Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect setting spray, and it’s been a challenge. I started looking for the perfect one last summer when I noticed my makeup literally melting off in the summer heat. I planned to spend a lot of time walking around outside that summer so I could not have my makeup embarrassingly dripping off my face. I’ve only used one setting spray religiously for years, the Mario Badescu Rose Water Facial Spray. It can act as both a hydrating face spray and used to set your makeup. I never really had problems with it until I went to buy a new one at Nordstrom Rack, and an employee quickly warned me about the harm it can do to my skin over time due to its alcohol content. I did notice I had been dealing with some acne issues. They recommended the Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray instead, so I switched it out. It worked pretty well for keeping my skin hydrated because of my dry skin. But unfortunately, it’s not meant for setting makeup.
Throughout the year, I decided to try three more popular setting sprays to put to the test. The Milani Original Setting Spray, the E.L.F Dewy Coconut Setting Mist, and the NYX Dewy Setting Spray. I haven’t found my perfect setting spray yet, but these have helped me out so far to keep my makeup intact. So here is my detailed review of each spray, including the pros and cons, my overall rating, and if I would buy again. Hopefully, this review will help you find what setting spray works best for you, too!
The Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray – $11
This was the first setting spray I bought last summer. I remember desperately running into my nearest Walgreens, looking for a product to stop my makeup from sweating off before meeting to walk with a friend. I sprayed multiple layers on my face in the car that day, hoping for a miracle.
About The Product: According to their website, The Milani Original Setting Spray has up to 24 hours of wear. It contains Glycerin and Niacinamide that give moisture to keep your skin hydrated while leaving a natural look. It is vegan, cruelty-free, waterproof, and sweatproof. It can be used to both prime and set your face.
My Experience: I walked around in the summer heat that day and was surprised that this spray actually worked. I continued to use it all summer, and it helped keep my makeup intact on some of the hottest days. I still had some separation due to sweat, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as before. This could also be due to the type of foundation and setting powder I use. My main issue with this product is that it accentuates the pores on your face, which makes your makeup look not as smooth. But I think with the correct primer while using less spray, this problem could be fixed. My skin also tends to break out a little with this spray too. But overall, I would purchase this product again. I would love to try their Dewy Finish Setting Spray out, too!
Rating: 4/5
E.L.F Coconut Dewy Setting Mist – $10
This was the second setting spray I started using around the fall season. So, it was a bit cooler, and I wasn’t dealing with as much separation from the heat, but I still needed a product to keep my makeup intact.
About the Product: According to the E.L.F website, The Dewy Setting Mist is infused with coconut, green tea, and cucumber to hydrate and condition your skin. It gives you a dewy glow while giving your makeup a long-lasting finish. It is vegan and cruelty-free. You can also use it throughout the day just for a coconut refresh.
My Experience: With this product, I first noticed the strong coconut scent. It wasn’t too overbearing, but it does smell nice and refreshing. One issue I noticed with this product is that it doesn’t always spray evenly. So, you can see the spray marks on my face at times, especially when the product is running out. There isn’t as much product, so it’s harder to spray. Overall, it does a pretty good job setting my makeup, especially when blending my foundation and concealer. But, I still notice some transfer of my makeup throughout the day. Again, this could be because of the setting powder I use. But this spray is great if you want a nice, dewy finish to your makeup.
Rating: 3/5
NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray – $10
This is the setting spray that I most recently bought at my local Ulta. I needed a setting spray that helped my makeup last all day at work. I have to do a lot of smiling and talking at my job, so my makeup tends to crease in my smile lines. Also, I have to look presentable at all times. So, I hoped that a new setting spray would help me with this problem.
About The Product: The NYX website states that the Dewy Finish Spray lasts up to 16 hours. It is formulated with Niacinamide and leaves a dewy finish that makes your skin glow while not feeling too oily or greasy. It also dries translucent and sets your makeup into place without settling into fine lines or creases. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and a fan favorite of their brand.
My Experience: I think this is a pretty good spray. You can spray multiple layers of this, and your makeup will still have a natural finish without looking too shiny. I think this spray works well to help blend out my foundation and concealer while adding an extra layer of protection between each step. It also works very well to help refresh my makeup throughout the day when I do touch-ups at work to fix any creasing or mistakes. Similar to the E.L.F spray, there is still some transfer of my makeup. But I’ve also been using their High Definition Finishing Powder to fix any oily spots or separation, which seems to help. Overall, this is the setting spray that I’m currently using and will most likely purchase again soon.
Rating: 4/5
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think that these are all great sprays. My favorite is a tie between the Milani and the NYX sprays. The Milani is great for the summertime heat, while the NYX is great for everyday use. I haven’t tried the NYX spray in the heat yet, but I hope it works just as great. There are still more products that I plan to try out soon as well, such as the new E.L.F Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray and the viral One/Size by Patrick Starrr Mini On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray as I continue my search for the perfect setting spray!
Do you have a favorite setting spray? Comment Below!
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