Ready, Set, Go! Our Top Hair and Face Setting Spray Tips

What is a face setting spray?

Evenings out on the town, dinner parties, and long days at the office all require one thing: a makeup look that lasts. Unfortunately, as the hours go by, your perfectly applied makeup risks sliding off, fading away, and smudging. The secret to making it last? Face setting spray, also called makeup setting spray. You've probably seen them in beauty aisles and at the end of your favourite TikTokers' makeup tutorials, but what's the deal? 

Face setting spray is an invisible mist designed to be used after you’ve applied all your beauty products to lock in your makeup look. Not only does it they help keep your makeup firmly in place but some formulas contain skincare ingredients, like hyaluronic acid for dry skin or oil-free ingredients for oily skin which results in your skin and makeup looking even better.

How to choose the correct formula

Depending on the look you want, there are different sprays to choose from. While all are intended to lock in makeup, some may give a sheen or more matte appearance to the skin, depending on the finish. Some can help absorb excess oils throughout the day.

Consider your skin type too: Dry skin types should opt for an extra hydrating setting spray, those with oily skin should look for a matte setting spray that’ll curb excess oil, and those with sensitive skin types should go for a gentle option, which refreshes your complexion without irritating it.

How should you use face setting spray

Makeup artists recommend spraying the mist over your skin post-makeup application. Alternatively, if you’re looking to secure your makeup for a big night out or a long day, you can apply the spray between each step of your makeup for an extra-strong hold. 

Using a face setting spray is easy: Simply close your eyes and spray two pumps (too much can make your makeup run) of the product onto the finished makeup look and leave to dry.

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•    Wet n Wild Photo Focus Setting Spray
•    Revolution Fixing Spray
•    The Body Shop All Day Long Set Spray
•    Smudge Glow Fixing Spray
•    Sorbet Make Up Fix Matte Setting Spray
•    Catrice Ultra Last2 Fixing Spray
•    BX Cosmetics Finishing Setting Spray

With your face sorted, taming flyaway hair and creating gorgeous, tousled beach waves is next on our list for setting sprays tasks. Whatever your hair goals are, there’s a hairspray to help you have a good hair day every day. But if crunchy, stiff formulas of decades past come to mind, think again. In fact, today’s hair sprays - formulated using polymers that work to provide structural support - not only give you a flexible hold but also help fight humidity, amp up your volume, and add a natural-looking shine to your hair.

What to look for in hair setting spray

Hair types, textures and hold levels all need to be considered when purchasing a hair spray. For fine hair that doesn't hold a style, you'll need something that offers a long-lasting hold. For hair that has less texture and does not need to stay in place for a long time, select a flexible- or medium-hold spray. And for those with tight curls or a coiled texture that needs to stay in place without moving for 12 or 16 hours, opt for a strong-hold hairspray.

How to apply hair spray

While there are many schools of thought about the way hair spray should be applied, many hair stylists recommend applying hairspray to flipped hair if you want to increase volume and add some texture. To help with flyaways, spray the product in your hands, and lightly passing them over the areas where the frizz sticks up. For other styles spray directly onto hair in a continuous motion but remember to spritz from a distance (at least 30cm away for your hair), and very lightly, as a heavy-handed application can lead to build-up on your scalp and locks.

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•    Kristin Ess Hair Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray
•    Tonic Institute Tonic Boost Shine Mist Spray
•    Sorbet Drybar Heavy Duty Strong Hold & Volumizing Hair Spray
•    Elnett Satin Hairspray Normal Strength 
•    Kristin Ess Hair Refine Signature Finishing Hair Spray
•    Sorbet Drybar Drop Head Gorgeous Hair Spray