Have you ever spent all morning perfecting a Shay Mitchell-level contour only to have it all drip off your face by lunch? I definitely have, because up until now, I’ve written off setting sprays as an unnecessary step in my make-up routine. But the very second I started spritzing my face before running out the door, my make-up not only now lasts through the day, but it also looks super fresh when it’s time to wash it all off.
Setting sprays aren’t a bunch of lies, either—they’re formulated with polymers, aka long molecules that form a shield over your make-up to protect it from things like heat, sweat, and, well, life. They’re also spiked with powerful hydrators like hyaluronic acid and aloe that feel soft and soothing on your skin (even on top of foundation). So if you want your make-up to look and feel better, you should be using a setting spray every freaking day. That’s why I rounded up the 12 very best options on the market, below, all of which are prepared to keep your make-up from cracking, smudging, and melting off your pretty lil’ face this summer and beyond.
1. E.l.f. Cosmetics Illuminating Mist & Set
best for budget setting spray
noon.com
Dhs50Â
Not only is this setting spray incredibly moisturising (shout out to the aloe, green tea, and antioxidants in the formula), but it also costs less than Dhs60, which is definitely cheaper than that salad you got for lunch.
2. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
best long-lasting setting spray
sephora.ae
Dhs134
Trust me when I say this setting spray lasts for hours. One night, I sprayed the favorite formula over my make-up, went out dancing, fell asleep in said make-up (don’t @ me), and guess what? In the morning, my look was still intact. It really does live up to its name.
3. NYX Professional Make-up Matte Finish Make-up Setting Spray
best setting spray for oily skin
lookfantastic.ae
Dhs28
Unless you like constantly touching up your make-up, a setting spray is 100 percent necessary if you have oily skin and love to wear a full face beat. Spritz on this lightweight formula as the final step in your routine, and it dries into a soft, matte finish that’ll keep your greasy T-zone at bay.
4. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
best setting spray for dry skin
glamazle.com
Dhs275
This silky setting spray is jam packed with hydrating ingredients—like botanical oils, hyaluronic acid, green tea, and algae—which keep even the driest of skin types nice and moisturised throughout the day.
5. CoverFX High Performance Setting Spray
best setting spray for sensitive skin
feelunique.com
Dhs120Â
If your skin has a hard time with new products, look toward this gentle setting spray. It’s formulated without formaldehydes, sulfates, and parabens, and it sets your make-up for hours—which means you no longer have to decide between irritated skin and make-up that actually lasts.
6. GlamGlow Glowsetter Make-up Setting Spray
best setting spray for dull skin
sephora.ae
Dhs80
If you hit the snooze button one too many times, make sure you have this setting spray on deck. The formula (which has actual caffeine in it!), works to plump dull, puffy skin, almost like a shot of espresso for your face. Use it in the AM after you apply your make-up or throughout the day when you need a refresher.
7. Iconic London Prep Set Glow
best multi-purpose setting spray
feelunique.com
Dhs110
A favorite amongst the ladies of The Bachelor, this setting spray does more than just lock in your look—you can also use it as a primer to turn your skin into a soft, dewy canvas before you get to work on your make-up. And on the days you wanna go make-up free, you can spritz it on solo for a nice, subtle glow.
8. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Shimmer
best illuminating setting spray
maccosmetics.ae
Dhs100
Trying to take that glow to the next level? Spritz on this setting spray, which is infused with pearlescent particles that act like an all-over highlighter for your face. Shimmer aside, it’s also super hydrating, thanks to a blend of green tea and cucumber.
9. Morphe Continuous Setting Mist
best lightweight setting spray
glamazle.com
Dhs78
Not only will this spray keep your make-up looking fresh all day, but it also feels ridiculously lightweight on your skin (like, you’ll literally forget it’s there). Just hold the bottle about eight inches away from your face and spray all over your make-up.
10. HudaBeauty Resting Boss Face Setting Spray
best for heavy make-up setting
sephora.ae
Dhs130
Perfect for those who love piling on the product (nothing wrong with that!), this spray works best for those who glam it up all day, everyday. With a mattifying hold and a strong fruity fresh scent, it can keep any look intact (even after a spin class and day at the office). No issue is too great for Resting Boss Face.Â