How To Choose a Setting Spray: 4 Tips To Keep In Mind

1. Consider your skin type and concerns

The first step to finding the best setting mist for you is determining your skin type. Start by cleansing your face and allowing an hour for your skin to settle without using any products. Observe how your skin feels and looks in every area of your face. Dry skin may feel tight, flaky, or rough, while oily skin may appear shiny with enlarged pores, particularly on the forehead, nose, and chin. Combination skin may have both oily and dry areas. Normal skin feels balanced with minimal imperfections. Additionally, consider any specific concerns you may have, such as blemishes, aging, or sensitivity, as these factors can also impact your setting spray needs.

2. Determine your desired finish

The second factor to consider when choosing setting spray is your desired finish (for example, matte or dewy). Knowing what you want your end result to be can help narrow down what setting spray is best for you.

If you favor matte makeup looks, consider opting for a shine-reducing setting spray, such as the aforementioned Ultra Matte Setting Spray. Those who prefer a dewier finish, meanwhile, will generally do best with a hydrating or brightening formula.

3. Consider the occasion

Next, consider when—and how—you intend to wear your makeup. For casual outings like a quick trip to the supermarket with minimal makeup, a heavy-duty setting spray might not be necessary. However, if your makeup needs to withstand a long day at work or a night out, longevity is crucial. Urban Decay setting sprays are an excellent choice for days when you need your makeup to stay put, thanks to the brand’s use of patented Temperature Control Technology, which helps ensure makeup stays flawless for up to 16 hours.

4. Factor in the weather

Different setting sprays may be better suited to different environmental conditions. Humidity, for example, can make the skin feel oilier, so opting for a mattifying setting spray on hot or humid days may help keep your makeup looking fresh. Drier or cooler climates, meanwhile, can leave the skin feeling dry or dehydrated. A hydrating setting spray—like the hyaluronic acid-infused option mentioned above—can help ensure your skin feels comfortable even in dry conditions.