A makeup setting spray has one fairly obvious job: to set makeup. What makes any formula stand apart as the best setting spray is a simple question of multitasking. Does it boost your skin with additional benefits on top of its staying power? And can it do both without feeling sticky or heavy?
At Milk HQ, our best setting sprays tick off every single box. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray, a bestselling favorite from our Hydro Grip Fam, was created to extend makeup wear without compromising your skin in the process. Then there’s our Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, which serves as a quick, simple way to get a shine-free makeup look, lock in makeup for up to 16 hours, and minimize the appearance of pores. It’s a game-changer for acne-prone and oily skin types.
Below, find out how to use our best setting sprays and see why they’re worth adding to your routine for fast-acting, long-lasting results.
What is setting spray, and how does it work?
Setting spray refers to any lightweight formula that sets makeup, locking it in place so that it doesn’t melt, fade, or otherwise budge throughout the day. Think of it as the counterpart to makeup primer, which goes beneath your layers of product. Setting spray acts like the top of your makeup sandwich, sealing from above to extend wear.
Most setting sprays contain a solvent and a polymer. The former evaporates, leaving behind an invisible polymer seal. Our Milk Makeup setting sprays work a little differently. We made our Hydro Grip spray a dual-phase formula, which contains two liquids that activate when they’re shaken and mixed together. The Blue Agave Grip Phase sets your makeup with a blend of blue agave extract, hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. When you mix it up with the second Green Cannabis Glow Phase (which contains hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil and moringa seed oil), the activated formula nourishes your skin for a dewy glow.
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Shop Hydro Grip + Set Refresh Spray
Meanwhile, our Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray is powered by a mattifying, oil-free combo of lentil extract, which absorbs oil on skin, and pore-blurring microspheres, which give skin a soft-focus finish. It also features niacinamide, which helps minimize the look of pores, regulate sebum production, and improve the appearance of fine lines. It delivers this all in a micro-fine mist for instant setting.
“As it sets, the spray forms a weightless invisible layer on skin that holds makeup in place,” says Jessica Blanco, our SVP of Product Development and Packaging.
Why You Need Setting Spray
First, the obvious: A makeup setting spray will help keep your makeup on your face. Even if you’re already using a primer like our new Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer, setting sprays deliver a second layer of insurance and make it easy to top up your glow throughout the day (without disturbing your foundation).
Some formulas—like our Hydro Grip and Pore Eclipse setting sprays—also feature ingredients particularly beneficial to skin, including hydrating humectants and nourishing oils. So not only are you getting makeup-sealing benefits, you can also enjoy a dose of skincare every time you spritz.
What to Look for in a Setting Spray
Better yet, consider what to avoid in setting sprays. “A lot of setting sprays contain alcohol and harsh ingredients, so look for one without those potential irritants,” says Sara Wren, our Director of Artistry. Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray is ideal because the formula is non-drying, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and even contains hydrating extras like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and cannabis seed extract. Plus, you only need a spritz or two to get the benefits. “It’s truly a less-is-more product to get amazing payoff and makeup longevity,” says Sara.
Then, there’s our Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, which is the rare oil-free formula that’s actually gentle on skin. “It’s so hard to find clean, alcohol-free setting sprays that are mattifying without being drying,” says Sara. “Matte skin is coming back in style and it’s not just for oily skin—this can work for all skin types.”
What’s the Difference Between Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray and Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray?
To matte, or not to matte? That’s the main question here. “Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray is going to give that soft, matte finish that locks on makeup while it controls shine,” says Sara. “Meanwhile, Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray is a dual-phase setting spray that locks in makeup, but provides an extra boost of hydration and glow on skin.”
How to Choose Between Dewy and Matte Setting Spray
Consider where you are and what you’re doing. All skin types can use our setting sprays, so it’s a matter of the makeup look you’re going for.
“Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray is going to be ideal for a matte finish, a hot or humid climate, or during a photo moment—like a wedding or red carpet,” says Sara. Hydro Grip is ideal if you’re in a dry or cold climate, and for those with normal to very dry skin. “It’s also going to add some extra hydration with moringa seed and cannabis seed oil,” she says.
How to Use Setting Spray
Your setting spray should come last in your makeup routine (and well after you apply skincare products, such as sunscreen—although you can, and should, reapply SPF throughout the day if you’re outside).
To get the most out of our best setting sprays, Sara recommends using two to three spritzes to set your everyday makeup for up to 16 hours. For events or special occasions when you want to go all-out with full glam makeup, try a technique called “sandwiching.”
“One spray in between layers of foundation, bronzer, blush, and powder will help lock in products even better,” she says.
Setting sprays also work best when paired with their makeup prep counterpart: primers. Ahead of using Hydro Grip setting spray, “using Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer creates a great base,” says Sara. “It helps to smooth, provide skincare benefits, and keep your makeup on. Then, I always recommend finishing with a setting spray to hold everything in place.”
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Shop Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray
For our Pore Eclipse setting spray, Sara recommends layering on a lightweight primer and the Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer to control oil and create a super-smooth canvas before using foundation and concealer. "As a last step, spritz on two to three sprays of Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray and let it dry down for 60 seconds," she says.
If you're prone to shine throughout the day, she also suggests misting the setting spray onto a sponge and gently blotting it onto greasy spots. "It won't mess up the makeup, but will mattify without adding any heavy product to the skin," she says.
You can use Hydro Grip setting spray throughout the day, too, since it replenishes moisture and restores a dewy finish. (Pro tip: “It can be stored in the fridge for an even more cooling, refreshing effect,” says Jessica.) If your skin feels dry or your makeup starts looking powdery, Sara advises adding a spritz of Hydro Grip Set + Refresh to instantly revive your look. She also loves spraying it on a makeup sponge and “bouncing” it over her skin to add shine control to specific areas of her face.
Try it and see: A single spritz is all it takes to get these makeup-extending, skin-refreshing results for yourself.
Additional reporting by Lindy Segal.
Meet the Experts
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
Jessica Blanco (she/her) is the SVP of Product Development and Packaging at Milk Makeup. In her role, she seeks out the new, useful, and functional to create our revolutionary and highly innovative Milk Makeup products.
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