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Things to Consider Before Buying Setting Sprays
Ingredients
You’re about to uncover some insider secrets that will take your makeup game to the next level! But before we dive in, let’s talk about what truly makes a setting spray worth your while. We consulted with celebrity makeup artists Vasilios Tanis and Ana Marie Rizzieri, who spilled the beans on the key ingredients to look for in a setting spray. According to Rizzieri, a setting spray should have natural calming elements like rose, lavender, chamomile, and cucumber. She also recommends opting for sprays with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to give your skin that glorious glow. On the other hand, Tanis advises avoiding sprays with silicone and opting for ultra-fine mists like the Tower 28 Beauty SOS Save.Our.Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray for a natural, illuminating effect.
Finish
The finish of your setting spray can make or break your makeup look. If you have oily skin, a matte spray will help combat shine while still providing the necessary hydration. For those with normal or dry skin, a standard setting spray or mist will give you that enviable dewy glow. If you want to recreate the luminous look seen in movies like Top Gun: Maverick, grab the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting and Refreshing Spray. It’s our top pick for achieving that radiant, camera-ready complexion.
Technique
Now that you know what to look for in a setting spray, let’s talk application. Tanis suggests spraying after applying your makeup, holding the product about a foot away from your face, and moving your hand from top to bottom for even application. This ensures a natural finish, perfect for high-definition settings like film. Tanis also recommends pairing a setting spray with a sheer waterproof foundation to achieve that flawless, smooth blend. Just ask Jennifer Connelly, who rocked this combo in the movie Top Gun: Maverick!
How We Tested
Curious how we determined the best setting sprays on the market? We created a temporary glam room in our exclusive PEOPLE Tested lab, where we put 28 top-rated setting sprays to the test. Our expert team considered factors like how the spray felt on the skin, overall performance, and whether it was waterproof. We applied a full face of makeup and tested each spray on one side of our face, noting its feel after drying and checking for any running or smudging. We even splashed our faces with water to see how well the sprays protected our makeup. Finally, we took a handful of products home and incorporated them into our daily routines over six months to assess their long-term wear. Based on our recommendations, we compiled this list of the ultimate setting sprays you can trust.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
At PEOPLE, we take our recommendations seriously. Meet our expert commerce writers, Madison Yauger and Alyssa Brascia. With backgrounds in news, lifestyle, and commerce journalism, they have written for renowned publications like Food & Wine, Real Simple, and Martha Stewart. They compared the features, benefits, and uses of the most popular setting sprays on the market, considering factors such as price, finish, hydration, and fragrance. You can trust their expertise in finding the perfect setting spray for you.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
Introducing the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval! We’ve created this seal to help you find the very best products that suit your lifestyle. Our unique methodology involves testing products in labs across the country and with our network of home testers to assess their effectiveness, durability, and ease of use, among other factors. We rate and recommend products based on the results, ensuring you make informed choices. We continually re-review the categories we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to ensure we’re always recommending the best products available. Our recommendations cannot be bought; they are earned fair and square. With PEOPLE Tested, you can trust our recommendations for every purchase you make.
Want more insider recommendations for beauty products? Check out all of our People Tested content.
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