When it comes to keeping make-up in place, setting spray is the way to go. The best setting sprays deliver hydration to the skin keeping it refreshed; hold make-up in place for hours, no matter what you throw at it; and prevent shine and excess oil from creeping up on the skin. Make-up artists swear by it. If you struggle with make-up sliding off your face, you need a setting spray.
What’s the difference between setting spray and finishing spray?
Used interchangeably in beauty parlance, it’s easy to confuse the two, but setting spray and finishing sprays actually perform different functions. PVP (polymer) and alcohol-based setting sprays form a budge-proof barrier over make-up that protects against sweat, water and humidity, and are often labelled “fixing sprays” for their ability to lock your glam in place. Finishing sprays, on the other hand, are mists composed of oils and water, that marry your concealers, foundation and setting powders together for a natural, skin-like finish.
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If you’re looking to extend the life of your make-up, you’ll want to invest in a strong-hold setting spray, but if you’re only after something to reduce a powdery, overdone look, a finishing spray is for you. If you want both? Use a hydrating finishing spray to melt your make-up into the skin, then follow with a fixing spray for maximum hold.
Is using setting spray or primer better?
A great primer will prepare your skin to grip make-up by creating a smooth, adhesive canvas. Setting sprays further add to the longevity of your look by sealing everything in. If primer is a base coat, a good way to think of setting spray is as an enduring topcoat – both work best together to get you more wear from your make-up. The beauty of a setting spray, though, is that it can be used at any stage of your routine to provide extra hydration and hold, whether that’s under your make-up as a primer, or in between layers of your foundation, blush and bronzer.
Whether you’ve got an event that requires a flawless base that lasts (think: wedding), or you simply want a daily glow that doesn’t slide off of your face on the commute, Vogue has tested the most popular setting sprays out there to bring you the best of the best. Here, find our favourite setting sprays to help you get the most out of your beauty look.
Best settings sprays at a glance:
