Setting Sprays Usually Disappoint—Hours of Testing Later, We Found 10 Exceptions

As a beauty editor, I know that my makeup is only as good as the length of time it lasts. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been sabotaged by fleeting foundations, brief blushes, and short-lived lipsticks. It’s like my makeup is perfect one minute and gone the next. 

Over time, I’ve learned how to separate the bad products from the good ones and prevent a makeup vanishing act. I’ve also learned how important it is to prep my complexion with hydrating skincare products and makeup-gripping primers, and how to set everything with an effective setting spray. 

The latter sounds simple, but no two setting sprays are the same. With so many options out there, it can be tough to find one that works well for your skin type and preferred makeup aesthetic. Do you have oily skin but want a matte finish? Or is it vice versa? What if you have combo skin and you only want to control shine in one area of your face? What if you hate the feeling of heavy, tacky sprays and you’re looking for a lightweight mist? 

To get into the nitty-gritty of setting sprays, we took it upon ourselves to research, test, and record some of the best formulas on the market. First, we spent hours researching different products and assembling them into a color-coded spreadsheet. Then, we chose the 10 best-reviewed ones for our editors to personally test. From there, we were able to name the best setting sprays out of them all. Yep, the very best! Ahead, learn more about our review process, meet our consulting expert, and see which setting sprays passed our test.