Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Want makeup that looks just as fresh at 8 a.m. as it does at 8 p.m.? Using one of the best setting sprays as the final step of your makeup routine can make that a reality. Designed to create a lightweight protective layer over your makeup, these hardworking mists help prevent fading, smudging, and transfer while often delivering skin-care benefits like hydration and antioxidant protection. No matter what the day has in store for you, setting spray is “essential,” says Ash K. Holm , a makeup artist based in Los Angeles. “It helps makeup hold up through lights, heat, cameras, and hours of wear.”
And these days, setting sprays can do more than keep your makeup from slipping: Depending on the formula, they also hydrate, mattify, add radiance , or blur uneven tone or texture—and sometimes make your makeup look even better. How? “Setting spray can help melt powders into the skin, soften texture, and make the complexion look more seamless and skin-like,” says Holm. And here’s an insider trick from Holm: Don’t be afraid to spritz it throughout the day whenever you feel like you need a makeup refresh.
How does setting spray work? What's the best way to apply setting spray? What kind of setting spray is best for me? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers A great makeup day should stay that way until you’re ready to wash your face and call it a night. Ahead, check out the best setting sprays that’ll help your makeup go the distance, including Allure editor favorites and makeup artist-approved picks.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Charlotte Tilbury
Allure interim features director Kara McGrath applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Why we love it: Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray has a pore-blurring finish that's won over Allure editors and makeup artists alike with every spritz. Beyond that, it scores major points for its multitasking formula as a setting and fixing spray. According to New York City-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher , you can think of fixing sprays as "a setting spray times ten" in terms of their long-wearing hold. This spray’s pore-blurring effect comes from a combination of film-forming polymers and aromatic resin, which create a soft-matte veil over your makeup to seal it in place for up to 16 hours. Bonus: Skin-boosting ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extracts to cool your face and calm redness and irritation to keep your skin feeling like, well, skin. “It helps smooth the look of makeup and gives the skin that polished, airbrushed finish without making it feel dry or tight,” adds Holm.
McGrath immediately after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
McGrath at the end of the day after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Tester feedback from interim features director Kara McGrath
“The fine mist on this setting spray is simply unmatched: It seems to float through the air before landing gently on your skin. But despite the delicate feel, once the formula coats your face, I can guarantee your makeup is locked in. Recently, I applied around 9 a.m., and when I got out of a particularly sweaty dance class 11 hours later, a friend commented, ’Wow, how does your makeup look so good right now?’ I swear, I didn't pay her to say that.” —Kara M…