A how-to-use edit on creating lasting, smudge-proof looks with setting spray.
Around here, at UDHQ, we like to think of setting spray as a winter coat. It’s the last layer in your routine, and the one thing you need to protect your final look. And as far as winter coats go, you’ve usually got options, right? Parka, your classic wool pea coat, a puffy jacket—or something in between. When it comes to setting sprays, aka the last layer of your beauty prep, you’ve got options too. But first, a better place to start may just be learning a little bit about setting sprays—and how to get the most out of them.
Seal The Deal
Setting sprays can be used for a variety of reasons, but the main reason we’re always reaching for this holy grail product is for longwear support and protection. For a look that lasts, it’s got to have a setting spray as a final touch. It’s like insurance for your full face of makeup, or like a little act of commitment to your final look.
It could be a long day at the office or a long night out, and setting spray will say “I’m here to stay!” It’s the multi-functional product that supports prolonged makeup wear, and, in the Urban Decay universe, it means you get up to 16 hours of uninterrupted face time. Up ahead: our favorite ways to utilize setting spray, starting with how to pick your look.
Pick Your Look
First things first. Committing to your look is key—you’ll be spending a lot of time together. (Up to 16 hours, if you remember from above.) The good news, you’ve got plenty of options.
All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray
This best-selling, longwear, waterproof setting spray will keep your look locked in place with no touch-ups required. It’s so good, it won an award.
All Nighter Hyaluronic Acid Dewy Setting Spray
A hydrating water-, sweat-, and smudge-proof setting spray for a plump, bouncy, glowing complexion.
All Nighter Vitamin C Hydrating Setting Spray
Quick refresher: this skin-quenching setting spray is enriched with Vitamin C and Cactus Flower Water—a lightweight but long-lasting spritz of staying power with a side of glow.
All-Nighter Extra Glow Dewy Setting Spray
For a glowy look that lasts, reach for this setting spray. Formulated with hydrating Agave, it will enhance luminosity and give you a fresh-faced glow.
All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray
The answer for a lightweight, longwear complexion is here. This matte setting spray absorbs excess oil on the skin’s surface for an ultra-matte finish with, you guessed it, up to 16 hours of wear.
De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray
Waterproof and mattifying? Sign us up for this oil-free, microfine mist that keeps your complexion smudge-proof.
Protect Your Assets
We can’t speak to how quickly you’re able to apply your makeup, but when you work hard on a look, you want to know it stays put. Enter: setting spray, the best way you protect your look for up to 16 hours. With that kind of protection, you can go on with your day—maybe even your big day. Setting sprays are the perfect way to secure your wedding makeup look, too.
How To Get The Most Out of It
The most common way to use your setting spray is to apply it evenly over skin after you put your makeup on. If you go this route, make sure you’ve hydrated your skin well before makeup application—it’ll hold everything from your makeup products to your setting spray better. But it’s not the only way to apply your setting spray, and there’s more ways than one to get more from your setting spray.
One makeup artist secret for making the most out of your setting sprays is applying both after and before your makeup. If you choose, you can use setting spray as the first step after you complete your skincare routine, which supports added longevity.
Want another insider tip? Spray some setting spray onto your blender, then apply directly to your face while putting your foundation on.
Whatever your technique, there’s no wrong way to get your setting spray on. And with up to 16 hours of longwear, you can thank us later.
