What do you like about setting sprays? What don't you like?

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Setting Sprays

I don’t use them very often since I am testing longevity most days, but I’m glad they exist and do reach for them if I’m going to be out all day and wearing makeup that I need to last! I love when they have a very fine mist and don’t take too long to dry down.

— Christine

15 Comments

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Jo Avatar

It was interesting to hear Wayne Goss talk about different setting sprays and how some truly set the makeup like hairspray (even having similar ingredients), while some kind of dissolve a layer of the makeup, which is why some people’s makeup can look super heavy, but then it looks better after they spray it. Also, he talked about why setting spray doesn’t really work well for people with oily skin. I have dry skin, so I’ll be interested to see how different ones work for me. The only one I’ve ever tried is the Nyx matte version!

Ana Maria Avatar

That why I love Wayne Goss… he actually has makeup artist education and knows the old tricks of the book.
Not to necessarily diminish most reviewers / beauty influencers, but most of them are self taught, so they most times don’t actually know what some products do (like all the types of sprays). They just know what works for them and maybe some product description or brand briefing.
For example I often use powder foundations as setting powder, because that works for me. That doesn’t mean that they are the same thing.

Genevieve Avatar

I don’t like setting sprays at all because I am worried about getting them into my eyes and causing irritations (rubbing your eyes is a sure fire thing to wreck your eyeshadows and end up looking a mess).
I also think that the formula for these may irritate my sensitive skin. Anyway, I use a primer and that does the trick.

Susan Avatar

I love UD All Nighter setting spray. In the summer, I occasionally use it as a first layer in hot humid weather also. It helps further stabilize my makeup.
Setting spray makes my makeup last, looking fresh for many hours. It feels good too.

Iliana Avatar

I don’t see how they’re any different than facial mists, most of the time, so I skip them. But, for special events or occasions, some of them are very useful. These days, I see no need for them and their loaded formulas leave my face feeling a lot heavier than necessary.

Ellie Avatar

It’s very useful when I use a foundation that moves, but powders are too dry/settling into lines. I’ve come to appreciate it now.

Mandy Avatar

What would I do without setting sprays?! They really do make my makeup last all day long and I have oily skin and get sweaty lol. LOVE the Peach Mist from Too Faced, it’s got powder in the formula & UD is of course an OG favorite. Also like the super fine mist of Morphe’s spray & Glow Recipe Watermelon for when you want less set and more dew. Will always use a setting spray, even with a quick 5min face to run to the store lol.

Jane Avatar

I’ve not had any good experiences with setting sprays–they just don’t seem to work, at least the ones I’ve bought. Setting powder, however, REALLY works, but it also makes my skin look super dry, the makeup heavy, and it all glow and dewiness that I strive for is gone in the moment I use setting powder. So I’m definitely open to setting spray since it usually doesn’t have the above problems, but I have trouble buying an expensive setting spray–I’d rather use the money for a new lipstick.

DVa Avatar

I love them.
I have a collection for different uses.
I even have a basic water spray to wet my sponge or to use when I just need to moisten my skin.
After I lay down my complexion and first layer of powder (bronzer and under eye) I mist my face to set that layer in (generally Glam Glow as it’s the perfect fine mist but I have others). Once I’m done everything except mascara, I will spray again with either Glam Glow or a highlighting/glow spray: Tatcha, Morphe, Sephora or TARTE (I think this one is discontinued).
If I want longevity I’ll reach for my Urban Decay. For the most part longevity isn’t a priority these days.

Ana Maria Avatar

Nothing to love about setting sprays for me.
I simply hate spraying something on my face, I cringe just from imagining using a setting spray on my face. 😅

Many also have ingredients I want to avoid, like denat alcohol, fragrances, essential oils.

Bonnie Avatar

I like how they add a finish, either matte or shimmery to the look, how they can extend the life of the makeup, and how they blend the edges. A nice mist is a must. The one you pictured is actually my favorite, the Cover Fx Illuminating Setting Spray. The mist is amazing, and as long as you remember to shake it first, it gives a beautiful sparkle to the face.

keilaleslie Avatar

For me and my skin all I can say is UD All Nighter Works! I can always tell when I use it VS not. I don’t use all the time but when I need my makeup to last I grab and let the spray/setting happen LOL. I don’t like that it isn’t something that should be used ALL the time so that is a downfall with setting sprays.

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