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16 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays for Long-Lasting Makeup

VaselineAugust 26, 2024

0 7 minutes read

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Adjusting spray can keep your makeup budget-proof and long-lasting hours (we’re talking Pilates class, concert, dinner party, whatever life throws at you), but we’ll be the first to say that a good formula doesn’t have to break the bank. A drugstore setting spray does the job at an affordable price, and many of them come in a variety of finishes from matte to dewy and radiant, and can target specific skin concerns like shine or dryness just as well as their pricier counterparts. Here, New York makeup artist Jonet Williamson shares what to look for when buying a drugstore fixing spray, tips for using it effectively, and the 16 best options.

Our 16 best drugstore fixing sprays at a glance:

Best overall: Morphe Continuous Setting Mist, $17
Best natural finish: Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray, $11
Best matte finish: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Fixing Spray, $10
Best dewy finish: elf Beauty Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray, $10
The best with hyaluronic acid: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist, $12
Best long lasting: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Up to 36HR Wear Setting Spray, $11
The best for a radiant skin: Makeup Revolution Fix & Glow Fixing Spray, $14
Best moisturizer: elf Beauty Dewy Coconut Setting Mist, $10
Best calming: Pixi Makeup Setting Mist, $15
Best for oily skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Fixing Spray, $6
Best budget proof: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Fixing Spray, $10
Best for dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray, $15
Best for priming: Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray, $8
Best plumping: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Makeup Setting Spray, $10
Best budget: Wet ‘n’ Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Spray, $6
Best for sensitive skin: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water, $13

Shop the 16 best drugstore fixing sprays

Best Overall: Morphe Continuous Setting Mist — $17.00

Mate: 2.8 fl oz, 6.5 fl oz | Finish: Naturally

Give your makeup a radiant, natural finish with this wallet-friendly setting mist that contains vitamin E, vitamin B5, and fruit extracts. It nourishes the skin and keeps makeup in place all day long. Plus, the powder spray ensures that every inch of your face is covered and your makeup won’t slide or shift.

Affordable
Comes in a jumbo size

Reviewers report that the formula can cause breakouts

Best Natural Finish: Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray — $11.00

Mate: 2.03 fl oz, 6.0 fl oz | Finish: Naturally

Williamson loves this natural finishing spray that hydrates skin and prevents your makeup from clumping. It contains glycerin, niacinamide, and antioxidants to brighten and soften the look of your makeup, and helps prevent creasing and fading. We also love that it’s vegan and lasts up to 24 hours.

Vegan and animal friendly
Clean ingredients

Contains perfume which may be irritating to some

Best Matte Finish: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray — $10.00

Mate: 2.03 fl oz | Finish: Mat

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Williamson also loves this matte finish setting spray that keeps your makeup shine-free and can absorb excess oil. This transfer-resistant spray can do just that; it keeps your face fresh, matte, and shine-free.

Up to 16 hours of wear time
Vegan and animal friendly

Contains alcohol, which can dry out the skin

Best Dewy Finish: Eleven Beauty Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray — $10.00

Mate: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Dewy

This formula grabs makeup with a bi-phase solution that blends to set and hydrate. It also contains hyaluronic acid, plus aloe vera, squalane and green tea to refine and soothe skin.

Long lasting
Vegan and animal friendly

The formula is a bit sticky and takes a minute to dry

Best with Hyaluronic Acid: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist — $12.00

Mate: 110 ml | Finish: Dewy

Hyaluronic acid can plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, so it’s a no-brainer that this setting spray is a must-try if that’s part of your skincare goals. The mist is microfine, allowing it to reach every nook and cranny of your face, and it dries super fast for a hydrated, dewy finish.

Contains glycerin and allantoin to fix and smooth the hair
Smells delicious

Some reviewers indicate that it is not super long lasting

Best for Glowing Skin: Makeup Revolution Fix & Glow Fixing Spray — $14.00

Mate: 3.38 fl oz | Finish: Radiant

If you’re looking for a glow, incorporate this spray into your makeup routine that contains light-reflecting micro-shimmer particles. It leaves your skin looking radiant and refreshed and is perfect if you want to brighten up your face without excess makeup.

Glowy, may not be suitable for oily skin types

Best Hydrating: elf Beauty Dewy Coconut Setting Mist — $10.00

Mate: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Radiant

This sweet-smelling setting mist is a must-try if you want to set your makeup And hydrates the skin. It contains coconut, green tea and cucumber extracts to soften and condition, and smells divine.

Vegan and animal friendly
Available on Amazon

Contains perfume, which may be irritating to some

Best Calming: Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist — $15.00

Mate: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Naturally

Calm and balance skin with this makeup setting mist infused with rosewater and green tea. It works to soothe skin and set makeup all day with a velvety, natural, soft-focus finish.

Suitable for all skin types
Available at Target

Has a strong rose scent, which may not appeal to some

Best for Oily Skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray — $6.00

Mate: 3.3 fl oz | Finish: Mat

If you have oily skin, opt for this setting spray that controls oil and leaves a matte finish. It prevents makeup from fading and smudging and is perfect for keeping your skin shine-free all day long until the evening.

Less than $10
Available on Amazon

Contains perfume which may be irritating to some

Best budget-proof: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Setting Spray — $10.00

Mate: 3.4 fl oz | Finish: Mat

This setting spray ensures that your lipstick, eyeliner, and face products stay put for up to 16 hours and is a great option if you’re looking for an effective formula with a weightless finish. Bonus: You can find it at your local drugstore or on Amazon.

Suitable for all skin types

The spray can feel a bit heavy on the face and takes a minute to dry

Best for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray — $15.00

Mate: 3.4 fl oz | Finish: Dewy

Add a hydration boost to your makeup routine with this hydrating spray that contains hyaluronic acid. It is ideal for dry skin types as it deeply hydrates, softens and refreshes the skin. It is also super gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Suitable for daily use
Available on Amazon

Very hydrating, may not be suitable for very oily skin

Best for primer: Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray — $8.00

Mate: 1.69 fl oz | Finish: Dewy

A long-lasting makeup look requires not only a good setting spray, but also a good primer. This formula does both: you can spritz it on your skin before makeup to prep your skin and after makeup to lock in all the products. Either way, it will leave your skin looking refreshed and radiant.

Less than $10
Can be used as a primer and setter
Vegan and animal friendly

Some reviewers don’t like the smell

Best Plumping: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Makeup Setting Spray — $10.00

Mate: 1.7 fl oz | Finish: Radiant

Star ingredients in this drugstore setting spray include vegan collagen, vitamin C, and cucumber extract to brighten and hydrate skin. All it takes is a good spritz to feel super refreshed, and it can be used to set makeup and hydrate skin all day long.

Vegan and animal friendly
Affordable

The formula is a bit sticky

Best Budget: Wet ‘n’ Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Spray — $6.00

Mate: 1.52 fl oz | Finish: Mat

At $6, this matte setting spray gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It helps prevent makeup from cracking, creasing, and fading, and ensures your makeup maintains a matte, soft-focus finish all day long.

Contains aloe vera to soothe the skin
Vegan and animal friendly

Reviewers don’t like the smell

Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water — $13.00

Mate: 10.1 fl oz | Finish: Naturally

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll love this thermal spring water spray that you can use to hydrate your skin or set your makeup. This is a great choice if you’re a minimalist makeup wearer and need a little spritz to wake up your skin when you’re on the go.

Reduces redness and irritation
Available on Amazon

Not suitable for people who wear a lot of make-up

What should you look for in a fixing spray from the drugstore?

“When I buy a setting spray from the drugstore, I look at how long it’s supposed to last and what kind of finish it’s supposed to give,” Williamson says. Look for a spray with a specific finish based on your makeup goals, longevity, and an ultra-fine or powder mist. Here’s what to look for:

The finishing

A good drugstore setting spray should have a specific finish, such as matte, dewy, or radiant. They should also cater to a specific need and contain ingredients that reflect that, such as oil-absorbing ingredients that can mattify the skin or hyaluronic acid that can deeply hydrate. It’s important to check which formula suits your specific skin type or need. “You may want a matte finish, but you don’t realize you’re buying a hydrating setting spray,” says Williamson. TLDR: Always check the label before you buy.

The lifespan

The purpose of a setting spray is to keep your makeup smudge-free and intact all day and night, so it’s important to look for a formula that will last at least 24 hours. Williamson also offers a pro tip for making sure you’re getting the most out of your setting spray. “Lay your setting spray between powders by applying it before and after your setting powder,” she says.

Mist type

Finally, to get the most bang for your buck, a great drugstore setting spray has an ultra-fine or powdery mist that can coat every crevice of the face, preventing creasing in easy-to-blend areas like under the eyes or around the nose. The finer or more powdery the mist, the better.

Our editors select these products independently. If you make a purchase through our links, Well+Good may earn a commission.

VaselineAugust 26, 2024

0 7 minutes read