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What To Know When Choosing Between a Setting Spray and a Finishing Spray

The Best Makeup Finishing Spray for All Skin Types

Finding which one’s right for you, your plans, and your complexion.

Setting sprays and finishing sprays are, in a lot of ways, interchangeable. But there are key differences, too, and we’re here to walk you through exactly what to know about each. One thing to know: when it comes down to it, you can use the right setting spray like a finishing spray—you just have to know what to look for, and the way to use it.

MAKEUP WE MENTIONED



Finishing Spray and Setting Spray: An Introduction

In the simplest terms, finishing spray is meant to be used as the final layer of your makeup regimen to prevent smudging, transfers, or fading. A setting spray can be used throughout the makeup application process to help set makeup products throughout application.

The Best of Both Worlds

Don’t be fooled by the Urban Decay’s setting spray lineup—these formulas do way more than simply hold makeup in place (for up to 16 hours of wear, might we add). And though it’s true that setting sprays are traditionally used as the final step in your routine, you’d be surprised at how creative makeup artists have gotten with them throughout the years.

For starters, you might be interested to know a little trick: spraying your eyeshadow brush with a misting of setting spray can help lock your eyeshadow in place, while giving it a nice, opaque finish too.

And, if you want to really switch things up, you can actually start your routine with setting spray, not just end with it. Reach for the All Nighter Vitamin C Hydrating Setting Spray to prep your makeup look. It helps in the application process, letting makeup go on smoother. But don’t fret, it’ll help with the longevity of your makeup look used in this mode, too.

Another fun fact about setting spray: you can reapply throughout the day or night as a little refresh. We love to keep the All Nighter Hyaluronic Acid Dewy Setting Spray in our purse at all times for this exact reason. If we’re in a pinch, or feeling extra melty, a few spritzes will make sure we’re still holding it together.

One of the perks of setting spray is that it prevents creasing, and spraying it directly to your makeup brush will only enhance your makeup’s staying power. A little goes a long way, and it’ll keep things looking perfectly put together for hours on end.

And, as a reminder, setting spray can be used as a finishing spray. In the case of the All Nighter collection, you’re going to get up to 16 hours of waterproof, smudge-resistant, transfer-resistant, and sweat-resistant wear. As a last step, spray after your complete your final look.

Pro Tip: Get a super dewy glow when you pair your setting spray with Face Bond Foundation.

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