Spray & Slay: The High-End & Best Setting Sprays for Every Skin Type

Want your makeup to last all day (and night)? These top-rated setting sprays offer the perfect finishing touch - whether you love a matte, dewy, or natural look

Lock It In: Top Makeup Setting Sprays That Actually Work!

Introduction

No matter how flawless your foundation or perfect your eyeshadow blend, without the right setting spray, it can all fade fast. That’s where these powerhouse formulas come in. From cult classics like Urban Decay's All Nighter to budget-friendly bestsellers by NYX and e.l.f., we’ve rounded up the top-rated setting sprays on Amazon UK that help your makeup stay put - no smudges, no shine, no fuss.

Whether you’re looking for a matte finish for oily skin, a hydrating mist for dry skin, or just a reliable spray to keep your look fresh for hours, this list has you covered.

Why Setting Sprays Are the Ultimate Makeup Saviour You Didn’t Know You Needed?

Think of setting sprays as the invisible shield your makeup needs. They lock everything in place-foundation, concealer, blush, and even that pop of highlighter-making sure your glam lasts all day (and night) without touch-ups.

Whether you're dealing with long hours, hot weather, oily skin, or mask-wearing, a good setting spray stops your makeup from slipping, smudging, or fading. It acts like a topcoat for your look-lightweight yet powerful.

Some formulas go beyond just setting-hydrating sprays give a glow boost, mattifying ones control shine, and illuminating mists add that coveted dewy finish. There’s literally a setting spray for every skin type and occasion.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Use before makeup as a primer, between layers to blend everything seamlessly, or after your full face to lock it all down. Bonus tip: a quick mist can also revive makeup midday or add a natural skin-like finish.

So if you’re still skipping this step? Consider this your sign to add one to your beauty shelf. It’s the underrated hero that makes the difference between “just applied” and “still flawless at 9 PM.”

How to Use Setting Spray Like a Pro?

Shake the Bottle Well: Always shake your setting spray before use to ensure the formula is evenly mixed. This prevents any patchy application or clogging.

Hold at the Right Distance: Keep the bottle about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) away from your face. Holding it too close can cause uneven spots, while too far reduces its effectiveness.

Apply in an X and T Motion: Spray in an “X” and then a “T” shape across your face. This technique ensures even distribution over the key areas of your makeup.

Let It Air Dry: Avoid touching your face or fanning it aggressively. Let the mist settle naturally to lock everything in place without disrupting the makeup layers.

Layer if Needed: For long events or oily skin, apply a light layer of setting spray after foundation, then again after full makeup. This sandwich technique boosts staying power.

Use for Touch-Ups: Mist a bit on a makeup sponge and gently dab it on areas where your makeup is fading or cakey-it refreshes the look without starting over.

Match the Spray to Your Finish: Choose matte setting sprays for oil control, dewy ones for glow, or hydrating mists if your skin feels dry throughout the day.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

The original cult-favourite mist that locks in makeup for up to 16 hours. It's oil-free, long-lasting, and ensures your look stays fresh even through late nights

Urban Decay View on Amazon
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray

A microfine mist known for its budget-friendly price and claims of up to 36-hour wear. Lightweight, sweat‑proof, and perfect for hot or humid days.

L’Oréal Paris View on Amazon
e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray

This affordable, hydrating setting spray gives your skin a gorgeous glow while gripping your makeup for hours. It’s enriched with skincare ingredients, vegan-friendly, and perfect for dry or combination skin types that need a touch of dew.

e.l.f. View on Amazon
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray - Matte Finish

It is a must-have for those who battle excess shine. The lightweight, oil-free formula delivers a comfortable matte finish without drying out your skin. It’s ideal for everyday use and holds makeup in place without the heavy feeling.

NYX Professional View on Amazon
Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go Spray

Dual-action as both a primer and a setting spray, this product is ideal for a shine-free finish that lasts through workouts, busy days, and warm weather. Reviewers love how it keeps makeup in place while controlling oil without feeling sticky.

Rimmel London View on Amazon
Maybelline Lasting Fix Matte Finish Setting Spray

A budget-friendly favorite that delivers a lightweight, matte veil over your makeup-lasting up to 16 hours without feeling sticky. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and raves about its shine control.

Maybelline View on Amazon
Maybelline SuperStay 24H Setting Spray

Perfect for those long days (or nights), this fine-mist setting spray delivers up to 24-hour wear while keeping your makeup looking fresh and just-applied.

Maybelline View on Amazon
Maybelline Glass Setting Spray (Fixation Spray)

A unique mist that gives your makeup a luminous glow-think subtler shimmer, not overpowering glitter. Ideal for a radiant finish.

Maybelline View on Amazon
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Setting Spray - Natural Finish

Enriched with vitamins B5 and E, this lightweight mist offers a natural, dewy finish with long-wear properties. It's a great affordable option to lock in your makeup for the day.

Wet n Wild View on Amazon
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Setting Mist, 24-HR Matte Setting Spray

This lightweight setting mist promises a long-lasting matte finish that keeps your makeup in place for up to 24 hours. Designed to diffuse makeup evenly, it prevents cracking, smudging, and fading. The formula includes aloe vera to help maintain hydration while keeping shine under control-ideal for those with oily or combination skin.

Wet n Wild View on Amazon
Catrice Shake Fix Glow Spray Makeup Setting Mist

This vegan brightening setting mist revitalizes your skin and sets makeup with a wave of hydration and subtle shimmer. Infused with cactus blossom and pineapple extracts, it refreshes and nourishes while extending your makeup’s wear.

Catrice Cosmetics View on Amazon
Wet n Wild Fight Dirty Clarifying Setting Spray

Formulated with a hydrating and balancing blend, this spray doubles as a protective barrier-mask-proof and transfer-resistant with lasting power. Perfect for busy, active days.

Wet n Wild View on Amazon

Dewy vs. Matte: Which Finish Works Best for Your Skin Type?

Dewy Finish - For Dry or Dull Skin: Dewy setting sprays are infused with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or botanical oils. They give the skin a radiant, luminous glow and help combat dryness or flakiness. Ideal for winter months or when your skin feels tight or lifeless, a dewy finish can bring your complexion back to life.
Matte Finish - For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Matte sprays are formulated to control excess oil and shine. They usually contain mattifying agents like silica or powders to absorb sebum, making them great for those with oily or acne-prone skin. These sprays help makeup last longer and prevent the dreaded midday grease.
Natural/Satin Finish - For Combination or Balanced Skin: If your skin is neither too oily nor too dry, or you fluctuate between both, a satin or natural finish offers a subtle glow without going overboard. These versatile formulas lock in makeup while keeping your skin looking like skin.
Custom Blend or Layered Sprays: Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Use a matte spray on your T-zone and a dewy one on the high points of your face for a balanced, glowing look without compromising oil control.