6 Best Setting Sprays in 2023

What are the best setting sprays? Or what is setting spray? A setting spray is a product that helps your makeup last longer and stay in place.  To set your foundation using a makeup setting spray, spray on top of your foundation by holding the bottle at least 6 inches away from your face.  It depends on your personal preference, but 1-3 sprays is usually sufficient depending on the bottle’s nozzle.  And don’t forget to close your eyes!

After spraying, allow the product to dry for 30 seconds before touching your face or applying more products.  Try spraying after your foundation, and then on another occasion try spraying on top of all your makeup to see which method you prefer.  Or some people like using setting spray before their foundation!  If liquid is not your thing, check out our favorite setting powders.  The following are our choices for best setting sprays!

1. Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray – $36.00

Our #1 Choice!

This setting spray is a must for a night out!  The bottle also lasts a very long time.  While researching this product, we came across this review that deserves to be shared:  “I used this to set my make up before a rehearsal dinner, then we all went out to bars to party, I got black out drunk, stayed out until 3 am, went to sleep for 2 hours (in my make up), had to go to the ER at 6 am for severe kidney stone pain, and by the end of all this my make up still looks flawless. Amazing.” If that is not convincing, not sure what is!

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Ulta Urban Decay

2. NYX Make Up Setting Spray Matte Finish – $8.98

Our Choice For:  Matte Finish

We have loved this setting spray for years.  But don’t just take our word for it — this spray is not only ranked as the #1 foundation primer on Amazon, it also boasts over 5,000 five-star reviews.  If you want a matte finish, have oily skin, and want your makeup to stay in place for a prolonged period of time, there is no better choice than this spray!

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3. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Primer and Setting Spray – Pearlescent Finish – $33.00

Our Choice For:  Dewy Finish & Dry Skin

This spray has several different uses!  You can apply it before makeup, after makeup, or by itself without makeup!  The main takeaways for this setting spray is hydrating, refreshing, and great smell.  When using, hold the bottle 8-12 inches from your face.  Spray before makeup to give your makeup a dewy canvas, and spray over makeup for a healthy, natural glow.

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Ulta MAC

4. Bella Jade Botanicals Makeup Setting Spray – $15.95

Our Choice For:  Clean Ingredients

We love how versatile this spray is!  Besides being fantastic as a setting spray, it can be used as a primer as well!  Another helpful use is to spray on your brush, then place the brush in your foundation before applying – it gives a flawless airbrushed look!  Bella Jade Botanicals is also a solid small business created by a woman who wanted to help people live healthier and better lives by carefully choosing the ingredients in the products.

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5. Morphe Continuous Setting Mist – $17.00

Our Choice For: Spray Nozzle 

This setting spray is something from the future!  The mist is incredibly fine and does not come out in globs; it feels great!  Also the nozzle is continuous, like spraying hair spray!  It makes it much easier to control how much product you are spraying.

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6. Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray – $9.35

Our Choice For:  Drugstore Brand

If you live in a humid climate, THIS is your setting spray!  Reviews mentioned makeup not budging in 100 degree heat, and one of our editors who wore this to a park on an unseasonably warm day this winter was amazed her makeup looked the same when she got home.  It is also great for oily skin types!

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