Do you want to know a secret? Despite being 100% makeup-obsessed, we hate touching up our makeup throughout the day! Once we put it on, we don’t want to keep fussing or messing with it.
That’s why makeup setting sprays are so essential. A quick spray is all it takes to create a miraculous protective barrier that allows makeup to stay put, no matter how hot, rainy, or humid the day happens to be.
- Ready… Get Set!
- Top 7 Best Makeup Setting Sprays 2026
- 1. Best Overall Setting Spray: Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray
- 2. Best Premium Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
- 3. Best Budget Setting Spray: Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go
- 4. Best Setting Spray for Oily Skin: Maybelline Facestudio Lasting Fix
- 5. Best Affordable Heavy-Duty Spray: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set
- 6. Best SPF: Coola Organic Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray
- 7. Best Setting Spray for Sensitive Skin: NYX Makeup Setting Spray Matte Finish
- Top 3 Best Fixing Sprays 2026
- The Complete Guide to Fixing & Setting Sprays
- Finishing Touches
Ready… Get Set!
Before we get into reviews, you might want to know what all the hype is about. We’ve put this section together to explain what setting sprays do, and how you can identify a great one.
Setting Sprays vs. Fixing Sprays
There’s a lot of confusion between setting sprays and fixing sprays. It’s basically the Wild West out there, with brands and bloggers alike using the terms interchangeably. In reality, they are two totally different products but with no official definitions!
We decided to define them based on the most iconic products in each category: the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is the most well-known setting spray, while MAC Prep + Prime Fix + is the most iconic fixing spray.
Setting Sprays
Makeup setting sprays are like hair spray but for your makeup. Their job is to keep you looking flawless for hours and hours on end. They’re made up of a mixture of water, alcohol, and film-forming polymers, along with other additives that make the formula feel nicer on the skin.
Many shoppers expect that their setting spray will change the finish of their makeup or keep their face looking matte. However, unlike pressed powders or primers, we find that most setting sprays don’t succeed in changing the skin finish or controlling oil in any meaningful way.
Fixing Sprays
Whereas setting sprays are meant to create a barrier over makeup, fixing sprays actually sink into the makeup and transform it. Sometimes they’re called finishing sprays or hydrating sprays. They don’t contain any alcohol or polymers but include hydrating agents and plant extracts, instead.
They allow layers of foundation and powder to meld together into one layer. This helps with longevity a little, but much more importantly, it gets rid of a powdery or cakey look and makes makeup look more natural.
We focus on setting sprays throughout this article, but we also review the top 3 fixing sprays in the second half.
Features to Look for in Setting Sprays
So now that you know what setting sprays are and what they’re supposed to do, here are the features we considered when deciding which makeup setting sprays are truly incredible and worthy of purchasing.
Effectiveness
The key feature that’s absolutely a must from any setting spray is the ability to put your makeup on lockdown. With a fixing spray, it’s more important that it provide a nice finishing effect. These are the baseline expectations we have for every product on our list.
Nice Nozzle
One of the greatest pitfalls a great setting spray can have is a bad nozzle. For a setting spray to work well, the nozzle has to distribute the spray gently and evenly. Aggressive sprays distribute large droplets that don’t dry down quickly and can disrupt your makeup. Some of the setting sprays we include are more aggressive than others, so we’ll let you know what to expect.
Pleasant Skin-Feel
There’s a small trade-off between the skin-feel of a setting spray and its effectiveness. The strongest and most long-lasting film-formers can feel a little heavy on the skin, while the more lightweight ones don’t offer great longevity. Most setting sprays are somewhere in the middle. We’ll let you know which ones feel a little lighter and which ones are a little heavier.
Pleasant Scent
The actual ingredients that make a setting spray work don’t smell very good. Brands rely on all kinds of scents to mask that fact, which may or may not work. We’ll let you know exactly what fragrance you can expect out of each setting spray we review. We also made sure to include some fragrance-free options for those with sensitivities.
Skincare Ingredients
Helpful skincare ingredients can be a nice addition, especially in a fixing spray. We appreciate when brands add ingredients that are a good fit for the specific skin type the spray is made for.
Without further ado, here are our reviews for the best makeup setting sprays for every skin type and budget. Let’s go!
Top 7 Best Makeup Setting Sprays 2026
1. Best Overall Setting Spray: Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Quantity: 2.03 Fl. Oz.
- Scent: Roses
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
Milani is not the most well-known makeup brand out there, but somehow this setting spray has developed a massive following. It’s a favorite for a ton of beauty influencers across all social media platforms and turns out it’s for a good reason.
This setting spray comes in a few different versions, but the original is our favorite by far. It is made with PVP in combination with a bit of Poloxamer 407. The film formers show up on the ingredient list after niacinamide, which is an antioxidant skincare ingredient that has benefits for all skin types.
We expected that because the polymers show up a little later than normal, their effects wouldn’t be as strong. Well, we were wrong. This setting spray holds up extremely well, and the 16-hour claim is well-earned. Makeup simply does not budge, and it holds up well even against oily skin or water. The only spray that outperforms it is the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, though unlike Milani, it can feel a little heavy on the skin.
As far as packaging goes, this is probably the classiest drugstore setting spray we’ve seen. The bottle feels solid and more importantly, the nozzle is fantastic. It emits a fine mist that covers the face easily.
The formula is scented with a rose fragrance, which is quite lovely. It does a great job of masking the alcohol and it’ll blend well with a lot of perfumes. However, if you prefer a fragrance-free setting spray, the Maybelline Facestudio Lasting Fix Spray is a good choice, instead.
Finally, we appreciate that this setting spray is totally affordable! The bottle is a little smaller than many other options on this list while the price is about average, so it’s certainly not dirt cheap. However, it still delivers fantastic results at a price that’s accessible to most makeup lovers.
Pros
- Fantastic longevity
- Skin-loving ingredients
- Affordable
- Well-made nozzle
- Gorgeous scent
Cons
- Smaller bottle than most sprays
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Quantity: 4 Fl. Oz.
- Scent: Clean Fragrance
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
This is the original setting spray that started the craze! It’s the blueprint for all other setting sprays, and it’s still one of the best options out there.
The formula means business. PVP (Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone) is the star polymer, followed by a long list of other powerful film-formers that work together to make a bullet-proof formula.
Like Milani, Urban Decay also claims that their spray works for up to 16 hours. If your makeup routine includes other steps to increase longevity (we have some tips for that), we find that it can last a lot longer! However, be aware that it can feel a little heavy on the skin, especially when compared to the lighter Milani formula. For many, the increased longevity is worth it.
It comes in a simple, plastic bottle, with an excellent sprayer that lets out an even and gentle stream of liquid. It’s very easy to use, even if you’re a beginner.
Since Urban Decay is a slightly more high-end brand, this spray is definitely not cheap, though we don’t find it overly expensive either. If you’re intrigued by it, but nervous about the cost, you can pick it up in a travel size. Since L’Oreal is Urban Decay’s parent company, we find that their Infallible Pro-Spray is another more affordable alternative, although the sprayer on it is a little less nice.
The only drawback to this spray is its scent. It contains a fragrance, but it’s only there as an attempt to mask the smell of the various film-formers used in the formula. Many users don’t notice any smell, but those with sensitive noses might still notice an odd underlying scent.
Pros
- The first mainstream setting spray
- Bullet-proof formula
- Extremely long-lasting effect
- Excellent spray nozzle
Cons
- Odd smell
- Can feel a little heavy
3. Best Budget Setting Spray: Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Quantity: 3.4 Fl. Oz.
- Scent: Cucumber
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No
This setting spray from Rimmel is relatively new, especially compared to the other products we profile here. Perhaps that’s the reason why it stands out as so unique and effective.
The film formers in here are polyurethane-14 and Amp-Acrylates Copolymer, with the former being known as especially flexible. It has a fabulously non-sticky texture and excellent skin-feel. If you haven’t had success with setting sprays in the past, we think this one is still worth a try because the technology in it is so different.
Rimmel recommends using this spray as a primer, as well. While it won’t have the same effects as a typical silicone primer, it can still offer some hold to the makeup you apply on top of it.
Because of this added use, the formula was reinforced with some hydrating ingredients like sodium PCA, urea, and glycerin. These ingredients give it the ability to slightly meld makeup together like a fixing spray.
Despite the name, we don’t find that this setting spray mattifies the skin, though it does do a great job of keeping facial oils from breaking down makeup throughout the day. Because of that, we think it’s a fine choice for all skin types. If you’re looking for an actively mattifying face spray, the Maybelline Facestudio Lasting Fix Spray is the only one that truly impressed us in that regard.
The main flaw of this setting spray is unfortunately common with drugstore setting sprays: The nozzle is very aggressive, so it lets out a strong spray instead of the fine mist we love in the Milani and Urban Decay setting sprays. We give some tips below that will help you apply a setting spray even if it has a strong sprayer.
Pros
- Light, non-sticky texture
- Super budget-friendly
- Long-lasting effect
- Hydrating skincare ingredients
Cons
- Hydrating skincare ingredients
- Doesn’t actually mattify
4. Best Setting Spray for Oily Skin: Maybelline Facestudio Lasting Fix
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Quantity: 3.4 Fl. Oz.
- Scent: Fragrance-Free
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No
This affordable setting spray is totally worth trying, especially if you have oily skin. Out of all of the setting sprays we’ve profiled, we found this one to offer the most intense mattifying effect.
The reason this setting spray mattifies so well is that it’s made with talc. The powder infused in the liquid actively absorbs oils, so it can actually change the finish of your foundation. It even works well for touch-ups throughout the day, instead of powder or blotting sheets.
If you were considering buying the NYX Makeup Setting Spray specifically because of its mattifying claims, we actually think Maybelline is the better choice. However, on dry and normal skin it can actually be a little drying and uncomfortable.
The formula of this setting spray is based on Amp-Acrylates/Allyl Methacrylate Copolymer and PVP which offers a barrier almost a strong as the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.
The only major drawback to this setting spray is the spray nozzle. It’s not as aggressive as the Rimmel Stay Matte Setting Spray nozzle, but it also doesn’t provide as fine a mist as the Milani Make It Last Setting Spray. If you hold it too close to your face you can end up with some bigger droplets of liquid that can disrupt the makeup.
Finally, like other fragrance-free setting sprays, it does smell strongly of alcohol and film-formers. Many shoppers describe the scent as akin to hairspray, which we don’t mind, but it helps to know what to expect before using it. Despite the intense smell, the lack of fragrance actually makes it a good choice for those with fragrance allergies.
Pros
- Very mattifying
- Excellent hold on makeup
- Affordable
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Mediocre spray nozzle
- Strong alcohol smell
5. Best Affordable Heavy-Duty Spray: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Quantity: 3.4 Fl. Oz.
- Scent: Clean
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No
We’ll tell you a secret: L’Oreal owns Urban Decay. As it turns out, the parent company has access to the same special ingredients used in the original Urban Decay All Nighter Spray, and they make good use of them.
Both sprays contain the same main film-formers, so while there are some formulation differences, they’re barely noticeable when it comes to performance. This setting spray has the same impeccable longevity and heavy-duty feel. In other words, it’s nearly identical.
There are still a couple of notable differences between the two setting sprays. First, this spray from L’Oreal is much more affordable, coming in at around half the price of the All Nighter spray per ounce. If you’re on a budget but intent on enjoying the powerful effects of Urban Decay, definitely pick up L’Oreal’s spray instead.
However, the L’Oreal spray also has its flaws which might push you towards the original All Nighter spray. The main way L’Oreal keeps this spray affordable is by cutting costs on packaging. The plain spray bottle doesn’t look great, but more importantly, the nozzle is a little aggressive and doesn’t distribute the fine mist that Urban Decay does. If you’re careful with your application, you might not mind, especially considering the lower cost for what is essentially the same formula.
Pros
- Incredible longevity
- Identical formula to Urban Decay
- Affordable drugstore price
Cons
- Heavy skin-feel
- Aggressive spray nozzle
6. Best SPF: Coola Organic Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Quantity: 1.5 Fl. Oz.
- Scent: Green Tea
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
If you’re a makeup wearer who spends a lot of time out in the sun, then you absolutely need a product that will reinforce your sunscreen without destroying your look. There are lots of options out there, but a setting spray with SPF is a perfect choice that works well for all skin types.
It sets the makeup with PVP, so while it’s not quite as intense as most other options on our list, it still increases the longevity of your makeup. Some users find that it helps to mattify their skin a bit, while others find the finish to be more natural.
In addition to offering sun protection, it also contains a wide range of organic plant extracts that offer soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant effects. As a result, it can help refresh the look of your makeup when you reapply it.
For cosmetic chemists, combining setting effects and SPF is not very easy, which is why we’re willing to forgive this spray’s faults. First, it has a very strong scent from the alcohol and sun filters which the green tea fragrance doesn’t totally hide. The smell dissipates eventually, but upon first application, it’s just not pleasant.
Second, this spray leaves a bit of a sticky texture on the skin. It’s not visible, but it can feel unpleasant. You definitely don’t want to get it in your hair or on your clothes when spraying.
Finally, it’s important to mention that many shoppers with sensitive skin might not be able to tolerate the chemical sunscreen filters used here. If that’s the case for you, we recommend using a gentler setting spray like the NYX Makeup Setting Spray and relying on a mineral sunscreen powder for reapplications instead.
It comes in a glass container, which feels very luxurious but does make it a little less convenient to travel with.