6 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays

6 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays

Are you looking for the best drugstore setting spray to complete your makeup looks? There's no need to look any further because we took the time to carefully review the 6 best drugstore setting sprays so that you don't have to. Your Coffee Break says looking your best is a great way to boost your confidence and mental state. And getting ready for the day can be a lot whether you're simply running errands or heading to work. But the last thing you want is for your makeup to get ruined by the weather, sweat, or some other unstoppable factor. Luckily, makeup setting spray is here to save the day. Simply spray on a thin layer once your makeup is complete and you can have total confidence in your look all day. According to NBC News, no matter if you have oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or combination skin, there is a drugstore setting spray out there for you. But how does finishing spray work and how can you be certain you're choosing the best option for your skin type in particular?

According to Loreal Paris USA, you can think of it as a topcoat for your makeup. But in a more detailed sense, makeup setting spray is a cosmetic product that's designed with the sole purpose of preserving the integrity of your applied makeup throughout the day. Typically sold in small spray bottles, setting spray is dispersed in a sort of mist that feels lightweight and provides either a matte or dewy appearance depending on which you prefer. And the good news is, setting spray isn't only good for protecting your makeup application – it also provides a slew of benefits such as oil control and a dewy finish. If you're interested in investing in something that works better than setting powder in terms of maintaining your makeup application, below are the benefits and our picks for the 6 best drugstore setting sprays as well as how to choose the right product for your skin.

What Are the Benefits of Makeup Setting Spray?

If this is the first time you are hearing about a makeup setting product, it might initially sound excessive and potentially unnecessary. However, that couldn't be further from the truth – especially when you consider its multiple uses and benefits. For starters, according to Fustany, setting spray doesn't only serve as a finishing step for your makeup routine, but is also a great way to prime and prep the face to better hold on to your makeup as it is applied. Second, once your makeup is done and you've applied a lightweight layer of setting spray to your face, you can successfully avoid having your makeup crease, smudge, or otherwise fade.

No matter if you're dealing with heat, sweat, cold, or dryness on a regular basis – there is a setting spray out there to help combat such unpleasant conditions and keep your makeup hanging on all day long. Last but not least, whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, many makeup setting sprays have added benefits such as hydration or sunscreen to further protect your skin. That's why adding finishing spray to any makeup routine is ideal. Read on to understand what you're looking for in a setting product depending on your skin type.

Choosing the Best Setting Spray for Your Face

Choosing the best setting spray goes beyond simply picking from our list. Not only because everyone's skin is different, but also because of other factors like your environment and daily routine. In fact, according to Well and Good, when shopping for a makeup setting spray, you want to choose according to your makeup use and skin type so that you get what you need out of the product you choose. Below is some helpful advice for choosing your ideal makeup setting spray – take a look.

Setting Spray for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you might be wondering if makeup setting spray is a good addition to make to your makeup routine. Well, as it turns out, setting spray is a highly ideal tool that makes a drastic difference for those with oily skin. And when it comes time to shop, there are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, because oily skin tends to be a bit slick, it's important that you choose a product that doesn't boost hydration. Furthermore, any product that mentions leaving a dewy finish is only going to increase the appearance of oils on the skin. A spray with a matte finish is your best bet. 

Setting Spray for Dry Skin

Dry skin can be undoubtedly difficult both in terms of makeup application and daily maintenance. And Bustle says if you've dealt with dry skin for any length of time then you know your makeup has a tendency to dry out, crack, and even cling to the dryer patches on your face. While moisturizer is likely already a part of your makeup and general skincare routine each day – choosing a setting spray with added moisture is imperative for keeping your makeup in place until you're ready to wash up and relax for the evening. So, if you're looking for a product for dry skin, be sure to find a brand that insists it's a hydrating setting spray.

Setting Spray for Acne-Prone Skin

If you have acne-prone skin then it's important to pay close attention to the products you apply. From your makeup to cleansers, moisturizers, and the like – you can avoid making your acne worse by simply reviewing the ingredients used in popular products. And the same goes for finishing spray. Finishing or setting spray can be great for those with acne as long as you choose the correct formula. So, the next time you're searching for the best drugstore setting spray, be certain to choose an oil-free product that is non-comedogenic to avoid further clogging your pores. Additionally, find something that promises to control greasiness and prevent shine for the best possible results.

Setting Spray for Sensitive Skin

Whether you have allergies or some other dermatological issue, there are several finishing sprays out there that come highly recommended for such issues. And from popular brands like NYX Professional Makeup to Mario Badescu facial spray, your local drugstore is likely to carry many dependable options. Should you be on the lookout for the best setting spray for sensitive skin, you'll want to start by finding a product that is allergen tested. If you want to take it a step further – choose something that is also dermatologist tested and recommended to avoid irritating your already delicate skin.

Setting Spray for Combination Skin

As mentioned prior, everyone's skin is different, and not everybody has a skin type that is easily defined by one category. Combination skin is another type of skin with some areas of dryness, oil, larger and smaller pores, and more. Camera Ready Cosmetics says if you find yourself dealing with this classification of tricky skin, you'll want to find a product that's safe for all these issues. Beginning with a lightweight formula, setting sprays with natural ingredients like aloe vera and green tea is going to be your best bet.

Check Out the 6 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays

Finding the correct product to help preserve your makeup looks each day doesn't have to be a challenge. And while it might seem complicated, now that you know how to find the best drugstore setting spray for your skin type, you can confidently hit the makeup aisle and find an option you can depend on. If you're ready to start shopping, check out our list of the top 6 best drugstore setting sprays below.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Setting Spray

Sold in a sleek little, shimmery white spray bottle, this setting spray comes to us from Neutrogena – a brand we've trusted for almost 100 years. This is a long-lasting option that is formulated with vitamin E and peptides for a fresh and youthful appearance in addition to makeup preservation. Not only is this spray matte skin mist available at an affordable price, but it's also antioxidant-rich for the added bonus of moisturizing and brightening effects. From blush and eyeshadow to foundation and concealer, Neutrogena's fine mist formula preserves it all, holding your makeup in place for 6-8 hours.

Because this finishing spray has natural ingredients, a matte finish, and such a fine mist formula, anyone with dry or oily skin could benefit from adding it to their makeup routine. Keep in mind, however, that this lightweight facial mist has added fragrance and might not be the best choice for anyone with overly sensitive skin. As a part of your skincare routine, you can even use this finishing spray to preserve moisturizer throughout the day.

Urban Decay All Nighter Summer Solstice Makeup Setting Spray

Synonymous with mid to high-range makeup products, Urban Decay is a well-loved brand with a variety of makeup setting products available. And this all nighter setting spray is an excellent choice if you need up to 16 hours of makeup protection each day. As one of the longest-lasting options on this list, we strongly recommend it, especially to anyone either working long shifts or hitting the town after hours for cocktails. From smudging and fading to makeup in fine lines and wrinkles, there are a number of makeup mishaps Urban Decay's All Nighter Summer Soltice prevents.

In terms of skin type, this is more of a hydrating setting spray that leaves behind a dewy finish. In turn, this finishing spray's hydrating ingredients make it the ideal selection for those with dry skin. However, it is also viable for anyone with normal or combination skin. Furthermore, its ingredients are 91% allergen-free and free of nickel, soy, oil, MCI/MI, dye, lanolin, gluten, parabens, and topical antibiotics. So, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to consider this as one of your better options for makeup preservation.

ELF Matte Magic Mist and Set

Right off the bat, you'll notice this is the most affordable setting spray option on this list. And while it is cheap in price, it does not skimp on quality – or volume. In addition to being the most affordable option here, ELF's Matte Magic Mist and Set is also chock-full of the most natural ingredients. Spanning from green tea to aloe vera, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and E, this formula is not only preserving but also soothing – making it a great product for anyone with particularly sensitive skin. Complete with a natural finish, this is also ideal if you can't decide between a matte or dewy appearance.

Vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% free from unnecessary ingredients like parabens, phthalates, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, Triclocarban, Triclosan, and Hydroquinone – this is a formula you can trust to not pollute your skin. Not only does this fine mist help control shine, but it also locks in your look all day while allowing for easy retouches throughout the day as needed. Whether you have normal, dry, or oily skin, we cannot recommend this setting spray enough. Especially if you are looking for something that could serve as a priming and finishing product simultaneously.

Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Fix Wear-Boosting Setting Spray

This one comes to us from another classic, well-loved brand – Maybelline New York. Complete with a translucent, lightweight formula, this is a 100% oil-free option, making it the ideal selection for anyone with oily or acne prone skin. In fact, this product is great for all skin types! Designed to extend your makeup application and provide that just-applied look, Maybelline's Facestudio Master Fix Wear-Boosting Setting Spray is priced at just over $3 for 3.4 ounces – this is also one of the more affordable selections on our list of the best drugstore setting spray options.

While this product works fell for basically all skin types as we mentioned before – it is not alcohol-free. So, if you have especially dry skin, be sure to use a moisturizer regularly should you decide this is the finishing spray for you. This is a convenient product that goes on to leave a weightless, natural finish in just a few quick sprays. Just hold the bottle 8-10 inches from your face and spray 4-6 times in a clockwise motion and voila. Your makeup is set for up to 12 hours – making it a more medium-hold selection.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Separate from Urban Decay's Summer Solstice setting spray, this is another reliable Urban Decay product that's ideal for places with unruly temperatures. In fact, this award-winning formula comes complete with temperature control technology. What that means is it is actually able to lower the temperature of your makeup to avoid any instances of melting or shifting makeup following application and throughout the duration of your day. So, if you happen to live in a humid or otherwise hot area of the world, this lightweight mist goes the distance to ensure your makeup stays right where you put it despite changes in temp.

Additionally, this is another product that works for all skin types including dry, oily, sensitive, and combination. Made up of ingredients that are vegan, waterproof, and cruelty-free, you can feel good about spending your money on such an item. From lipstick and blush to eyeliner and shadow, not even water will affect your makeup application when you use Urban Decay's All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. And for added protection from the elements and other daily life factors, use this finishing spray at the beginning of your makeup routine to prime the face and hold your makeup in place right as you apply it!

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray

Our final selection on the list of the best drugstore setting sprays comes from NYX Professional Makeup. Available in multiple finishes from normal and dewy to matte, this is another selection that is great for all skin types. So, no matter what your skin tone, NYX's setting spray is guaranteed to hold your makeup in place for up to 16 hours. Its lightweight mist works to secure all of your makeup including eyeliner, shadow, blush, lipstick, concealer, foundation, and more. And the formula itself is both fragrance and cruelty-free – even coming recommended by PETA – or People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals. Meaning this is a purchase you can feel good about.

Not only does this mist help to ensure your makeup looks fresh all day long, but it also serves as a color corrector so your skin tone always appears even. Because it is available in several finishes and formulas, this finishing spray proves itself to be the most diverse on the list and it can be used for multiple purposes including priming, color correction, makeup extension, and setting. And depending on your skin type, you might consider buying all three and switching it up from time to time. No matter which route you go, you cannot go wrong with NYX's Professional Makeup Setting Spray – available at just $7.