Not All Setting Sprays Set - Here’s What They Actually Do

The ones that set, the ones that hydrate, and the ones that just smell nice.

Let’s talk setting sprays, fixing sprays, finishing mists….whatever you want to call them! They’re not all the same. And most of them really aren’t doing what you think they’re doing.

Some lock in your makeup, almost like a sealant and others are basically glorified hydrating mists.

So here’s a breakdown of sprays that have been in rotation on my desk for quite a while, and what they actually do. I’ve also added one that really doesn’t do anything but ruin your makeup. Not all setting sprays actually set!

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Hydrating mist with staying power

For me, this one sits in that rare middle ground. It gives your skin a soft, hydrated finish and helps lock in makeup…especially powders. It kind of melts your powder into the skin so that your base looks more ‘lived in’ and less ‘freshly powdered’. It’s alcohol-free (a big deal if your skin gets irritated easily) and contains film-formers to help grip your makeup without making your skin feel tight. I use it more to melt powders together and bring back glow after using matte textures, but it still gives decent hold throughout the day. Just don’t expect sweat-proof staying power.