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The 9 Best SPF Setting Sprays for On-the-Go Protection and Makeup Longevity
We love a product that does double duty.
Byrdie
We all know we’re supposed to apply SPF every two hours, but let’s be real: no one wants to slather a thick lotion over their perfectly blended foundation. That’s where a makeup setting spray with SPF comes in. SPF setting sprays are one of those products that take seconds to apply but have a host of additional benefits, from extending your makeup’s staying power to protecting your skin from the sun. While you may still need to apply your regular sunscreen under your foundation, these shielding finishing mists are the ideal option to top up your SPF throughout the day without affecting the appearance of your makeup.
Celebrity makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic explains how setting sprays can also enhance the look of your skin. “If you want extra hydration and a dewy finish, mists with hyaluronic acid are a great option, whereas if you have oily skin and prefer a matte finish, silica or rice powder helps absorb excess oil and control shine,” says Dominic.
To help you keep your skin protected throughout the day without disturbing your makeup, we conducted hours of research and tested a few products to curate this list of the best setting sprays with SPF, including dermatologist and makeup artist recommendations.
Top Picks
Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF50+ at Amazon$23
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Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 at Amazon$23
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e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45 at Amazon$15$10
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Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 at Amazon$36
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Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon$34$23
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Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist at Amazon$20
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Milani Make it Last Sunscreen Setting Spray at Amazon$15
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Kate Somerville UncompliKated Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
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Seriously Fab Zinc It Over Unscented at Seriouslyfab.com
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Best Overall
Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF50+
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Suitable for all skin types
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SPF 50
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Doesn’t disrupt existing makeup
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Made with hyaluronic acid for added hydration
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May have too shiny of a finish for those with oily skin types
SPF: 50 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.53 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This spray from Naked Sundays provides an extra layer of SPF without affecting the finish of your makeup. It actually leaves it looking more luminous. The completely invisible mist works on all skin tones and types and contains hydrating and soothing ingredients. Austin-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mindy Conroy, D.O., recommends this mist due to its high SPF 50 and the combination of ingredients, including watermelon extract and the vitamin C-rich kakadu plum. “This product contains hyaluronic acid, which makes it great for dry skin,” says Dr. Conroy.
Clare Holden, Byrdie contributor and makeup artist: “This is the only SPF I have found that works over makeup without disrupting it. It is so light that even with consistent top-ups every two hours, it never feels greasy on your skin.”
Best With Antioxidants
Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50
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Several antioxidants for added sun protection
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SPF 50
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Invisible finish
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Not for those looking for a pure matte finish
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Strong scent
SPF: 50 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you are looking for an extra layer of high protection, then Vacation’s Super Spritz Face Mist is it. The transparent, noncomedogenic formula makes it the ideal choice to complete your look, as its subtle satin finish enhances the appearance of your skin while also protecting it from UV rays. Makeup artist Michelle Quaranta recommends this pick: “This broad-spectrum mist has a lightweight and refreshing feel when applied.”
In addition to a high SPF, this spray contains nourishing ingredients that provide extra protection from the sun. “If you are prone to irritation, it has aloe vera, while antioxidants such as green tea, vitamin E, and botanicals work for added collagen and elastin protection,” says Dr. Conroy. This spray also has the added benefits of containing bisabolol, cucumber, shea, and maracuja oil, along with caffeine, coconut, and ferulic acid—all working together to smooth your skin and shield it from daily stressors. Just like the rest of the brand’s popular sunscreens, the spray has a strong coconut scent, which may be overwhelming to those sensitive to fragrances.
Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “In addition to using this on my face, I love spraying this on my neck and décolletage when I’m out and about and need a new layer of SPF. I’ve stained too many tops trying to reapply sunscreen lotion, so this clear spray is a lifesaver. The spray is also small enough to keep in my purse for touchups.”
Best Budget-Friendly
e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45
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Affordable
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Doesn’t leave a white cast
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Lightweight
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Can sting skin slightly when you first apply
SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Our favorite drugstore brand, e.l.f., has created this spray that can be used to prime, set, and refresh your makeup throughout the day. In addition to providing sun protection, it also has superior grip capabilities that ensure your makeup stays looking freshly applied even hours after application. Both nongreasy and transparent, this mist leaves no white cast and dries quickly. Suitable for all skin types, the formula has also been infused with watermelon fruit extract, prickly pear seed oil, and bisabolol to nourish your base while you wear it. This spray is also fragrance-free for those who find scented products irritating.
Best Hydrating
Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30
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Infused with hydrating aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, cucumber
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Ideal for oily skin types
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Water-resistant
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Some may prefer a more dewy finish
SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dr. Conroy recommends this setting spray from Coola for anyone looking to calm, protect, and hydrate their skin all at the same time. The water-resistant formula makes it ideal for beach days, while the no-shine finish means it also works great for everyday wear. Cucumber and aloe vera extract combine to calm and soothe the skin, while hyaluronic acid keeps your base hydrated and soft. This mist also contains algae extract to detoxify the skin, along with a complex of plant stem cells to help protect the epidermis and support the skin barrier. All together, these ingredients create a revitalizing treat for your skin that also helps to maintain freshly applied makeup for longer.
Byrdie
Leslie, tester: “It didn’t smudge that much and it settled very quickly on my face.”
Best Radiant Finish
Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50
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Gives skin a luminous finish
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Weightless feel
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Sets makeup and dries quickly
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Some may prefer a more matte finish
SPF: 42 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.53 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dr. Conroy says this is her favorite SPF setting spray as it seals in your makeup look for longer-lasting wear while also providing sun protection. It has been formulated with a host of skin-nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic and polyglutamic acid, that work simultaneously to deeply hydrate and lock in moisture, helping to create a smoother complexion. It also contains vitamins C and E, which brighten and protect the skin from free radicals, while ethically sourced mica ensures your skin looks radiant and illuminated all day long. Use it for events like outdoor weddings where you want a little shimmer with the sun protection you need.
Best Matte Finish
Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist
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Contains silica silylate to absorb oil
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Comes in a travel size
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Lightweight
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Keep your eyes closed while applying as it may sting slightly
SPF: 40 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 1, 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Makeup artist Quaranta recommends this mist to keep shine at bay. “I love how lightweight and mattifying this product is while also being packed with antioxidant protection,” says Quaranta. It sets makeup beautifully and is both water and sweat-resistant. The noncomedogenic formula makes it feel breathable on your skin, while silica silylate works to absorb excess oil, keeping your base matte. It also has a subtle scent of mint and rosemary to help make you feel refreshed while touching up throughout the day. The handy travel-size version fits neatly in your purse to ensure you always have SPF on hand.
Best Long-Lasting
Milani Make it Last Sunscreen Setting Spray
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Seals your makeup
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Affordable
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Leaves skin looking healthy and dewy
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Slightly smaller bottle
SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 2.02 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If keeping your makeup in place is your primary concern, then this spray from Milani prevents smudging, transferring, shine, and creasing with just a few spritzes. This nonsticky mist can be used as a primer and setting spray to create an almost sandwich-like seal for your makeup that ensures it doesn’t budge, no matter how hot or sweaty it gets. The finish is natural and dewy, and leaves your skin looking healthy and fresh while also providing it with an extra layer of SPF 30. We also love how this spray is unscented, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Bonus points, too, for the affordable price tag.
Best Splurge
Kate Somerville UncompliKated Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
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Hyaluronic acid boosts hydration
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Matte finish
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High SPF level
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Some may prefer a more dewy finish
SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty Free: Yes
The soft-focus effect this mist gives your skin definitely makes it worth the investment (the bottle is also larger, so it lasts a long time). The super fine spray contains light diffusing silicone powder to blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as absorbing oil, resulting in smooth matte skin. In addition to providing SPF 50, this mist has been infused with hydrating powerhouse hyaluronic acid and antioxidant plant Rhodiola rosea to ensure your complexion is nourished and protected. It dries down instantly to set your makeup in place, and the almost filter-like finish makes it universally flattering for every skin tone and type.
Best Without Avobenzone
Seriously Fab Zinc It Over Unscented
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Free from avobenzone
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Suitable for sensitive skin
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No fragrance
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Some may prefer a higher SPF
SPF: 25 | SPF Type: Mineral | Size: 3 fl.oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We have searched far and wide for an SPF setting spray that is free from avobenzone. For those sensitive to the ingredient, this gentle mist is unscented and uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains blueberry extract to help reduce inflammation and shield against free radical damage. Vitamin C, E, and P-rich Shiri fruit extract have also been included to tackle the signs of aging caused by UV light. Along with all the skin-enhancing benefits, this spray has an airbrush finish that works just as well over makeup as it does on bare skin for an elevated natural look.
What to Look for in a Setting Spray with SPF
- Ingredients for Added Sun Protection: “When choosing a setting spray with SPF, it is important to look for additional ingredients that enhance sun protection and makeup longevity. These include antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, green tea extract, and niacinamide to help neutralize free radicals from UV exposure,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko, M.D. “Hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid will lock in moisture while glycerin helps to maintain hydration.”
- Oil-Absorbing Ingredients: You also want to look for ingredients that help control oil to keep your makeup fresh and long-lasting. Dr. Reszko recommends oil-control and makeup-setting agents such as silica, witch hazel, and polymers, as well as acrylates copolymer, water, and sweat-resistant, film-forming agents.
- SPF Level: “I always recommend using at least SPF 30, whether it’s your base layer of sunscreen or a setting spray with SPF, because it blocks roughly 97% of UVB rays,” says Dr. Reszko. “However, I prefer using SPF 40-50, if possible, as they block roughly 98-98.5% of UVB rays.”
- Finish: Setting sprays come in everything from dewy, matte, and radiant to shimmer finishes, and it comes down to the personal choice of which one you go for. “If you want to tame shine and help your makeup last longer, opt for a mattifying SPF setting spray, whereas if you prefer a fresh, dewy, hydrated glow, choose a more radiant SPF setting spray,” says Dominic.
How We Tested Settings Sprays with SPF
Byrdie
To find the best sunscreen setting sprays, we tested several formulas at home and in our office on different skin types and tones. While testing, we paid attention to the following factors:
- Application: A setting spray should have a fine, even mist to ensure a smooth application. We looked for sprays that evenly coated our faces and dispersed just the right amount of product to avoid any dripping or smudging.
- Feel: We noted how the spray felt on our skin, whether it was light or heavy. We also described the finish, from matte to shiny. And we noted if the spray stung our skin or eyes.
- Wear: We first checked if the spray disrupted our makeup on initial application. Then, after wearing it for several hours, we checked if our makeup faded, smudged, or creased. We selected the options that gave us the best wear.
Meet Our Experts
Team Byrdie interviewed the following experts for more insights on the best setting sprays with SPF:
- Dr. Mindy Conroy, D.O., is a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas.
- Dr. Anetta Reszko, M.D., Ph.D, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon.
- Celebrity makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic has over 12 years of experience creating beauty looks for events, fashion shoots, and weddings.
- Michelle Quaranta is a makeup artist and founder of The Q Group Inc. with decades of experience in fashion and television.
Why Trust Byrdie
Beauty journalist and makeup artist Clare Holden never leaves the house without SPF due to her extremely fair skin. She has personally tried and tested countless SPF setting sprays over the years to keep her skin protected and her makeup intact.
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-setting-sprays-with-spf-7484127
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