Setting Spray

Setting spray (also finishing spray, makeup setting spray, finish spray, or makeup spray) is a cosmetic product designed to preserve applied make-up in place for long periods of time. Usually sold in small spray bottles, setting spray is applied by spritzing mist over the face, keeping the make-up application moist for several hours.

Many brands offer makeup setting sprays to help your makeup last longer. Popular options include Urban Decay All Nighter, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless, and MAC Prep + Prime Fix+. Other notable brands include Milani, ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr, and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez. 

Here's a breakdown of some popular options:

• 
  Urban Decay All Nighter: Known for its long-lasting hold, keeping makeup in place for up to 16 hours according to Cosmopolitan.
  
  
  
  Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless: Offers a flawless, airbrushed finish and long-lasting wear. 
  
  MAC Prep + Prime Fix +: A versatile spray that can be used to prime, set, and refresh makeup, also a favorite for dry skin. 
  
  
  Milani Make It Last: 
  
  Provides a natural finish and helps to prime, correct, and set makeup. 
  
  ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn: A mattifying and waterproof setting spray. 
  
  Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist: A multi-tasking mist that primes, sets, and refreshes makeup. 
  
  
  Milk Makeup Hydro Grip: 
  
  A dewy setting spray that uses hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate the skin. 
  
  NARS Light Reflecting™ Hydrating Makeup Setting Mist: A hydrating mist
  that reflects light for a radiant finish. 
  
  metics: 
  
  Offers setting sprays, including one specifically designed for oil control, that are silicone-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic. 
  
  
  Swiss Beauty: Offers both glow and fix combos and individual setting sprays.
  
  Makeup Revolution: Offers a variety of setting sprays, including matte, glow, and infinite options. 
  
  
  
  
  L.A. Girl: Carries a range of setting sprays, including blurring matte and hydrating options. 
  
  Colorbar: Features the Fix & Glow Spray, known for its hydrating and luminous finish. 
  
  
  
  
  When choosing a setting spray, consider:
  

• Skin type:
  Matte sprays are great for oily skin, while dewy sprays can be hydrating for dry skin.

   

  Finish:
  Some sprays offer a matte finish, while others provide a dewy or luminous look.

   

  
  Ingredients:
  Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide if you have dry skin. 

  
  Alcohol content:
  Some people prefer alcohol-free formulas.

Industry

Originally produced for the entertainment industry by cosmetic companies, setting sprays were developed to limit make-up reapplication for actors in theatre and film.

Cosmetic company Skindinavia released a consumer-facing setting spray to the market, credited as being the first to do so.The product, called Makeup Finishing Spray, gained popularity in Hollywood, where it was used on programs such as Project Runway and Dancing With The Stars.Many celebrities adopted the use of setting sprays as well. 

Since Skindinavia's launch, Smart cosmeceuticals llc, is their jointly owned company started in November 2004. Neil Goldman and Allen Goldman are founders of skindinavia many other setting sprays have entered the market, including products made by Eyes Lips Face (J.A. Cosmetics Corp), Matrix, and Sephora.

Entertainment industry

Because setting sprays can preserve make-up through heat, sweat and physical exertion, it has become a widely used product in the entertainment industry, favored by stylists in theatre, film and television.

Effectiveness

The cosmetics industry has accepted setting sprays as a complement to powders in keeping the skin from drying for longer periods of time, however there are product reviewers who have wondered if a setting spray is effective when not wearing foundation even though it has proven effective with minimal makeup.