Locks makeup through sweat, humidity, and long days while feeling lightweight and natural, not stiff.
If your makeup melts the minute you sweat, cry, or get caught in light rain, the right waterproof-style setting spray can save your look and your time. These three long-wear mists lock everything in place while respecting your skin type and comfort.
Waterproof and water-resistant setting sprays are what separate makeup that looks great at 8 a.m. from makeup that still looks great at 8 p.m. If you deal with sweat, oily T-zones, outdoor events, or long workdays, the right spray can keep your base, blush, and brows from sliding off your face.
Truly waterproof formulas are rare and can feel intense, so this guide focuses on three long-wear, water-resistant setting sprays that stand up to real life without destroying your skin. You will see how they compare, who each one is best for, and how to apply them so they actually deliver all-day wear.
Quick picks
- Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray – Best overall for long, busy days. A classic for a reason, this locks makeup in place for hours in heat and humidity while still feeling surprisingly lightweight and comfortable.
- NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte Finish – Best budget option for oily or combination skin. It cuts shine, helps makeup resist sweat and masks, and delivers serious staying power at a pharmacy price.
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray – Best for dry, normal, or mature skin. This one feels more hydrating and flexible than most long-wear sprays and gives a soft-focus, slightly radiant finish that flatters texture and fine lines.
In-depth reviews
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray review
Urban Decay All Nighter is the workhorse of long-wear setting sprays. It is ideal if you want one reliable mist that can handle nights out, summer weddings, or sweaty commutes without turning your face into a stiff mask.
This spray uses film-forming polymers and a high percentage of alcohol to help your makeup grip to the skin and resist sweat, light rain, and humidity. The finish is natural matte, not flat, so it suits most skin types except the very dry. The mist is fine and even, and once it dries your makeup feels locked in but still moveable, not crunchy.
The biggest drawback is that alcohol content. If your skin is very dry, sensitized, or you use a lot of retinoids and acids, daily use can feel a bit drying or tight, especially in cooler weather. It also has a light fragrance that some very sensitive users might notice.
Choose All Nighter if you want the most proven, all-around performer that works for both special events and daily wear. Compared with NYX Matte, it feels a bit more refined on the skin and less powdery, and it has stronger oil control than Charlotte Tilbury while still being more comfortable than many heavy-duty theatrical sprays.
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte Finish review
NYX Matte Finish is the best choice if your priorities are staying matte, staying on a budget, and surviving everyday sweat and oil. It is especially good for oily and combination skin that tends to break down foundation by midday.
The formula uses alcohol and mattifying ingredients to reduce shine and keep makeup from sliding around, even in warm rooms or under bright office lights. The finish is fairly matte, more so than Urban Decay All Nighter, which can be a relief if you are constantly blotting. Once it dries, makeup feels set and less prone to transferring onto phone screens and masks.
That strong mattifying power is also what makes this spray less ideal for dry or mature skin. It can cling to dry patches or emphasize flakiness, especially if your base is already quite matte. The mist is a bit less fine than higher-end sprays, so you want to apply in light layers instead of drenching your face.
Go for NYX Matte if you want long wear, oil control, and a price that lets you use it every day without guilt. Compared with Urban Decay All Nighter, it is slightly less smoothing and flexible but more shine-controlling. If you are dry, sensitive, or want a softer, more skin-like finish, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush will feel far more comfortable.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray review
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is built for people who need their makeup to last but hate the tight, dry feeling many long-wear sprays leave behind. It is a great match for normal, dry, or mature skin that still wants solid staying power.
This formula is alcohol-free, which is unusual among serious long-wear sprays. It contains film-formers for grip along with humectants and skin conditioners that help makeup meld into the skin instead of sitting on top. The finish is soft-focus and slightly radiant, not greasy, so it helps blur texture and fine lines while still giving your makeup better resistance to heat and mild humidity.
The tradeoff is that it is a bit less bulletproof than something like Urban Decay All Nighter or a true theatrical sealer. On very oily skin or on extremely hot, outdoor days, you may see some shine and wear by evening. It is also firmly in the premium price range, and because it feels so pleasant, it is easy to over-spray.
Choose Charlotte Tilbury if comfort, a flattering finish, and alcohol-free ingredients are as important to you as longevity. Versus NYX Matte, it is less mattifying but far kinder to dry or mature skin. Versus All Nighter, it trades a little bit of raw staying power for a more elegant, flexible finish that looks beautiful in person and in photos.
How to choose the best waterproof setting spray for you
Very few setting sprays are truly waterproof in the sense that you can swim laps and look untouched. What you are really choosing between are levels of water resistance, oil control, and comfort. Start by deciding where you fall on that spectrum.
Skin type comes first. If you are oily or live somewhere humid, a matte, alcohol-based spray like NYX Matte or Urban Decay All Nighter will control shine and help makeup resist sliding. If you are dry, normal, or mature, you will usually be happier with a more forgiving formula like Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush that focuses on soft-focus hold instead of a super matte finish.
Finish matters. Matte sprays help makeup survive sweat and oil but can emphasize texture or dryness. Natural to slightly radiant sprays look more skin-like and forgiving but may not last quite as long in extreme conditions. Consider what your base products already do: if your foundation is very matte, pairing it with Charlotte Tilbury instead of another mattifying mist can keep your skin from looking flat.
Check alcohol and fragrance. High alcohol content gives strong, fast-drying grip, which is why you see it at the top of the ingredient list for many long-wear sprays. If your skin is sensitive, barrier impaired, or easily flushed, you may prefer an alcohol-free option like Charlotte Tilbury or limit the stronger sprays to big events. Fragrance can also be an issue for reactive skin, so patch test before relying on a new spray for a special day.
Match the spray to the occasion. For truly brutal conditions, some people step up to theatrical options like Ben Nye Final Seal, which are closer to waterproof but can feel heavy and drying. For most people, though, a well-applied coat of All Nighter or NYX Matte is more than enough for long days, weddings, or outdoor parties, while Charlotte Tilbury is perfect for everyday long wear that still feels like skin.
How to apply waterproof setting spray for all-day wear
Even the best setting spray cannot save makeup that was applied on top of heavy, greasy skincare or not set properly. A few small tweaks to your routine will dramatically improve how waterproof and transfer-resistant your look feels.
1. Prep your base properly. Use lightweight, fully absorbed skincare and a gripping primer if you have oily or combination skin. Allow your moisturizer and sunscreen to sink in for at least 5 to 10 minutes before makeup so the spray adheres to makeup, not slipping skincare.
2. Build thin, even layers of makeup. Long-wear sprays work best over thin layers of foundation and concealer rather than a thick coat. Spot conceal where you need extra coverage instead of piling on product all over, which is more likely to crack or separate when you sweat.
3. Set with powder where you get oily. Before spraying, press a light layer of translucent powder into areas that tend to crease or shine, like the T-zone and under the eyes. This gives the spray more texture to grab onto and adds insurance against breakdown.
4. Hold the bottle 8 to 10 inches away. Shake the bottle, then mist in an X and T pattern over your face, keeping eyes closed. Spraying too close can leave wet spots that disturb foundation or cause droplets that dry patchy.
5. Let it fully dry. Resist the urge to fan your face aggressively or touch your skin while it is drying. Give it a full minute or two to set before changing clothes or putting on a mask so the film can form without being disturbed.
6. Use strategic touch-ups instead of layering endlessly. If you know you will have a long, hot day, you can do one light mist after your base and powder, then a second light mist after finishing eye and cheek makeup. More than two full layers can start to feel sticky, especially with stronger sprays like All Nighter or NYX Matte.
7. Protect the eye area if you are sensitive. Many long-wear sprays contain alcohol that can sting if it gets into the eyes. Close your eyes fully and angle your head slightly down when spraying, or shield your eye area with a tissue if you are especially reactive. Pair with a tubing or waterproof mascara so your lashes match your base for staying power.
See also
To really understand how these mists work and where they fit in your routine, start with our Setting sprays 101 guide.
- Compare setting powder vs setting spray to decide how much of each you actually need for long wear.
- Build a full face that lasts with our picks for waterproof makeup that still comes off at night.
- Match your long-wear base with everyday mascaras that wash off with warm water so removal stays gentle.
Final thoughts
If you just want one reliable, long-wear setting spray that can handle most situations, start with Urban Decay All Nighter. It hits the sweet spot between serious staying power and a comfortable, natural finish.
On a tighter budget or with very oily skin, NYX Matte Finish is the best bet for strong shine control and everyday use. If your skin is dry, normal, or mature and you care as much about comfort as longevity, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless offers a flattering, alcohol-free option that still keeps your makeup together through long days.
FAQ
Are any setting sprays truly waterproof?
Very few consumer setting sprays are fully waterproof in the sense that they will survive swimming or a long shower. Most long-wear sprays are better described as water resistant, meaning they can handle sweat, humidity, light rain, and tears without melting your makeup. For true waterproof performance, theatrical sealers exist, but they are usually quite drying and not ideal for daily use.
How do I remove waterproof or long-wear setting spray at night?
Use a gentle oil cleanser, cleansing balm, or micellar water as a first step, massaging thoroughly over the areas where you applied setting spray. Follow with a regular water-based cleanser to remove any residue. Avoid harsh scrubbing or stripping cleansers, since long-wear sprays can already be a bit drying if you use them often.
Can waterproof setting sprays irritate sensitive skin?
Yes, they can if you are not careful. Many long-wear sprays rely on alcohol and film-forming polymers, which can sting on compromised skin or contribute to dryness with heavy, frequent use. If you are sensitive, patch test on a small area first and consider alcohol-free options like Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush for everyday wear, saving stronger sprays for special occasions.
Should I use waterproof setting spray every day?
You can, but it is worth listening to your skin. If you notice increased dryness, tightness, or irritation, reserve the stronger sprays for long days, events, or outdoor activities and switch to a gentler mist or no spray at all for low-key days. Always pair long-wear sprays with a solid nighttime skincare routine that includes hydration and barrier support.
Can I use a waterproof setting spray without makeup?
You can, but it is rarely necessary. These sprays are designed to lock in pigments and base products, not to treat the skin. If you want a bare-face boost, a hydrating facial mist or lightweight, non-sticky sunscreen will usually serve you better than a long-wear setting spray on its own.
Does setting spray go over or under sunscreen?
Setting spray always goes on last, after sunscreen and makeup. Apply your sunscreen first, allow it to set, then do your makeup, and finish with your setting spray. If you reapply sunscreen during the day, use a spray, powder, or cushion formula on top of your makeup, then lightly mist again if needed.
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