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We Found the 14 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays That'll Keep Your Look Flawless

Keep your makeup in place without spending a fortune.

A collage of drugstore setting sprays we recommend on a grey with water drops background

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

A makeup setting spray might seem like a go-to for special occasions and nights out on the town, but what about locking in your everyday look? (Raise your hand if you've ever left the house with a perfect beat, only to arrive at work to discover your foundation has transferred from your face to your outfit.) The right setting spray can prevent smudging, running, and flaking, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

We conducted hours of research, evaluating a range of formulas on their finish (from matte to dewy), scent, and what skin types they work best on. We also took into consideration ingredients, and what potential effects they can have on on different skin types. Then, we asked Byrdie editors to recommend their tried-and-true products. After considering dozens of contenders, we curated this list of the very best drugstore setting sprays.

Is a drugstore setting spray as good as one that's more expensive?


Some of the standout ingredients in drugstore setting sprays are effective and affordable. To get the best results, look for ingredients that target specific skin concerns:

Humectants: Plant-based humectants like aloe vera, coconut oil, and certain types of sugars help makeup adhere to skin and hold it in place.

Mattifying agents: If you have oily skin, a mattifying agent like charcoal will help prevent makeup from slipping.

Soothing ingredients: It’s a good idea to opt for fragrance-free and alcohol-free formulas, especially if you have sensitive skin. Choose products with calming ingredients like aloe vera.


If you're willing to invest in a pricier setting spray, you'll get the benefits of higher-end film-forming polymers for longer hold, hydrating complex blends that boost moisture retention, and skincare-focused ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and vitamins.

What We Like
  • No melting

  • Creates a just-applied look

  • Super lightweight

What to Consider
  • Not for sensitive skin

Size: 3.4 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Get that just-applied look with this oil-free spray. It’s super lightweight and mists on evenly to keep bold lips pigmented and winged liners on point. It also gets kudos for being suitable for both dry and oily skin types. Users of all skin types rave that it survives 12-hour shifts and heatwaves alike but it's especially great for acne-prone and combination skin.

What We Like
  • Easy to use

  • Wallet-friendly

  • Travel-friendly

  • Soothing

What to Consider
  • Too watery of a formula to some

Size: 2.02 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This fine, easy-to-use mist keeps your makeup in place while controlling shine. We’ve long been fans of this brand because the products are so wallet-friendly, but the results with this spray really speak for themselves. The lightweight mist gives your makeup a perfect finish and a barely-there feeling that lasts. If you struggle with controlling shine after applying makeup, then this setting spray is for you. Its vitamin-enriched formula is also ideal for sealing hydration in the skin while providing a matte finish.

What We Like
  • Vegan

  • Long-lasting

  • Full of natural ingredients

What to Consider
  • Not suitable for oily skin

Size: 2.02 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Waterproof? Check! Mask-proof? Absolutely. Sweat-proof? You’ve got it. This setting spray seriously does it all and provides long-lasting hold. It's a fan favorite amongst the YouTube beauty set—with its consistent mattifying effect for skin of all ages, we can totally see why. When testing it out for ourselves, we found that it kept shine to a minimum while giving just the right amount of hydration for natural, beautifully matte skin. This setting spray is ideal for you if you have an active lifestyle and need your makeup to stay in place when you’re rushing around or exercising. It’s also suitable if you wear a face mask at work and don’t want your makeup to rub off.

Woman spraying NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray on her face

Byrdie / Khera Alexander

What We Like
  • 2-in-1 primer and setting spray

  • Good staying power

  • Transfer-resistant

What to Consider
  • Mist comes out more like a stream

Size: 3.4 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

You might not expect much from a setting spray that rings up at less than five bucks, but this one gets a standing ovation for delivering a matte finish all day long. The oil-free formula dries quickly so it can be used as a primer before your makeup, or as a setting spray to finish off your look and keep it in place.  If you want to take the matte up a notch, try pairing it with the Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer cream.

What We Like
  • Great dewy look

  • Use under or over makeup or alone

  • Lasts up to 16 hours

What to Consider
  • Hard to apply

Size: 2.03 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Dewy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

For those of us with dry skin (raises hand), there’s nothing we love more than a dewy finish. This setting spray will get the job done without sacrificing the endurance of your makeup. Use it to prime and set an illuminated look, or to refresh and hydrate throughout the day for a subtle glow. This hydrating spray boasts 16 hours without creasing, smudging, or fading, according to the brand, and users say the dewy finish rivals more expensive brands.

What We Like
  • Reduces dry skin

  • Minimizes skin sensitivity

  • Provides antioxidant protection

What to Consider
  • Spray nozzle needs better engineering

Size: 2.03 oz. | Scent: Fresh | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

When your makeup has been on all day, your powder is starting to crease, or your face just feels dry, this soothing spray is the perfect pick-me-up. It’s optimal for a multitude of uses like sunburn relief or even diaper rash, but it’s also a great setting spray for dry skin. When testing it out, we found that results vary depending on how you’re using it, but when we used it to sandwich our skincare products, it left our skin looking juicy and hydrated. The mist itself is super fine, so we also loved the freshness it brings to a finished makeup look. 

Before and after portraits of a woman after using Avène Thermal Spring Water

Byrdie / Emily Algar

What We Like
  • Keeps makeup from flaking

  • Infused with aloe vera

  • Comfortable wear

What to Consider
  • Spray nozzle tends to get stuck

Size: 1.52 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For a matte finish that controls shine without leaving your skin dry or cakey, reach for this ultra-fine mist. It has aloe vera meant to keep your dry matte on the cute side (no flaking here) while freezing your makeup in place to withstand the summer heat. It’s especially great for use with oily skin that requires blotting throughout the day.

What We Like
  • Formulated with antioxidants

  • Quick drying

  • All-day wear

What to Consider
  • Feels heavy to some

Size: 3.04 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Who says that being a makeup lover means that you can’t prioritize skincare? This skin-enhancing mist delivers in both departments. The weightless spray locks makeup into place, leaving behind a radiant glow, while delivering skin-boosting peptides and antioxidants to the dermis. Plus, it helps blur fine lines in mature skin, offering up a rejuvenated look for the day. This is for anyone who wants a setting spray with added skincare benefits that leave the complexion refreshed. It's especially helpful for those with mature skin who want to add a radiant glow to their daily makeup look.

What We Like
  • Refreshing

  • Cool packaging

  • Balancing

What to Consider
  • Results not drastic enough to some

Size: 2.02 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Radiant | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You might love a good glow, but nobody wants an overdone greasy look. This long-lasting makeup mist allows you to get your glow on without ever looking oily. The illuminating formula will hydrate, refresh, and balance your face. It also helps powder products to blend more seamlessly with your skin while providing just enough dew. Spray it on and have your makeup last all day.

What We Like
  • Breathable

  • Soft hold

  • Wallet-friendly

What to Consider
  • Results not drastic to some

Size: 3.4 oz. | Scent: Unscented | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

This lightweight formula provides a breathable, comfortable hold that keeps your makeup in place until you take it off yourself. It also controls shine for all skin types and does an amazing job of preventing transfer. You can rock your makeup on your skin instead of inside your mask or on your shirt. If you work super long hours or are off to an all-day event, this 16-hour setting spray is for you.

What We Like
  • Available in dewy finish

  • Acts as a spray and blotter

  • Absorbs new moisture as it forms

What to Consider
  • May cause breakouts for some

shiny t-zone usually results in brows that slide and fade during the day, but this charcoal spray has the solution. It acts as a setting spray and blotting paper in one product, featuring micro-fine charcoal meant to literally absorb new moisture as it forms. It reduces the appearance of pores and mattifies skin for up to 16 hours, according to the brand.

What We Like
  • Primes, sets, and refreshes

  • Leaves skin smoother

  • Infused with botanical fruit complex

What to Consider
  • Not much staying power

Size: 1.9 oz. | Scent: Perfume Fragrance | Finish: Matte | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

This spray does everything you’d expect: prime, set, and refresh. Use it to prep your skin for foundation or afterward to blend and settle your makeup, but it really shines in the refreshing department. The light cucumber scent reawakens both tired skin and the senses to help you look radiant for the rest of your day.

What We Like
  • Contains SPF 45, making it easy to reapply sun protection

  • Contains vitamin C to help brighten complexion

What to Consider
  • Sunscreen ingredients used are chemical, which may be irritating for those with sensitive skin

Size: 4 oz. | Scent: Citrus | Finish: Luminous | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

In case you missed the memo, you’re theoretically supposed to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. That can feel like an admittedly lofty goal, but this multi-tasking formula makes it much easier to achieve. It delivers a dose of SPF 45 without disrupting your makeup; in fact, it does the opposite, helping to set it in place all while adding a touch of hydration and gorgeous-yet-natural luminosity to your skin. We also love that this formula contains vitamin C to help keep your complexion bright and healthy. Top tip: Just make sure to give it a good shake before spritzing. 

What We Like
  • Multi-tasking formula sets makeup and protects skin from environmental aggressors

  • Great for all skin types

What to Consider
  • Could be a bit more hydrating

Size: 3.1 oz. | Scent: Fragrance-Free | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This cruelty-free, clean formula (it even touts both PETA and EWG certifications, respectively) strikes the perfect balance, straddling the lines between skincare and makeup. On the skincare side, it contains a unique sugar-based blend that acts as an (invisible) second skin, blocking out things such as pollution. It also touts ectoin, an ingredient that can help combat skin damage from things such as UV and blue light. On the makeup side, it effectively prolongs the lifespan of your makeup, without ever feeling greasy or sticky. Not to mention that it’s a great choice for all skin types, sensitive included.

What to Look For in Drugstore Setting Sprays

  • Skin Type: Consider your skin type when looking for a drugstore setting spray. Some setting sprays will offer additional moisturizing properties for dry skin, while others mattify those with oily skin. Some sprays offer vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients to help nourish skin while extending the wear of makeup. The Pacifica Set & C Protect SPF 45 Matte Sheer Setting Mist, for example, not only contains an SPF of 45, but also vitamin C.
  • Long-Lasting: Setting spray is meant to help lock your makeup in place to create a longer-lasting, smudge-free look. Look for a setting spray known for its ability to stand the test of time during the day or night without creasing or melting. We love the Honest Beauty Save Face Shielding Setting Spray because it contains a sugar-based blend that helps makeup stick to the skin.
  • Finish: Setting sprays can create a specific finished look on your face. Look for a finish that appeals to your preferences, such as dewy, illuminating, matte, or natural. If you have dry skin, you likely want to look for a more natural or dewy finish as mattifying setting sprays might be too drying for you.
FAQ
  • Is setting spray really necessary?

    Setting spray is not necessary. However, setting spray is a wise choice if you want your look to last longer without fading or smudging. You can also use a primer to help keep your makeup in place or use both for a longer-lasting effect.

  • Do you put setting spray on before or after makeup?

    You can use setting spray before and after makeup, but it is often applied afterward. Some setting sprays can be applied before makeup and act as a primer, but most are designed as a final step. Want a little extra sun protection? Opt for a setting spray with SPF.

  • Does setting spray cause acne?

    Setting spray could cause acne for some people. Look for a setting spray that is oil-free and lightweight without added fragrances to reduce the risk of breakouts. Most likely, other products will contribute to acne since they are closer to your skin and can block pores.

Why Trust Byrdie

Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. Her freelance career has given her the opportunity to work for some of the world’s biggest beauty brands and women’s titles and test hundreds of makeup, and skincare products in the process. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves using her own knowledge, expert advice, and detailed insights from Byrdie’s NYC testing lab.

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