20 Of The Best Setting Sprays To Help Your Makeup Last

Buzz Feed

01-05-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Because you worked too hard on that natural glam for it to crease, fade, transfer, smudge, settle, or melt.
1. A long-lasting and oil-free Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray made to last for up to 16 hours, so your fiercest looks stay all day. This vegan mist is waterproof and transfer-resistant, which helps to prevent melting, cracking, and smudging. No wicked witches over here!
BuzzFeed writer Jenae Sitzes swears by this stuff:
"I first put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking several trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night. Soon after that event, I put it to an even bigger task: surviving sweat, tears, and 12 hours of wear for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. My makeup look was done by 2 p.m., and it stayed completely intact (minus the lipstick I purposefully wiped off while scarfing down post-concert pizza) until the time I got home just after 2 a.m. Here's what it endured during that timespan: multi-leg public transportation to and from the venue, waiting in lines under the blazing sun to get in, several meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying a number of times during the show.
Most recently, I wore it to the Governors Ball music festival, where I was very concerned about my carefully crafted Chappell Roan-inspired eyeshadow look [pictured above] lasting all day under the very, VERY hot sun — and was pleased with how well my makeup held up. I now own this stuff in both a full- and travel-size. It dries on your face quickly and doesn't feel heavy or sticky (it doesn't feel like anything at all, TBH), and it's caused no issues for my dry, sensitive skin. It's been a complete game changer, especially during the hotter months, and I can't recommend it more!"
2. A Revlon setting spray containing a superfood blend of citrus, aloe, and broccoli that helps to neutralize free radicals and shield skin from the effects of environmental stress and pollution. Basically, in addition to locking makeup for up to 24 hours, it'll ALSO protect your skin from, like, the world.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"The best setting spray, hands down. I tried a different brand last time and thought something was wrong with my makeup. With this spray, my foundation color stays true all day, even on my cheeks, which are truly the most combination-y they have ever been in my life. Not usually a makeup brand loyalist, but I hope they never discontinue this product." — Jamie B.
Get it from Amazon for $9.77.
3. A makeup-enhancing KimChi Chic setting spray if you strut through life like the category is always "beat for the gods." Designed to enhance and mattify, this lightweight formula is safe for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Want eyeshadow that pops? Spray your makeup brush with this before application. You're welcome.
KimChi Chic is a small business owned by Korean-American drag queen KimChi (who you may remember from season eight of RuPaul's Drag Race)!
Promising reviews:"If you are a performer and/or know you are going to be sweating and your makeup is going to touch things, this is for you!! I LOVE this! Locks the makeup in and makes it transfer-proof!! Great price and size, too!" — Payton's World
"I have tried different types of setting sprays, and none of them work as well as this one. I work in a retail store that, for whatever reason, has the heat set to the first level of hell, so it is always hot in there. I am constantly sweating. I would take a paper towel and blot my face, and my makeup would come off. With this stuff, it does not come off! Best. Stuff. Ever." — Noelle777
Get it from Amazon for $16.
4. A super-hydrating Laura Geller fine mist setting spray because it's not only good at making sure your makeup stays lookin' tight, but it'll also provide your skin with nourishing electrolytes and vitamins to help restore your complexion. It's made with potent antioxidants like grape seed and centella asiatica extract, which may offer some blue light protection. She's a girl's girl for sure.
Promising review:"I have never used a makeup finishing mist product before, but WOW this sparkling mist is a must! The scent is terrific, it feels so light and refreshing, and it really does add a glow. I love how it helps set my makeup, preventing it from rubbing off. I will always use this product from here on out!!!" — Vicki T
Get it from Amazon for $25.98.
5. A long-lasting, Skindinavia wedding day setting spray designed with brides in mind. This heat-resistant and waterproof spray will keep you looking flawless through a long (albeit beautiful) day of sweat and tears. Even if the weather isn't on your side on your big day, this lightweight and cooling formula won't let you down!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This makeup finishing spray is an absolute game-changer! I used it on my wedding day, and my makeup stayed flawless from morning to night. Even after hours of hugging guests and dancing, there was no transfer onto my white dress or my husband's suit — both stayed spotless! It feels incredibly light on the skin, not heavy or sticky at all, yet the staying power is unbeatable. My makeup didn't budge, smudge, or fade, even under the stress and excitement of the big day. If you're looking for a setting spray that delivers all-day and all-night wear without compromise, this is it! This picture was taken at 3 a.m. after wearing makeup since 9 a.m. the previous day." — She's Gotta Have It
Get it from Amazon for $16.
6. A budget-friendly and smudge-proof Essence setting spray that offers a lightweight and even application that's sure to last. How long? Up to 18 hours, THAT'S how long! Its oil- and alcohol-free formula makes looking good an easy task.
Amazon
Promising reviews:"It didn't leave my skin feeling dry or itchy. Adding this to my daily makeup bag!" — Kindle Customer
"Lasts longer than I thought it would. Definitely worth the money." — Kimberly Nichols
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in two other formulas: an instant matte version and a version with added hyaluronic acid for moisture).
7. A lightweight, oil-controlling setting spray if you're tired of looking as shiny as a nickel just off the presses. Get a smooth, matte finish with this nourishing (hello, it's got hydrating plant sugars and soothing aloe) spray!
Amazon
Promising review:"Say goodbye to mid-day touch-ups! This matte finishing spray is the ultimate solution to keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless all day long. Whether you have oily, combination, or normal skin, this oil-control setting spray ensures that your makeup stays in place without feeling heavy or sticky. With its lightweight formula and hydrating properties, this setting spray is perfect for those seeking long-lasting, shine-free coverage." — Janel Mattingly
Get it from Amazon for $14.49.
8. A makeup-gripping E.l.f. dewy setting spray infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid because you deserve for your full glam look to last for hours and hours, AND your skin deserves to be hydrated and nourished. Just shake to activate!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: " So far, I do like this setting spray. I have used it several times. I work 12-hour shifts, so I was looking for something to make my makeup last for the whole shift. I love that it keeps it fresh-looking and dewy without looking oily. Love the price, too!" — Michele
"I use this not just to set my makeup but also to dampen my makeup sponge. I think it has made a huge difference in how my makeup looks and how much smoother it applies. It is just as good, if not better (feels less sticky), than the similar, more expensive Milk Makeup one." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.
9. A hydrating and hypoallergenic Neutrogena setting spray so you don't have to worry about upsetting your sensitive skin. And you better believe this formula contains hyaluronic acid!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"This has quickly become a must-have in my beauty routine. It's lightweight and refreshing, giving my skin a nice boost of hydration while setting my makeup perfectly. The hyaluronic acid really makes a difference, leaving my skin feeling moisturized and looking dewy all day.
"I love how it locks in my makeup without feeling heavy or sticky. Plus, it's easy to apply and dries quickly, making it great for on-the-go touch-ups. This setting spray keeps my makeup looking fresh for hours, even in humid conditions. Highly recommend this for anyone looking to keep their makeup in place while giving their skin some extra hydration!" — TRivas
Get it from Amazon for $14.49.
10. A splurge-worthy Hourglass setting spray offering a soft focus effect that blurs imperfections. And sure, this ultra-fine mist spray hydrates your skin. And sure, it also creates a naturally radiant appearance. And sure, it's water-resistant and keeps makeup in place for up to 24 hours... Wait, those are all good things. Nevermind.
Amazon
Promising review:"As a makeup lover with chronically dry skin, I've relied on the Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray for years to keep my complexion looking hydrated and luminous — not cakey or tight. The ultra-fine mist sets makeup seamlessly while giving the skin a soft, blurred glow that looks like a filter in real life. It layers beautifully over both matte and dewy foundations without disturbing the base, which is rare for a hydrating formula. If you struggle with dryness or texture, this spray is a staple — elegant, reliable, and absolutely worth the splurge." — DomHarding
11. A weightless Jerome Alexander setting spray whose airbrush-like fine mist will evenly coat your face, providing a long-lasting hold. And since it's got niacinamide, argireline, and hyaluronic acid, you can expect an even complexion, more elasticity, and hydration. You'll feel like a professional MUA with this in hand!
Amazon
Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products.
Promising reviews:"This product is absolutely amazing! My makeup stays put all day! Through sweating, touching my face, etc., it still looks flawless!" — Megan A Racioppo
"Before using this finishing spray, I had trouble with makeup fading during the course of the day. If I blew my nose, the makeup came off on the tissue. Not anymore! I have been using this for several months and don't want to be without it." — S Latimer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
12. A botanically infused, 4-in-1 Rare Beauty (by Selena Gomez) setting mist containing niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) to help minimize the appearance of pores, boost skin's barrier strength, and brighten and hydrate skin. Prime, set, hydrate, and refresh with one product.
Sephora
Promising review:"With any other setting spray, I feel as if my face looks cakey. But this setting spray makes my skin look flawless and like glass. 10/10 recommend!" — sophia13321
"It's so good! It makes my makeup stay on a lot longer and gives a dewy, refreshed look to prevent dry skin! Shake, spray, set, done." — 17Abby4444
Get it from Sephora for $15+ (available in two sizes).
13. A waterproof and transfer-resistant NYX setting spray so committed to making sure your makeup doesn't slip, it's got gluing film formers and maple syrup in its DNA. I'm talkin' 24 whole hours of wear. But don't worry! You won't feel sticky after using this breathable and lightweight formula.
Amazon
14. A lightweight Maybelline setting spray if you're looking for a glass-like finish that'll last you all day long! And feel free to spritz this hydrating spray throughout the day for a nice little pick-me-up.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
15. A nondrying K-beauty setting spray made with two naturally derived powders that help with adhesion and oil absorption. This water-based formula is transfer-proof, smudge-proof, sweat-proof, and waterproof. That's a lot of proofs!
Amazon
Promising review:"I don't have any complaints about this product. I have to praise it for the size of the bottle and the price point. I absolutely love the mist being super fine and consistent. I sprayed this all over my face (at least five pumps) after finishing my makeup, then used a mini fan for 5–7 seconds to make sure it fully dried. My makeup lasted all day, and I did not have to reapply anything except my lip gloss throughout the day. I also looked up the ingredients list, and there are no pore-clogging ingredients, so it doesn't break me out. It even smells good!" — K
Get it from Amazon for $14.57.
16. A skin-brightening Caudalie toning mist — this multi-tasking beauty tightens pores, sets makeup, and gives skin a radiant glow. If you're into plant-based cosmetics, I should probably tell you that this spray contains rose, lemon balm, mint, rosemary, grape, and orange blossom — yup, I'm saying this is a plant-based product. You'll have calm, hydrated, and refreshed skin in no time.
Amazon
Promising reviews:"This is my favorite facial spray! I have been using it for almost a decade! I use it to set makeup, as a toner, and as a refresh throughout the day. It feels cooling and refreshing, and I love the smell! It makes you feel like you are at the spa!" — Sarah Balch
"This is one of my holy grail sprays. I notice a huge difference whenever I run out or I don't use it. Whenever I apply makeup, I use it before and after. It always delivers a natural, glowy finish to my skin. It also does not break me out, which is super important to me. It has a clean scent, which I love. It doesn't leave my face feeling sticky, but smooth, clear, and even. I usually purchase the smaller bottle so I can easily travel with it. I seriously LOVE this spray!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes).
17. An SPF 30 sunscreen setting spray since it'll keep you protected from the sun and keep you lookin' fly for up to 16 hours. This lightweight 2-in-1 is also cruelty-free!
Amazon
The American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation recommends using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays.
Promising review:"I honest to God thought setting sprays were a money trap hoax until I bought this. I had used a few random setting sprays in the past, and they never did ANYTHING; my makeup would run down my face as soon as I got in the sun. I bought this before a trip to the beach because I wanted something with SPF I could spray on my pale, sensitive face (and if it happened to also help my makeup stay, even better!). I was BEYOND impressed with how well this setting spray works; my makeup still looked great even after hours of walking around the beach underneath the California sun. It felt very light on my face and dried quickly; it definitely has a strong sunscreen smell, but whatevs, it does the job!! Will be buying this brand again when the bottle runs out, for sure." — Hannah Coyne
Get it from Amazon for $13.97.
18. A 3-in-1 Iconic London setting spray if your goal is to look "shining, shimmering, splendid." Use it to prep, set, and illuminate. Speaking of, it contains light-reflecting particles are sure to make you glow. It's also got chamomile and cucumber to help soothe skin, as well as caffeine to assist with any dark circles. And, yeah, it's a "setting spray," but feel free to use this on a bare face, too! Welcome to a whole new world.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
19. A soothing and hydrating IT Cosmetics setting spray infused with hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and aloe vera. For up to 16 hours, you'll be protected from melting, fading, and settling! You can even use this gentle formula throughout the day as a face mist.
Amazon
Promising reviews:"My makeup tends to fade as a result of my combination skin. I bought this in hopes that it would change this, and I've been pleasantly surprised! My face doesn't become oily with this spray, and my makeup lasts for hours! One word of advice: Use this product BEFORE you put on your mascara! I'd put on my mascara first, only to have it run under my lower lashes when closing my eyes to apply the spray, even when waiting after application. When I apply my mascara AFTER I spray, the mascara applies nicely to my lashes and seems to bond better to my lashes." — Kobismom
20. A vitamin-infused Morphe setting spray designed to enhance your makeup and bless you with a natural finish. Plus, it doesn't discriminate against liquid or powder makeup; it'll perfectly set both! No caking or fading here.
Amazon
Promising review:"OK, this here had my face looking good all night! Put my makeup on at about 4–5 and didn't get back home until about 1 a.m., and my makeup was still looking good! Did not slip or get oily! I did NOT have to reapply powder!! So yeah, I'm sticking with this one for LIFE! Longevity 10/10. Dries quickly! May be a little on the pricey side, BUT it works, and for that, it is definitely worth it. So if you have oily/combo skin, this is definitely a good purchase for you." — LaToya Dickson