Choosing the right makeup setting spray can dramatically impact your look's longevity and overall finish. This comprehensive review dives deep into the high-end world of setting sprays, examining a range of popular options to help you navigate the market and find your perfect match. We'll explore various formulas, from mattifying to hydrating, and analyze their performance, ingredients, and price points to guide your purchasing decision. Each spray will be assessed on its application, lasting power, and impact on skin, considering factors like the fineness of the mist and the presence of potentially irritating ingredients.This in-depth analysis covers top brands, including GlamGlow, CoverFX, Laura Geller, Kat Von D, Marc Jacobs, First Aid Beauty, and Urban Decay, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll compare luxurious options with more budget-friendly choices, providing a balanced perspective on value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge needed to confidently select the setting spray that best meets your individual needs and preferences, whether you prioritize longevity, a specific finish, or skincare benefits.
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GlamGlow Super Serum Glow Setting Spray
The GlamGlow Super Serum Glow Setting Spray boasts a vibrant neon bottle, instantly catching the eye. While I've had mixed experiences with GlamGlow products recently, this one is surprisingly good. It's versatile; use it to dampen makeup brushes, refresh dry makeup, or address powder buildup throughout the day.
The formula includes GlamGlow's signature tea extracts and caffeine for a skin-energizing effect. The fine mist is luxurious, but at $32 for 3.7 fluid ounces, it's a pricey option. While pleasant to use, it didn't quite surpass my beloved MAC Fix+ in terms of overall makeup enhancement.
The mist is incredibly fine and doesn’t leave droplets. The formula is good for refreshing makeup throughout the day and removing excess powder. The unique tea extracts and caffeine might appeal to those seeking an energizing effect. However, it’s a pricey option and may not be a game-changer for everyone.
CoverFX Mattifying Setting Spray
The CoverFX Mattifying Setting Spray is a standout for its alcohol-free formula and its ability to smooth lines and create a healthy, glowing complexion. It works exceptionally well as a base under foundation, providing a subtle illumination without being overly sparkly or greasy.
The spray is fine and luxurious, unlike those with harsh, splattering mists. The illuminating effect is natural and adds a soft glow, suitable for most skin tones. The polymers help keep makeup from breaking down. This is a great product for users who are sensitive to alcohol and prefer a naturally dewy look.
It’s a superb primer, creating a flawless base for foundation and preventing makeup from cracking or separating. The fine mist ensures a smooth application without disturbing existing makeup.
Laura Geller Spackle Mist
Laura Geller's Spackle Mist, while offering priming and refreshing benefits, fell short for me. The spray's harsh, splattering mist wasn't ideal, and it didn't perform as well as others under makeup, likely due to the lack of silicone.
It's silicone-free and oil-free, potentially suitable for oily skin, but the texture sits on the skin rather than seamlessly integrating. The lack of silicone affects application and its overall performance as a base for makeup.
While it offers some refreshing qualities, its performance under makeup is compromised by the absence of silicone, resulting in a less smooth and flawless finish. It might still be a good option for some, but not a top choice.
Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Spray
The Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Spray is a long-lasting setting spray that promises up to eight additional hours of wear, making it a great option for all-day makeup wear. The fine mist application is a plus.
It does contain alcohol and mineral oil, which might be a drawback for those with sensitivities. While it effectively extends makeup wear, the ingredient list might not appeal to all users.
Despite the inclusion of alcohol and mineral oil, its ability to keep makeup fresh for extended periods makes it a worthwhile option for many, despite its less-than-ideal ingredient list.
Marc Jacobs Coconut Setting Spray
The Marc Jacobs Coconut Setting Spray, while boasting a luxurious scent and fine mist, suffers from a problematic nozzle that results in uneven application and unwanted splattering. The coconut alkaloids claim to enhance lasting makeup wear.
Despite the gorgeous scent and effective setting properties, the inconsistent spray makes it unreliable. The price point ($39) is high, adding to the disappointment. This is a beautiful product, but not worth the price given its issues.
The nozzle design is a major flaw and this is a expensive setting spray. The scent is amazing, and it does help makeup last longer, but the inconsistent spraying and the price make this an unfavorable choice.
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Soak Setting Spray
The First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Soak is more of a skincare-focused setting spray. It contains nourishing ingredients like spinach, cucumber, raspberry, and turmeric, promoting a healthy glow without setting makeup for extended wear.
Although the spray isn't as fine as others, it provides a refreshing, hydrating mist that leaves the skin feeling soft and healthy. The smaller size and price ($18) make it a decent option for those prioritizing skincare benefits.
It's a refreshing option, good for adding a healthy glow to the skin, but doesn’t provide the same level of makeup-setting capabilities as other options. A budget-friendly alternative for skincare enthusiasts.
Urban Decay Setting Sprays (Quick Fix & Vitamin Infused)
Urban Decay’s newer setting sprays—Quick Fix Hydro Charged and Vitamin Infused—failed to impress. They didn't offer significant benefits over the original All-Nighter formula. The Quick Fix has a coconut scent, while the Vitamin Infused aims to be oil-absorbing, but neither proved effective in those regards.
Both sprays were disappointing and didn't justify their $31 price tag. They don't do anything better than Urban Decay's original All-Nighter. There's no real reason to consider purchasing these over the more established Urban Decay setting sprays.
Stick with the original Urban Decay All-Nighter sprays – these newer options add nothing new. Not worth the purchase.
CoverFX Custom Cover Drops Mattifying Setting Spray (Unreleased)
The unreleased CoverFX Custom Cover Drops Mattifying Setting Spray is a game-changer. This alcohol-free spray with clay acts like a liquid blotting paper, absorbing shine without drying the skin. Its unique clay formula helps control oil and shine without compromising hydration.
It can be used under or over makeup for a more mattified finish. Despite a slightly less-than-ideal nozzle, the formula itself is top-notch. This innovative formula effectively controls shine throughout the day.
It’s a fantastic option for oily or combination skin. While the nozzle could be improved, the unique and effective mattifying properties make it a standout product.
Conclusion and Overall Recommendations
While many setting sprays aim for similar results, the quality and effectiveness vary greatly. CoverFX's Mattifying Setting Spray stands out for its unique mattifying properties and alcohol-free formula. The GlamGlow and Kat Von D options offer impressive results in different areas.
Avoid the Urban Decay new releases, the Laura Geller Spackle Mist, and the Marc Jacobs spray due to either poor application or less-impressive performance. The First Aid Beauty spray is suitable for those seeking skincare benefits, while the CoverFX mattifying spray offers a unique approach.
Ultimately, the best setting spray depends on individual needs and preferences. Consider your skin type, desired finish (matte, dewy), and budget when making a selection. My personal top picks are the CoverFX Mattifying and Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Sprays.