The 8 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays For Makeup Looks That Won't Budge
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There's nothing more annoying than spending forever perfecting our makeup only for it to smudge or sweat off not much later. Whenever we put time and effort into our makeup, it should stay on without causing stress! While opting for reliable makeup products is a great start to prevent your makeup from coming off too early, another way to ensure your makeup won't let you down is to use setting spray, as setting spray does a lot for your makeup.
"Setting sprays absolutely make a difference in the wear of your makeup. They prolong the life of your makeup application," celebrity makeup artist Gloria Elias-Foeillet told Byrdie. Thus, if you find yourself frequently worrying that your makeup won't last, you should invest in a setting spray to stop that problem from happening. We tried the setting spray made viral by Beyoncé, but we understand that many people will not want to pay Beyoncé prices for a beauty item. Therefore, we researched the best drugstore setting sprays so everyone can enjoy the benefits of budge-free makeup without breaking the bank.
How we selected products
One of the primary points of using a setting spray is to keep your makeup in place. Thus, unlike many other types of beauty products we discuss, whether or not a setting spray does a good job is pretty objective. For example, people typically have different opinions on whether or not a lipstick color looks good, but most beauty enthusiasts will likely agree on how well — or not-so-well — a setting spray keeps their makeup looking fresh. So, we took our time to diligently read reviews of various setting sprays to see what consumers thought of each one, and we only added a setting spray to the list if reviewers genuinely enjoyed it.
Furthermore, when we say "drugstore" products, we mean it. We only looked at setting sprays from retailers like Target, Walmart, and Walgreens rather than trying to pass off designer items as affordable or shopping from more glamorous and expensive beauty product-only stores. Everything is so expensive nowadays, so we have no desire to encourage our readers to spend any more than they have to on trustworthy beauty items — we find and report the deals with no gatekeeping. We even turned to TikTok for some guidance too!
Best Overall Setting Spray: NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray
This setting spray is labeled as a "popular pick" at Walmart, and for good reason. The reasonably-priced setting spray is helpful for oily skin — offering a matte effect — and is vegan and cruelty-free. Moreover, @anifetoupeva, a makeup-slash-fashion TikToker, posted a video testing out a few well-liked setting sprays from drugstores and was happiest with this NYX setting spray's results, noting that it also did a better job than more expensive options. Plus, the item has 4.5 out of five stars on Walmart, with over 1,200 ratings at the time of writing. "This is my go to setting spray!" one reviewer wrote. "I instantly notice my makeup smudge and wear off on days I forget it."
Purchase the NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray at Walmart for $8.39.
Best Dewy Setting Spray: e.l.f. Dewy Setting Spray
While many setting sprays offer matte looks, not everyone wants a matte finish. Using this setting spray is an excellent way to get the glazed donut look, so if you like that Hailey Bieber-inspired glossy skin effect, you should check out the e.l.f. Dewy Setting Spray ASAP. With the word "dewy" in this setting spray's name, along with its coconut, green tea, and cucumber ingredients, you can expect it to provide that beautiful glazed look to your face. Furthermore, it's vegan and cruelty-free, is appropriate for pretty much every skin type — such as combination, sensitive, and mature — and has a glowing 4.5 stars on the Target website. "Makes my skin look glowing and keeps makeup from fading," wrote one happy reviewer.
Purchase the e.l.f. Dewy Setting Spray at Target for $10.
Best Budget-Friendly Setting Spray: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Setting Spray
Believe it or not, we found an excellent setting spray for only about $5. Wet n Wild's Photo Focus Matte Setting Spray features hydrating aloe vera, offers a matte finish, and has four stars with around 1,900 reviews on the Walgreens website. A satisfied reviewer wrote, "I really enjoy this setting spray. It leaves my face looking really matte without making my skin dry. The application is easy, just a spritz on the face. Very good product." While users seem to have mixed feelings about the smell, most noted that the price is great. While this one gives a matte finish, Wet n Wild also offers a setting spray with a "natural finish" for the same price — and also boasts excellent reviews.
Purchase the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Setting Spray at Walgreens for $2.79.
Best Long-Lasting Setting Spray: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray
With "lasting" in its name, how could this setting spray not help your makeup last? In fact, Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray claims to last up to 16 hours! So, wear it to work and then a night out after, and it should have you covered — literally. Additionally, it's suitable for sensitive skin and has 4.6 stars with over 800 ratings and a 70% recommendation rate on Target. And for those raising an eyebrow at the "16-hour-hold" claims and wondering if they are true — reviewers say yes. One reviewer wrote, "This is my favorite setting spray ... 16 hour hold even in hot humid summer!"
Purchase the Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray at Target for $7.99.
Best Hydrating Setting Spray: Revolution Ceramide Fix Fixing Spray
Not only will this vegan, cruelty-free setting spray help your makeup stay in place, but it's also good for your skin health, as it features ceramides and hyaluronic acid to protect your skin barrier and keep your face hydrated. Makeup TikToker @lolo.lehnen shared a video titled, "Drugstore setting sprays that are just as good if not better than high-end," recommending the Revolution Ceramide Fix Fixing Spray. She notes that this setting spray "hydrates and protects your skin." So, if you don't want to sacrifice skin health for beauty, check out this item, which has four out of five stars on Target. The product also earned high scores for being convenient to apply and take off, and reviewers noted its pleasant scent.
Purchase the Revolution Ceramide Fix Fixing Spray at Target for $8.
Best Lightweight Setting Spray: Hard Candy Sheer Envy Setting Spray
Hard Candy's Sheer Envy Setting Spray is as delicious as its name sounds, providing both lightweight and reliable coverage — and offering to last up to 12 hours. Featuring cucumber extract and free of phthalates, parabens, and sulfates, this setting spray is appropriate for any skin type. It has 4.4 stars on Walmart, with one happy customer writing, "LOVE it. I only buy this. Nice finish, holds make up in place and dries quickly." Plus, you can wear this comfortable setting spray all day or night without feeling like there's something heavy on your face, so it's a win-win.
Purchase the Hard Candy Sheer Envy Setting Spray at Walmart for $7.12.
Best setting spray for oily skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go
When it comes down to setting sprays, finding the right mix for those with oily skin can be tricky. To avoid aggravating the oily skin even more, look for oil-free setting sprays that contain the right ingredients. Rimmel London's Stay Matte Fix & Go is perfect for those with oily skin, as it's oil-free and acts as a primer. By locking your makeup into place, this drugstore setting spray is a favorite among the 37,000 users who have given this product a 4.4 rating on Amazon.
Purchase Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go on Amazon for $5.97.
Best mattifying setting spray: Pixi Beauty Makeup Fixing Mist
Although setting spray might seem like a small part of your makeup routine, it can still irritate sensitive skin. Since many setting spray products contain alcohol or fragrances, they can be complex products for those with sensitive skin types to find. Luckily, Pixi Beauty's Makeup Fixing Mist is the perfect product for those who want to soothe the skin with its green tea infusions. Pixi Beauty's product is an extended wear setting spray with over 200 reviews and an almost five-star rating, making it a budget-friendly alternative for sensitive skin.
Purchase Pixi Beauty's Makeup Fixing Mist at Pixi Beauty for $15.