeable film on the skin even on the first spritz.”
Best Quick-Drying
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
-
It dries down quickly
-
It has long staying power
-
It’s easy to apply
-
It provides a matte finish that’s nondrying
-
The formula is a bit oily
Size: 3.4 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray provides the most natural glow and absorbs almost instantly into the skin. With no leftover shine or greasy feel, our tester said that it’s the most comfortable setting spray, especially for a matte pick. And since, it’s matte it’s one of the best drugstore setting sprays for oily skin. It’s extremely lightweight, and after an eight-hour work day and an evening out, our tester said her makeup remained in place without any fading or smudging.
Jessica, tester with combination skin: “It absorbed quickly, but it left some oil behind, so I just applied a light powder, and I was good to go. I didn’t notice a film on my skin, just a slight shine. I feel like 80% of the product was absorbed into my skin. My skin looked very natural after the application.”
Best With Niacinamide
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray
-
Niacinamide in the formula may help improve dark spots and uneven skin tone
-
A little goes a long way
-
The formula is moisturizing
-
The product takes a while to absorb
Size: 2.03 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has the best formula: a little goes a long way, and it’s packed with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, a humectant that helps keep your skin hydrated and helps heal damaged skin by attracting moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (top layer of skin). The formula’s most notable ingredient is niacinamide, which works to even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Despite how ingredient-heavy it is, the spray felt lightweight and gave an even layer with just a few spritzes. It has a natural finish, so it is not too dewy or shiny, and it feels refreshing on the skin.
Wendy, tester with combination skin: “I love when beauty products are multiuse, and this one is. In addition to setting my makeup, the formula is moisturizing since it’s made with glycerin and niacinamide. What I like most about this product is how natural it looks!”
Best Mattifying
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
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Has a matte finish that works great on oily skin
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It’s fast-absorbing
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Products such as bronzer lasted longer
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Doesn’t dry out the skin
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It has a slight alcohol scent
Size: 2.02 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you need a quick refresh, this setting spray from NYX Professional Makeup will become your new go-to. It takes about 30 seconds to absorb, and the result is a blurred and soft matte finish. which makes it one of the best setting sprays for oily skin. The fine mist also creates a smoothing effect on the makeup, which lasts for hours without any film or greasy residue. Our tester applied this spray over her makeup and didn’t need to reapply for 10 whole hours, nor did her makeup transfer—we call that a winner in our book!
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “The NYX Matte Finish Long-Lasting Makeup spray gives a matte finish and leaves my skin with a subtle glow hours after applying. This smooth setting spray gave me the finishing touch to my makeup routine without causing any separation.”
Best Hydrating
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist
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Makeup still looked natural while skin was hydrated
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Required little to no touch-ups
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There was zero pilling
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It’s best for dry skin
Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Natural/essential oils | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re looking for hydration, this setting spray is the one. Our tester wore this on her skin for hours and reported no pilling or separation with her makeup. The mist is formulated with skin-loving ingredients, including vegan collagen, which helps regenerate skin cells and improve skin elasticity, and vitamin C, which improves brightness.
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “This spray gives more of a dewy and natural finish on my skin, which I loved because that is how I want my skin to look anytime I’m wearing makeup. The nice thing is that there was zero pilling with my makeup or any kind of separation. It wasn’t noticeable and didn’t interfere with my makeup one bit.”
Best Glowy
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
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Gives a filter IRL glow
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It’s fragrance-free
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It’s transfer-proof
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It sits on top of the skin
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Floral | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
You can unlock your skin’s best glow with this setting spray from Pixi. Providing blurred skin and giving Instagram filter in real-life vibes, the formula is lightweight and has a fine and even spray. It does tend to sit on top of the skin and isn’t the fastest absorbing, which is something to keep in mind. It was fragrance-free and was worn for six hours without any smudging or transferring.
Saleam, tester with combination skin: “My makeup looked glowy but not overly dewy, giving me more of a ‘lit-from-within’ appearance, which I really liked. It added a subtle top layer that almost felt like a real-life filter, which I didn’t expect but ended up really liking.”
What to Look for in Drugstore Setting Sprays
- Skin Type: “If you have oily skin, you would want a setting spray with mattifying properties to reduce shine,” says professional makeup artist and ambassador for Black Radiance, Tamara Boyd. “If you have dry skin, you should choose something with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to prevent makeup from looking cakey. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a setting spray that says hypoallergenic or fragrance-free to avoid irritation.” And if you have acne-prone skin, celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher recommends avoiding comedogenic ingredients such as silicones.
- Ingredients: “Ingredients that are important to look for in setting sprays include glycerin to moisturize and protect, alcohol denat to dry out the skin and create a matte veil, and caprylyl glycol, which is a humectant, which means it helps hydrate the skin,” says Lascano.
- Staying Power: Staying power for setting sprays can vary based on climate and skin type. “You’ll get maybe 30-40% more wear in a typical climate if you have oily skin, and if you are someone who has dry skin, you’ll still see an improvement in the wear of your product,” says Alexis Androulakis, a member of the TikTok duo The Lipstick Lesbians. “But it is important to say that it’s more beneficial for warmer climates and oily skin.”
How We Tested Drugstore Setting Sprays
We believe in using the products we recommend, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings.
- Drugstore Setting Sprays Tested: 23
- Testing Period: 288 hours of testing in total
- Methodology: We tested various setting sprays over the course of a month. Testers recorded their results based on performance, feel, finish, and absorption. Testers wore the sprays in different settings (weddings, work, occasional nights out) and recorded their experience throughout the day. Results were based on the staying power, oil buildup, and blendability.
- Factors Considered: Performance, feel, finish, absorption
Meet Our Experts
To learn more about drugstore setting sprays and the features to consider, we interviewed the following experts:
- Gabriella Lascano is a celebrity makeup artist and content creator. Lascano has practiced makeup since the age of 12 and has performed makeup services on numerous celebrity clients.
- Alexis Androulakis is a member of the duo, The Lipstick Lesbians. Androulakis worked in the beauty industry for 20+ years as a makeup artist and worked in corporate beauty as an innovation lead.
- Tamara Boyd is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles with over a decade of experience in the industry. Boyd specializes in bridal, special events, and photoshoot makeup and has worked on a number of celebrity clients.
- Natalie Dresher is a celebrity hair and makeup artist based in Miami. Drescher has over eight years of experience in the beauty industry and specializes in bridal makeup.
Why Trust Byrdie
Náosha Gregg discovered her love for beauty during the pandemic. It started with lipstick, then blush, then foundation, and now she is a full-fledged makeup lover. When evaluating beauty products, she looks for four things: quality, texture, performance, and price. As someone with oily skin, she prefers a matte setting spray, though she has found some dewy and hydrating ones to give her the perfect glow.
She has tested dozens of setting sprays and paired them with various foundations—liquid, powder, and creme—considering performance, feel, finish, and absorption. She also looked at ingredients, especially since she has sensitive skin.
Shauna Beni-Haynes
Best Overall
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray
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Provides a radiant glow
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It’s fast-absorbing
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It may improve dry skin
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It has a slight fragrance, which could irritate sensitive skin.
Size: 3.04 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray performed very well and had long-lasting staying power. It has a soft scent, akin to a spa, with a clean aroma. The nozzle has a fine mister, which allows for even layering, and it makes the skin feel smooth, allowing products like bronzer and highlighter to blend easily and have a natural look. Our tester didn’t need to reapply or touch up their makeup after six hours of wear. The formula is rich in antioxidants, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate to brighten skin and tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E with intense moisturizing properties. Both are good for anti-aging properties, and added peptides help boost collagen and skin repair.
Kelsey, tester with combination skin: “I used this setting spray for my bridal shower and noticed that my face looked as flawless from the beginning to the end. There was absolutely no streaking or separation of my existing makeup, and the product only elevated my makeup.”
Best Budget
Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray
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Gives a refreshing, dewy finish at an affordable price
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Extends makeup wear
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Adds shimmer to the skin
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Testers reported that the nozzle sprayed heavy
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating spray is easy to apply and provides a refreshing, dewy finish. It rings up at just $8, making it the best affordable setting spray on this list. The spray sets the makeup well without leaving behind any residue or stickiness, but keep in mind that it does require time to dry down,and a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Ashley, tester with combination/normal skin: “I like the dewy finish it delivers, and you seriously can’t beat the price. It’s not a perfect dupe of my Urban Decay setting spray, but if someone were on a tight budget, I would say this is a decent alternative.”
Best Natural Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
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Makes makeup look very natural
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The formula is lightweight
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Makes blending products easier
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The nozzle may get stuck, causing inconsistent spraying/layering
Size: 1.69 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We’re huge fans of e.l.f. Cosmetics. They’re known for offering great quality makeup at affordable price points, so it’s no surprise their setting spray made the list. Our testers noted that the nozzle was a bit tricky to use as it locks up occasionally, but when it’s spritzed, the mist is fine and gives an even coat. Testers didn’t notice much of a fragrance, and the formula made it easier to blend products, giving off a natural finish. It did a great job at reducing oily spots and you can wear it for hours to help keep your makeup in place. It’s also formulated with cucumber fruit extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that hydrate the skin when topically applied.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “The finish was natural, and it melted my makeup together and helped it all look smoother. There was no separation or leftover dots that showed where the spray landed. While it was a natural finish, it also helped keep my oily spots from getting shiny.”
Best Long-Lasting
L.A. Girl Pro Perfect Longwear Setting Spray
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It lasts for hours
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It controls oil levels
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It improves blendability
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The formula is watery and takes a while to absorb
Size: 0.9 oz | Scent: | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has a heavy formula that can be a bit watery. However, it has great hydrating ingredients like castor oil, which can help with dry skin and leave it feeling moisturized. Formulated with goji berry, which has antioxidants, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It helped control oil levels and buildup and lasted for hours—our tester didn’t need to reapply. It creates a soft blur effect and a matte finish without drying out the skin.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “I loved how this melted my makeup together and made it look seamless all day with limited blotting. It also helped keep my skin mostly oil-free except in the areas where I’m always oily, like my T-zone and cheeks.”
Best for Dewy Finish
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
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Leaves skin hydrated and dewy
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It’s comfortable on the skin
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It dries down quickly
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You need a few sprays to apply evenly, and it doesn’t last long
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The e.l.f. Cosmetics power grip primer has been a longtime fan favorite, so it’s no surprise that its setting spray counterpart would do just as well. It left an irresistible and refreshing glow on the skin, and for just $11, you can’t go wrong. When you first spray it onto the skin, you’ll feel a slight cooling sensation, and it doesn’t leave any stickiness, film, or tightness on the skin. However, it didn’t blend well with cream blush or powder foundation—the cream needed to be reapplied in just a few hours, and our testers noted that it caused small clumps in powders.
Candice, tester with combination skin: “This setting spray absorbs almost instantaneously after application, although I did wait for it to dry down a little bit. I think the ultrafine mist really helped with this. It also does not create any sort of noticeable film on the skin even on the first spritz.”
Best Quick-Drying
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
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It dries down quickly
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It has long staying power
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It’s easy to apply
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It provides a matte finish that’s nondrying
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The formula is a bit oily
Size: 3.4 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
This setting spray provides the most natural glow and absorbs almost instantly into the skin. With no leftover shine or greasy feel, our tester said that it’s the most comfortable setting spray, especially for a matte pick. And since, it’s matte it’s one of the best drugstore setting sprays for oily skin. It’s extremely lightweight, and after an eight-hour work day and an evening out, our tester said her makeup remained in place without any fading or smudging.
Jessica, tester with combination skin: “It absorbed quickly, but it left some oil behind, so I just applied a light powder, and I was good to go. I didn’t notice a film on my skin, just a slight shine. I feel like 80% of the product was absorbed into my skin. My skin looked very natural after the application.”
Best With Niacinamide
Milani Natural Finish Setting Spray
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Niacinamide in the formula may help improve dark spots and uneven skin tone
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A little goes a long way
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The formula is moisturizing
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The product takes a while to absorb
Size: 2.03 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This setting spray has the best formula: a little goes a long way, and it’s packed with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, a humectant that helps keep your skin hydrated and helps heal damaged skin by attracting moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (top layer of skin). The formula’s most notable ingredient is niacinamide, which works to even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Despite how ingredient-heavy it is, the spray felt lightweight and gave an even layer with just a few spritzes. It has a natural finish, so it is not too dewy or shiny, and it feels refreshing on the skin.
Wendy, tester with combination skin: “I love when beauty products are multiuse, and this one is. In addition to setting my makeup, the formula is moisturizing since it’s made with glycerin and niacinamide. What I like most about this product is how natural it looks!”
Best Mattifying
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
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Has a matte finish that works great on oily skin
-
It’s fast-absorbing
-
Products such as bronzer lasted longer
-
Doesn’t dry out the skin
-
It has a slight alcohol scent
Size: 2.02 oz | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you need a quick refresh, this setting spray from NYX Professional Makeup will become your new go-to. It takes about 30 seconds to absorb, and the result is a blurred and soft matte finish. which makes it one of the best setting sprays for oily skin. The fine mist also creates a smoothing effect on the makeup, which lasts for hours without any film or greasy residue. Our tester applied this spray over her makeup and didn’t need to reapply for 10 whole hours, nor did her makeup transfer—we call that a winner in our book!
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “The NYX Matte Finish Long-Lasting Makeup spray gives a matte finish and leaves my skin with a subtle glow hours after applying. This smooth setting spray gave me the finishing touch to my makeup routine without causing any separation.”
Best Hydrating
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist
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Makeup still looked natural while skin was hydrated
-
Required little to no touch-ups
-
There was zero pilling
-
It’s best for dry skin
Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Natural/essential oils | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re looking for hydration, this setting spray is the one. Our tester wore this on her skin for hours and reported no pilling or separation with her makeup. The mist is formulated with skin-loving ingredients, including vegan collagen, which helps regenerate skin cells and improve skin elasticity, and vitamin C, which improves brightness.
Ashley, tester with combination and sensitive skin: “This spray gives more of a dewy and natural finish on my skin, which I loved because that is how I want my skin to look anytime I’m wearing makeup. The nice thing is that there was zero pilling with my makeup or any kind of separation. It wasn’t noticeable and didn’t interfere with my makeup one bit.”
Best Glowy
Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
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Gives a filter IRL glow
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It’s fragrance-free
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It’s transfer-proof
-
It sits on top of the skin
Size: 2.7 oz | Scent: Floral | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
You can unlock your skin’s best glow with this setting spray from Pixi. Providing blurred skin and giving Instagram filter in real-life vibes, the formula is lightweight and has a fine and even spray. It does tend to sit on top of the skin and isn’t the fastest absorbing, which is something to keep in mind. It was fragrance-free and was worn for six hours without any smudging or transferring.
Saleam, tester with combination skin: “My makeup looked glowy but not overly dewy, giving me more of a ‘lit-from-within’ appearance, which I really liked. It added a subtle top layer that almost felt like a real-life filter, which I didn’t expect but ended up really liking.”
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-drugstore-setting-sprays-4587745