Setting Sprays

The goal of setting sprays and powders is to lock your makeup in place and help it look more blended and natural. Many setting sprays for makeup contain polymers to help set your makeup. The polymers create a film or shield that secures your makeup and protects it from sweat, smearing and other things that would affect the look.

They also typically contain water or another source of moisture for hydration. The moisture helps to soften the look of your powder and other makeup for a blended look. It also prevents your makeup from cracking or flaking to give you a smoother, more natural look that lasts.

A general guideline is to use between three and five sprays of setting spray. You want to cover all of your face makeup without spraying too much on your face — excess setting spray can cause your makeup to run. An easy way to cover all parts of your face, from your eye makeup to your lips, is to spray it in an X pattern followed by a T pattern.

Each brand of setting spray can be slightly different. Test new setting sprays a few times to see how many sprays you need to set the makeup without making it run. 

Setting spray, like most makeup, typically has an expiration date. You can expect it to last around 12 months although different brands might vary. If you have old setting spray in your makeup bag, check for an expiration date on the bottle. Setting sprays often become less effective after their expiration

Setting spray is the final step in the process. Here is how to use it:

• Apply all of your makeup as desired, from your foundation to your eye makeup. 

• Shake the bottle of setting spray to combine the ingredients and avoid splotches.

• Hold the bottle about 6 to 8 inches away from your face.

• Spritz the setting spray over your face.

• Let the setting spray dry naturally. Once it's dry, your makeup is set and protected.