Frequently Asked Questions
How does setting spray work?
Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Victoria Vohland explained to Allure that setting sprays create a barrier to prevent makeup from slipping, using primarily a mixture of water, alcohol, and film formers. “A film former is a chemical put into cosmetics to offer long-wear benefits,” she said.
Polymers and forms of glycerin are often used to form these protective films. Vohland added that the alcohol in the spray functions as a volatile to repel water. “The setting spray is a more diluted version of a hair gel,” Vohland elaborated. “What hair gel does is coat the hair and keeps it in place, similar to what a setting spray does.” Despite the chemical similarities, setting spray formulas are tweaked to be safer and gentle enough for use on the face.
What’s the best way to apply setting spray?
Using a setting spray may seem pretty straightforward—spray it all over your face when you’re done with your makeup and call it a day, right? Not quite. According to New York City-based makeup artist Tommy, a little technique goes a long way. Tommy suggests applying setting spray in a zig-zag motion, starting on the forehead and moving down to the chin. “I spritz it on the skin from a distance to help rehydrate the face after applying makeup,” he says.
Another tip, courtesy of makeup artist Kate Lee, is to dampen a Beautyblender with a setting spray before using the sponge. This tactic helps smooth out dry patches and prevent creased makeup.
What kind of setting spray is best for me?
Ingredients vary between setting sprays, so keep your goals for your makeup and skin in mind as you browse the backs of bottles. If you want to curb your skin’s oil production, look for ingredients like silica to help absorb sebum. Botanical extracts like green tea extract and moringa seed can be a big help if you want to moisturize and condition. Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos suggests hydrating, adhesive ingredients like glycerin. “Glycerin can be pretty tacky and may help makeup grip,” she previously told Allure.
Meet the experts
- Ash K. Holm, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
- Amanda Gabbard, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Ashlee Glazer, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Kate Lee, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
- Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist
- Natalie Dresher, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Shervonne Kitto, a Secaucus, New Jersey-based makeup artist
- Tommy, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Victoria Vohland, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of setting sprays, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, makeup artists, and cosmetic chemists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: formula, wear, longevity, finish, and water resistance. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
