How To Use Setting Spray

Uh-oh! It’s the middle of the day and your makeup is already starting to fade! If you find yourself running to the bathroom every couple of hours for touch-ups, it’s time you learned about the best-kept secret for keeping your makeup perfectly in place. This guide will help you learn everything you need to know about how to use a setting spray for makeup.

What is Setting Spray?

Once you’ve cultivated your look, setting spray can be applied to hold it in place and protect it from smearing and smudging. Also known as fixing spray, setting spray can be found in mist or spray form, and will keep your makeup looking on point all day long, just like your trusty daily makeup essentials kit. So many makeup “experts” will tell you that all you need is primer—although primer can help hold makeup in place, it won’t be nearly as effective as setting spray. Typically, you can find setting products in a mist, spray, or setting powder for all skin colors. When you learn how to use setting spray, those trips to the ladies room for touch-ups will become less and less frequent.

Choosing the Right Setting Spray

Everyone has different complexions and skin tones. Just like makeup, you have to find the right kind of setting spray for your skin type.

• Dry Skin

If you have dry skin type, you’ll want to stay away from setting sprays that contain alcohol, as this ingredient will only further dry out and irritate your skin. Fortunately, there are setting sprays with moisturizing properties designed to help your skin heal while it holds makeup in place.

• Oily Skin

If you have naturally oily skin or combination skin, choose an oil-free spray that won’t clog your pores. Learning how to use fixing spray can do wonders for the health and look of your skin.

Preparing for the Elements

Just like with makeup, you should always consider climate when choosing your setting spray. A more humid, summer climate can be difficult to take on. Moisture in the air is one of the number one reasons makeup can start to run as the day progresses. A major problem all women run into in a sunny environment is not being able to apply sunscreen over their makeup. Fortunately, there are amazing sun resistant setting sprays for those walks through the park on bright beautiful days. Reapply SPF setting spray to prevent sun damage and avoid oily sunscreen that can sabotage your look. Are you facing an arctic tundra? Hydrating-setting sprays can save your skin from the damaging, drying effects of cold winds. Learning how to use setting sprays can assist you in facing any weather Mother Nature might throw your way.

How to Use Setting Spray

What kind of finished look do you want? Are you the glossy kind of gal? Or do you prefer the matte shine-free look? No matter your preference, there’s a setting spray for you.

Setting spray is the finishing touch to your already completed look. Once you have applied your foundation, mascara, and other beauty products, it's time to lock that makeup in.

First things first, shake the bottle. It’s important to give your setting spray a good shake as it contains a variety of ingredients that need to be a homogeneous mixture before application.

Once you are ready to apply, hold the spray a good 6 to 8 inches from your face and apply using an X and T-shaped motion.

You want to cover your whole face, so don’t hesitate to use the product a few times. Just be sure to avoid getting the spray in your eyes and you’re on your way to learning how to use a setting spray for makeup.

Alternative Uses for Setting Spray

• Foundation sponge: Did you know that setting spray can be used to moisten your foundation sponge, even if you use sensitive skin foundation? Before applying your foundation, it’s suggested that you dampen it with water—using setting spray instead will better lock in your foundation. The moisture from the setting spray will help with the blending and smoothing of the foundation evenly across your face.
• Sunscreen: Some setting sprays offer SPF 50 and work as a fantastic sunblock* in a pinch. Protecting your skin from the sun can be such a pain when you’re wearing makeup. Setting sprays, and even finishing powders with SPF, can be great solutions and sources of sun protection.
• Foundation sponge: Did you know that setting spray can be used to moisten your foundation sponge? Before applying your foundation, it’s suggested that you dampen it with water—using setting spray instead will better lock in your foundation. The moisture from the setting spray will help with the blending and smoothing of the foundation evenly across your face.
• Eyeliner and lipstick: Setting spray can protect your eyeliner, but be careful when applying so you don’t get it in your eyes. Try lightly dabbing the setting spray onto your eyelids using a Q-tip or your finger. Having trouble keeping your lipstick from smudging? Setting spray can help lock that beautiful shade of red into those luscious lips.
• Eyebrow brush: Eyeshadow, especially the powdered varieties, tends to be a little light and lacks sticking power. Priming your eyeshadow brush can be a creative way to get your eyeshadow to stick, but make sure to use brush cleaning wipes regularly after use. This simple trick is a great way to save you money on eyeshadow as you start needing to use less and less. Take your brush and dip it into your eyeshadow, before you apply, spray or mist your brush with a little setting spray. This will make your shadow look more expressive and bold. Your shadow might feel a little moist upon the initial application, but once it dries, your eyeshadow will have you looking like a femme fatal.

After Application

Now that you’ve applied your setting spray, give the product some time to dry. Don’t attempt to heat-dry with a blow dryer—even if you're in a hurry. Let the setting spray air-dry naturally so you don’t irritate your skin. Also be sure that you don’t blend the spray anywhere on your face, or you could end up ruining your makeup.

Why You Should Choose Colorescience

Setting sprays can be one of your most useful tools when it comes keeping your makeup perfectly in place all day long. Be sure to browse our catalog for a setting mist that will keep your skin looking beautiful and healthy.

*Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.