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.
Best Overall
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Spray
No melting
Creates a just-applied look
Super lightweight
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.
Best Budget
E.l.f Cosmetics Matte Magic Mist & Set
Easy to use
Wallet-friendly
Travel-friendly
Soothing
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.
Best Waterproof
NYX Cosmetics Matte Makeup Setting Spray
Vegan
Long-lasting
Full of natural ingredients
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.
Best for Oily Skin
Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Primer & Spray
2-in-1 primer and setting spray
Good staying power
Transfer-resistant
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.
Best for Dry Skin
Milani Dewy Hydrating Setting Spray
Great dewy look
Use under or over makeup or alone
Lasts up to 16 hours
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.
Best Hydrating
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Reduces dry skin
Minimizes skin sensitivity
Provides antioxidant protection
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.
Best Mattifying
Wet n Wild Matte Finish Setting Spray
Keeps makeup from flaking
Infused with aloe vera
Comfortable wear
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.
Best for Mature Skin
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Spray
Formulated with antioxidants
Quick drying
All-day wear
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.
Best Glow
Rude Cosmetics Lasting Makeup Mist
Refreshing
Cool packaging
Balancing
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.
Best Long-Lasting
Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
Breathable
Soft hold
Wallet-friendly
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.
Best Shine Control
Milani Charcoal Setting Spray
Available in dewy finish
Acts as a spray and blotter
Absorbs new moisture as it forms
May cause breakouts for some
A 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.
Best Refresher
Revlon Prep, Set, Refresh Mist
Primes, sets, and refreshes
Leaves skin smoother
Infused with botanical fruit complex
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.
Contains SPF 45, making it easy to reapply sun protection
Contains vitamin C to help brighten complexion
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.
Multi-tasking formula sets makeup and protects skin from environmental aggressors
Great for all skin types
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.
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.