The 5 Best Setting Sprays for Long-Lasting Makeup

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If your makeup melts, separates, or transfers, the setting spray you pick matters more than the brand of foundation. I prioritized wear time (how long your base stays intact), then finish (matte vs dewy), mist quality, and formula “feel.”

Top picks

ONE/SIZE On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray — Best for oily skin + maximum hold

A hardcore, matte “lock it down” spray when you care most about transfer resistance and longevity.
Why it wins: Brand claims a 16-hour, waterproof, sweatproof, transferproof hold aimed at oil control.

Pros

• Very strong hold for long days/events

• Matte finish helps reduce shine (great for oily T-zones)

• Popular “performance” pick in editor testing roundups

Cons

• Can feel too matte on dry patches (prep well)

• Not ideal if you want a dewy finish

Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / who should skip: Skip if your skin runs dry or you hate matte finishes; consider a hydrating/dewy spray instead.

Scores: Performance 5/5 • Wear time 5/5 • Ease of use 4/5 • Value 3/5

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray (Natural Finish) — Best for “set it and forget it” everyday wear

A classic “natural finish” option when you want long wear without looking flat or overly glowy.
Why it wins: Brand positions it as waterproof and transfer/sweat-resistant for all-day wear.

Pros

• Natural finish (plays well with most base products)

• Claims strong resistance to sweat/transfer

• Frequently included in “best setting spray” editor lists

Cons

• Not the most glow-boosting option (choose a dewy formula if that’s your goal)

• If you’re very oily, the matte ONE/SIZE may grip better

Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / who should skip: If you mainly fight shine, you may prefer a true mattifying spray.

Scores: Performance 4/5 • Wear time 4/5 • Ease of use 5/5 • Value 3/5

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray — Best for smoothing + event makeup

If you want your makeup to look more “finished” (soft-focus/smoothed), this is the vibe.
Why it wins: Brand claims up to 16 hours and a waterproof wear profile.

Pros

• “Airbrushed” look pairs well with full-glam makeup

• Strong claimed wear time (up to 16 hours)

• Often recommended in editorial roundups

Cons

• Overkill for super minimal makeup days (a lighter mist may feel better)

• If you’re very oily, a dedicated mattifying spray may outperform

Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / who should skip: Skip if you dislike “made-up” finishing sprays; go for a lighter, hydrating refresher-style mist.

Scores: Performance 4/5 • Wear time 4/5 • Ease of use 4/5 • Value 3/5

MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray — Best for dry skin + comfortable wear

A hydrating, “grippy” setting spray when tightness/dryness is your main enemy.
Why it wins: Brand says it’s clinically proven to set makeup up to 12 hours, and it’s alcohol-free + fragrance-free.

Pros

• Alcohol-free and fragrance-free (often a plus for comfort)

• Designed to keep makeup looking fresh without feeling crispy

• Clear brand guidance on how to use (shake, spray distance, set time)

Cons

• If you want a very matte finish, this isn’t it

• 12-hour claim is strong, but not the longest in this list

Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / who should skip: If you’re oily and hate shine, you’ll likely prefer a mattifying waterproof formula.

Scores: Performance 4/5 • Wear time 3/5 • Ease of use 4/5 • Value 3/5

Milani Make It Last (Prime + Correct + Set) — Best budget-friendly all-rounder

A great “first real setting spray” that aims for long wear without the luxury price tag.
Why it wins: Milani claims up to 16 hours and positions it as a multi-use spray (prime/set).

Pros

• Strong claimed wear time for the category (up to 16 hours)

• Multi-use positioning (before and/or after makeup)

• Usually easy to find and easy to use

Cons

• Mist feel can be less “ultrafine” than prestige sprays (apply in light layers)

• Not as hardcore as true waterproof fixing-style sprays

Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / who should skip: If you need sweatproof, all-night event-level hold, jump to ONE/SIZE or Urban Decay.

Scores: Performance 3/5 • Wear time 4/5 • Ease of use 4/5 • Value 5/5

Quick compare

• Strongest hold (matte): ONE/SIZE On ’Til Dawn

• Best everyday natural finish: Urban Decay All Nighter (Natural Finish)

• Most “polished” soft-focus look: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless

• Most comfortable for dry skin: MILK Hydro Grip Set + Refresh

• Best value: Milani Make It Last

FAQs

Do I need a setting spray if I use powder?

Often, yes—powder helps, but a setting spray can improve wear time and help reduce that “powdery” look by melting layers together (especially with fine mists).

What’s the difference between setting spray and fixing spray?

Setting sprays are usually meant to extend wear and help layers mesh. Fixing sprays tend to be more hardcore hold (often marketed as waterproof/sweatproof). Many “waterproof 16-hour” products behave closer to fixing sprays in practice.

Which setting spray is best for oily skin?

If shine and transfer are your main problems, I’d start with ONE/SIZE On ’Til Dawn because it’s built around oil control and long, waterproof wear claims.

Which setting spray is best for dry skin?

I’d look at MILK Hydro Grip Set + Refresh first because it’s positioned as alcohol-free + fragrance-free and focused on hydration/comfort.

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