Setting Spray: 5 Easy Ways to Make Sure You’re Applying It Correctly

What’s the secret to that perfect Instagram-ready glow? Set your makeup, of course. Setting spray, or a final sealant, is an essential part of any great beauty routine because it locks in your look and keeps excess oils from breaking down your foundation, blush or lipstick.

It’s also an incredibly affordable way to get a professional finish from home; think about how much you spend once a year on face powders and foundations that are meant to be long-lasting. But keeping that shine at bay isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think:

There are lots of different setting sprays out there, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Read on to learn everything you need to know about setting spray and how to choose the best one for your skin type.

What Is Setting Spray?

Setting spray isn’t actually a new product at all; it’s just a different name for what used to be called finishing spray. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, finishing sprays were all the rage, but they fell out of favour as makeup trends shifted. Now they’re making a comeback, minus the dated name.

Many beauty brands are now rebranding finishing sprays as setting sprays, and the products are pretty similar. Setting spray is typically used at the end of your beauty routine, once you’re finished applying your makeup.

It’s sprayed on your face after you’ve finished putting on your foundation, blush, bronzer and any other products that you want to stay in place throughout the day. Setting spray is an incredibly effective way to lock in your makeup and prevent excess oil from breaking it down.

How Does Setting Spray Work?

Setting spray works by creating a barrier on your skin. It contains ingredients like alcohol and silicone that help lock makeup in place and also seal in any skincare products (like moisturizer) that you applied beforehand.

Many finishing sprays are also infused with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients that can help improve the appearance of your skin; the alcohol in setting spray is actually very beneficial for your skin, as it helps to tighten pores and refresh the skin by removing excess oils.

It’s important to note that not all finishing sprays are created equally, so it’s important to choose one that’s formulated for your skin type.

Which Type of Setting Spray Should You Use?

Not all setting sprays are created equally: Some are formulated specifically for oily skin while others are great for people with normal or dry skin. It’s important that you choose a setting spray that’s best suited to your skincare needs — not only will it last longer, but it also won’t cause any irritation or breakouts. Setting sprays typically fall under one of three categories: Oil-free, hydrating or anti-aging. Within each category there are even more subcategories, so the best way to choose a setting spray is to look at the ingredients. You can usually find the full list on the product’s packaging, or you can always do an online search for the product name and “active ingredients.”

The Importance of Cleansing Before Application

You might think that setting spray only works if you don’t cleanse your face before spraying it — but that’s not the case at all. In fact, setting spray actually works more efficiently if you cleanse your face first. When you apply makeup, you’re layering products on top of your skin and pores. Oils from your face mix with makeup products and clog pores, which can lead to acne and breakouts. Washing your face before applying a setting spray helps to remove oils and makeup products that could get in the way of the spray locking in your look. It also gives your pores a chance to breathe and helps prevent blackheads and whiteheads. Setting spray isn’t meant to be a substitute for a clean face; it’s simply an added boost that helps your makeup last longer.

Using Too Much Product When Applying Setting Spray

While it might seem like a good idea to apply a ton of setting spray and really lock that makeup in place, it’s actually not great for your skin. Excess product can actually cause your makeup to cakify, which can make your look look dated and cakey. One or two spritzes of setting spray should be enough to lock your makeup in place, so try to be sparing when you press down on the nozzle. Setting spray is applied last, just before you finish your look with a final layer of makeup. It’s best to use setting spray after you’ve applied your foundation, concealer, blush and bronzer. Avoid spraying it on products like eye shadow or eyeliner; these are meant to be applied with a light hand, so the alcohol in setting spray can actually cause them to lift and separate.

Incorporating Facial Oils into Your Routine

Many beauty experts suggest using facial oils as a way to keep makeup looking fresh throughout the day. While this definitely helps, nothing beats the feeling of locking in your look with a spritz of setting spray. But what if you have super dry skin, like many makeup artists do? Setting spray is great for all skin types, but if your skin is excessively dry, you might want to skip the setting spray and try applying facial oils after you spray your face with water. This will help lock in moisture, prevent your makeup from caking and keep your skin looking healthy and glowing. You can also try mixing a few drops of facial oil with your setting spray for an added boost of hydration.

Conclusion

Setting spray is not a new product. It has been around for many years, and the name has just been rebranded. It is an essential part of any good makeup routine. It can help your makeup last up to 12 hours longer, which is fantastic for long days at work or social outings. Most importantly, it will keep you from looking like a hot mess by the end of the day!