Locks makeup against heat, humidity, and oil for long-lasting, transfer-resistant wear.
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When it’s hot out, makeup can slide, separate, and transfer fast. These setting sprays are the most dependable picks for summer days when you need your look to stay put.
In-depth Reviews
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
- Reliable hold in heat and humidity
- Helps reduce transfer once fully dry
- Plays well with both matte and radiant bases
- Can feel slightly tight if you overspray
- Scent can be noticeable at first
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
- Very strong hold for sweaty, humid days
- Helps makeup resist rubbing and transfer
- Keeps shine from returning quickly
- Can look or feel dry if you layer too much
- Less forgiving on textured or flaky areas
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
- Makes makeup look smoother and more blended
- Comfortable, not overly tight
- Great for reviving a powdery base
- Not the strongest option for heavy sweating
- Fragrance may bother sensitive users
- Weightless feel with impressive longevity
- Helps prevent separation and patchiness
- Doesn’t flatten glow as much as ultra-matte sprays
- Needs full dry time to perform its best
- Less oil-control than true mattifying sprays
Milani Make It Last Original Setting Spray (Prime, Correct, Set)
- Noticeably improves wear time for the price
- Helps makeup look less powdery
- Easy to find and simple to use
- Spray can be wetter and less fine
- May need touch-ups in high humidity
Buying Guide
Hot-Weather Technique: The “Powder Sandwich” That Stops Melting
When the forecast is brutal, your application method matters as much as the spray. Try a light “powder sandwich”: apply your base, lightly set only the areas that crease or get shiny, then mist setting spray. Once it’s almost dry, press very gently with a clean sponge to fuse layers, then add a touch more powder only where you truly need it.
This creates a thin, flexible structure that resists sweat better than a thick layer of foundation. It also helps prevent that common summer issue where makeup looks fine at first, then separates into shiny patches around the nose and mouth.
One more detail: treat setting spray like a finish, not a refresh. If you need to re-mist midday, blot first, then spray lightly. Spraying over fresh oil can lock in shine and make makeup look slick instead of set.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: Urban Decay All Nighter is the top pick for most people because it gives dependable summer hold without forcing a super-matte, tight feel. If you’re battling serious humidity or transfer, step up to ONE/SIZE On ’Til Dawn for a tougher seal.
See also
If you need true pool-proof hold, start with our best waterproof setting sprays and compare them to our transfer-proof setting spray roundup for mask-friendly days.
- Matte setting sprays to cut shine in summer
- Dewy setting sprays for a healthy summer glow
- Sweat-proof foundations that pair well with setting spray
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
What’s the best way to apply setting spray in summer without making makeup melt?
Think “set, then seal.” Let each cream layer (foundation, concealer, cream blush) sit for a minute, then lightly powder the areas that crease or get oily. After that, mist setting spray from arm’s length so it lands as a fine veil, not wet spots.
The biggest summer mistake is spraying too close. That can re-wet product and create streaks or little dots where makeup lifts. If your spray has a strong hold, two light passes are safer than one heavy soak.
Should you use setting spray before makeup, after makeup, or both?
For summer, after-makeup is the non-negotiable step because that’s what helps with transfer resistance and longevity. A pre-makeup mist can help if you love a more melded, less powdery finish, but it does not replace a true sealing spray.
If you want to use both: apply skincare and sunscreen, wait until your face feels set (not slick), then do a light mist as a “grip” layer. Apply makeup, powder strategically, and finish with your setting spray to lock everything in.
Will setting spray work over sunscreen, or will it pill?
It can work beautifully over sunscreen, but pilling usually comes from layering too fast or rubbing. Give sunscreen time to form an even film before you start makeup. If you can, wait 10 to 15 minutes, especially with richer formulas.
When spraying, avoid patting aggressively while it’s wet. If you need to press product in, wait until the mist is mostly dry, then very lightly press with a clean sponge. That “press after dry” trick helps you avoid disturbing sunscreen and base makeup.
How do you reapply setting spray during the day without ruining your base?
Reapplying works best when you reduce oil first. Blot with tissue or blotting papers, then add a whisper of powder only where needed. After that, one light mist helps re-mesh powders and revive the finish.
If your makeup is breaking up around the nose or chin, skip piling on more spray. Instead, spot-fix: tap on a tiny bit of concealer or foundation, set that area, then do a final light mist across the whole face from a distance.
Why does my makeup still transfer even when I use setting spray?
Transfer usually means one of three things: too much emollient product under the surface, not enough setting in high-friction zones, or touching your face before the spray fully dries. In summer, even a great spray needs help from thin layers and smart powder placement.
Focus on the contact points: sides of the nose, smile lines, chin, and under-eye creases. Set those areas with a small amount of finely milled powder, then use a stronger-hold spray. Also, give your spray real dry time before putting on sunglasses or a mask.
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