Setting sprays have become an essential part of any makeup routine, whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or want your look to last throughout the day. They keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless for hours. Let’s dive the best drugstore setting sprays available, exploring everything from its ingredients to its effectiveness, and discover why it might be the perfect choice for you.

Best Drugstore Setting Sprays

Setting spray might be one of the most underrated products in your makeup routine, but it’s essential for locking in your look and keeping your face fresh throughout the day. While high-end sprays often get the most attention, there are plenty of amazing drugstore options that give you great results without draining your wallet. Here’s a look at some of the best drugstore setting sprays you should definitely consider adding to your beauty routine.

Ingredients

The ingredients in these setting sprays are a mix of skin-friendly components that make it stand out from many competitors. It includes aloe vera, which soothes and hydrates the skin, making it an excellent choice for those worried about dryness or irritation. Witch hazel helps control oil and minimizes pores, resulting in a smooth, matte finish without making your skin feel tight. Glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to your skin and maintaining a fresh, dewy look all day. The formula is free from alcohol, which is great news for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. The brand is committed to clean beauty, so you won’t find any harsh chemicals or parabens in this product.

Our Top Picks

1. NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray

If you’re after a setting spray that keeps shine under control and your makeup matte all day long, NYX’s Matte Finish Setting Spray is a top contender. It’s lightweight, controls oil, and gives your skin a smooth, matte finish that lasts for hours. It’s especially great for those with oily or combination skin who need something to help with midday shine.

Why It’s Great

• Budget-friendly and effective
• Long-lasting matte finish
• Lightweight and non-greasy

2. Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

Milani’s Make It Last Setting Spray has a serious fan following, and for good reason. It promises up to 16 hours of wear, keeping your makeup looking flawless from morning to night. This versatile spray can be used as a primer, a setting spray, and even a refreshing mist throughout the day. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, this setting spray works beautifully.

Why It’s Great

• Multi-purpose (primer, setting spray, refresher)
• Extends makeup wear up to 16 hours
• Works well on all skin types

3. e.l.f. Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist

e.l.f. is known for its affordable yet high-quality products, and the Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist is no exception. This setting spray delivers a super fine mist that keeps your makeup in place for up to 16 hours. It’s infused with skin-loving ingredients like cucumber and aloe, which help to hydrate and soothe your skin while ensuring your makeup stays put.

Why It’s Great

• Ultra-fine mist for even application
• Hydrating with cucumber and aloe
• Long-lasting wear

4. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender

L’Oréal’s Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender is a favorite among many beauty lovers. This setting spray helps your makeup resist fading, melting, and settling into fine lines for up to 24 hours. It dries quickly and leaves a natural, non-sticky finish that feels weightless on the skin.

Why It’s Great

• Keeps makeup fresh for up to 24 hours
• Dries quickly with a natural finish
• Lightweight and non-sticky

5. Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray

Maybelline’s Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray offers impressive staying power at a budget-friendly price. This spray gives your makeup a matte finish that lasts up to 16 hours, making it perfect for long days or nights out. If you’re looking for something reliable that won’t break the bank, this is a great option.

Why It’s Great

• Long-lasting matte finish
• Up to 16 hours of wear
• Affordable and effective

6. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Setting Spray

For a super affordable option that still delivers results, Wet n Wild’s Photo Focus Setting Spray is hard to beat. This setting spray sets your makeup while helping to reduce shine and extend wear time. It’s a lightweight formula that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, making it perfect for everyday use.

Why It’s Great

• Budget-friendly
• Reduces shine and extends makeup wear
• Lightweight and easy to use

How to Pick the Right Setting Spray for Your Skin Type

When choosing a setting spray, consider your skin type and the finish you prefer:

• Oily/Combination Skin: Go for a mattifying setting spray like NYX Matte Finish or Maybelline Lasting Fix to control shine and keep your makeup in place.
• Dry Skin: Look for a hydrating spray like e.l.f. Stay All Night, which contains soothing ingredients like aloe and cucumber.
• Normal Skin: A versatile setting spray like Milani Make It Last or L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Spray works well, offering long-lasting hold with a natural finish.

Frequently Asked Questions on Best Drugstore Setting Spray

1. What exactly is a setting spray, and do I really need one?

A setting spray is a mist you apply after finishing your makeup to help lock everything in place. It keeps your makeup looking fresh longer, prevents it from smudging or fading, and can also control shine or give a dewy finish, depending on the type you choose.

2. Can drugstore setting sprays be as good as the expensive ones?

Definitely! Many drugstore setting sprays work just as well as their high-end counterparts. Brands like NYX, Milani, and e.l.f. offer sprays that are affordable yet deliver long-lasting hold and beautiful finishes, making them popular choices for a reason.

3. What’s the best drugstore setting spray for oily skin?

If you have oily skin, a mattifying setting spray like NYX Matte Finish or Maybelline Lasting Fix is a great option. These sprays help control shine and keep your makeup looking fresh all day.

4. Can setting sprays help with dry skin?

Yes, some setting sprays are designed to hydrate and soothe dry skin. Look for sprays like e.l.f. Stay All Night, which includes ingredients like cucumber and aloe to add moisture and give your makeup a dewy, fresh finish.

5. How should I apply setting spray?

To use a setting spray, hold the bottle about 8-10 inches from your face and mist it evenly over your makeup. It’s helpful to spray in an “X” and “T” pattern to cover your whole face. Let it dry naturally without touching your face to set your makeup in place.

6. Will setting spray make my makeup waterproof?

While setting sprays can help your makeup resist sweat and humidity, they won’t make it completely waterproof. However, they do a great job of extending the wear time and keeping your makeup looking good longer.

7. Can I use setting spray during the day to touch up my makeup?

Yes, you can use setting spray throughout the day to refresh your makeup. A lightweight, hydrating spray like Milani Make It Last is perfect for a quick midday touch-up to revive your look and add a bit of moisture.

8. Is there a setting spray that’s good for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to go for setting sprays that are fragrance-free and contain soothing ingredients. The e.l.f. Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist is a good choice since it’s gentle and includes calming ingredients like cucumber and aloe.

9. How long does a setting spray keep makeup in place?

How long a setting spray lasts depends on the formula and your skin type, but most drugstore options like Milani Make It Last or L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Spray can help your makeup stay put for 16-24 hours, keeping you looking fresh all day.

Conclusion

You don’t have to spend a lot to find a great setting spray that works. These drugstore options offer long-lasting hold, a variety of finishes, and skin-friendly ingredients—all at an affordable price. Whether you need a matte finish, a hydrating boost, or just a reliable spray to keep your makeup looking fresh, there’s a drugstore option out there for you. Give one (or a few) of these top picks a try, and enjoy flawless makeup that lasts all day!