Best makeup setting spray for oily skin

Whether you're going full glam for a happy hour with friends or an important meeting, it's important to make sure that beat doesn't budge — that's why you should be using one of the best setting sprays. These sprays basically act as liquid cellophane for your makeup, and they're the easiest way to ensure your flawlessly applied foundation, blinding highlighter, and sharp-winged liner doesn't melt off.

But what actually is setting spray? According to Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Victoria Vohland, setting spray is made up of three parts: water, alcohol, and a film former. Together, these create a barrier to prevent makeup from slipping. Fun fact: It's the same chemical formula that's used in hair gel, but it's tweaked to be safer and gentle enough to use on the face. "These are very much used in long-wear makeup, especially when [brands] make claims like '12-hour-wear,'" she previously told Allure.

Using a setting spray may seem pretty simple — just spray it all over your face when you're done with your makeup, and you're done, right? Well, if you want to take your makeup expertise to the next level, New York City-based makeup artist Tommy suggests applying setting spray in a zig-zag motion, starting on the forehead and moving down to the chin. "I spritz it on the skin in distance to help rehydrate the face after applying makeup," he says.

Another tip, courtesy of makeup artist Kate Lee, who works with celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, and Emma Roberts, is to dampen a Beautyblender with the magic liquid before pressing it on the skin to smooth out dry patches or creased makeup.

With these tips in mind, here are the best makeup setting sprays on the market right now to ensure your makeup lasts all day (with a mask or just on its own), according to Allure editors and makeup artists.

You've probs seen them in the aisles of Boots and at the end of your favourite TikTokers' makeup tutorials, but what's the deal with makeup setting sprays? Do they actually work? We decided it was time to put an end to the makeup myths and put 12 face fixing mists to the test...

What is a makeup setting spray?

Setting sprays are the glue that hold our makeup together. They might seem like a gimmick, but ask any beauty buff to list off their top five prods and we'd bet a tenner Urban Decay's setting spray makes the cut. So what's the deal, why are they so special and do they really work?

We get that they sound slightly too good to be true, like, how can this liquid possibly possess the magical powers to keep your base on till the early hours of the morn? Like with skincare: the secret is in the ingredients. Most setting sprays contain alcohol, which, while effective at keeping everything in place, can be drying and even irritating for more sensitive skin types. If your complexion is easily irritated opt for a water based formula, like Laura Geller's Spackle Mist.

Are there setting sprays for different skin types?

You'll be pleased to know you can choose a spray specifically catering to your complexions needs. For example, Cover FX's Mattifying Setting Spray is great for oilier skin types, while the Illuminating Setting Spray is (hint in the name) for those wanting to boost their glow. There are also soothing sprays infused with hydrating and calming ingredients, like MAC's Prep + Prime.

The setting spray that does the most: Urban Decay's face preserving formula All Nighter, has been handed the top spot for its incredible staying power skillz. One spritz and you're set for a full 16-hours come rain or shine. Plus, you don't need a lot to save face.

How should you use it to get the best results?

Make up artists recommend spraying over your skin post makeup application. If you're looking for a super sturdy base, say for a big night or even a wedding, a pump between each makeup step is the key to really locking it in. Simples.

So, which one is worth your hard earned cash? We've reviewed 12 over an 8 hour workday - and as we all know the proof lies in the before and after pics - so we each took a snap of our faces first thing in the morning AND at the end of the day - so you can see which makeup setters really performed (and which ones didn't)...

Thanks to King Of The Booth

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Best Makeup Setting Spray: e.l.f.

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They say: "This fine clear setting spray helps makeup stay put, and helps control shine for beautiful-looking skin. Infused with Vitamin B, E, Arctium Majus Root to help hydrate, soothe. The lightweight, comfortable formula helps improve makeup wearability, and prevent colour from running or fading."

Here's what we thought...

Best Makeup Setting Spray: e.l.f.

e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set

SCORE: 9.5/10

Victoria says: "I genuinely cannot believe this only costs £6. Yep... SIX. English. Pounds - that is it. I think the before and after pictures speak for themselves (yes, my lip balm is long gone - but that was always going to happen). Most days I end up going home from work a few shades lighter than when I arrived - my face has a tendency to devour my bronzer, but this little mist actually kept my foundation and bronzer in place ALL day. I knocked off half a point because at just 80ml the spray is one of the smallest, but to be fair, it's also one of the cheapest."

Price: £6

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Best Makeup Setting Spray: Clarins

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They say: "A refreshing mist that sets make-up and prolongs its hold, while providing a feeling of instant freshness and well-being. Also provides continuous hydration and comfort."

Here's what we thought...

Best Makeup Setting Spray: Clarins

Clarins Fix' Make-Up

SCORE: 7.5/10

Laura Says: "Considering the price, this isn't the most generously sized bottles I've ever seen. That said, it'd be good for sticking in your handbag or taking in your hand luggage. It's nice to use, feels lovely and refreshing on the skin and it's really lightweight. I do think it made my makeup last longer than without it, but I did have to touch up my foundation a little sooner than I'd have liked."

Price: £24

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Laura Geller Spackle Mist with Coconut Water

Best makeup setting spray: Laura Geller

Laura Geller Spackle Mist

SCORE: 6/10

Victoria says: "I found this mist left my face quite damp and it took around a minute or so to dry completely. I enjoyed the way it made my makeup look after I applied it though - very glowy.

Although my bronzer faded substantially (plus I ditched the bold lip after lunch), the majority of my face survived a whole working day. Going forward I'd use it more as a makeup refresher spray, as opposed to a 'setting' spray though."

Price: £10

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Makeup Revolution beautybay.com

Best makeup setting spray: makeup revolution

Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Oil Control Fixing Spray

SCORE: 8/10

Laura says: "I'm not normally a fan of a matte finish, but I wanted to see if this really would keep my makeup on all day for just £5, and it did (kind of). By 5pm I definitely had shine in my usual areas, but my foundation hadn't gone patchy. If you can't afford an Urban Decay Setting Spray, this is a pretty great dupe."

Price: £4.80

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Best makeup setting spray: Cover FX (Mattifying)

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They say: "This alcohol-free setting spray provides instant mattification while giving your makeup serious staying power. The ultra-fine mist application delivers a weightless, long wearing matte finish while absorbing surface shine and minimising the appearance of pores."

Here's what we thought...

Best makeup setting spray: Cover FX (Mattifying)

Cover FX Mattifying Setting Spray

SCORE: 8/10

Victoria says: "Come 2pm my t-zone is usually shine-central, my nose and forehead tend to get dewy and that makes my pores look super obvious. I had high hopes for this mattifying makeup setting spray, but whilst it kept my foundation and bronzer in tact all day, my forehead still got preeeetty shiny."

Price: £23

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Best Makeup Setting Spray: Cover FX (Illuminating)

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They say: "This alcohol-free setting spray provides instant illumination while giving your makeup serious staying power. The ultra-fine mist application delivers an even, luminous finish making this a perfect all-over highlighter for both face and body– and the more you mist, the more intense you glow."

Here's what we thought...

Best makeup setting spray: Cover FX (Iluminating)

Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray

SCORE: 7.5/10

Laura says: "Whilst Vic is all about staying matte, I'm constantly on the hunt for products that'll make my skin glow. With that in mind I decided to test out the illuminating version of Cover FX's Setting Spray... As you can see from the before and after pics, my makeup didn't stay perfect all day, I noticed the shimmer around my eyes faded after a couple of hours - as did my mascara - weird, huh? But one thing I will say, this gave my skin a healthy, fresh glow. I'm keeping it on hand for when my complexion looks a bit meh, and needs perking up."

Price: £23

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NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray

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They say: "For that fresh make up look that lasts NYX Professional Makeup Makeup Setting Sprays are lightweight and comfortable while working hard to make sure your makeup stays put."

Here's what we thought...

Best makeup setting spray: NYX

NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray

SCORE: 6.5/10

Victoria says: "Compared to other makeup setting sprays, I wouldn't say this is the best I've ever used. Don't get me wrong, it feels really nice and light on my face and it did mattify my makeup (a look I love), but I don't think it made my makeup last any longer than if I hadn't have used it. As you can see from the pictures, my bronzer all but disappeared by 5:30pm. I'd definitely use this in future to get rid of any shine or dewiness though."

Price: £7

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Best makeup setting spray: Rimmel

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They say: "This 2 in 1 makeup primer & setting spray that can be applied underneath or over the top of your makeup."

Here's what we thought...

Best makeup setting spray: Rimmel

Rimmel Insta Fix & Go Setting Spray

SCORE: 7/10

Victoria says: "Whilst my base makeup faded throughout the day, I was impressed that this setting spray appeared to keep my eye makeup in tact. The bottle's directions say to use it as both a 'priming and setting mist', so that's exactly what I did. Whilst it felt a little bit OTT using a 'primer mist', I can't deny that it gave my skin a well-hydrated dewiness, and it ensured my makeup applied seamlessly. All in all, I'd probably use this more as a mid-day face freshener, rather than a makeup setting spray."

Price: £6.99

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Best makeup setting spray: MAC Cosmetics

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They say: "A lightweight mist of water packed with vitamins and minerals, infused with a blend of green tea, chamomile and cucumber to gently soothe and refresh the skin. Gives an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup."

Here's what we thought...

Best makeup setting spray: MAC Cosmetics

MAC Prep + Prime Fix +

SCORE: 6/10

Laura says: "An oldie but a goodie - yes, MAC's Fix+ isn't going to lock down your face for thaaat long, but what it does do is work with the cosmetics on your face to mesh the formulas together and leave everything looking natural and beautifully blended."

Price: £22

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Best makeup setting spray: Urban Decay

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They say: "Is a makeup meltdown ruining your midnight mojo? Mist on this weightless spray to give your makeup serious staying power. All Nighter Setting Spray keeps makeup looking gorgeous for up to 16 hours — without melting, fading or settling into fine lines."

Here's what we thought...

Best makeup setting spray: Urban Decay

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray

SCORE: 10/10

Victoria says: "I can't even begin to explain how much this single product has changed my life, honestly it's beyond amazing. A super lightweight spray that actually keeps makeup in place all day and all night. I doubt any amount of words could do it justice, but it's definitely worth the pretty hefty price tag (plus one bottle will last a good six months)."

Price: £26

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Best makeup setting spray: Kiko

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They say: "Formulated with cosmetic alcohol that evaporates instantaneously, allows for extreme fixing of your make up, without changing it. Imperceptible and non-sticky, Make Up Fixer is mild on the face thanks to the special Chamomile extract formula."

Here's what we thought...

Best makeup setting spray: Kiko

KIKO Milano Face Make Up Fixer

SCORE: 9/10

Victoria says: "Yes, I know I look a tad paler by 5:30pm - this experiment has taught me that my bronzer is always the first thing to buckle, but I was impressed by how great this makeup setting mist kept my foundation looking. When it comes to bases I always opt for a lightweight coverage, and that usually means the formula isn't particularly long-wearing, not today though, my foundation stayed put long past 5:30pm, in fact it stuck around till bedtime."

Price: £5.99

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Best makeup setting spray: L.A. Girl

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They say: "L.A. Girl PRO.setting HD High Definition Matte Finish Setting Spray is an incredible setting spray that maintains that matte finish you achieve with freshly applied makeup."

"With the ability to ensure that the makeup stays intact for even longer, this ultra-fine mist coats the skin in non-sticky hydration, whilst ensuring that the effect that has been created with makeup is not lost throughout the day."

Here's what we thought...

Best makeup setting spray: L.A. Girl

L.A. Girl PRO High Definition Matte Finish Setting Spray

SCORE: 7.5/10

Victoria says: "Yes it's fairly cheap, but with just 30ml in the bottle you don't get much product for your money. That being said, it's teeny enough to chuck in your handbag, so if it's a super-hot humid day and you want to freshen up your face, the compact size comes in quite handy. I like how the spray gives off more of a light mist than a heavy spritz, so there are no blotchy water marks left on the face. My bronzer faded a little, but my foundation and blush seems to stay in tact."

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