What is the best glowy setting spray?

Whether you're going full glam for a happy hour with friends or an important meeting, it's important to make sure that beat doesn't budge — that's why you should be using one of the best setting sprays. These sprays basically act as liquid cellophane for your makeup, and they're the easiest way to ensure your flawlessly applied foundation, blinding highlighter, and sharp-winged liner doesn't melt off.

But what actually is setting spray? According to Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Victoria Vohland, setting spray is made up of three parts: water, alcohol, and a film former. Together, these create a barrier to prevent makeup from slipping. Fun fact: It's the same chemical formula that's used in hair gel, but it's tweaked to be safer and gentle enough to use on the face. "These are very much used in long-wear makeup, especially when [brands] make claims like '12-hour-wear,'" she previously told Allure.

Using a setting spray may seem pretty simple — just spray it all over your face when you're done with your makeup, and you're done, right? Well, if you want to take your makeup expertise to the next level, New York City-based makeup artist 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 in distance to help rehydrate the face after applying makeup," he says.

Another tip, courtesy of makeup artist Kate Lee, who works with celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, and Emma Roberts, is to dampen a Beautyblender with the magic liquid before pressing it on the skin to smooth out dry patches or creased makeup.

With these tips in mind, here are the best makeup setting sprays on the market right now to ensure your makeup lasts all day (with a mask or just on its own), according to Allure editors and makeup artists.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you are looking for a dewy finished makeup look, you must try getting your hands on the best dewy setting spray out there. While a good diet, exercise, and healthy active lifestyle is key to adding that natural glow to your face, sometimes makeup done right can also add to it or cover up the lack of it. Even if you use a good luminescent foundation, or an illuminating primer, or add that hint of blush and highlighter, all of this glow may not last throughout the errands of a hectic day, unless you seal your makeup with a good setting spray. A dewy makeup setting spray not only holds the makeup in place, locking in all the mositure and goodness, but it also adds that natural glow to your whole finished look. Especially if your skin has been looking dull and lifeless, a dewy setting spray would make your face look soft, fresh, and awake instantly. With the various options available for different skin types, to help you choose the right one, we have enlisted the 10 best dewy setting sprays. Read on to know more.

In This Article

  • What Does A Dewy Setting Spray Do?
  • Spritz For A Lustrous Finish With The 9 Best Dewy Setting Sprays
  • How To Choose The Right Dewy Setting Spray
  • How To Use Dewy Setting Spray
  • Why Trust StyleCraze?
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What Does A Dewy Setting Spray Do?

Dewy setting sprays are a must-have makeup product. Not only do they seal makeup, but they also give a glowy finish that looks natural and soft, especially on dry and dull skin types. Some formulas also hydrate skin, as they have a base full of moisture or water. A dewy setting spray is a versatile product that can also be used as a primer before makeup, and it can also be used to set your glam look before stepping out. Applying setting spray on your bare face will impart a healthy glow as well. Read on to find the one best suited for your skin.

Our Top Picks
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Best Vegan Formula: NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Setting Spray
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Best Non-Greasy Formula: Milani Make It Dewy Setting Spray: Hydrate+Illuminate+Set
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Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Wet N Wild Photo Focus Primer Water- Coconut
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Best Quick-Drying Formula: Catrice Prime And Fine Dewy Glow Fixing Spray
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Best Hydrating Formula: TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
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Best For All Skin Types: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray
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Best Gluten-Free Formula: ORPHEUS RESSURECTION Bio-Luminous Dewy Essence
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Best Moisturizing Formula: Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray
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Best Anti-Aging Benefits: l.f Dewy Setting Mist
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Spritz For A Lustrous Finish With The 9 Best Dewy Setting Sprays

1. Best Vegan Formula: NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Setting Spray

The NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray is a must-have for a soft glowy shine that will give your glam a long-lasting power. This weightless foundation setting spray is breathable and sits comfortably on your skin so that you can easily transition your makeup from day to night without batting an eyelid. As it imparts a subtle fresh-looking shimmer, you can use it even if you struggle with oily or combination skin. For the ultimate glow, just seal your look with some of NYX’s drugstore dewy setting spray, and you’re all set!

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Weightless spray
  • Can be used as a makeup primer
  • Breathable formula
  • Long staying power

Cons

  • Might not work in hot and humid climates

2. Best Non-Greasy Formula: Milani Make It Dewy Setting Spray: Hydrate+Illuminate+Set

Set your skin on the path to glow central with Milani’s versatile dewy finish setting spray that also doubles as a primer. Don’t you just hate it when you get both your eyeliner wings just right or when your foundation looks almost airbrushed but melts away through the day? The Make It Dewy Setting Spray ensures your statement stays put with a brightening boost. This is a good dewy setting spray that cloaks your skin in hydration and shines for up to 16 hours with no fading, creasing, or smudging! And with its refreshing feeling, you can very well use it in crazy hot weather too. You can also wear this hydrating setting spray without any makeup for a natural-looking glow that is bound to steal hearts wherever you go.

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Works in hot and humid weather
  • Gives a cooling effect
  • Hydrates skin

Cons

  • The fragrance might be off-putting for some

3. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Wet N Wild Photo Focus Primer Water- Coconut

Right from the world of multitasking makeup, Wet N Wild’s dewy finishing spray is a 3-in-1 formula for hydrating, setting, and priming your skin. Use it before starting with your base makeup to create the ideal canvas for a smoother application, or seal the deal with a few spritzes at the end. All your products glide on buttery smooth and stay fresh all day long. Infused with vitamins and minerals, this lightweight, dewy makeup spray moisturizes tired skin for a soft sheen from the inside out. The coconut scent is a pleasant addition to this dewy mist suitable for all skin types.

Pros

  • Hydrates and primes skin
  • Allows for makeup to glide on easily
  • Contains vitamins and minerals
  • Has a pleasant coconut scent
  • Cruelty-free
  • Suits all skin types and tones

Cons

  • Might have a sticky consistency

4. Best Quick-Drying Formula: Catrice Prime And Fine Dewy Glow Fixing Spray

You don’t always need a highlighter for a glowing shimmer, as a dewy finishing spray can do that while also keeping your makeup in place. Or, if you want a little pick-me-up throughout the day, Catrice’s Dewy Glow Fixing Spray can help you with a refreshing spritz. The transparent formula dries quickly so you can set your makeup even when you’re on the road, and it’s perfect for an instant boost of life for your complexion. Crafted without parabens, gluten, alcohol, and other additives, this one is a must-have makeup essential.

Pros

  • Quick-drying
  • Doubles as a primer
  • Lightweight
  • Vegan
  • Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups
  • Doesn’t contain alcohol, gluten, oil, perfume, or parabens

Cons

  • Might have a chemical-like odor

5. Best Hydrating Formula: TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

It’s well-known that TATCHA delivers some of the most eye-catching packaging, but their formulas deliver too. The Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is the best face-setting spray that gives off a soft shimmer under or over your makeup. It contains a blend of Okinawa red algae for the ultimate moisturizing benefits, camellia oil for optimum nourishment, and hyaluronic acid quenches parched skin. TATCHA’s dewy setting spray for dry skin is also infused with Hadasei, a 3-ingredient anti-aging complex. With the power of Japanese superfoods like green tea, rice, and algae, your skin will look and feel super youthful. Carry this long-lasting dewy setting spray around in your purse for an instant dose of freshness.

Pros

  • Contains hydrating natural ingredients
  • Contains an anti-aging complex
  • Made with 20% botanical oils and humectants
  • Silky consistency
  • Ideal for dry, dull, or mature skin
  • Long-staying power

Cons

  • Fragrance might be off-putting for some

6. Best For All Skin Types: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray

With a water-based formula, this dewy finish spray by Anastasia Beverly Hills is the perfect addition to your routine for a soft shimmer. Spritzing this dewy skin spray not only stops your makeup from budging but allows it to go on uber-smoothly for a radiant finish and even complexion. No matter how many times you use it for retouching, it doesn’t mess up your perfect glam and keeps you looking as fresh as the first time you stepped out. We’re sure this will be your new holy grail dewy makeup setting spray, and the packaging is pretty neat, too!

Pros

  • Non-greasy formula
  • Quick-drying
  • Lightweight
  • Has a pleasant smell
  • Gentle formula
  • Ideal for dry skin types

Cons

  • Some people may find that their makeup oxidizes

7. Best Gluten-Free Formula: ORPHEUS RESSURECTION Bio-Luminous Dewy Essence

ORPHEUS’ award-winning moisturizing setting spray comes in a silky essence consistency that feeds irritated skin with nutrients and a luminous finish. The Orpheus Flower Cell Peptide Complex contains potent peptides, stem cells, and antioxidants that work to safeguard your skin from pollution. With the dual hyaluronic acid, the active serum deeply penetrates skin for long-lasting hydration resulting in plump and younger-looking skin. A blend of the vitamins C, B3, B5, and E refines your pores and evens out skin tone, while a bio-luminescent flower extract imparts a shine that could put lights to shame. One spritz of this dewy finish makeup setting spray transforms your skin from within for the ultimate jaw-dropping glow.

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Shields skin from environmental stressors
  • Contains moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients
  • Formulated without synthetics, mineral oil, petroleum, and artificial fragrance and colors

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

8. Best Moisturizing Formula: Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

Lock in your makeup for up to 12 hours with the softest and most natural-looking glow with Cover FX’s dewy face spray. The weightless formula doesn’t contain any alcohol that can dry skin out or irritate it. Enriched with shea butter, enjoy deep moisturization benefits along with the brightening and smoothening benefits of prickly pear cactus. For a radiant glow that sets you apart from the rest, this is the best setting spray for a dewy finish.

Pros

  • 12-hour wear
  • Contains moisturizing ingredients
  • Brightens skin and smoothes texture
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, gluten, or phthalates
  • Formulated without alcohol, fragrance, mineral oil, or talc

Cons

  • Might not be ideal for oily skin types

9. Best Anti-Aging Benefits: l.f Dewy Setting Mist

If you’ve been looking for a cheap dewy setting spray, your search can end at e.l.f’s Dewy Setting Mist! Apart from keeping your makeup intact for a long time, this drugstore dewy setting spray feeds your skin with nourishing ingredients that contribute to a healthy radiance. Infused with coconut, this lightweight formula hydrates and conditions your skin intensely so that it glows like never before. Green tea and cucumber moisturize skin and fight premature signs of aging for an ever-youthful look. Trust us, and you’re not going to regret adding e.l.f’s dewy face mist to your vanity.

Pros

  • Contains hydrating ingredients
  • Offers anti-aging benefits
  • Suitable for long-wear
  • Lightweight formula
  • Has a pleasant scent

Cons

  • Might have a sticky consistency

Now that we’ve gone over the best dewy setting sprays on the market, let’s look at how you can bag the right one for you!

How To Choose The Right Dewy Setting Spray

  • Skin type

Dewy setting sprays are ideal for dry and dull skin as they come packed with a moisture or water-based formula. This helps give a soft glow to dry skin while also providing hydration benefits. Combination and oily skin types may find that dewy setting sprays make their skin even greasier, but if they don’t have excess oil, a lightweight setting spray which is also non-comedogenic may work. But dewy sprays suit dry and normal skin types better. Even mature skin will benefit from a dewy finish as the formula won’t cake up or settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Formula

Ensure that the formula is lightweight and has a non-sticky and non-greasy consistency. Dewy setting sprays that are quick-drying help immensely for on-the-go touch-ups. Some sprays may have fragrance and if you’re sensitive to it, ensure to read the label so as to avoid it. A few setting sprays can have strong scents which may cause a reaction as they are directly sprayed on the face. You can patch test setting sprays as with every other beauty product or read some reviews online.

  • Ingredients

It is essential to invest in formulas with high-quality ingredients devoid of harmful additives. To prevent flare-ups, opt for formulas that don’t contain alcohol, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals.

After you’ve purchased a dewy setting spray you like, it’s time to learn how to use it for the ultimate glow!

How To Use Dewy Setting Spray

  • Step 1: Ensure that all your makeup is done with and you’re satisfied with how it looks.
  • Step 2: Shake the contents of the dewy setting spray bottle for an even mixing.
  • Step 3: Hold your dewy setting spray bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face and lightly spritz on the right side of the face.
  • Step 4: From the same distance, spray the mist on the left side of your face.
  • Step 5: Spritz once in the center of your face with your eyes closed.
  • Step 6: Wait for the setting spray to dry.
  • Step 7: Repeat if you feel the need for a brighter glow.
  • Step 8: Reapply throughout the day as and when needed to give your skin a boost of freshness.

Note: You can also apply dewy setting sprays on bare skin without any makeup for a natural glow to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh.

Our facial skin is always exposed to dirt, pollution, and harmful sun rays. They damage the skin and strip away its natural glow. But worry not, because the best dewy setting sprays can give you a stunning glow to ensure a natural-looking makeup finish. They seal your makeup and make it last longer than usual. The products mentioned in our list have lightweight formulas that are non-greasy and keep the skin hydrated and primed. They dry within seconds of application and leave your skin with a silky texture. If you prefer vegan and cruelty-free makeup, you will find them in our list too. Most of these formulas are chemical-free and last for hours. Some of them offer anti-aging benefits and add brightness to dull and dry skin. Consider factors like skin type, product formula, and ingredients before investing in a spray. You should also avoid sprays that have sticky consistency or an overwhelming fragrance.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Chaitra Krishnan is a cosmetics fanatic and product writer who enjoys experimenting with new launches. After extensive research and reading internet reviews, she compiled a list of the best dewy setting sprays for her readers that would give a radiant finished makeup look. Each item on the list is thoroughly detailed, and the post also includes a shopping guide to help you pick the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dewy or matte setting spray better?

Choosing a finish depends on skin type, as dewy setting sprays add a soft glow and are ideal for dry, dull, mature, and normal skin types. Matte setting sprays absorb excess oil and suit oily or combination skin types as they give a matte finish.

Is dewy setting spray good for oily skin?

Matte setting sprays control the shine in oily skin whereas dewy ones can end up giving a greasy look. If your skin is not excessively oily, a lightweight dewy setting spray can be used for a soft shimmer.

Can you use a dewy setting spray on matte foundation?

Yes, but this would give the foundation a luminous finish. For a mattifying finish, matte setting sprays work better.

Does setting spray make you break out?

If a setting spray contains comedogenic ingredients or if you have overly sensitive skin, you may notice breakouts. It is necessary to read labels of setting sprays to avoid ingredients that your skin cannot tolerate.

How long does setting spray last?

Setting sprays typically last about six to eight hours, depending on your lifestyle. You can also reapply it a few times after every two to three hours to make its effects last longer.

Can you use setting spray daily?

Yes, you can use setting sprays daily. But steer clear of using the ones that contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry your skin out or cause irritation.

Does setting spray go on before or after makeup?

A setting spray is meant to set your makeup products and make them stay longer. So it should always be applied towards the end. It locks your look so that you do not have to reapply your makeup even during hot and humid days.

Does setting spray make makeup waterproof?

Not really, but there are many waterproof setting sprays available in the market that can keep your makeup from melting away. These setting sprays can turn your makeup into waterproof, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof products.

  • Best Setting Sprays For Acne-Prone Skin
  • Best Drugstore Setting Sprays
  • Best Setting Sprays For Oily Skin

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  • Author

Chaitra has a triple main bachelor’s degree in journalism, communicative English, and economics from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and a... more

Does setting spray gives glow?

A dewy setting spray is a versatile product that can also be used as a primer before makeup, and it can also be used to set your glam look before stepping out. Applying setting spray on your bare face will impart a healthy glow as well.

Is dewy or matte setting spray better?

If you have normal to dry skin, a dewy setting spray is probably the one you'll want to go for. These help to keep your makeup in place but also refresh the skin to look glowy and radiant.

What does a dewy Setting Spray do?

Dewy Finish Setting Spray Perfect for with skin that appears dull and dry, the lightweight, water-based formula sprays onto the skin easily and helps prolong the wear of your makeup. It also boasts a subtle shimmer to give your skin a lit-from-within glow.

What's the best setting spray in the market?

The Winners.
Best Overall: Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray..
Best Value: Beauty Bakerie Spray Your Grace Setting Spray..
Best Drugstore: Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist..
Best Hydrating: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist..