The spray bottle's nozzle is powerful and each spritz is pretty potent, especially when used up close. To avoid an uneven application, hold the bottle eight to 10 inches away from your face and spray it a couple times in an X and T formation. This spray is unique among competitors because it applies almost like a burst of damp air, rather than a moist spray where you feel the hydration instantly. It almost felt like there was nothing on our face, but we felt the effects when our skin tightened ever so slightly. The mist left no residue or moisture on our faces, but completely blurred out our makeup to create a smooth surface. As a matte-finish product, it also reduces the shine effect — a bonus for those with naturally oily skin. After the splash test, we did notice that some makeup had transferred to the towel when drying off, but the appearance of our makeup hadn’t changed, smeared, or run at all. As someone with a passionate love of makeup (I wear foundation, blusher, eyeshadow, liquid liner on the reg) AND an oily T-zone, I am well-placed to test the effectiveness of setting sprays that stop everything sliding southwards by lunchtime. For the last few weeks, I have been testing sprays, assessing which ones helped to keep my makeup in place over the course of a full 8-hour work day. Some of the setting sprays on this list have been in my own makeup arsenal for years, and naturally these are ones that rank highly. Setting spray can be used in multiple ways,” explains Carly Utting, National Artist M·A·C Cosmetics UK & Ireland. “I use it as the last step in my makeup application after I have powdered. However, during the warmer months, I like to spritz my makeup sponge with setting spray and use it to apply foundation for added staying power.” Though it wasn't fast-drying, this reasonably priced option from L'Oréal passed our splash test and definitely helped our makeup stay intact. Unfortunately, one of our testers experienced a burning sensation and found the smell unpleasant.

How it's held up: This setting spray has kept makeup in place when using for weekend nights out and an all-day wedding. It's been a reliable part of our skincare routine knowing we can use this spray and not worry about reapplying or needing any major touchups. We have noticed some blemishes pop up, but we can't definitively say this setting spray is causing them. Either way, it's a product we love and will continue to use. I love using a setting spray over makeup to combat dryness and add longevity," says celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa, explaining that some formulas prevent patchiness by creating a flexible barrier.

How it’s held up: Even after months of use, we’re still finding ourselves reaching for this bottle multiple times throughout the week. We still recommend it for days when you’re not wearing a lot of makeup, because while it is very hydrating, it won’t keep your makeup from smudging all day long. How it’s held up: Even after six months, we are still loving this spray. We’re thankful that it comes in a big bottle (4 oz .version), because we still haven't run out and feel like we’re getting our money’s worth.

Makeup artists always have setting sprays in their kits, especially bridal makeup artists,” admits Carly Utting. “We need the client’s makeup to stay put throughout the day so a setting spray is a must for any makeup application.” Is finishing powder or setting spray better? When you’re finishing off your makeup, the last thing you want to do is add more weight — which is why we love this ultra-fine, barely-there mist from E.l.f. Cosmetics that keeps our makeup perfect throughout the day (the brand boasts 16-hour wear) without the high-end price tag. While we love a nice glow, we appreciated the shine-controlled finish that this spray left us with, keeping our skin looking dewy, but not damp or oily. We noticed that this spray played particularly well with powders, which makes us believe that this is a great option for days that you’re getting ultra-glammed up. You agree to indemnify and hold Space NK (and its officers, directors, agents, subsidiaries, joint ventures, employees and third-party service providers, including but not limited to Bazaarvoice, Inc.), harmless from all claims, demands, and damages (actual and consequential) of every kind and nature, known and unknown including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of a breach of your representations and warranties set forth above, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third party.But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. that is, or may reasonably be considered to be submitted in extreme volumes and as such be deemed as ‘spam’; We noticed that this spray seemed to melt into our foundation and even appeared to shrink the size of our pores, giving us a natural, glowing look. This setting spray is completely waterproof and kept our makeup looking pristine, even after splashing our face with water. There was also minimal transfer to the towel we used to dry off, which was quite impressive. When choosing a setting spray, I highly recommend that it goes on easily and has no fragrance other than the scent of natural calming elements,” Rizzieri tells PEOPLE, mentioning rose, lavender, camomile, and cucumber. “I look for key ingredients that will hydrate the skin for that extra glow,” she says, such as hyaluronic acid. However, there are also ingredients you might want to stay away from. “I’m not a fan of any sprays with silicone,” says Tanis. "I don’t think it lasts throughout the day. He prefers ultra-fine mists that mix with the foundation you’re already wearing, illuminating and refreshing it in the process. Look to mists like the Tower 28 Beauty SOS Save.Our.Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray for silicone-free options that would win the approval of celeb MUAs.

Because of its damp texture, the tester says that her makeup transferred a little bit. "All in all, it was waterproof, but I noticed some of my makeup on the towel I used to blot my face during testing," she explains. "My foundation still looked untouched, though, which is all I care about." Suitable for all types of skin, Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup product that contains no parabens, alcohol, fragrance, gluten, sulphate, phthalates or talc. Key Benefits Charlotte Tilbury's setting spray offers an incredibly dewy, glowy effect. While many people like this look, it wasn't ideal for oily skin. It's also scented. We like the smell but realize that added fragrance can be hit or miss.Our only criticism was that for a “pore-minimizing” setting spray, we’d hoped it would more significantly blur our pores. While this spray doesn’t entirely erase the look of pores, it certainly smooths out texture and creates a radiant glow on your face, all while sinking into and preserving your makeup for the long day ahead. After the spray set, which happens almost instantly, the tester notes that her makeup looked smooth and poreless. Despite wearing a mask all day, she revealed that her skin stayed shine-free, except around her nose. "This worked wonders for my very oily skin, plus my makeup looked the same at the end of the day — still blurred with no creasing or caking," she says. The fragrance, although addictive, is not for everyone. Our tester loved how subtle the scent was and noted that it didn't irritate her skin at all. However, those with sensitive skin might want to steer clear, especially if they have a tendency to react badly to fragrances. Despite the rave review, there is one con: The nozzle. It broke for some users, causing either too much product to come out or none at all. "The mist came out a little aggressively, so you need to be careful with the nozzle," our tester shares. Powder and setting sprays both have their place at the table,” says Utting. “Most powders also add a fine veil of colour and coverage, as well as ‘set’ a makeup, so you have the benefit of adding an extra layer of smoothness to the skin.”

use of the content you supply does not violate these Terms of Use and will not cause injury to any person or entity. If you're looking for a setting spray that doesn't budge for all day and into the night, this is the one to grab. Ideal for big events, Lawless Beauty's lightweight mist keeps makeup looking freshly applied for hours on end — 16 to be exact. Unlike other sprays, it extends the life of your makeup without causing it to cake, crease, or settle into fine lines, which is great news for those with mature skin. The formula contains spherical elastomer powder, an ingredient known to absorb oil and reduce shine, as well as a blend of essential oils to refresh the skin.Milk Makeup (otherwise known as the MVP of the beauty industry) is built on the ethos that you should #LiveYourLook, rather than just wear it. Understanding that cosmetics are a way of expressing yourself, the brand dreams up products with powerful pigments and skin-saving ingredients. From fan-favourites (we’re talking about the KUSH Mascara and Vegan Milk Moisturiser, of course) to new arrivals, this covetable collection has your covered.