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Top 12 Best Setting Sprays for Summer 2024: Keep Your Makeup Fresh All Day
The Summer Makeup Challenge
When the summer heat cranks up, your carefully applied makeup can easily melt away faster than an ice cream.
This is where a setting spray becomes essential for your makeup bag this season.
A setting spray acts as a fine mist, enveloping your face in a protective layer that combats the summer’s embrace, ensuring your makeup remains fresh.
During this season of heat and humidity, a reliable makeup setting spray is the invisible shield that locks in your look, whether you’re lounging by the pool, at a friend’s barbecue or dancing at an outdoor concert.
Setting sprays have become an essential item in many makeup routines, promising to keep your look fresh and intact for hours.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the best setting spray for your needs?
What is a Makeup Setting Spray?
A makeup setting spray is a fine mist to be applied once you have finished your makeup routine.
Its purpose is to lock your look in place, prevent smudging, and extend the wear time of your makeup. Think of it as a protective shield for your carefully crafted face.
Why Use a Setting Spray?
Longevity: It keeps makeup looking fresh for hours
Protection: It shields against environmental factors like humidity
Versatility: It works for all skin types and makeup styles
Choosing the Best Setting Spray for Your Skin Type
Navigating the plethora of options can be as daunting as choosing the perfect summer destination.
Yet, among the contenders, some have emerged as the best setting sprays of the summer of 2024. Each one caters to your various requirements.
Oily Skin:
Look for mattifying formulas that control shine. The best setting spray for oily skin often contains ingredients such as kaolin clay or silica. A few spritzes of the best setting spray for oily skin can be a game-changer.
Dry Skin:
Opt for hydrating sprays with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Sensitive Skin:
Choose alcohol-free formulas with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
12 Of the Best Setting Sprays
ICONIC London Prep-Set-Glow £24:
This multitasking marvel not only sets your makeup but also imparts a stunning luminous finish.
Perfect for those who love a dewy, radiant look, it hydrates the skin while locking in your makeup.
The fine mist leaves a subtle shimmer that catches the light beautifully, making it ideal for achieving that coveted summer glow.
VIEVE Invisiveil Setting Spray £28:
Created by makeup artist Jamie Genevieve, this setting spray lives up to its name with an invisible finish that feels weightless on the skin.
It’s designed to extend makeup wear without altering the finish of your base products. The fine mist provides an even application, making it suitable for all skin types and perfect for those who prefer a natural, “your skin but better” look.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray £32:
True to its name, this setting spray delivers an airbrushed effect that’s nothing short of magical.
It creates a weightless, invisible shield that protects your makeup from fading, melting, or settling into fine lines.
With its ability to keep makeup fresh for up to 16 hours, it’s a go-to for long summer days and nights.
This also comes in a smaller travel-sized bottle.
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting Spray £35:
A godsend for those with dry skin, this setting spray locks in moisture while securing your makeup.
Its unique blend of blue agave extract and hyaluronic acid provides lasting hydration and gives your skin a plump, healthy appearance.
It is particularly effective in hot weather, keeping your makeup looking fresh even in high humidity.
Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Mist £48:
Luxury meets efficiency in this high-end setting spray. Infused with Hadasei-3™, Tatcha’s anti-ageing complex, it not only sets makeup but also nourishes the skin.
The fine mist imparts a luminous, dewy finish that is perfect for achieving that coveted glass skin look. It’s ideal for those who want their setting spray to double as a skincare product.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray £28.50:
A cult favourite for good reason, this setting spray is the gold standard for long-lasting makeup.
It keeps your look intact for up to 16 hours, resisting sweat, oil, and even hot weather.
Its patented Temperature Control Technology lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep it in place, making it perfect for summer.
This also comes in a smaller bottle for travelling.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Mattifying Mist £29:
This spray is a blessing for those with oily skin. It sets makeup while controlling shine, leaving a beautiful matte finish that lasts throughout the day.
Infused with silica, it absorbs excess oil without drying out the skin, making it ideal for hot summer days when oil production tends to increase.
This also comes in a smaller bottle.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray £27:
This setting spray is a standout for those craving a luminous, hydrated finish.
It’s infused with coconut water and lavender oil, offering a refreshing mist that not only sets makeup but also nourishes the skin.
The ultra-fine spray provides a subtle radiance without looking greasy, making it ideal for normal to dry skin types.
The Dewy Set spray extends makeup wear while imparting a healthy, natural-looking glow that’s perfect for achieving that coveted “lit from within” appearance.
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist £17:
Known for its ultra-fine, continuous spray, this mist applies evenly without disturbing your makeup.
It provides a natural, skin-like finish that isn’t too matte or too dewy.
The spray also works well between layers of makeup for extra staying power, making it a versatile addition to any makeup routine.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist £9:
This affordable option packs a punch with its alcohol-free, infusion-based formula. Gentle on sensitive skin, it sets makeup without causing irritation.
The micro-fine mist ensures even application, locking in your look for extended wear. It’s a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on quality, making it perfect for everyday use.
Barry M Cosmetics Fresh Face Dewy Setting Spray £5.99:
This vegan and cruelty-free option is perfect for those seeking an ethical beauty choice.
It provides a fresh, dewy finish that enhances natural radiance. The lightweight formula hydrates while setting makeup, making it particularly suitable for normal to dry skin types.
It’s a great affordable option for achieving a glowing, summer-ready look.
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray £8:
This affordable gem proves that effective setting sprays don’t have to break the bank.
Available in both matte and dewy finishes, it caters to different skin types and desired looks.
Its lightweight formula keeps makeup in place for hours, making it a favourite among beauty enthusiasts on a budget.
How to Apply Setting Spray for Best Results
- Shake the bottle well before use.
- Hold the spray 6-8 inches away from your face.
- Close your eyes and spray in an “X” and “T” formation.
- Allow the spray to dry naturally – don’t fan your face.
- For extra staying power, apply between layers of makeup.
Tips for Maximizing Your Setting Spray’s Effectiveness
- Start with a clean, moisturised face.
- Use a primer before applying makeup.
- Apply setting powder before your setting spray for extra longevity.
- Don’t overdo it – a light mist is usually sufficient.
The best makeup setting spray depends on your skin type, budget, and desired finish.
Whether you opt for a high-end product or a drugstore gem, incorporating a setting spray into your routine can significantly extend the life of your makeup look.
Your Secret Weapon for Flawless Summer Makeup
The best setting sprays are those that cater to a variety of needs and preferences.
So whether you’re looking for a setting spray for makeup that can withstand a day at the beach or a night dancing under the stars, the market currently offers a multitude of options.
From the best setting spray for dry skin to the best waterproof formulas, there’s a solution for every summer scenario.
Experiment with different options to find your perfect match and enjoy long-lasting, flawless makeup all day and all summer long.
Before you head out to soak up those golden rays, remember to seal your makeup with a setting spray – it’s your secret weapon against the sweltering summer sweat and humidity, keeping you looking effortlessly cool even when the thermometer hits triple digits.
