Setting sprays are essential for ensuring your makeup stays fresh, flawless, and vibrant all day long. Whether you’re preparing for a long day at work, a night out, or a special event, the right setting spray can make all the difference. But with so many options available, it can be tough to choose the perfect one for your skin type, preferences, and makeup needs.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best setting sprays of 2025 across various categories, including budget options, solutions for specific skin types, and multi-purpose picks that do it all. I’ve tested a variety of products and compiled the top contenders based on their longevity, performance, and ability to lock in your makeup without feeling heavy or sticky.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Best Overall Setting Sprays
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Widely regarded as a setting spray icon, Urban Decay’s All Nighter continues to lead the market for its unbeatable performance and consistent results. This setting spray offers a lightweight feel while providing 16-hour wear, making it perfect for those who need their makeup to last from morning to night.
- Smudge and Transfer Resistance: No more worrying about your makeup fading or transferring onto your clothes.
- Natural Finish: It sets your makeup with a smooth, almost invisible layer, leaving your face looking fresh without a shiny or matte appearance.
- Waterproof Formula: Ideal for those rainy days or sweaty gym sessions. Urban Decay has thought of everything with this formula, which resists water and sweat.
This is my go-to for all-day wear, especially when I have back-to-back meetings or an event that doesn’t allow for touch-ups. It’s also perfect for oily skin types that need a little extra help in keeping shine under control.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
For those who prefer a more luxurious setting spray, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is a true standout. With a beautiful, hydrating formula, it offers a 16-hour wear time—just like Urban Decay’s All Nighter, but with an added dose of hydration.
- Hydrating Formula with Aloe Vera: It gives your skin a dose of moisture while locking in your makeup.
- Quick-Drying Application: No waiting around for your makeup to set—this spray dries quickly and leaves you with a smooth, flawless finish.
- Subtle Fresh Scent: It’s not overpowering, making it a pleasant experience every time you spritz.
I’ve used this spray when I need to look polished for events like weddings or red carpet moments, as it gives me that airbrushed finish without feeling heavy or sticky.
Best Budget Options
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray
You don’t need to break the bank for a great setting spray. Milani Make It Last is one of the best budget-friendly options that performs as well as some of the high-end competitors. This setting spray gives 24-hour wear, making it ideal for long days or nights when you don’t want to worry about touch-ups.
- Hydrating Properties: Unlike some other budget options, this spray hydrates the skin without making it greasy.
- Fine Mist Application: The mist is incredibly fine, allowing for even coverage that doesn’t disturb your makeup.
- Affordable Price Under $10: You don’t have to splurge to get a high-quality setting spray.
I’ve recommended this spray to several friends looking for a good value, and they’ve all been impressed by its performance. It works wonders for those who want long-lasting results on a budget.
Best for Specific Needs
For Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you know how important it is to keep shine under control. These setting sprays will help keep your makeup intact, even in humid or sweaty conditions.
ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Spray
This setting spray is a game-changer for oily skin types. The formula is designed to mattify the skin and absorb excess oil, providing long-lasting hold without any shine.
- Mattifying Effect: Keeps your face matte throughout the day without making it look dry.
- Long-lasting Hold: Your makeup stays in place for hours, even in hot and humid conditions.
MILK Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Spray
Another great option for oily skin, MILK Makeup’s Pore Eclipse spray is a pore-minimizing setting spray that controls oil and keeps everything looking fresh for hours. The mist helps blur imperfections and reduce the appearance of pores while preventing your makeup from sliding off.
- Pore-Minimizing: Reduces the appearance of pores for a smooth finish.
- Oil-Control: Helps maintain a shine-free complexion all day long.
I’ve found both of these sprays to be a must-have for oily skin, especially in summer when the heat makes everything melt off your face.
For Dry Skin
For those of us with dry skin, the key is finding a setting spray that not only locks in makeup but also hydrates the skin. Here are two of my favorites.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Setting Spray
If your skin tends to get parched, Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a hydrating setting spray that includes hyaluronic acid, a moisture-loving ingredient. This spray ensures your skin stays fresh and hydrated while helping your makeup last longer.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This powerful ingredient helps to maintain moisture levels in your skin.
- Lightweight, Fine Mist: Provides even coverage without disrupting your makeup.
It’s a great pick for dry skin and is an affordable option that delivers great results.
MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Setting Spray
MILK Makeup’s Hydro Grip Setting Spray is another winner for dry skin. The formula is alcohol-free and delivers a natural-looking glow without feeling greasy or heavy.
- Alcohol-Free Formula: It’s gentle on dry, sensitive skin.
- Adds Glow: Leaves your skin looking luminous and hydrated without making it oily.
I use this when I need an extra boost of hydration while ensuring my makeup lasts all day.
For Sensitive Skin
When you have sensitive skin, it’s essential to find products that are gentle and non-irritating. MILK Makeup’s Hydro Grip Setting Spray is one of my favorites, but there are other great options as well.
MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Setting Spray
This alcohol-free spray is an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin. It delivers hydration while setting your makeup and keeping it in place without irritation.
- Hydrating and Gentle: Adds moisture and leaves a dewy finish without clogging pores or causing irritation.
- No Alcohol: Perfect for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
If you’re looking for a setting spray that’s both effective and gentle, this is a great option.
Best Multi-Purpose Setting Sprays
Rare Beauty Prime & Set Mist
For those who want an all-in-one product, Rare Beauty’s Prime & Set Mist is an incredible multi-tasker. It serves as a primer, setting spray, pore minimizer, and hydrating mist all in one.
- 4-in-1 Formula: Hydrates, primes, sets, and minimizes pores.
- Skin-Soothing Ingredients: Includes niacinamide, which helps soothe and calm the skin.
I use this when I need a quick refresh during the day. It’s perfect for travel, as it cuts down the number of products I need to carry.
Best Clean Beauty Setting Spray
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set
If you prefer clean beauty products, Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set is a great option. It’s formulated with clean ingredients, provides a dewy finish, and enhances the look of your makeup with added hydration.
- Enhances Pigmentation: Makes your makeup look more vibrant and fresh.
- Smooths Skin Texture: Helps improve skin texture and adds an overall luminous glow.
It’s ideal for those who want a clean, dewy finish that lasts throughout the day.
FAQs About Setting Sprays
1. How do I choose the right setting spray for my skin type?
Choosing a setting spray depends on your skin type and the finish you want. For oily skin, opt for mattifying sprays that control oil, like the ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn or MILK Pore Eclipse. If you have dry skin, go for hydrating sprays like Neutrogena Hydro Boost or MILK Makeup Hydro Grip. Sensitive skin types should choose alcohol-free options like the MILK Hydro Grip.
2. Can I use a setting spray to set my makeup if I don’t wear foundation?
Yes, you can! A setting spray works to lock in any makeup, including concealer, blush, or eyeshadow. If you’re wearing minimal makeup, a setting spray can still help your makeup last longer and give your skin a more polished, refreshed look.
3. How long should a setting spray last?
Most setting sprays claim to last 12 to 16 hours, but this can vary depending on your skin type and the specific formula. If you need long-lasting wear, look for sprays that emphasize their long-wear and smudge-resistant formulas, like Urban Decay All Nighter.
4. Should I use a setting spray before or after applying makeup?
Generally, setting sprays are used after applying makeup to lock everything in place. However, some sprays, like Rare Beauty Prime & Set Mist, can be used
both before and after makeup application to prime and set.
5. Is a setting spray necessary for everyday makeup?
While setting spray isn’t mandatory for everyday makeup, it’s a great option if you want your makeup to last longer, especially in humid or active environments. It’s particularly useful if you have oily skin, wear full-coverage makeup, or need to ensure your makeup stays intact through a long day.
Setting sprays are an essential part of any makeup routine, offering not just longevity, but also improved texture, hydration, and finish. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, or you’re looking for a multi-functional product, the best setting spray for your needs is out there.
