Everything You Need To Know About Makeup Setting Sprays, Primer/Prep Sprays and Face Mists
In this post, I’m going into detail about the makeup setting sprays, prep / prime sprays and face mists that I use, and how and when I use each kind.
I posted an IGTV tutorial for my current summer no-foundation makeup routine and a lot of my viewers and readers had questions about makeup setting sprays. So, here’s the full breakdown on makeup setting sprays, primer/prep sprays and face mists.
Just a quick note: my skin type is normal (oily in the T-zone sometimes) but also acne-prone and sensitive.
Table of Contents
Makeup Setting Sprays
To put it in a nutshell: think of makeup setting spray like a hairspray, but for the face. Don’t be alarmed — it’s not an intense sticky spray that will leave the face feeling crunchy or anything. Most setting sprays are very light and absorb into the skin.
Setting sprays are generally used to set make up, so it lasts for long periods of time. The ideal time to set makeup is before mascara and lipstick is applied to avoid any smudging / messiness. Another great way to use makeup setting sprays is to spray it on as a final step in hot and humid climates because it helps the makeup stay on the face and not sweat off so quickly.
There are a few different kinds of setting sprays available. For the summer months I find using an oil-control setting spray like the Urban Decay De-slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray is very effective and light for daily use. For special events or if you want make up to last for an extended period of time (we’re talking 6-8 hours or more) then the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is a very popular choice. I find it can feel a slightly heavy on the skin for every day use but works great for special occasions.
Primer / Prep Spray
Primer / prep sprays are light sprays designed for two main purposes:
- Before makeup application to prep and hydrate the skin
- During makeup application to help melt layers of powder and makeup into the skin so it looks more flawless and skin-like
It is not designed to set or extend the wear of makeup for long periods of time. In hot weather I don’t think a primer / prep spray is essential because the skin is already moist and hydrated due to overproduction of sweat and oil on the face. In fact, I find adding a primer spray into my makeup routine makes my skin get oilier much faster in hot and humid weather.
But that’s not to say they can’t be used in other helpful ways. Primer / prep spray tends to be more water-like so one hack is to use it to dampen sponges for base makeup and/or dampen brushes for intensifying shimmery eye shadows. For example, while traveling or doing makeup on-the-go keeping a small primer spray on hand is extremely helpful. Two cult favourites are the Hangover 3-In-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray (It says setting but I think most people love it for its hydrating qualities. I did try this one but the coconut water in it cause acne breakouts for me) and the MAC Prep + Prime Fix Spray.
Related:
Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
K-Beauty Skincare Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
Learning These 6 Rules About Skincare Helped Improve My Sensitive Acne-Prone Skin in Bangkok
Face Mist / Glow Water
Face mist / glow water is kind of a luxurious, indulgent “pamper me” product in skincare routines to add extra nourishment to the skin; it does not help set makeup unless it’s some kind of combo product with makeup setting and skin nourishing benefits.
I say it’s an add-on product because it’s not essential for daily skincare. Mists and glow waters tend to be used to refresh and cool skin at any time throughout the day. I like to spray a face mist as an extra “pick me up” before my serum in the mornings; on extra hot / no makeup days when my skin just needs a little TLC; or after a workout to cool down my skin.
I use the Fresh Vitamin Nectar Anti-Oxidant Glow Water face mist and quite like the way the extra fine mist feels on my skin.
Let me know if you found this post useful in the comments below.