Want Your Makeup to Stay Put? Three Editors Reveal Their Favourite Setting Spray

You’ve spent an hour doing your makeup. Your base is perfected, brows on point and lips lined within an inch of their lives. As you head off on your day you’re feeling good, until you take your first selfie and your makeup is nowhere to be seen. If this sounds familiar then I feel you. No matter how much skin prep I do or how many viral primers I try, my makeup never seems to last longer than an hour. This was until I started using setting spray. Or should I say started using a setting spray correctly – basically from a distance ensuring a light mist covers the entire face and then allowed to dry.

Setting sprays are designed to create a seal over the top of your makeup, locking in the products and increasing the longevity, and according to makeup and beauty expert Ruby Hammer MBE there may be other advantages too, “Depending on the setting spray it can shield against sun, sweat and caking,” she tells PS UK. “However, not all will work for everyone, so you need to think about what you are using it for.”

A good setting spray is also not a one-size fits all product, there are a lot of different factors such as skin type, desired finish and results that should be taken into account before you buy, “If you want it to work as a shield and keep makeup locked firmly in place look for one with a polymer high up the ingredients,” she tells PS UK. “If you want a setting spray that helps blur makeup as well as set in place and have potential skincare benefits look for ones where the polymers are lower down the list.”

That’s why I have asked PS UK editors to recommend their favourite products too. Read on to find out why one of us loves a viral £10 option and how this product has completely transformed my opinion on setting sprays.

Related: 9 of the Best Lip Liners Our Editor Swear By

Chloe Dunn, senior content producer

There’s a reason the One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray (£30) is sold out ALL. THE. TIME. This setting spray has seen me through sunrises in the Qatari desert, blistering heat in the New York summer and sweaty nights on the dance floor (that lasted way longer than they were meant to). The smell is quite like hairspray – which I’m not a huge fan of – but the non-sticky formula keeps my makeup in place and shine under control for hours and hours so it’s totally worth it. I don’t usually use powder when doing my makeup so I like to add a layer of this setting spray to keep my natural oils at bay and achieve a matte finish.

Lauren Ezekiel, associate editor PS UK

I’ve always struggled to really see the point of setting sprays, I like how come can make my makeup look more natural and lived in, but in terms of actually increasing the length of time it lasts I’m always a bit underwhelmed. That was until I tried Indeed Nanoset Blurring Spray (£25) immediately I noticed how it gave my skin look like it had a filter, as lot of products claim to have blurring abilities but in reality most fall short. This however lived up to the hype, I kept checking my skin in the mirror and was seriously impressed. It also felt noticable hydtrated throughout the day, which is good if you have dry or mature skin which can absorb the makeup and feel tight after a few hours. I recently went to the races and applied a very good coat of the spray in the morning and couldn’t believe how well it lasted in the sun and heat of being outside for hours.

I also tried it on a no-makeup makeup day and found it gave my skin a subtle glow that kept even the bare minimum concealer and cream blush in place for hours. I’ve been so impressed I have recommended it to a few friends and my mum who have all reported back similar praise.

Lauren Gordon, editorial co-ordinator PS UK

Elf Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray (£10) has been my holy grail in all seasons, from sweltering heat to heavy rainfall (and that was all in the month of July!) I usually use this to set my liquid products before using any powders. I put my full trust into making my base makeup stay and it never lets me down. The fine mist makes application less of a shock, helping to decrease the chances of any creases. And it dries quickly too, so I don’t have to wait too long before going in with my next step.

Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.

Chloe Dunn is a social content producer at PS UK. With more than six years of experience in social media marketing, she is always on the lookout for the latest viral buzz. Working across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest, Chloe specialises in bringing people together virtually and building global online communities. She has previously worked in the music industry, including at a major record label and for the UK’s biggest group of music venues.

Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specializes in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.