Let me set the scene. You’re planning your makeup look for a black-tie wedding that promises to be an elegant affair with hardcore dancing all night. You’ve got your foundation, full-coverage concealer, powder and cream blushes (because one is never enough), lash extensions for mega volume, and a long-wearing liquid lipstick that will carry you through rounds of cocktails and Champagne. Unfortunately, none of that matters if you don’t lock it in place. So, to finish your look, you reach for some sort of spray and begin misting away. However, not all makeup sprays are created equal. Despite sounding the same, setting sprays and fixing sprays are completely different products and work uniquely in your makeup routine. With searches shooting up for these sprays, we decided to investigate the nuances.
If you’re feeling slightly confused, you’re not alone. The debate over the use and benefits of these sprays has recently taken over the internet. On TikTok, the respective hashtags offer advice on the best products for waterproof makeup. But if you simply want to keep your makeup locked in place for a full day of meetings or a wedding event, the guide below may be a better place to start. Ahead, we chatted with two makeup artists to learn all about setting and fixing sprays, including when to use them and the best bottles to buy.
Featured experts
- Emily Gray is a celebrity makeup artist
- Tamara Boyd is an LA-based makeup artist
Setting spray versus fixing spray
According to celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray, the biggest difference between these two sprays is the effect it provides. One product is designed to refresh while the other is made to seal. “Setting sprays tend to be hydrating and add additional moisture to the skin,” she says. These sprays are popular for revitalizing the skin throughout the day but can also be used when you apply your makeup. “Most formulations are designed to meld the products and help blend them seamlessly to give your makeup a more natural, skin-like finish,” says makeup artist Tamara Boyd.
A fixing spray, on the other hand, delivers a different kind of effect. Though they may also have hydrating ingredients, their primary function is longevity. “These sprays lock your look in place and keep it fresh all day. Think of it as hairspray or seal for your face,” says Gray. Boyd adds that using a fixing spray ensures your makeup stays intact for long periods and can even help it withstand adverse conditions, like heat and humidity.
When to use fixing versus setting spray
Setting sprays are ideal for giving your skin a boost of moisture, making them a top choice for makeup application. That said, they can be used throughout your full makeup routine. A light mist of setting spray beforehand helps prep the skin, while a spritz during application will help with blending. Gray notes that setting sprays are also great for reviving powder products on the skin. “After you’ve applied your blush, bronzer or makeup powder, mist yourself with a hydrating setting spray to bring some life back to the skin,” she suggests. As a final step, they often give your makeup a dewy or radiant look.
When you’re headed to a special event or have a full day, a fixing spray is the better choice to finish your look. “Fixing sprays have the ability to make your makeup last for hours and ensure durability,” says Boyd. Given that they’re most often used to seal a full-coverage makeup look. After your makeup is complete, Gray recommends spraying your face and then using a hand fan to ensure it dries down completely. “This step will make your makeup last longer, and when used with the right formula, it can also help with oil control.”
However, Boyd says a combination of both sprays goes a long way. “Using them together maximizes makeup application and gives you a natural finish plus longevity,” she says.
Expert-approved sprays
