Best Makeup Setting Spray

It's that time of year where our makeup routine is getting put to the test. Sweltering heat, humid days, and weekends full of outdoor activities are having us question whether those 15 mins (or 30 min or 60 min, no judgement here) spent in the mornings are better spent sleeping in versus perfecting your smokey eye. But no need to fret because that's what makeup settings sprays are for. Their purpose is to lock in your hard work so you can go effortlessly about your day not worrying about whether your "your face" has melted away. 

I've used makeup settings sprays for years. They really do work but finding the right one is a bit daunting because everyone's skin is a bit different as is their makeup application. While I don't use a setting spray everyday, when I do and when I need it most, I want it to work and do what it says.

In preparation for filming Love At First Shot, I knew I needed to add a few things to my makeup arsenal to ensure that I stayed fresh faced for as long as possible. We were scheduled for extremely long days, which meant the makeup I put on at 5 am needed to sometimes last until 10 pm. That's an insanely tall order especially when it was also going to be 100 degrees. So I decided that I would pick up a few new setting sprays leading up to filming because the last thing I wanted to worry about was how my makeup looked. 

These are in no particular order but I will tell you that my original favorite, the Bosica spray is now in second place to my new favorite winner the Cover FX High Performance setting spray. Also, let me preface and tell you that I have combination skin that tends to be more on the oily side. So I'm always on the lookout for anything to keep my skin looking fresh and matte. I'm not a fan of the dewy look for my skin.

Cover FX High Performance Setting Spray

"High Performance Setting Spray weightlessly sets makeup, protects against pollution, and ensures up to 24 hours of wear without fading, settling, cracking, or discomfort. This quick-drying, alcohol-free formula works for all skin types, and is designed to keep your foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and concealer in place without feeling sticky, greasy, or drying."

I’m thoroughly impressed with this setting spray. There are very few products that I feel actually hold up to their claim but this one does. This is the one I used most while filming and let me tell you, I did not need to do any touch ups. I didn’t need to reapply any foundation or powder for most of the day (for our night time interviews I did redo all my makeup if time allowed). I did blot some extra sweat/oil prior to any daytime interviews but didn't feel the need to touch up my makeup. It really kept all my makeup intact  while out in the heat shooting our courses of fire. Two other things I really loved about this setting spray is that it’s alcohol free and the mist consistency. It’s a lightweight mist feeling unlike some others that feel like you are getting literally sprayed in the face. This is my new holy grail setting spray, which means, they’ll probably stop making it. LOL.

Boscia White Charcoal Mattifying Makeup Setting Spray

"A setting spray that locks makeup in place while visibly minimizing shine and pore size with the power of white charcoal."

This is the setting spray I used to religiously that both my large size and travel size are close to empty. It keeps my make-up looking fresh all day long but in the crazy summer heat and humidity it doesn't compare to the Cover FX. I'll continue to use this one (until they both are empty) for the less makeup important days. I never really noticed if it minimized my pore size but it did keep me matte. A piece of advice when using this though; make sure you shake it really well. If you don't then you might see small white flecks on your skin from the charcoal mattifying powder.

Cover FX Mattifying Setting Spray

"Mattifying Setting Spray weightlessly sets makeup for comfortable, all-day wear. It imparts a modern-matte finish, and helps prevent makeup from fading, settling, cracking, or melting. This quick-drying, alcohol-free formula is designed to provide all-day shine control while keeping your foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and concealer in place without feeling sticky, greasy, or drying."

I bought this one thinking this would definitely be better than their high performance spray because of it’s mattifying properties but sadly I didn’t like it. A few times I used it and it made my face feel dry. I guess that means it's working right?! It's sucking all the oil out. However, that feeling didn't translate to much when I looked in the mirror. It didn’t really keep my skin any more mattifyied than the Bosica spray. Upon initial spray, it was definitely mattifying my skin but as far as long lasting mattifying power it falls short in my opinion. It’s possible that if I sprayed my face again later in the day that it would suck the oil off but it’s not something I want to carry around in my bag. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

"Is makeup meltdown ruining your midnight mojo? Mist on this weightless spray to give your makeup serious staying power. Developed in an exclusive partnership with SKINDINÄVIA, this groundbreaking, clinically tested formula is suitable for all skin types and features patented Temperature Control Technology. It actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and concealer in place—even in hot and humid or cold and windy conditions. The result? Smoother-looking skin and vibrant makeup that lasts all day (or night) without melting, cracking, fading, or settling into fine lines."

I know that this setting spray has a pretty strong following and people love it. I don’t get what the big deal is, I don't like it. This is probably my third time giving it a go and still it really did nothing for my makeup. I’ve tried it in the winter and summer and I still get the same result, I might as well not even bother with spray. It doesn't mattify or seem to keep my makeup on all day, in fact I notice that my makeup doesn't look great a few hours after using this. I think it's time I stop trying with this one. 

Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Mist

"Lock-It Makeup Setting Mist has an unstoppable formula with a luxurious, soft mist for an upgraded experience. The advanced misting system features an aerosol-alternative sprayer to deliver the continuous fine mist of an aerosol in an environmentally friendly format. This refreshing, weightless spray keeps your makeup looking fresh and vibrant for up to 24-hours. Ideal for all skin types, it is powerful enough to lock-in looks yet light enough to wear all day, every day. Skin stays comfortable with a blend of naturally refreshing ingredients and a light cucumber scent for an instant boost. It feels totally undetectable on the skin, with no tightness or sticky residue."

I really wanted to love this spray. I was hoping it was going to be "the one." If anyone was going to put out a setting spray that was really going to keep your makeup on all day long, I thought for sure it would be Kat Von D. I mean, her eyeliners and lipsticks don’t budge and I love those. For me, this definitely works better than the Urban Decay but not better than the Cover FX. It didn't make my makeup look worse (which is a plus) but I didn't feel it looks as fresh as it could have. I have a feeling this one is going to be one I keep trying in hopes that one day it works for me. 

Do you guys use a setting spray? Are there any that I need to know about and should try? Also, I'm curious if you have tried any of these I've listed whats been your experience?