Key ingredients: niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, lotus, gardenia, white water lily, panthenol | Finish: radiant | Waterproof: no | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Lightweight: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
Why it’s worth it: Part of why the Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray is so compelling is its low cost (under $10, hello!), but the delicate consistency is the real reason Glazer picks up a bottle of this spray every time she hits up a drugstore. “Its superfine mist is so long-lasting and lightweight, so definitely don’t pass this one by,” she gushes. Though it doesn’t contain complexion-enhancing additives, the straightforward formula provides temporary mattifying benefits (thanks to oil-reducing polymers) as it secures makeup for up to 16 hours.
Key ingredients: copolymer, PVP, propylene glycol | Finish: matte | Waterproof: no | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How does setting spray work?
Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Victoria Vohland explained to Allure that setting sprays create a barrier to prevent makeup from slipping, using primarily water, alcohol, and film formers. “A film former is a chemical put into cosmetics to give long-wear [benefits],” she explained.
Polymers and forms of glycerin are often used to form these protective films. Vohland added the alcohol in the spray functions as a volatile to repel water.”The setting spray is a more diluted version of a hair gel,” Vohland elaborated. “What hair gel does is it coats the hair and keeps it in place, similar to what a setting spray does.” Despite the chemical similarities, setting spray formulas are tweaked to be safer and gentle enough for use on the face.
What’s the best way to apply setting spray?
Using a setting spray may seem pretty straightforward—spray it all over your face when you’re done with your makeup and call it a day, right? Not quite. According to New York City-based makeup artist Tommy, a little technique goes a long way. Tommy suggests applying setting spray in a zig-zag motion, starting on the forehead and moving down to the chin. “I spritz it on the skin from a distance to help rehydrate the face after applying makeup,” he says.
Another tip, courtesy of makeup artist Kate Lee, is to dampen a Beautyblender with a setting spray before using the sponge. This tactic helps smooth out dry patches and prevent creased makeup.
What kind of setting spray is best for me?
Ingredients vary between setting sprays, so keep your goals for your makeup and skin in mind as you browse the backs of bottles. If you want to curb your skin’s oil production, King advises looking for ingredients like silica to help absorb sebum. Botanical extracts like green tea extract and moringa seed can be a big help if you want to moisturize and condition. Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos suggests hydrating, adhesive ingredients like glycerin. “Glycerin can be pretty tacky and may help makeup grip,” Dobos previously told Allure.
Meet the experts
- Ashlee Glazer, a makeup artist
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
- Victoria Vohland, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist
- Tommy, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Kate Lee, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
- Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
