Setting sprays have become a handbag hero for everyone from pro artists to makeup-curious teens. You spend precious time perfecting your signature makeup look – the last thing you want is for it to fade away before you have a chance to show it off. But what does setting spray do exactly?
In this guide, you’ll discover why it’s the last (and often most-skipped) step that can transform staying power, the benefits of setting spray for all skin types and finishes, plus an easy, step-by-step routine to lock in your look all day (and night) long.
What is setting spray?
Quite simply, a makeup setting spray is a lightweight mist designed to:
- Help reduce transfer so colour stays where you placed it
- Create a breathable film that resists sweat, humidity and daily touch-ups
- Refresh the complexion with a burst of hydration or oil control, depending on the formula
Think of it as the secret glue to your glam: unseen, yet keeping everything perfectly in place. It can also tweak the finish so you stay velvet-matte, softly dewy or somewhere in between.
In simple terms, setting sprays help extend the wear of your makeup. In addition, some setting sprays can help mattify shine. A recent market report notes a high demand for the oil-control setting sprays worldwide, showing that shoppers crave products that tackle shine without caking. Others infuse your look with a dewy finish or a glam glow, depending on the formula you pick.
How Does Setting Spray Differ From Primer?
Both setting spray and face primer aim to help makeup looks last. While some choose to use one or the other, think of primer as your makeup base coat and setting spray as the top coat. Primer creates a canvas for you to work with, while the setting spray locks all of that makeup into place. They’re the perfect pair for maintaining a last-all-day look.
Pro tip: If your skin is shine-prone, prep your face with our Shine Killer primer. Then, spritz a small amount of the matte finish setting spray onto your foundation brush or sponge and apply your base as usual. This simple hack will help keep your foundation in place all day.
Best setting sprays for different skin types
What is the best setting spray? That very much depends on your skin type. The type of skin you have determines what kind of staying power you need – it’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to setting spray.
Below is a handy guide to help you find your perfect setting spray match with NYX:
| Skin type | What to look for | NYX pick |
|---|---|---|
| Oily or combination | Shine control, lightweight feel | Matte Makeup Setting Spray |
| Dry or dull | Hydrating ingredients, glow boost | Dewy Makeup Setting Spray |
| Very oily or long days out | Extra-strength mattifiers, bigger size | Matte Finish Maxi Makeup Setting Spray |
| Normal or thirsty midday skin | Plumping electrolytes, natural sheen | Plump Finish Setting Spray |
| All skin types | Longwear grip, dewy natural-looking finish | The Face Glue Setting Spray |
No one product suits everyone – and you might switch formulas with the seasons.
How to apply setting spray for long-lasting wear
The most common (and easiest) way to use setting spray is at the end of your beauty routine. After you finish applying your makeup, reach for your preferred finishing spray. Using a spray is as easy as “spritz and set”, but a couple of tweaks to your technique can pay off:
- Shake first – ingredients settle, so wake them up.
- Hold it about six inches away – closer can create wet spots.
- Lightly mist it on the skin – make it damp, not drenched.
- Make an “X” then a “T” – two passes cover the whole face evenly.
- Let it air-dry – no fanning needed – just give it 30 seconds.
Pro tip: For special events, try spraying your beauty sponge once and blotting over high-touch zones like the T-zone for extra grip.
Matte vs. dewy setting sprays: Which one to choose?
Matte setting sprays
Matte formulas like Makeup Setting Spray - Matte and Matte Finish Maxi Makeup Setting Spray adhere to your makeup, providing a long-lasting hold with a natural-looking matte finish. Matte setting sprays also:
- Help curb shine for oily or combo skin
- Pair well with full coverage bases and summer heat
- Ideal for photos under bright lights
Pro tip: If you’ve got a long day ahead of you, keep a bottle of your matte setting spray in your bag. Whenever your skin feels a bit out of control, you can spritz a bit of the mattifying setting spray onto your face.
Dewy setting sprays
If you prefer a dewy look, formulas like Dewy Makeup Setting Spray and Dewy Finish Maxi Makeup Setting Spray are perfect for skin that appears dull and dry, as they give a lit-from-within glow. You can benefit from dewy setting sprays to:
- Add a gentle glow that mimics healthy skin
- Suit dry or mature complexions that can look flat
- Complement lightweight, skin-tint foundations
Pro tip: If you like makeup that multitasks, try our Plump Finish Setting Spray enriched with electrolytes. In addition to preventing makeup transfer, it also leaves the skin looking fresh and hydrated.
Unsure? Check out our how to get dewy skin guide or watch the viral glow makeup tutorial for inspiration.
Step-by-step guide to locking in your makeup look
Follow this quick routine, perfect for busy mornings or pre-party touch-ups.
- Prep – Cleanse, moisturise and apply primer.
- Base – Lay down foundation and concealer; set cream areas with a light dusting of powder.
- Colour – Add blush, bronzer and highlighter.
- First spritz – Mist once to melt powders into skin.
- Eye and lip – Finish mascara, liner and lipstick.
- Final seal – Mist again in “X” and “T” motions to lock everything in place.
It’s that simple. Use the travel-size sprays for on-the-go boosts and keep the maxi bottles at home.
When you’re wearing full makeup, you may want to try the sandwich method – it takes a bit more time, but the result is well worth it. Spritz a small amount of setting spray onto your face after your primer and between each layer of makeup to help set each one separately. But make sure to let the spray dry fully between layers (this is especially important if you’re using powder products!).
Setting sprays offer more than a pleasant mist – they safeguard longevity, tailor finish and keep your artistry intact. Now that you know how to use makeup setting spray, the choice between matte, dewy or plumping is yours.
Find your ideal setting spray in the NYX range
The Face Glue Setting Spray
