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17 Best Drugstore Makeup Setting Sprays for 2024

Welcome! In this article, the best Drugstore makeup settings sprays I have carefully curated a list of the best drugstore setting sprays I could find on the planet!

So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly makeup setting spray that will give your face an airbrushed, finished look, you’ve come to the right place!

And as a bonus, I’ve also listed some of the best high-end settings sprays so that you have as much information as possible to decide on the best makeup setting spray that fits your needs.

Let’s dive into the world of the best makeup-setting sprays for 2023.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure here

woman spraying the best drugstore makeup setting sprays

What is Makeup Setting Spray?

A setting spray is a lightweight liquid mist applied to the face after completing your makeup routine.

Its primary function is to create a protective barrier on the surface of your skin and is thought by many to be a foolproof way to ensure your makeup look stays in place and last all day long.

According to pro artists, using a makeup setting spray is the last crucial step to any makeup routine that should never be overlooked.

Setting Spray Vs Setting Powder

You may be thinking, what about setting powder?  Isn’t it the same thing?

Setting spray and setting powder are used to prolong the wear of makeup and achieve a flawless finish, but they differ in their formulation, application, and effects.

Here’s a comparison of setting spray vs. setting powder:

Makeup Setting Spray:

Formulation: Setting sprays are liquid solutions that typically contain water, alcohol, polymers, and other ingredients to help set makeup and provide additional benefits like hydration or oil control.

Application: Setting sprays can be used to prime and finish makeup but are primarily used as a finishing spray applied after finishing your makeup routine.

Effects: Setting sprays create a barrier on the skin that helps prevent makeup from smudging, creasing, or fading. Some setting sprays are dewy, while others provide a matte finish. They can also help to refresh and revive makeup throughout the day.  

Setting sprays are an excellent option for special occasions as they lock in makeup, preventing it from transferring to clothing.

Setting Powder:

Formulation: Setting powders are finely milled, loose, or pressed powders that typically contain ingredients like talc, silica, or mica to absorb excess oil and set makeup in place.

Setting powders come in various shades and are also available as translucent powder, which doesn’t contain color.

Application: Using a brush or powder puff, setting powders are applied after liquid or cream makeup products (like foundation and concealer). 

Effects: Setting powders help to absorb excess oil, reduce shine, and give the skin a smooth, matte finish. They are particularly useful for those with oily skin or combination skin types.

They can also help to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines.

Choosing between setting spray and powder largely depends on your skin type, desired finish, and preference. 

A setting spray might be better if you have dry or normal skin and prefer a dewy look.

Conversely, a setting powder could be ideal if you have oily or combination skin and want a matte finish. 

Beauty Pro Tip: Many Celebrity makeup artists combine setting powder and spray to achieve desired results.

The Benefits of Setting Spray

There are many benefits to using a makeup setting spray as the final step in any makeup routine! 

Long-lasting finish

The main advantage of using a setting spray is to extend the wear of your makeup while reducing the need for touch-ups and ensuring your makeup stays put and looks fresh for extended periods.

Dewy glow or Matte Finish

  • Matte setting spray: These sprays are designed to control excess oil and shine, providing a matte finish for those with oily or combination skin. They often contain ingredients like alcohol or oil-absorbing powders to help maintain a shine-free look throughout the day.
  • Dewy setting spray: Ideal for dry or normal skin types, dewy setting sprays provide a luminous, hydrated finish. They often contain ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or botanical extracts that help to lock in moisture and give the skin a healthy glow.

Dry Skin Hydration

Some setting sprays are formulated with hydration in mind. These  Hydrating sprays contain ingredients that provide extra moisture to the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.

These ingredients help keep makeup fresh while adding extra hydration. 

Oil control

An oil-free spray can help maintain a fresh, non-greasy finish throughout the day and prevent makeup from breaking down due to excess oil production.

Minimize Skin Imperfections

Setting spray can give the skin a radiant look, concealing the look of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. 

Refresh and revive makeup.

Setting sprays can also refresh and revive your makeup during the day. A quick spritz of setting spray can help to rehydrate your skin and give your makeup a renewed, vibrant appearance.

Prevents makeup meltdown in Humid weather

​ Some setting sprays are formulated to withstand heat and humidity, making them an excellent choice for hot or humid climates, where makeup is more prone to melting or sliding off the skin.

Water resistance

Certain setting sprays can provide water resistance, helping to keep your makeup intact, even during activities involving sweat, rain, or swimming.

Look for longevity in your makeup.

The Different Types of Setting Sprays.

Several setting sprays are available on the market, catering to different skin types, desired finishes, and specific needs.

To help you choose the right setting spray, I’ve broken down the different setting sprays available and which are best for each skin type.

Types of Drugstore Setting Sprays:

Matte setting spray (for combo-oily skin types)

These sprays are designed to control excess oil and shine, providing a matte finish for those with oily or combination skin.

They often contain ingredients like alcohol or oil-absorbing powders to help maintain a shine-free look throughout the day.

 Matte setting spray is a perfect choice for oily skin or use in humid weather.

Matte setting sprays are also an excellent option for those who will have their photograph taken as the matte finish helps to afford photo flashback.

Dewy setting spray (for normal-dry skin types)

Dewy setting Sprays create a fresh, dewy look to the skin; ideal for dry or normal skin types, dewy setting sprays provide a luminous, hydrated finish.

Long-lasting setting spray (For long wear)

These extended-day wear sprays maximize the makeup’s long-lasting hold, ensuring it stays in place throughout the day.

Sprays that claim to be long-lasting as usually the best options for special occasions such as weddings or photoshoots.

Moisturizing spray (For Mature and Dry Skin Types)

contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or botanical extracts.

These sprays are another excellent option for dry, mature skin needing extra moisture.  

Moisturizing formulas are a great option for those in extra dry climates like I do (Arizona) 🙂

Oil-free spray (for acne-prone, oily skin types)

These sprays are formulated without oil-based ingredients, making them suitable for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Opt for an Oil-free spray to set sprays can help maintain a fresh, non-greasy finish throughout the day and prevent makeup from breaking down due to excess oil production.

Sensitive skin setting spray

These sprays are designed for sensitive or easily irritated skin. They are usually hypoallergenic and free of common irritants like fragrance, alcohol, and parabens, making them gentle on the skin.

Vegan and Cruelty-free Sprays:

Good news! Several cruelty-free and vegan formula sprays are available at the local drugstore!  

Illuminating setting sprays

Illuminating sprays provide a subtle shimmer or radiant look, often containing light-reflecting particles or pigments.

Illuminating finishing sprays are a great setting spray option to glam-up your makeup look. 

Key Ingredients in the Best Setting Sprays

Setting sprays is a great way to keep your makeup fresh all day. There are a lot of different setting sprays on the market, but not all are created equal.

When choosing the perfect setting spray, looking for skin-loving ingredients that offer skincare benefits is a good idea.

The Best Skin-Loving Ingredients in Makeup Setting Sprays:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Moisturing. Attracts moisture and plumps the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  Great for dry and mature skin types.
  • Witch hazel:  Witch hazel can ease irritation and inflammation and help heal blemishes but can dry the skin.
  • Botanical extracts: Some setting sprays contain plant extracts like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea, which can provide soothing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Rose water: Rose water hydrates the skin, can control oil, is anti-inflammatory, and is excellent for acne-prone skin.

Related article: The Best Primers for Mature Skin

The Best 17 Drugstore Makeup Setting Sprays

1. Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray

This dewy setting spray preps your face, reduces the appearance of imperfections, and then locks in for the long haul.

It gives your complexion the perfect dose of dewy (not too shiny!) with a cooling, refreshing feeling that I know you will love!

Spray before or after makeup application, or wear it alone for a natural finish.

VEGAN, CRUELTY-FREE BEAUTY. Suited for all skin types.

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2. Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Fix Setting Spray

Keep your foundation, powder, eyeshadow, and brows in place for up to 16 hours.

It’s got a super lightweight spray that controls shine, leaving a beautiful matte finish, and lasts all day.

This popular drugstore makeup setting spray is dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, and suitable for sensitive skin!

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3. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set

This non-comedogenic makeup setting spray locks in your total makeup look, preventing color from smudging or settling into fine lines or wrinkles for all-day staying power.

Its lightweight mist offers a barely there feel •that lasts all day long! No touch-ups are necessary!

Works with all skin types, is oil-free, non will not clog pores, and is dermatologist tested.

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4. COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skincare Priming Glow Facial Mist

I love this product! It does double duty as a primer and a setting spray and is oh-so-yummy!

It gives skin hydration while priming and setting makeup with an ultra-fine mist! It can be used throughout the day to freshen and moisturize skin right on top of makeup!

Formulated for all skin types with antioxidant-rich rosewater & vitamin C to brighten and soothe skin.

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5. e.l.f. Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist

The e.l.f. Stay all night micro-fine setting mist locks on makeup for up to 16 hours of wear, keeping your makeup looking fresh all day and into the night!

Infused with skin-loving cucumber fruit extract, aloe, and green tea leaf extract to help hydrate and soothe the skin.

All e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and Vegan.

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6. Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go 2-In-1 Primer & Setting Spray

This 2-in-1 primer and setting spray locks in a makeup look with all-day staying power.

With an oil-free formula, this product offers shine control and a beautiful matte finish that lasts and lasts!

This makeup setting spray is perfect for oily skin types and excellent for humid weather conditions.

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Best Hydrating Drugstore Setting Spray:

7. Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist

This is one of the best drugstore setting sprays around! Love it!

It’s a super hydrating setting spray Infused with a blend of skin-loving ingredients, including vegan collagen, vitamin C, jasmine, and white tea,

It does an excellent job setting makeup while refreshing dehydrated skin leaving a beautiful, dewy finish.

Mist as the final step in your makeup routine or throughout the day when you need quick hydration and a pick-me-up!

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Best Drugstore Setting Spray for Acne-Prone Skin:

8. Wet n Wild Fight Dirty Detox Setting Spray

This is the best drugstore makeup setting spray for acne-prone skin!

Formulated with chamomile extract, witch hazel, collagen, tea tee, and eucalyptus oil, this setting spray leaves the skin feeling fresh, toned, and hydrated while improving complexion.

Locks makeup in place with a smooth finish. Cruelty-Free and Vegan.

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9. Mario Badescu Setting Facial Spray Mist

Mario Badescu facial spray with Aloe & Coconut Water is a multi-purpose mist that balances, brightens, and helps de-stress skin.

It can be used anytime your skin needs hydration and to set makeup.

It’s phthalate-free, alcohol-free, dye-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free! Love it!

See more Mario Badescu Products here.

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10. Pixie Makeup Fixing Mist

Pixie Makeup Fixing Mist is a trendy drugstore setting spray for a good reason!

It gives a glowing, luminous finish while hydrating the skin and setting makeup.

Enriched with 21 natural oils plus Propolis, Aloe Vera, and Fruit extracts.

Pixie products are cruelty-free and Paraben-free. Suitable for all skin types.

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The Best Waterproof Drugstore Setting Spray:

11. NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray

This mattifying setting spray is one of the best budget-friendly setting sprays and has been a fan favorite forever!

It’s perfect for those who want to achieve a matte look that lasts and lasts (over 16 hours!), and it comes in a convenient travel-sized bottle which is great for my purse or travel bag!

Want a Dewy Look? NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray in Dewy Finish

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12. Revlon Colorstay 24 Hr Lock Setting Mist

This triple-action setting spray locks makeup while providing an excellent finish for up to 24 hours!

Its lightweight formula improves makeup quality, and increases wear while protecting skin from free radicals.

No added parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil.

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13. Elizabeth Mott – Thank Me Later Face Makeup Setting Spray

This setting spray locks in your makeup, keeping it from smudging, creasing, and fading.

Its weightless feel creates a matte finish that lasts all day without parabens or sulfates.

This cruelty-free setting mist is suitable for all skin types but works best at controlling oil, making it an excellent choice for oily-combination skin types.

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14. Physicians Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray 

This 2-in-1 is a toner and a setting spray in one! and is one of the best drugstore makeup setting sprays for sensitive skin!

Packed with natural antioxidants and enriched with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and natural acids to promote skin wellness, brightness, and hydration.

All Physicians Formula products contain high-quality hypoallergenic and natural ingredients.

Cruelty-free.

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15. Flower Beauty Seal The Deal Hydrating Setting Spray

This lightweight formula locks in your makeup with a soft mist, leaving a naturally glowing, radiant finish.

The bi-phase formula is designed to activate when shaken. The top layer is infused with primrose oil and vitamin E to nourish and lock in moisture.

The bottom layer of lilac extract, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera work together to refresh and soothe skin.

This setting spray does a great job of extending the wear of makeup while smoothing and hydrating the skin simultaneously.  

The FLOWER skincare and cosmetics line is cruelty-free and has so many excellent skincare products!

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16. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Setting Spray

This yummy setting spray protects your makeup look and locks it into place without feeling sticky or heavy.

The weightless formula leaves a natural finish (never too shiny) while keeping your skin healthy with peptides and antioxidants.

This is a good setting spray for mature skin and those looking for a natural, matte finish. 

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17. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray

This 2-in-1 setting spray and hydrating face mist provides the perfect balance of long-lasting makeup wear and skin-loving care!

With super-staying power, this spray prevents your makeup from melting, fading, or settling into fine lines for up to 16 hours!

Its lightweight and hydrating formula is suitable for all skin types and is infused with hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and aloe vera extract to soothe and replenish skin!

This setting spray is an excellent option for dry or mature skin-I love, love, love it!

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Shop the best drugstore makeup setting sprays: (Under $20)

The Best High-end Makeup Settings Sprays ($20+)

As you can see, a ton of wonderful drugstore makeup setting sprays are available that do a great job of locking down makeup and giving the skin a beautiful finish without breaking the bank.

That said, I also love, love, love me some higher-end makeup setting sprays ($20+) and have listed my top picks here, just in case you want to take a peek. 🙂

  1. Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (This is a cult classic!)
  2. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray (Professional Makeup artists swear by this setting spray)
  3. MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Set and Refresh Spray  (I’ve never tried this one, but I hear good things)
  4. Caudalie Beauty Elixir Set and Refresh Mist (I love how this spray feels on my skin!)
  5. CoverFX Illuminating Setting Spray (Gives a healthy, glowy finish!)
  6. Dior Forever Skin Correct Primer & Setting Spray (A bit pricey but worth it!)
  7. Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Spray (I love this ultra-fine mist. Great for dry climates!)
  8. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (Charlotte Tilbury Products are the bomb!)
  9. Benefit The Porefessional Super Setter PoreMinimizing Setting Spray (Great for oily skin types!)
  10. Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray Contains Hypochlorous Acid to help reduce skin inflammation.

Shop the best high-end settings sprays.

Check out my full review of High-end makeup setting sprays here. (Coming Soon)

How to use a makeup setting spray for the best results.

I believe that a good quality makeup setting spray is an essential step to any solid makeup routine.

How to use a drugstore makeup setting spray for the best results:

Tips and Tricks for Applying Setting Spray:

  • Start with clean and moisturized skin (and don’t forget to exfoliate!)
  • Don’t forget to apply sunscreen!
  • Use a primer to create an even base before applying makeup.
  • Apply makeup and wait until your makeup is dry before applying the setting spray.
  • Hold the bottle at least 8-10 inches away from your face when spraying
  • Spray in an X and T shape to cover all areas of your face
  • Let the setting spray dry before touching your face or applying powder.
  • Apply face powder if desired.
  • Reapply setting spray throughout the day as needed.

Conclusion: The Best Drugstore Makeup Setting Sprays

I love makeup setting spray, and I know you will too!

Setting spray is an excellent addition to any makeup routine for anyone looking to keep their makeup fresh all day while improving the final look of makeup. And who doesn’t want that?

Thankfully, drugstore makeup setting sprays are very affordable and come in various formulations suitable for different skin types and needs.

Today I’ve shared what I believe to be the best drugstore makeup setting sprays. (along with some higher-end choices as well)

Are you going to add a makeup setting spray to your makeup routine? Let me know which one you will try in the comments below.

Until next time, Stay beautiful!

XO, Christine

christine mathews

I’ve been keeping it real since 1963. 🙂

I’m a child of God, a wifey, mama, grandma, full-time creative, domestic engineer, and self-care enthusiast.

I am obsessed with all things makeup and skincare and love getting my hands dirty out in the garden, my art room, or in the kitchen, whipping up something yummy for the fam.

I’m always down to chat and love collaborating with other creatives and brands alike!

Feel free to reach out anytime!

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