Setting Sprays Usually Disappoint—Hours of Testing Later, We Found 12 Exceptions

Average rating: 5/5

Pros: Impressive, long-lasting wear; minimized appearance of pores

Cons: Smells like hairspray

Size: 1 oz., 3.4 oz | Finish: Matte | Wear time: 10 hours

This setting spray is incredibly popular, and it has been ever since it was rumored to be Beyoncé's go-to product for stage makeup. (If that's not a seal of approval, I don't know what is.) Its waterproof formula provides a matte finish while nourishing the skin with green tea extract and witch hazel. Together, these ingredients aim to tighten the appearance of pores and absorb excess oil. That said, I do want to warn you about the scent—our tester found it to be on the hairspray side of things, though it’s worth enduring for a few seconds to enjoy the product’s lasting results.

Editor review: "I audibly gasped the first time I used this setting spray. Usually at the end of the night when I remove my makeup, I come to find that a lot of it has already naturally come off. As I wiped a cotton round across my face, it looked as if I had just put my makeup on a few minutes ago. The setting spray gave me a matte finish, and I was obsessed. I've tried it a few times in this testing period, and whether it was a 10-hour day or just dinner with friends, I received almost the same result. The only thing that made it budge was a hot and sweaty night out—it would take a miracle for my makeup to survive that in New York City." — Sierra Mayhew, fashion editor

Customer review: "The one product that is worth writing a review for. I have never had a setting spray work better than this one, and I have tried many."

Average rating: 4.5/5

Pros: Impressive results for the price

Cons: Observed slight makeup shifts by the end of the day

Size: 2.03 oz, 6 oz | Finish: Natural to matte | Wear time: 6 hours

For a mere $10, you can't get better than this. The three-in-one formula promises to prep, hydrate, and set the skin, so you can use it before and after makeup application. It also boasts good-for-skin ingredients like hydrating glycerin and antioxidant-rich 2% niacinamide.

Editor review: This read as matte on my skin, which I liked, as I tend to get shiny throughout the day. It held up way better than I expected. I'm not sure why I was surprised, but it kept my makeup intact for over six hours with no touch-ups. I noticed that my foundation looked almost perfect by the end of the day. There was a small amount of separation, but other than that, it really locked my makeup in place. I could still see my blush and eyeliner by the end of the day, which is a big deal for me because it usually fades or smudges.

Customer review: "I love this spray. I work in a restaurant where it's very hot during the summer (in the kitchen). Especially when you're running around, back and forth waitressing. This spray works overtime for me!"

Average rating: 4.5/5

Pros: Free from alcohol, includes skincare benefits

Cons: May be too shiny for combination or oily skin types

Size: 1.69 oz, 3.38 oz | Finish: Radiant | Wear time: 5 hours

Another TikTok-viral product is this one that's known for gripping makeup to the skin for long-lasting wear. It provides a dewy finish with an alcohol-free and hydrating formula. It's all thanks to blue agave extract, which sets makeup; hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which hydrate the skin; and aloe and hemp, which soothe the skin.

Editor review: "Calling all dewy skin lovers and dry-skin people—this setting spray is for you. Instantly after I applied it, my skin looked undeniably dewy (way more than usual) and felt tacky to the touch. As this setting spray is dewy versus matte, I did need to blot my T-zone midday to reduce excess shine. I don't usually wear a setting spray on a daily basis, and I can confidently say that this product made my makeup last much longer than I'm used to. After five-plus hours of wear (including a two-hour shopping excursion), my makeup still looked fairly intact. Even my blush (which is often the first thing to fade) was brighter and more pigmented." — Emma Hughes, associate social media editor, beauty

Customer review: "I love the feeling of this product. It doesn't dry out my skin and grips my makeup all day. So good."

Average rating: 3.5/5

Pros: Effective results at a budget-friendly price, controls shine

Cons: Spray nozzle doesn't distribute very finely

Size: 2.03 oz | Finish: Matte | Wear time: 7 hours

A drugstore classic, this setting spray promises to maintain a matte finish on oily skin, no matter what. Like other setting sprays we tested, this one has a vegan formula that's infused with niacinamide.

Editor review: "Though this spray initially went on a touch shiny, within a few minutes, it dried down super matte. Honestly, my makeup didn't budge all day, and I didn't have to do any touch-ups! Normally, about two hours after I've applied makeup, even if I set it with powder, my T-zone starts to get super oily, and the makeup starts to slide off. That didn't happen at all while wearing this! While this setting spray worked super well, the experience of applying it and wearing it throughout the day wasn't my favorite. The spray applicator is pretty intense, and once the product is on, it makes your face quite tight and shiny before drying down to a bit of a sticky, tacky feel. But if you're looking for a setting spray to absolutely lock in your makeup with no budging, this is a great one." — Natalie Thurman, senior podcast producer and editor

Customer review: "I have oily skin and always had issues with keeping my makeup intact for a long period of time and let me tell you this setting spray did not fail. My makeup looked amazing after wearing for more than 10 hours."

Average rating: 4.5/5

Pros: Even spray distribution, sweat- and waterproof wear

Cons: Not the best for shine control

Size: 1 oz, 4 oz | Finish: Natural | Wear time: 8 hours

Like so many of Benefit's products, this setting spray is specifically formulated to target the appearance of enlarged pores. In other words, it minimizes the look of pores and blurs the skin in general. It has a natural finish, micro-fine mist, and a completely waterproof formula.

Editor review: "My makeup still looked fresh at the end of the day, and I was deeply impressed by how it held up in my Pilates class. I loved that this set my makeup and minimized shine throughout the day but didn't make my skin feel tight. I also really loved the experience of putting it on—it's a super-fine mist, and the spray bottle evenly distributed the product all over my face. However, while I enjoyed the feel and look of the finish, I did have some creasing around my nose." — Thurman

Customer review: "Love this setting spray! My makeup actually lasts longer with this spray and I truly do see a difference in my pores after using it."

Average rating: 4.5/5

Pros: Impressive hold, long-lasting results

Cons: Nozzle doesn't always deliver an even spritz

Size: 4 oz | Finish: Natural | Wear time: 9 hours

If you need a setting spray that can go the distance, look no further than this long-lasting mist from Too Faced. This lightweight mist armors up your makeup with a delicate layer of product, feeling refreshing on your skin (thanks to the essence of green tea extract and advanced, lightweight polymers) and keeps your makeup transfer-proof, even when you’re changing clothes. Its formula also offers blue light protection, which keeps your skin safe from environmental stressors while you go about your day.

Editor review: "I was obsessed with this setting spray from the moment I first applied it. Lightweight and truly unmoving, I trust this spray with my longest days and fullest glams. I lean on the dry side of things, though my T-zone can get oily throughout the day, and this spray keeps my skin feeling hydrated and looking natural—anchoring my powdered sections in place and offering a glow where I opt to let my skin breathe. My only wish is that the nozzle distributed the product a bit more finely, and I also want to preface that I only say that this stuff lasts 9 hours because that's the longest I've worn it for (however, I can see it stretching the claimed 18). This will be a wedding season staple!" — Alyssa Brascia, associate beauty editor

Customer review: "I received this product for free a few months back and loved it so much I repurchased. It’s sensitive on the skin but locks in makeup for hours. Definitely worth the price tag!"

Average rating: 5/5

Pros: Hydrates and smoothens skin, keeps makeup firmly in place

Cons: Honestly, we can't think of any

Size: 1.1 oz, 3.3 oz | Finish: Natural | Wear time: 5 hours

This TikTok-viral setting spray is alcohol-free with film-forming polymers, which create a strong but flexible film over makeup; Japanese green tea extract, which supports the skin barrier; and something called aromatic resin, which is supposed to blur the appearance of pores. Reviewers rave about the blurred, natural-looking finish it provides. Translation? It's not too dewy, and it's not too matte. Think of the TikTok "cloud skin" trend.

Editor review: "I've tried a ton of setting sprays, and I understand why it comes so highly recommended. I'm a bad skin picker (I'm working on it), but even with that, my makeup didn't budge. The finish held up throughout the day, and I never felt like my skin matted down and got dry, which usually happens for me. I'm also dealing with some blemishes and scars that usually get patchy throughout the day, and the spray kept the concealer I added on them in place." — Yusra Siddiqui, associate fashion editor

Customer review: "After using this spray on my face it immediately gave it a nice glow and it locks in my makeup in place. I will never go back to any other spray again."

Average rating: 5/5

Pros: Extremely fine mist, even aerosol distribution, long-lasting hold

Cons: Natural-dewy finish can enhance oily spots

Size: 2.8 oz, 6.5 oz | Finish: Naturally radiant | Wear time: 8 hours

For a complexion that looks like your skin, but better (even after all that glam), you're going to want to add this Morphe setting spray to your cart. This ultra-light spray is reinforced with vitamins E and B5, as well as fruit extracts, which help nourish the skin while preserving and enhancing your expertly applied look.

Editor review: "This formula is essentially the less expensive version of One/Size's famous setting spray. Its aerosol nozzle dispenses the product like a micro-fine dream and holds your makeup like skin-safe hairspray. I have noticed that my skin can take on a little shine after several hours (namely on the places that I forgo powder), but it's nothing a quick touch-up can't fix. I mean it when I say that this is my favorite setting spray in my arsenal—I recommend it to all of my friends who want something great that won't break the bank." — Brascia

Customer review: "This setting spray is really good, and I have no reason to lie or fake it. I love that it's aerosol and how it doesn't leave a 'film' or heavy feeling on your face after setting. I have oily, acne-prone skin, and this hasn't broken me out at all. It smells divine, sets my makeup beautifully, and is better than a lot of high-end setting sprays out there. I will continue to use this setting spray and will probably buy another bottle when this one is gone. Don't knock it till you try it is all I'm saying."

Average rating: 4/5

Pros: Hydrating formula nourishes skin, offers a glow

Cons: Not technically a setting spray

Size: 0.4 oz, 1.35 oz | Finish: Radiant | Wear time: 7 hours

While this isn't a setting spray in the traditional sense (aka it's not formulated specifically to keep makeup intact), it can and will extend the wear of your makeup. At its core, it's a spray-on moisturizer that hydrates, soothes, and plumps the skin with botanical oils and extracts. Some of the anti-aging and hydrating ingredients include Okinawa red algae, hyaluronic acid, green tea, and rice. It's basically a tall drink of water for your skin.

Editor review: This isn't technically a setting spray—it's more of a hydrating mist. That said, it can prolong the wear of makeup and prevent drying, cracking, and creasing. That's what it did for me. My skin looked fresh and dewy all day long, even after I went on a long, sweaty bike ride in 70-degree weather. I wish it would have gripped my makeup and prolonged its wear a bit better (my lipstick and blush specifically), even though it's not a setting spray in the traditional sense. Still, I was definitely impressed, especially because I have dehydrated, irritation-prone skin. I felt like this really soothed and hydrated my skin, even though I had drying makeup on top of it!

Customer review: "I love this dewy mist!! […] I like to use this throughout the day to touch up, especially on those hot sunny days when my skin feels so dry. I like the spray of it, it is very strong. Yes, your skin does look dewy afterward. I love the glow look."

Average rating: 3.5/5

Pros: Preserved our foundation while keeping the skin luminous

Cons: Not transfer-proof for eye makeup

Size: 1.18 oz, 2.87 oz | Finish: Radiant | Wear time: 5 hours

Leave it to Selena Gomez to create one of the internet's buzziest setting sprays. This four-in-one product hydrates, refreshes, primes, and sets the skin, so you can use it both before and after makeup application. It includes a bevy of good-for-skin ingredients, including niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white water lily. Together, these ingredients promise to hydrate, calm, and generally improve the appearance of the skin.

Editor review: First and foremost, I liked that it gave my skin a radiant—not shiny—finish. I wore it for five hours on a particularly hot and humid day, and I noticed that the makeup held up better than it would have otherwise. I saw less creasing and smudging, especially in the fine lines around my eyes and nose. That said, it didn't keep my eyeliner from transferring.

Customer review: "I honestly really hate to admit this but this setting spray is ABSOLUTELY amazing! I bought it to help prep my skin but it has MAJORLY helped with oil control and the longevity of my makeup. Now instead of lasting maybe 6-7 hours, I'm able to walk around for 10+ hours without retouching my face."

Average rating: 3/5

Pros: Legendary staying power, even in sweaty, hot weather

Cons: Doesn't include skincare benefits

Size: 1 oz, 4 oz | Finish: Natural | Wear time: 6 hours

Is there any setting spray more iconic than this one from Urban Decay? We don't think so. It's vegan and waterproof and offers a natural finish. What really sets it apart is its so-called temperature-control technology. Time-release molecules burst gradually to lower the temperature of your skin and help keep makeup intact for up to 16 hours.

Editor review: "I'm no stranger to this setting spray—it was my absolute go-to all of high school and college. This setting spray has seen me through many a sweaty summer day, dance rehearsal, and soirée. I can absolutely say that this setting spray makes a difference in how long my makeup lasts—after wearing this for six hours during the work day (albeit I was stationary and inside), nothing has really budged. It's iconic for a reason—it's proven time and again to do what it says it will do. But since high school and college, I've begun to prioritize makeup with skincare benefits above all else. I would rather opt for a setting spray that has less staying power and shine control but includes skincare benefits, however, this setting spray is going to deliver for any major event where you don't want your makeup to move an inch." — Hughes

Customer review: "I use this for special occasions and find it adds a nice natural finish to my makeup and helps it last longer without creasing."

Average rating: 3/5

Pros: User-friendly spray nozzle, lightweight formula

Cons: Lacks competitive staying power

Size: 3.4 oz | Finish: Radiant | Wear time: 6

I know we just said that the Urban Decay setting spray was the most iconic, but this one gives it a run for its money. For years, customers have stayed loyal to this multipurpose spray that can prep and refresh the skin both pre– and post–makeup application. Thanks to a pearlescent finish, it offers a dewy, radiant glow to the complexion.

Editor review: "I have tried a lot of setting sprays where the product is applied a little bit too aggressively with just one spray. This spray bottle lightly misted my face, letting me control just how much product I wanted to use for a more lightweight finish. It could've had more hold, but overall I still liked it." — Mayhew

Customer review: "This is by far my favorite setting spray I have ever used! I have tried many others, and they are good but they don't quite compare."