Updated April 26, 2023
If you’re looking for a way to make your makeup last longer, a setting spray is a must-have in your makeup routine. While there are plenty of high-end setting sprays out there, you don’t have to break the bank to get a great product. In fact, some of the best makeup setting sprays can be found at the drugstore! In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best drugstore setting sprays that will keep your makeup looking flawless all day long. I’ve got 5 drugstore setting sprays to share that are all different! Mattifying, long lasting, dewy, and more.
I get the “what’s the best drugstore setting spray?” question a lot on social media, so I’ve narrowed this down to some amazing options that will satisfy any skin type!
Drugstore setting sprays have come a long way in recent years, with many options now offering similar results to their high-end counterparts. So, let’s dive in and discover some of the best drugstore makeup setting sprays on the market.
The Best Setting Sprays from the Drugstore:
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray
BEST FOR: All Skin Types
USE IT FOR: A long-lasting makeup look
FINISH: Natural
This is, by far, my favorite setting spray of the drugstore. It gives me the best results out of all of my drugstore mists. I truly believe it’s a Charlotte Tilbury setting spray dupe – it performs so similarly! The Milani Make It Last Setting Spray is a great option for anyone looking for a drugstore setting spray that provides long-lasting hold over a full face of makeup. I definitely reach for it on special occasions!
I love the ultra-fine mist, which is a great user experience. The formula is lightweight and features a unique blend of ingredients to help lock in your makeup for up to 16 hours. This setting spray is also known to prevent smudging, fading, and melting of makeup products.
e.l.f. Dewy Coconut Setting Mist
BEST FOR: Normal to Dry Skin, or those that want a dewy finish
USE IT FOR: A long-lasting dewy makeup look
FINISH: Dewy
The e.l.f. Dewy Coconut Setting Mist is one of my most unique setting sprays because it gives my skin a dewy look while also ensuring a long-lasting wear. I love to use it when my setting powder did a little too much mattifying and I want to tone that down.
This product is designed to hydrate, condition, and set your makeup in place with a dewy, radiant finish. The formula contains coconut water, which is known for its hydrating properties, as well as other skin-loving ingredients like green tea, Vitamin E, and B5. The mister on it is very fine and enjoyable to use, and it does have a light coconut scent. If coconut is not your thing, or you do not want any sort of fragrance, you may want to skip this one. I personally love it and find it very refreshing! If you have mature skin or fine lines, this is an excellent choice!
e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set
BEST FOR: All Skin Types
USE IT FOR: Refreshing the skin, taking down powdery-ness, or hold makeup in place
FINISH: Natural
The e.l.f. Makeup Mist and Set Spray is a popular and affordable makeup finishing spray that is designed to keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless all day long. The mist is a little more aggressive than others but it’s a fantastic formula and it doesn’t bother me when I hold the bottle further out from my face.
I think this is a fantastic Mac Fix+ Dupe, if you are looking for a drugstore alternative. The formula contains a blend of Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Cucumber, and Vitamins A, C, and E, which work together to nourish and hydrate the skin, while also helping to lock in your makeup for long-lasting wear. This product gives a lovely natural finish.
NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray
BEST FOR: Normal to Oily Skin Types
USE IT FOR: Locking makeup into place with a matte finish
FINISH: Matte
NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray is a must-have for anyone who wants their makeup to last all day without the shine. This lightweight, long-lasting formula gives you a matte finish that lasts up to 12 hours. In my opinion, this is a really great Urban Decay All-Nighter dupe! It’s not quite the same, but the best drugstore alternative if you love that setting spray. Definitely one of the best matte setting sprays on the market.
The spray is easy to use with a fine mister. It’s perfect for those with oily skin or for anyone who wants to keep their makeup looking fresh and matte throughout the day. Overall, this setting spray is a great option for anyone who wants to achieve a long-lasting, matte finish. As a bonus, it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin, as there is no added fragrance.
Wet ‘n Wild Fight Dirty Detox Setting Spray
BEST FOR: All Skin Types, Especially Acne-Prone
USE IT FOR: Locking makeup into place with clarifying and soothing ingredients
FINISH: Natural
This is my newest drugstore setting spray purchase, and I immediately fell in love with it! It has a really refreshing eucalyptus/tea tree smell with a lightweight mist. The Wet ‘n Wild Fight Dirty Detox Setting Spray is formulated with a blend of ingredients that are designed to nourish and detoxify the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized. This lightweight formula feels amazing on the skin.
Some of the ingredients worth mentioning are niacinimide, eucalyptus, tea tree, and chamomile. I absolutely love the skincare benefits of this one! If setting sprays tend to break you out, or you are acne-prone (or have combination skin), you should try this one!
Along with loving the ingredient deck, I was blown away with how well my makeup lasts after spraying this. Why is no one talking about this setting spray? It’s so good!
How to Apply Setting Spray for Best Results:
- Shake the bottle well: Before using the setting spray, shake the bottle well to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed.
- Hold the bottle at arm’s length: Hold the bottle of setting spray at least 6-8 inches away from your face while spraying.
- Spray in a “T” shape: When applying setting spray, spray in a “T” shape. Start by spraying horizontally across your forehead, then vertically down the center of your face, and finally horizontally across your chin.
- Allow it to dry: After applying setting spray, give it a few minutes to dry completely. Avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes during this time.
- Reapply as needed: If you have oily skin or are going to be out in hot weather, you may need to reapply setting spray to help your makeup last longer.
PRO TIP: You can apply setting spray throughout the process of makeup application. I like to mist after foundation, after powder, as a final step, and later in the day! It’s not necessary, but I find this gives me the best results when I want all day wear.
I hope this post has helped you find the right setting spray for you! I know there is a ton of options out there, but I know I’ve narrowed it down to the best options, haha!
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