What Does Setting Spray Do? How to Use It for a Long-Lasting Makeup Look

Whether you’re into no-makeup makeup or love a full glam look, setting spray can be the secret to making your artistry last from morning until night. Some beauty lovers swear by it, others haven’t tried it yet, and a few are still figuring out exactly how it works. But once you see the difference it makes keeping foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and blush in place for hours, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.

Keep reading to learn what setting spray does, how to use it for a flawless finish, and which formulas can give you that all-day, all-night staying power.

What Is Setting Spray?

Makeup setting spray works like a topcoat for your look. Once you’ve applied your makeup, you spritz it over your face to help lock everything in place. The formula creates an invisible shield that minimizes fading, transferring, and creasing throughout the day.

It’s especially helpful for events, long workdays, or any time you want to avoid constant touch-ups. Setting spray is your final protective step, similar to how hairspray keeps a hairstyle intact, only lighter and more comfortable for your skin.

Benefits of Setting Spray

A great setting spray doesn’t just make your makeup last, it can enhance your entire look. From keeping pigments vibrant to helping different layers blend seamlessly, the right formula can make a noticeable difference in how your makeup wears throughout the day. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits you can expect.

Keeps makeup in place

A good makeup setting spray helps your products stay exactly where you apply them, even in challenging conditions. It resists sweat, oil, and environmental factors that can cause your look to fade or move. This extra staying power means your makeup can look fresh for longer without frequent adjustments.

Minimizes the need for touch-ups

By extending the wear of your makeup, setting spray helps reduce the need for mid-day powdering or reapplication. This allows you to focus on your day instead of your mirror. Over time, you’ll notice less product use and more consistent results from morning to night.

Supports a flawless finish

Many sprays help powders and creams blend together, creating a smooth, seamless surface. This can soften any harsh lines and make colors appear more unified. The result is a natural-looking finish that stays fresh for hours, showing exactly what a setting spray does when applied correctly.

Matte or dewy—your finish, your choice

Formulas range from oil-absorbing mists that create a matte look to glow-enhancing sprays for a radiant effect. You can select a formula that complements your skin type and desired style. No matter the finish, there’s a setting spray designed to enhance your look.

How to Use Setting Spray

After perfecting your makeup, here’s how to make the most of your makeup setting spray so you get the full benefits of what a setting spray does. Knowing how to use setting spray correctly can make the difference between a look that fades by midday and one that stays fresh until you take it off. These steps will help you achieve the best results, whether you’re going for everyday wear or a special occasion.

Step 1: Shake the bottle

Always shake the bottle before use to ensure the formula is well mixed for an even application. This is important for both aerosol and non-aerosol mists, as it blends the active ingredients that help lock in your look. A properly shaken spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, distributes evenly to create a breathable, weightless layer over your makeup.

Step 2: Hold and spritz

For aerosol mists, spray in a circular motion over your face for about three to four seconds to ensure even coverage. For non-aerosol sprays, hold the bottle eight to ten inches away and spritz in an “X” and “T” pattern to reach all areas of your face. Integrating a lightweight formula such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist here helps your makeup stay in place and minimizes the need for touch-ups.

Step 3: Keep eyes closed

Keep your eyes gently shut to avoid direct contact, and allow the mist to settle naturally before touching your face. This step helps the setting spray form an even film that keeps your look intact without smudging or streaking. If you prefer a powder finish, you can also try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder, which can be applied before or after spraying, offering a smooth, soft-focus effect while still benefiting from the spray’s hold.

Do You Put Setting Spray on Before or After Makeup?

Setting spray is designed to go on after your makeup is complete. It’s the final step that “locks” everything in place. Even if you’re using a long-wear foundation like L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32HR Fresh Wear Foundation, which provides breathable, buildable coverage that lasts all day, setting spray adds an extra layer of protection against fading and smudging.

Is Setting Spray Necessary?

If you want your makeup to last longer without constant touch-ups, the answer is yes. Makeup setting spray helps prevent sliding, creasing, and fading, much like hairspray keeps a hairstyle in place. While you can skip it, once you try it, you’ll likely notice how much fresher your look stays over time.

Setting spray before or after powder?

Some makeup artists mist setting spray after each makeup step, including over powder, to help layers mesh together seamlessly and stay put for hours. This technique can enhance both the staying power and the blend of your products, showing clearly what a setting spray does when used strategically. You can also apply powder first to mattify and control shine, then lock everything in with a makeup setting spray for longer wear and a polished finish.

Makeup Primer vs. Setting Spray

Makeup primer, such as L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Blurring Face Primer Infused with Serum, and setting spray are both essential tools for creating a makeup look that lasts, but they serve very different roles in your routine. Primer goes on first to create a smooth, even base for your products to adhere to, while setting spray is applied last to lock your finished look in place and enhance wear.

Some formulas are multi-use, acting as both primer and makeup setting spray, giving you the flexibility to start and finish your look with the same product. Always check your product’s label to see if it offers this double-duty benefit, and consider how it can fit into your routine for maximum longevity and performance.

Is Setting Spray or Powder Better?

Both can extend the life of your makeup, but your choice depends on your skin type and desired finish. Setting powderoften works best for oily skin or matte looks, while setting spray is ideal for dry skin or a dewy effect. If you want a smooth, shine-free result, L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder offers a lightweight, blurring finish that helps makeup stay in place. On the other hand, for a breathable, radiant hold, stick with a setting spray like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist.

Is Setting Spray Bad for Your Skin?

A well-formulated makeup setting spray shouldn’t harm your skin. The key is choosing one that suits your skin type and avoiding ingredients you know may cause irritation. Look for non-comedogenic formulas and soothing ingredients like aloe if you have sensitive skin. As with any product, following directions for application and removal helps keep your skin healthy. Always cleanse your face thoroughly at the end of the day to prevent buildup.

Next Up: Long-Lasting Lip Makeup: How To Keep Your Lip Color Fresh All Day

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris

Photo credit: IG/@makeup_by___mary_