Is your makeup melting off your face throughout the day? fret not, because all you really need is a great setting spray! Setting sprays help set your makeup for a long-lasting finish. Whether you’re wearing light for brunch with your gals or full glam for a party; having setting sprays will ensure your makeup stays flawless! So, Beauty Insider has gathered a list of some of the best.

How To Use Setting Sprays

There are multiple ways to use setting sprays, the techniques are endless because essentially if it hits your makeup, it’ll set it. However, of course, Beauty Insider has a few tricks up their sleeves with how professional makeup artists’ use setting sprays for red carpets, photoshoots and the runway!

The first technique is super simple and is recommended if you’re going light and that is to apply your makeup as usual. You are then going to take your makeup sponge and use your setting spray on it then dab it in a rolling motion against your face. This technique works great against masks!

The second technique is to first moisturise your skin followed by a thin layer of translucent powder. You’re going to follow that with a layer of setting spray and wait for it to dry before spreading the primer on top along with the rest of your makeup. Finally, end it with another spritz of setting spray to really lock it in and it’s not going anywhere!

However, if you want to know the true MUA method that is used on celebrities; it’s layering the setting spray. The first layer is after priming your skin and once that’s dried you want to go in with your foundation and cream products. This is where you spray your second layer and follow it with your powder products before spraying the final layer to keep everything in place.

Are Setting Sprays Bad For The Skin?

The sad truth about setting sprays is that if it doesn’t contain alcohol (which seems very daunting) then it’s not going to set your makeup. Despite that, many brands are very aware of this and they have implemented many skin-friendly ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It’ll honestly start giving your skin more benefits so always be attentive to the ingredients.

Best Setting Sprays in Malaysia

1. Fenty Beauty What it Dew? Makeup Refreshing Spray

Most products from Fenty Beauty are amazing and the What it Dew Makeup Refreshing Spray is included in that statement. This formula is great for Malaysian weather that is hot and humid as it gives an instant cooling effect that’ll make you feel refreshed. To add, this setting spray is formulated with a complex of herbal extracts so it’s friendly to the skin too!

Why we love it:

  • Smooth velvet finish
  • Has a fine mist that spreads evenly

Price: RM93.00

Where to buy it: Sephora

2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist

A line that has been making waves on the internet these days is the Glow Recipe Watermelon range and their Glow Ultra-Fine Mist is literally the bomb. Even though it’s named a mist, it’s a setting spray that just screams “I’m ready for hot girl summer!”

It’s loved for how effective it is at locking in your makeup through its unique formula of watermelon, hibiscus, apple cider vinegar and rice germ oil that is skincare-friendly. It will help your makeup stay on all day and all night with minimal touch-up.

Why we love it:

  • Contains skin-loving ingredients
  • Multifunctional

Price: RM130.00

Where to buy it: Sephora

3. M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix

Setting sprays that can always be found in makeup artists’ kits will always be the MAC Prep + Prime Fix. This is vouched by so many professionals in the industry and it’s completely understandable why! These setting sprays will give you the most benefit if you are doing the layering technique. It preps the skin, sets it and refreshes when used throughout the day.

Additionally, this also works great as a mixer for powdered products when you want to add a little zing to your look.

Why we love it:

  • Loved by professionals
  • Lightweight and misty application

Price: RM105.00

Where to buy it: M.A.C Cosmetics

4. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

A cult favourite when it comes to setting sprays needs to be the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray! Recently, this hidden holy grail went viral on social media especially TikTok where many were amazed at how powerful and effective it is. When they say your makeup won’t budge, Charlotte Tilbury does not play games!

True to its name, it creates a lovely airbrush finish to appear absolutely flawless. Even face masks don’t stand a chance when you use these setting sprays.

Why we love it:

  • Skincare-loving ingredients
  • Super long-lasting

Price: RM171.00

Where to buy it: Shopee

5. Ben Nye Final Seal Setting Spray

If you ever wonder what product characters for movies and shows that use heavy special effects or are under harsh studio light it’s none other than Ben Nye Final Seal Setting Spray. These setting sprays are sworn holy grails by Disney princesses that use a lot of makeup and are always out and about at Disney World.

Furthermore, this is recommended for heavier makeup looks such as weddings, events and the red carpet (that is why celebs always look so flawless)! Whether it’s a makeup artist, SFX specialist or performer, this will always be found in their kits. These setting sprays come in multiple sizes, perfect for everybody.

Why we love it:

  • Matte finish
  • Long-lasting powers

Price: RM203.00

Where to buy it: Ubuy

6. NYX Dewy-Finish Setting Spray

If we’re talking about personal favourites then I’m biased for the NYX Dewy-Finish Setting Spray. I’ve been using this for years and it works like a charm. If you have dry skin like me, matte finishes just don’t look great on us compared to most people which is why cream products are favoured. However, cream products are usually the first to melt and by the end of the day- our makeup would be a soup!

Additionally, that is why these setting sprays are a godsend for people with dry skin because you’re able to wear products right for your skin without worrying that it will melt and crease!

Why we love it:

  • Subtle glowy dewy finish
  • Lost-lasting powers

Price: RM39.90

Where to buy it: Shopee

7. Silkygirl Makeup Setting Spray

If you are looking for an affordable and incredible setting spray, try the Silkygirl Makeup Setting Spray! As one of the best drugstore setting sprays, it keeps your foundation looking flawless all day! Lightweight and refreshing, its formula contains natural ingredients that leave your skin moisturised and fresh. A few spritz is enough to lock your makeup in place! Leaving your skin with a natural, flawless finish.

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight
  • Moisturising
  • Refreshing 

Price: RM21.50

Where to buy: Watsons

8. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Setting Spray

One of the best drugstore setting spray you can find is the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Setting Spray. Available at any Watsons or Guardian store, this setting spray is perfect for oily skin. It helps your makeup achieve a matte effect that lasts up to 16 hours! Now you don’t have to worry about looking greasy at lunch time! Not only does it reduce shine, but it also doesn’t clog your pores thanks to witch hazel. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for oily and combination skin
  • Calming and non-acnegenic
  • Long-lasting and shine-free

Price: RM32.18

Where to buy: Watsons

9. Rimmel Lasting Finish Fix & Go Setting Spray

The Rimmel Lasting Finish Fix & Go Setting Spray is one of the best setting sprays for oily skin. Versatile as well, you can use this setting spray as a primer before applying makeup. Thus, providing you a handy 2-in-1 spray! Besides that, it also moisturises and smooths your skin for a flawless look. Thanks to its quick-drying formula, your makeup will stay on for upto 8 hours! All without feeling tight and sticky at all. 

Why we love it:

  • Long-lasting
  • No shine
  • Quick-drying

Price: RM29.00

Where to buy: Watsons

10. PIXY White Aqua-Beauty Protecting Makeup Setting Spray

Say goodbye to dry and cakey makeup when you set with the PIXY White Aqua-Beauty Protecting Makeup Setting Spray! Not only does it combat free radicals, but it also ensures your makeup stays on all day. Moreover, it is extremely hydrating as it helps moisturise your skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Long-lasting makeup up to 10 hours
  • Free from parabens
  • Hydrating

Price: RM15.21

Where to buy: Shopee

11. Y.O.U Noutriwear Makeup Setting Spray

Another great setting spray to add to your makeup collection is the Y.O.U Noutriwear Makeup Setting Spray. This ultra-fine mist is nourishing and contains film-forming ingredient Immortelle C-lock essence and Filmexel® Sodium Hyaluronate. These two help effectively lock in your makeup for up to 12 hours while leaving your skin feeling breathable.

Why we love it:

  • Quick-drying
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Contains antioxidants 

Price: RM16.90

Where to buy: Watsons

12. ONE/SIZE On Til Dawn Setting Spray

One of the best and most popular setting sprays every makeup enthusiast loves is the ONE/SIZE On Til Dawn Setting Spray! Suitable for all skin types, this setting spray offers a matte finish that lasts up to 16 hours. Moreover, a spritz of this ensures your makeup is transfer-proof and waterproof as well! Forget about touch-ups because you won’t be needing any with this setting spray. Aside from that, it also features texture-solving ingredients to help tighten pores and absorb oil. Leaving you with a flawless blurred matte finish!

Why we love it:

  • Long-lasting hold
  • Transfer-proof
  • Absorbs oil

Price: RM155

Where to buy: Sephora