Makeup Setting Sprays – Are They Really More than Just Water

Sometimes you feel a lil’ extra. Where after you finish your typical 20 minute makeup routine you’d use a makeup setting spray as a finishing touch. To set makeup, to make your foundation look “natural”, mimic an hour of sweat. Do make-up settings really work? Are they really more than just water?

Today on the blog I’ll share with you my favorite makeup setting sprays that actually do the job and more.

But first!

 

What is a Makeup Setting Spray?

Makeup ‘setting‘ spray is formulated to be budge-proof and keep your makeup right where you left it, while ‘finishing’ sprays are typically used to moisten the skin. Therefore finishing sprays are more commonly used to ‘reset’ makeup during the day to prevent any cakeiness and keep it fresher for longer

 

My Favorite Makeup Setting Sprays

#1 Avene

Claim to fame:

Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray provides pure, natural relief for sensitive skin. Provides essential soothing care daily. Preserved in its pure state from the spring to the skin, Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes and enhances all skin types, even the most sensitive. Anti-irritant. Calming.

Price: 585php/50ml

Why I like it:

This is my go-to spray when my skin is feeling a little sensitive. A substitute for heavy moisturizers or serums, or even to freshen up my makeup. It calms down any redness and inflammation in just days of spraying it on.

Their 50ml atomizer is light and can easily be carried anytime anywhere. Distributes the product evenly too! I like this better than Evian.

Is it a miracle? Or is it just placebo? All I know is that it works. 

 

#3 Ellana Glass Skin Glow Setting Spray

Claim to fame:

BEST FOR DRY TO NORMAL SKIN TYPES

MULTIPURPOSE: USE AS A SETTING SPRAY, PRIMER AND FACIAL MIST

MAKEUP & SKIN CARE IN ONE

Ready, set, gotta glow! Use this cooling and hydrating mist to prime your face, set your makeup, or refresh your skin. What makes this extra special is an instant glow you receive, thanks to an infusion of mineral pigments and the power of MANDARIN CLEAR™, by ICHIMARU PHARCOS JAPAN. Glow long after the makeup is gone. This blend creates an instant glass-like radiance, smoothing out the appearance of your skin’s top layer and improving your skin texture over time.

You can get your Ellana Products here

It’s skin care and a setting spray in one. You’ll notice your skin just gets better and better everyday!

Price: 799php/60ml

Why I like it:

WEIGHTLESS ALL-OVER GLOW. I wished for a product that can give me that “glass skin” look without feeling heavy and lasts a long time. Guys. This is it. 

Just a few sprays and your skin looks soft-focused, blurred, and glowing. Why? It’s a spray that has more than just micro shimmers. It’s because of the MANDARIN CLEAR. 

This one I’ve been using almost every morning without leaving the house. Even when I’m not going to wear any makeup because it instantly makes my skin feel softer and looks soft focused. I use this as a finishing spray on my sunscreen. 

*note: This can look oddly twighlight-ish under spotlight at night. So if you’re out clubbing be careful. Unless you really want that Edward Cullen peg.

Also the bottle is quite heavy. I know we’re all for being environmentally friendly, maybe an aluminum one just like Avene’s would feel lighter? But it could increase the cost. My suggestion is you can transfer this to your travel bottles instead 🙂

 

#2 In Her Element Rosewater Moisture Mist

Claim to fame:

The Rosewater Moisture Mist (125ml) is a multi-tasking elixir that features Rose Flower Water to calm and plump up skin, Niacinamide to brighten, and Chicory Root to deliver a smoother-looking complexion. Use it before makeup to prep skin and create a clean canvas, or use it after makeup to get a natural, dewy finish! 

USAGE

Before makeup: mist to soothe and brighten skin. After makeup: mist to add a dewy, glowy finish. 

Spray mist all over the face at arm’s length. Please avoid contact with your eyeballs by keeping your eyes closed until the mist settles.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Soothe and and hydrate skin with Rose Flower Water | Brighten with Niacinamide | Smoothen complexion with Chicory Root

FULL INGREDIENTS

Aqua, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Betaine, Glycerin, PPG-26-Buteth-26 (and) PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (and) Aqua, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol (and)Ethylhexylglycerin, Cichorium Intybus(Chicory) Root Oligosaccharides (and)Caeselpina Spinosa Gum, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Essential Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, CI16035

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Price: 945php/125ml

Why I like it:

Ah.. another heavy glass bottle. LOL. But I like it because I’m obsessed with rose-water anything. Rose water helps to hydrate, revitalise and moisturise the skin giving it a refreshed look. Also it has anti-inflammatory property which reduces redness in the skin. The gentle rose water can be used on the sensitive under-eye area without any worry.

It locks in any skincare product I use in the evening and I feel it enhances their efficacy. 

*Unlike Ellana’s where you can transfer the content, this one is more challenging to do so. So it’s not travel friendly 🙁

 

#1 Mac Prep + Prime Fix+

Claim to fame:

The holy grail of hydrating mists! M·A·C Prep + Prime Fix+ gives an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and set makeup. The lightweight, prolonging formula is packed with vitamins and minerals, infused with a blend of green tea, chamomile and cucumber to gently moisturize, soothe and enhance your complexion. Pair with your favorite products in near-endless ways – to sheer out foundation, intensify the color payoff of eyeshadows and highlighters or simply to extend the wear of makeup.

Benefits:

• Sets Makeup and refreshes skin
• Improves wear of makeup for 12 hours
• Provides allover immediate hydration
• Dermatologist tested.
• Ophthalmologist tested.
• Non-acnegenic.

Price: 1,300/100ml

Why I like it:

Thanks to the influence of my good friend Ms D (IG: @dinnacv). I finally purchased a bottle and NO REGRETS. It deserves the number one spot as my favorite makeup spray of all time. NO JOKE.

It feels weightless on my skin, and improves the look of any makeup base I use. Compared to the setting sprays I mentioned earlier. Mac Prep + Prime Fix+ really sets my makeup for longer staying power. It’s sort of an airy adhesive. From the usual 6-hour wear, my foundation still looks good the entire day. 

I got the mini version which is easy to carry anywhere! Can be refilled too. So when this is empty I’ll get the full size!

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Yes. Makeup setting sprays are more than just water. But it’s not a necessity when it comes to your makeup routine. Unless you want to experience the benefits of better skin, improved longevity of makeup, and just the refreshing feeling of spraying it on 😉

I hope you enjoyed my post guys! Love you!