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The best setting sprays, in plain English

A few spritzes keep makeup in place through heat, sweat and long days. We read editor-tested reviews and boiled them down by skin type and budget.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 6 setting sprays
  • 4 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray $24–$36 Holds up in heat and sweat for hours. See details Best under $20 Morphe Continuous Setting Mist $12–$18 A very fine mist for a natural, fresh finish. See details Best for oily skin NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray $9–$10 Controls shine for about $10. See details Best for dry skin Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting Spray $36–$38 Dewy and moisturizing, with no alcohol. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

Match the spray to the skin.

Matte or dewy

Matte sprays cut shine and suit oily skin. Dewy (glowy) sprays add moisture and suit dry skin. Natural-finish sprays work for most people in between.

How to use it

Hold the bottle about 8 to 12 inches from the face, close your eyes, and mist in an X and a T shape. Let it dry without touching. A spray can also go on a sponge to blend powder that looks dry.

Sensitive skin

Some sprays contain alcohol or fragrance, which can sting sensitive skin. Alcohol-free formulas are gentler. Try a spritz on the jaw first.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

SprayBest forTypical priceFinishBest for
1. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Best overall $24–$36NaturalMost skin types
2. Morphe Continuous Setting Mist Best under $20 $12–$18Natural, radiantNormal to dry
3. NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray Best for oily skin $9–$10MatteOily
4. Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Best for combination skin $11–$14Natural to matteCombination
5. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Best long-lasting $38–$39Natural, blurringMost skin types
6. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting Spray Best for dry skin $36–$38DewyDry

The 6 best setting sprays, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

  • Natural
  • Most skin types
  • Waterproof

$24–$36typical price

A long-time favorite that holds up in heat and sweat. TODAY's testers named it the best waterproof setting spray, Woman & Home picks it as the best overall, and Who What Wear praised its staying power.

What testers liked

  • Very long-lasting, even in hot weather.
  • Oil-free, quick-drying and transfer-resistant.

Common complaints

  • No continuous-mist nozzle.
  • No skincare ingredients.

Skip it if: They have very dry skin. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip (#6) is more moisturizing.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TODAY, Woman & Home, Who What Wear.

#2Best under $20

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

  • Natural, radiant
  • Normal to dry
  • Continuous fine mist

$12–$18typical price

A very fine, even mist for a fresh finish. Woman & Home names it the best drugstore setting spray, Reviewed calls it the best value, and Who What Wear picks it for the best skin finish.

What testers liked

  • A very fine, even mist.
  • Feels hydrating and dries quickly.
  • Comes in three sizes.

Common complaints

  • The glowy finish can make oily spots look shinier.
  • Reviewed didn't see it make makeup last much longer.

Testers disagree on: Staying power. Who What Wear found it long-lasting. Reviewed didn't notice a big difference.

Skip it if: They have oily skin. NYX Matte (#3) controls shine better.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Woman & Home, Reviewed, Who What Wear.

#3Best for oily skin

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray

  • Matte
  • Oily
  • Up to 16-hour wear (maker's claim)

$9–$10typical price

Shine control for about $10. Who What Wear and Woman & Home both name it the best setting spray for oily skin.

What testers liked

  • Controls shine.
  • Very affordable.
  • Doesn't feel drying.

Common complaints

  • The spray comes out wet rather than a fine mist.

Skip it if: They have dry skin. A dewy spray like Milk Hydro Grip (#6) is kinder.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Who What Wear, Woman & Home.

#4Best for combination skin

Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

  • Natural to matte
  • Combination
  • Lightweight

$11–$14typical price

Strong hold for the price. Who What Wear names it the best drugstore setting spray, and TODAY picks it for combination skin.

What testers liked

  • Strong results for the price.
  • Lightweight, and keeps makeup from fading.

Common complaints

  • Some shifting by the end of a long day.
  • May need a little blotting.

Skip it if: They need it waterproof for a long event. Urban Decay All Nighter (#1) holds up better.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Who What Wear, TODAY.

#5Best long-lasting

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

  • Natural, blurring
  • Most skin types
  • Waterproof

$38–$39typical price

Keeps makeup in place for up to 16 hours. TODAY picks it for long-lasting makeup, and Who What Wear names it the best blurring spray.

What testers liked

  • Lasts up to about 16 hours.
  • Hydrating, and waterproof.
  • Vegan.

Common complaints

  • Can make makeup feel a bit stiff.
  • Expensive.

Skip it if: You're on a budget. Milani Make It Last (#4) costs about a third as much.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from TODAY, Who What Wear.

#6Best for dry skin

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting Spray

  • Dewy
  • Dry
  • Alcohol-free

$36–$38typical price

Moisturizing and glowy. Who What Wear and TODAY both name it the best setting spray for dry skin, and Woman & Home picks it for glowing skin.

What testers liked

  • Very moisturizing, with no alcohol.
  • Dries quickly and isn't sticky.
  • A flattering glow.

Common complaints

  • Too shiny for oily or combination skin.
  • Expensive, and some dislike the smell.

Skip it if: They have oily skin. NYX Matte (#3) is a better fit.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Who What Wear, TODAY, Woman & Home.

How we pick

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