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The 10 Best Setting Sprays For Every Skin Type

For mattifying mists to dewy hydrators.

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Setting sprays have come a very long way in the past few years, with the alcohol-laden spritzes of old being replaced by some formidable skin-kind formulas that'll keep your complexion happy while locking foundation firmly in place.

And a good setting spray isn't just a strong move for the oily-skinned, either (although if your foundation slides off your face before lunchtime, it's an absolute no brainer). Now, there’s a make-up setting spray to make dry skin look dewy, one to protect from pollution, and plenty that promise to dial up the radiance.

According to make-up artist Danielle Roberts, the key to setting-spray success is all in the application. 'Always apply the mist in a "T" motion through the centre of the face and an "X" to hit the outer perimeters,' she says. What's more, don't hold your bottle too close: a fine mist is easily achieved when you're wielding the bottle at arm's length.

And that’s not all your setting spray is good for, either. 'Try spritzing your flat shadow brush with a little setting spray to pick up and lay down a more foiled effect with high-shimmer shadows,' adds Roberts. Who knew!

Here, see the setting sprays you’ll find in team ELLE’s beauty bags...

The 10 Best Setting Sprays Of All Time

1

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

All Nighter Setting Spray
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Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Now 19% Off
£22 at LookFantastic£27 at Amazon£28 at sephora.co.uk
Credit: .

The one that needs no introduction, Urban Decay's setting spray is designed to keep your full glam intact from the first dance to the very last. It works by instantly lowering the temperature of your make-up, which helps it to stay put on your face, even when you're in the sweatiest of nightclubs. Think of it as air-con in a bottle.

The original bottle creates a satiny finish, but for a little more dew we love the hyaluronc acid-boosted Extra Glow iteration.

2

e.l.f Makeup Mist & Set

Makeup Mist & Set
2

e.l.f Makeup Mist & Set

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Elf is an affordable brand to trust when it comes to complexion products that deliver. This setting spray boasts a humectant-rich base, so doesn't dry skin into submission, yet keeps foundation from slipping away before lunch. Priced on par with a large latte, it's a ridiculously good-value product that far surpasses expectation.

3

Gucci Brume de Beaute

Brume de Beaute
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Gucci Brume de Beaute

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Ok so we'll admit it was love at first sight with this one – but the formula of Gucci's setting spray impresses as much as its packaging. It's created without alcohol – a rare feat – and loaded with glycerin to hydrate skin and bring dried-out foundation back to life. Use it before, during and after make-up application – even if it's just to show off the bottle around the office.

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4

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray

UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
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Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray

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This genius setting spray is infused with high-factor SPF, so you can top up your sun protection without impacting that perfectly crafted cat-eye. Simply mist as you would a traditional setting spray every few hours.

5

Revolution Superfix Misting Spray

Superfix Misting Spray
5

Revolution Superfix Misting Spray

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This one boasts an aerosol-style nozzle, which ensures the lightest and most even application possible. It dries down matte, and will keep even the sharpest contour locked down for as long as you're wearing it. A great choice for the oily-skinned.

6

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+

Prep + Prime Fix+
6

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+

Now 10% Off
Credit: Boots

This legendary setting spray is still one of the best on the market, and now there's one for every skin type.

If you have combination skin, opt for the cucumber-enriched original: it'll keep your skin in that perfect middle-ground between matte and dewy. Oily skin? Enlist the Matte formula to ensure your liquid foundation stays put for hours. And for a serious radiance boost, try the hyaluronic acid-infused Magic Radiance iteration.

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7

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
7

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

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Charlotte Tilbury's setting spray does not disappoint. More hydrating than most, it can be used throughout the day to revive your make-up, keeping it looking freshly applied. With calming aloe vera and pore-cleansing resin, it's good for easily irritated types, too.

8

Algenist Splash Hydrating Setting Mist

Splash Hydrating Setting Mist
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Algenist Splash Hydrating Setting Mist

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This skin-kind setting spray really raises the bar. The serum-style formula is loaded with Algenist's signature algae extracts, which hydrate and treat the skin throughout the day. Advanced polysaccharides form an invisible (and non pore-clogging) protective veil over the face, locking make-up in place and fending off free radicals.

9

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set
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Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set

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As the name suggests, this one is more radiance-boosting than mattifying. Perfect for combination and dry skin types, it'll lock down your foundation and deliver that glass-skin effect. Don't be misled by the sparkle – it's the bottle, not the formula, that's glittery. However, the vanilla-laced fragrance is a love-it-or-hate-it situation.

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10

Iconic London Prep-Set-Glow Hydrating Mist

Prep-Set-Glow Hydrating Mist
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Iconic London Prep-Set-Glow Hydrating Mist

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This is the ultimate choice if you're looking for skin that shines. Iconic London's setting spray is infused with brightening pigments that bring just the right amount of glow to a dull complexion. Keep it in your bag and spritz whenever you need a radiance boost.

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