Here’s How To Get a Longer-Lasting Makeup Look With Setting Spray

There are three types of people probably reading this right now—those who aren’t familiar with setting spray, those who know what it is but haven’t quite figured out how to use setting spray in their routine, and die-hard setting spray lovers. Touted as the holy grail for making makeup stay in place all day, setting spray could be the difference between having a face full of glam stay intact through a celebration or having all of your makeup sliding down your collar before the cocktails are served. The latter group knows this.

This setting spray for makeup can help your foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and whatever else you have on stay put. All. Day. Long. So whether you’re new to the world of makeup spray, or still trying to find one that’s effective, take notes—because we’re about to teach you all about this beauty essential. Here, learn everything you need to know, including what setting spray really does and the scoop on our best makeup setting spray: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist.

What Is Setting Spray?

It’s so disheartening to see all of your hard work—because applying a full face of makeup can definitely be hard work—fade away before lunchtime. That’s where makeup setting spray comes in. Think of it as a top coat for your makeup. You spritz it on your face, over your makeup, as the last step of your routine, and it helps keep your look from fading, transferring, or migrating throughout the day.

Benefits of Setting Spray

• Keeps your makeup looking fresher for longer
• Reduces the need for touch-ups
• Helps prevent melting makeup, smudges, and fading colors
• Depending on the formula, setting spray can add either a matte finish or a glowy, luminous one

To prevent your makeup from cracking, fading, or caking, try L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. This microfine aerosol mist is inspired by professional setting sprays and offers up to 36 hours of transfer-resistant wear. It applies evenly and dries instantly without leaving droplets or traces behind. The spray feels lightweight and breathable on the skin and leaves it with a natural, healthy-looking glow.

How to Use Setting Spray

After you’ve finished applying your makeup—and gotten it just right—you can apply your setting spray. How to do so varies slightly depending on whether or not you have an aerosol formula.

For aerosol setting mists: Spray in a circular motion over your face for 3-4 seconds.

For non-aerosol setting sprays: Shake your bottle of setting spray to mix the formula. Then, hold it eight to ten inches from your face, and spritz it in an “X” and “T” motion.

For either type, make sure to avoid spraying directly in your eyes. Since setting spray application doesn’t require a super precise technique, you should be able to keep your eyes closed the whole time.

Do You Put Setting Spray on Before or After Makeup?

Setting spray is meant to be used after you’ve applied your makeup, as its purpose is to “set” your look in place. The most popular application method is to use it as the very last step in your makeup routine, but some pro makeup artists will use setting spray in-between each step (meaning, they spritz after foundation, then after concealer, then after blush—you get the idea). This may help extend the life of your makeup even more.

Is Setting Spray Necessary?

If you find yourself in a rush and therefore asking, does setting spray really make a difference, the answer is a resounding yes! Just like you use hairspray to hold and enhance your hairstyle, a makeup spray does the same for your makeup. We know, it’s not always easy to keep your makeup looking fresh from morning through the end of the day, but setting spray can help keep the need for midday touch-ups to a minimum.

The whole purpose of using a makeup finishing spray is to help prevent your makeup from sliding, smudging, creasing, or fading quickly. You can take a chance and forgo it, but, if you give it a try, you’ll quickly find out how much of a difference it can make.

Makeup Primer vs. Setting Spray

Many people believe that makeup primer and setting spray are pretty much the same thing, because they can both contribute to a long-lasting makeup look—but they aren’t interchangeable. Makeup primer is used before makeup to create an even base for your products to lay on. Primers typically come in creams and gel form, but may sometimes come as a spray. On the flip side, makeup setting spray is used to lock in your look—it’s a finishing touch.

If you’re looking for a face primer that blurs the look of pores and smoothes skin over time, try L’Oréal Primer Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer. There are also formulas to visibly reduce dullness, redness, and excess shine.

Editor’s tip: There are some setting sprays that can be used as primer. You can use these multi-asking sprays to both start and end your makeup looks. Just pay attention to the labels on your products to know if you’re working with a double-duty setting spray that can also be used as a primer.

Is Setting Spray or Powder Better?

Since you’re now well-versed on the purpose of setting spray, you may be wondering if setting powder is a better option. After all, both products are similar in the way they can help extend the life of your makeup. However, makeup finishing sprays and finishing powders have a few differences that we should note.

Setting powder may be a better pick for someone with oily skin or anyone who prefers a matte finish. If you have dry skin and want a dewy glow, setting spray could be more suitable. Of course, there are mattifying sprays and glow-boosting powders, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.

Is Setting Spray Bad For Your Skin?

It’s common to hear that specific makeup products are bad for skin, including makeup setting sprays. But that’s not always true. It’s more likely that not paying attention to the ingredients in your setting spray can cause skin to freak out. If you have sensitive skin, for example, find a makeup spray that’s non-comedogenic and formulated with ingredients you know your skin won’t react to, like aloe, to help keep your skin in shape. And as with any face product, if you don’t follow the directions for proper usage, you may not see the results you’re looking for.

Next: How To Apply Makeup for Beginners