The Best Makeup Setting Spray for Women Over 50 — Makeup Pros Share What Really Works

When it comes to makeup, setting sprays are unsung heroes. They’re designed to lock in your makeup and ensure it stays looking fresh all day long — and all night, too. These magical mists also offer a lot of benefits, from reducing shine and preventing makeup meltdown to providing a flawless, long-lasting finish. So selecting a setting spray, it’s important to consider your skin type (like if you have sensitive skin), the finish you want (matte, dewy, or natural), and any extra skin care perks, like hydration or oil control, you’re looking for. Here, makeup artists share the best makeup setting sprays on the market, so you can find the ideal one to add to your makeup arsenal.

What is a makeup setting spray?

Sam Kyle, makeup artist and creative director of Mirabella Beauty, thinks of makeup setting sprays like a clear topcoat after a fresh manicure. “It prolongs the life of your makeup application just like a clear topcoat protects your nails from chipping and looking less than perfect,” she explains. “Serving as the final step in a makeup routine, setting spray is a liquid mist that sets and secures makeup.”

The benefits of makeup setting sprays

The primary benefit of a setting spray is its ability to prolong the wear of your makeup, says makeup artist Samantha Goldstein. “It helps prevent makeup from smudging, fading or melting,” she explains. Additionally, setting sprays can provide a more natural, dewy finish or a matte look, depending on the formula. “I’ve often found setting sprays to be a lifesaver during long photoshoots, weddings and red carpet events where makeup needs to look impeccable for hours.”
“While setting spray is truly an MVP for big events, like weddings or proms, when makeup will be worn all day and needs to look top-notch, it’s also a lifesaver during summer months, especially in the South, where increasingly high temps and humidity can lead to faded, melting makeup in a matter of seconds after stepping outside,” adds Kyle.

What to look for in a makeup setting spray

When choosing a setting spray, Goldstein says to consider your skin type and desired finish. “Look for formulas that offer hydration for dry skin, oil control for oily skin and long-lasting hold for all-day wear,” she explains. “Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and green tea can add skincare benefits as well.”

Kyle also suggests using an alcohol-free setting spray to avoid excessive skin drying and potential skin irritation. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a great alternative ingredient to alcohol and serves as a binder in setting spray formulas to lock makeup in place for hours, she adds.

How to use setting spray

Step 1: Goldstein says to start after completing your makeup look.
Step 2: “Shake the bottle well to ensure that the formula is mixed properly for optimal performance before misting the face,” says Kyle.
Step 3: While you may think you need to spray it just inches from your face, holding the setting spray at arm’s length is actually better. “This distance allows for an even and lightweight mist to cover the entire face and applied makeup,” says Kyle. Then, Goldstein advises closing your eyes and mouth and spray it on in a “X” and “T” motion to cover all areas evenly.
Step 4: Let it dry naturally, Goldstein suggests.

The best makeup setting sprays

Keep scrolling to see the makeup artist-loved setting sprays that they keep in their kits.

Skindinavia Oil Control Finishing Spray

Makeup artist Leiah Scheibel says one of her favorites is Skindinavia Oil- Control Finishing Spray. “This fine mist setting spray boasts 16-hour wear, plus it prevents excess oil production,” she says. “It physically keeps your skin cooler to keep your makeup in place all day.”

Jerome Alexander MagicMinerals Airfinish Setting Spray

Jerome Alexander MagicMinerals Airfinish Setting Spray is beloved for its 12-hour stamina. It’s also sweat-proof and can hold up to all sorts of weather conditions. Not only that, it blurs lines so any texture is minimized for a flawless effect. Plus, its small size is ideal for travel.

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte Finish

Goldstein loves NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte Finish for its affordability and effectiveness. “It controls shine and gives a matte finish that lasts all day,” she says. “I used this on a hot summer day for a music video shoot, and it kept the artist’s makeup intact despite the heat.”

One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Setting Spray

Sheibel also likes One/Size On Til Dawn Mattifying Setting Spray. “This mattifying, barely-there mist instantly mattifies and tightens pores,” she says. It gives skin a filtered effect.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is the OG and our go-to that Goldstein is also a fan of. “This high-end setting spray is a staple in my kit for its unbeatable staying power,” she says. “I’ve used it on countless red carpets, and it never fails to keep makeup intact through long events and flashing cameras.”

Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray

Goldstein says Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray is an affordable option that primes, corrects and sets makeup, providing up to 16 hours of wear. “It’s a fantastic all-in-one product.”

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

The fine mist application of Morphe Continuous Setting Mist ensures even coverage, and it keeps makeup looking fresh without feeling heavy, Goldstein says. “It’s a favorite among my clients who appreciate a natural look that lasts.”

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