A good setting spray can make the difference between makeup that moves and makeup that stays. But the best ones do more than just lock in your look. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray not only helps extend the wear of your makeup, it also hydrates, soothes, and revives your skin throughout the day. For those who want it all—hold, hydration, and a healthy-looking finish—it’s a must-have in your routine. 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.
Not sure how to use a setting spray for long-lasting makeup or what makes it different from primers and setting powders? Keep reading for the full breakdown on what fixing spray actually does, how to use it, and why Milk Makeup’s fan-favorite formula is worth the hype.
What is setting spray?
Setting spray is any lightweight formula designed to lock your makeup in place so it doesn’t fade, smudge, or melt throughout the day. Think of it as the finishing touch—the top layer of your makeup sandwich—that seals everything in after primer and foundation have done their part. Most setting sprays contain a solvent that evaporates quickly, leaving behind a thin, invisible polymer film to hold your look steady. We promise: No makeup application is complete without it.
What does setting spray do?
Milk Makeup’s setting spray works by taking a unique approach. Our Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray is a dual-phase formula that activates when shaken, combining two liquids for maximum effect. The Blue Agave Grip Phase sets makeup with skincare-first ingredients like blue agave extract, hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Mixed with the Green Cannabis Glow Phase, which has hemp seed oil and moringa seed oil, it nourishes the skin while delivering a dewy, refreshed finish. Minimal—if any!—touch-ups needed.
Meanwhile, Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray uses a mattifying, oil-free blend of lentil extract to absorb excess oil and pore-blurring microspheres for a soft-focus effect. It also contains niacinamide, known for reducing pore appearance, regulating sebum, and improving fine lines. The formula delivers a micro-fine mist that instantly locks makeup in place. Your eyeshadow, foundation, and concealer won’t fall victim to creasing or smudging.
“As it sets, the spray forms a weightless invisible layer on skin that holds makeup in place,” says Jessica Blanco, SVP of Product Development and Packaging at Milk Makeup.
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Shop Hydro Grip + Set Refresh Spray
What types of setting sprays are there?
Setting sprays aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different formulas are designed to meet different skin needs and finish goals. If your skin leans dry or you’re doing for a dewy, radiant look, a hydrating spray like Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray helps lock in moisture while gripping makeup. For oily or combination skin, a mattifying option like Eclipse Matte Setting Spray helps control shine and blur the look of pores. And if you need some serious staying power—say, for a long day or big event—both Hydro Grip and Pore Eclipse offer long-wear benefits that keep your full face makeup fresh from sunup to sundown.
So, to matte or not to matte? That’s the main question here. All skin types can use our setting sprays, so it’s all 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 Wren, our Director of Artistry. 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.
And while we’re in agreement you do need a setting mist, the real hack is knowing what to avoid when purchasing one. “A lot of setting sprays contain alcohol and harsh ingredients, so look for one without those potential irritants,” says Sara. 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. If you have sensitive skin, proceed with intention.
Then, there’s our Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, which is the rare oil-free formula that’s actually gentle. “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.”
When and 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 in an “X” or “T” motion (held about six-eight inches away from your face) to help your everyday makeup last 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 products start making you look 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 these tips and see: A single spritz is all it takes to ensure makeup stays with skin-refreshing results, to boot.
Additional reporting by Lindy Segal and Deanna Pai.
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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