Setting spray can keep your makeup budge-proof and on for hours (we’re talking through a pilates class, concert, dinner date—whatever life throws at you), but we’ll be the first to say that a good formula doesn’t need to gouge your wallet. A drugstore setting spray gets the job done at an affordable price, and many of them come in a variety of finishes from matte to dewy and radiant—and can address particular skin needs like shine or dryness just as well as their higher-end counterparts. Here, NYC-based makeup artist Jonet Williamson shares what to look for when shopping for a drugstore setting spray, tips on effectively using one, and the 16 best options to shop.
Our top 16 drugstore setting sprays, at a glance:
- Best overall: Morphe Continous Setting Mist, $17
- Best natural finish: Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray, $11
- Best matte finish: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray, $10
- Best dewy finish: e.l.f Beauty Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray, $10
- Best with hyaluronic acid: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist, $12
- Best long-lasting: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Up to 36HR Wear Setting Spray, $11
- Best for glow: Makeup Revolution Fix & Glow Fixing Spray, $14
- Best hydrating: e.l.f Beauty Dewy Coconut Setting Mist, $10
- Best calming: Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist, $15
- Best for oily skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray, $6
- Best budge-proof: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Setting Spray, $10
- Best for dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray, $15
- Best for priming: Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray, $8
- Best plumping: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Makeup Setting Spray, $10
- Best budget: Wet ’n’ Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Spray, $6
- Best for sensitive skin: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water, $13
Shop the 16 best drugstore setting sprays
Best overall: Morphe Continous Setting Mist — $17.00
Size: 2.8 fl oz, 6.5 fl oz | Finish: Natural
Give your makeup a radiant, natural finish with this wallet-friendly setting mist that contains vitamin E, vitamin B5, and fruit extracts. It nourishes the skin and keeps makeup in place all day long—not to mention, the powder spray format ensures that every inch of your face is covered, and your makeup won’t slip or slide.
- Affordable
- Comes in a jumbo-size
- Reviewers report that the formula can cause breakouts
Best natural finish: Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray — $11.00
Size: 2.03 fl oz, 6.0 fl oz | Finish: Natural
Williamson loves this natural-finish spray which hydrates the skin, ensuring your makeup doesn’t clump. It has glycerin, niacinamide, and antioxidants to brighten and soften the look of your makeup and it will help prevent creases and fading. We also love that this one is vegan and lasts up to 24 hours.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Clean ingredients
- Contains fragrance which might be irritating to some
Best matte finish: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray — $10.00
Size: 2.03 fl oz | Finish: Matte
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Williamson also loves this matte finish setting spray that will keep your makeup shine-free and can help absorb excess oil. This transfer-resistant spray can do just the trick; it will keep your face refreshed, matte, and sans extra shine.
- Up to 16HR wear
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains alcohol which can be drying on skin
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Best dewy finish: e.l.f Beauty Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray — $10.00
Size: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Dewy
This formula grips makeup with a bi-phased solution that mixes to set and hydrate makeup. It also contains hyaluronic acid, plus aloe vera, squalane, and green tea to refine and soothe the skin.
- Long-lasting
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- The formula is a little sticky and takes a minute to dry down
Best with hyaluronic acid: Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist — $12.00
Size: 3.72 fl oz | Finish: Dewy
Hyaluronic acid can plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines—so it’s a no-brainer that this setting spray is a must-try if those are part of your skincare goals. The mist is micro-fine which allows it to reach every nook and cranny of the face, and it dries down super quickly for a hydrated and fresh finish.
- Contains glycerin and allantoin to set and smooth
- Smells great
- Some reviewers share that it’s not super long-lasting
Best for glow: Makeup Revolution Fix & Glow Fixing Spray — $14.00
Size: 3.38 fl oz | Finish: Radiant
If you’re searching for glow, incorporate this spray into your makeup routine that contains light-reflecting micro-shimmer particles. It will leave your skin looking radiant and refreshed and is perfect if you want to illuminate the face without excess makeup.
- Glowy, may not be suitable for oily skin types
Best hydrating: e.l.f Beauty Dewy Coconut Setting Mist — $10.00
Size: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Radiant
This sweet-smelling setting mist is a must-try if you’re looking to set your makeup and hydrate the skin. It contains coconut, green tea, and cucumber extracts to soften and condition, and smells divine.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Available on Amazon
- Contains fragrance, which might be irritating to some
Best calming: Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist — $15.00
Size: 2.7 fl oz | Finish: Natural
Calm and balance the skin with this makeup setting mist that has rose water and green tea. It works to soothe the skin and keep makeup in place all day long with a velvety, natural, and soft-focus finish.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Available at Target
- Has a strong rose scent, which might not appeal to some
Best for oily skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray — $6.00
Size: 3.3 fl oz | Finish: Matte
If you have oily skin, opt for this setting spray that controls oil and leaves behind a matte finish. It will prevent makeup from fading and smudging and is perfect for keeping your skin shine-free throughout the day into night.
- Under $10
- Available on Amazon
- Contains fragrance which might be irritating to some
Best budge-proof: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Setting Spray — $10.00
Size: 3.4 fl oz | Finish: Matte
This setting spray will ensure that your lipstick, eyeliner, and face products won’t budge for up to 16 hours, and is a great option if you’re looking for an effective formula that has a weightless finish. Bonus: you can pick this one up at your local drugstore, or on Amazon.
- Suitable for all skin types
- The spray can feel a little heavy on the face and takes a minute to dry down
Best for dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray — $15.00
Size: 3.4 fl oz | Finish: Dewy
Add a burst of hydration to your makeup routine with this hydrating spray that contains hyaluronic acid. It’s ideal for dry skin types as it will deeply moisturize, soothe and refresh the skin. It’s also super gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
- Suitable for daily use
- Available on Amazon
- Very hydrating, may not be suitable for very oily skin
Best for priming: Catrice Prime & Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray — $8.00
Size: 1.69 fl oz | Finish: Dewy
A long-lasting makeup look not only requires a good setting spray, but a good primer as well. This formula does both: you can spray it on pre-makeup to help prep the skin and post-makeup to lock all products in. No matter how you use it, it will make your skin look refreshed and glowing.
- Under $10
- Can be used as a primer and a setter
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Some reviewers dislike the smell
Best plumping: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Makeup Setting Spray — $10.00
Size: 1.7 fl oz | Finish: Radiant
This drugstore setting spray’s star ingredients include vegan collagen, vitamin C, and cucumber extract to brighten and hydrate the skin. All you need is a good spritz to feel super refreshed and it can be used to set makeup and hydrate the skin throughout the day.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Affordable
- The formula is a bit sticky
Best budget: Wet ’n’ Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Spray — $6.00
Size: 1.52 fl oz | Finish: Matte
At $6, this matte setting spray gives you major bang for your buck. It helps prevent makeup cracking, creasing, and fading and will ensure that your makeup maintains a matte, soft-focus finish throughout the day.
- Contains aloe vera to help soothe the skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Reviewers dislike the smell
Best for sensitive skin: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water — $13.00
Size: 10.1 fl oz | Finish: Natural
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll love this thermal spring water spray that can be used to hydrate the skin or set makeup. This is a great pick if you’re a minimalist makeup wearer, and need a little spritz to wake up skin when you’re on the go.
- Reduces redness and irritation
- Available on Amazon
- Not suitable for a heavy makeup wearer
What to look for in a drugstore setting spray
“When buying a drugstore setting spray, I would look for how long it’s said to last and also what finish it’s meant to give,” says Williamson. Look for ones with a particular finish depending on your makeup goals, longevity, and an ultra-fine or powder mist. Here’s what to keep in mind:
The finish
A great drugstore setting spray should come in a particular finish, like matte, dewy, or radiant. They also should address a specific need and have ingredients that reflect that, like oil-absorbing ingredients that can mattify the skin or hyaluronic acid that can deeply hydrate. It’s key to check what formula suits your particular skin type or need. “You may want a matte finish, but you don’t realize you’re buying a hydrating setting spray,” says Williamson. TLDR: always check the label before purchasing.
The longevity
The purpose of a setting spray is to keep makeup smudge-proof and intact throughout the day and into the night, so it’s important to look for a formula with at least 24-hour wear. Williamson also offers a pro tip to ensure you get the most out of your setting spray. “Layer your spray between powder by applying it before and after setting powder,” she says.
Mist type
Finally, to get the most bang for your buck, a great drugstore setting spray has an ultra-fine or powder mist that can cover all crevices of the face, preventing creasing from easy-to-fade areas like under the eyes or around the nose. The finer or more powder-like the mist, the better.
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