Want your makeup to look natural and last all day? You must include a makeup setting spray in your skincare routine. But keep in mind to pick one that is suitable for your skin type especially if your skin is sensitive. The best setting spray for sensitive skin will prevent melting and creasing without irritating or burning your skin.
Setting sprays can also help protect your look from sweating and humidity and keep your makeup last throughout the day.
You can find many available options on the market to choose from, all you need to do is to pick a good alcohol-free setting spray that is suitable for sensitive skin.
So I brought to you a list of the best makeup setting sprays for sensitive skin, I also include what is a setting spray used for, how to use a setting spray, and how to pick the best one.
Let’s get started…
Table of Contents
What Is Setting Spray Used For?
A setting spray, known also as finishing spray or makeup spray, is an amazing cosmetic product that is made especially to make your makeup stay put all day.
It helps prevent fading, smudging, and sliding besides, using a setting spray keeps your makeup from melting in the heat and humidity.
So it’s best to invest in a good makeup setting spray if you want your makeup to last throughout the day.
Best Setting Spray For Sensitive Skin: Top 8 Picks:
1- Mented Cosmetics Better Setter Setting Spray
The Mented Cosmetics Better Setter Setting Spray locks in makeup all day long and provides a natural finish.
It helps prevent caking, fading, and creasing and creates a transfer-resistant seal.
Also, this setting spray keeps your skin looking soft and flawless.
The Mented Cosmetics Better Setter Setting Spray is formulated with skin-hydrating ingredients including vitamins E & C, coconut water, licorice extract, and rambutan peel extract.
Vitamins C & E are powerful antioxidants that can shield the skin against damage, boost collagen levels, reduce aging signs, brighten the skin, and keep it hydrated.
Coconut water can moisturize the skin, increase elastin and collagen production, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines as it has anti-aging, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Licorice extract helps brighten the skin, reduce spots, ease inflammation, relieve redness, and soften the skin.
Rambutan peel extract increases hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, stimulates collagen, and boosts cell turnover.
The Mented Cosmetics Better Setter Setting Spray is alcohol-free and fragrance-free.
And it never settles into fine lines which leads to a healthy and beautiful appearance.
Another bonus, it’s a premium beauty product that is approved by dermatologists and tested for sensitive skin.
It’s free of all harsh ingredients and its formula is vegan and not tested on animals.
To use it: shake the bottle before using and hold it 6-8 inches away from your face then mist your skin evenly 2-4 times and avoid the eye and lip area. Let it dry for 60 seconds.
Pros:
- Natural finish.
- Antioxidant-rich formula.
- Anti-aging formula.
- Contain hydrating and soothing ingredients.
- Long-lasting.
- Lightweight.
- Hold makeup all day.
- Calm and moisturize the skin.
- Smoothen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Give the skin a fresh and youthful appearance.
- Transfer-resistant.
- Smudge-free.
- Non-cakey.
- Dermatologist-tested.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Clean beauty.
- Alcohol-free.
- Oil-free.
- Phthalate-free.
- Fragrance-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Dye-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- Some reviewers mentioned that they don’t like the sprayer.
2- Honeybee Gardens 100% Natural Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray For Sensitive Skin
This product is multi-tasking as you can use it as a toner or makeup setting spray to tone your skin, lock in moisture, and keep your makeup stay put all day.
The Honeybee Gardens 100% Natural Makeup Setting Spray is enriched with elderflower, chamomile, lavender, calendula, rose water, and witch hazel.
Elderflower is packed with vitamins A, B, C, & E which help improve skin health, protect the skin against damage, increase blood flow, and keep skin firm.
Chamomile can soothe irritation and redness, reduce skin damage, smoothen the appearance of aging signs, and hydrate the skin.
Calendula increases skin hydration, eases skin discomfort, and alleviates redness and inflammation.
Rosewater nourishes the skin, shrinks pores, rebalances the skin’s pH, keeps skin clear, and calms irritation and redness as it has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
Witch hazel relieves redness, soothes irritation, and heals sunburns.
Lavender can help calm and soften the skin, relieve swelling, and soothe cuts and burns.
So this setting spray will increase the wear time of your makeup and prevent fading and smearing while soothing and moisturizing the skin.
Plus, this alcohol free fragrance free setting spray is a 100% natural product.
It’s formulated without harsh ingredients and this makes a great setting spray for sensitive skin types.
To use it as a toner: after using your facial wash, soak a cotton pad with the product and then wipe your face off to get rid of all impurities that are left behind after cleansing.
To use it as a setting spray: shake the bottle before use and hold the bottle about 10 inches from your face then mist your skin after applying makeup and let it dry.
Related: Rose Water Benefits For Skin And How To Use It
Pros:
- 100% natural setting spray.
- Non-drying formula.
- Skin-cooling formula.
- Long-wear.
- Contain elderflower, rosewater, chamomile, lavender, calendula, and witch hazel.
- Calm and refresh the skin.
- Hydrate and smoothen the skin.
- Boost skin health.
- Light natural scent.
- Make your makeup last all day.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Alcohol-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Irritant-free.
- No added scent.
- Gluten-free.
- Soy-free.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
- Certified by leaping bunny.
- Eco-friendly.
- Women-owned.
Cons:
- None.
3- COVER FX High-Performance Setting Spray
The COVER FX High-Performance Setting Spray can hold makeup in place for up to 24 hours without fading or melting.
It’s a unique alcohol-free fragrance-free setting spray for sensitive skin that will not dry out or irritate your skin.
This product is enriched with fermented algae extract which is a moisturizing and soothing ingredient.
This ingredient can relieve dry skin, calm irritation, alleviate redness, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Plus, it helps protect the skin against pollutants and free radicals.
The formula is weightless and highly recommended for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
And the product will make your makeup look natural and will not settle into fine lines.
To use it: shake the bottle before use and mist the product evenly onto the skin. Avoid the eye and lip area.
Pro Tip: Spritz your makeup brush or sponge with this setting spray before applying makeup to extend concealer and foundation wear.
Pros:
- High-performance clean product.
- Non-drying formula.
- High-end formula.
- Set makeup in place for 24 hours.
- Weightless.
- Contain fermented algae extract.
- Shield the skin against pollution.
- Hydrate and calm irritated and dry skin.
- Improve skin health.
- Alcohol-free.
- Fragrance-free.
- Mineral oil-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Talc-free.
- Dye-free.
- Sulfate-free.
- Phthalate-free.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- Some reviewers mentioned that the product’s nozzle may get clogged so all you need to do is to clean it before spraying.
4- UCANBE Makeup Setting Spray
The UCANBE Makeup Setting Spray is another great setting spray for sensitive skin that keeps your skin breathing. And it doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry after spraying.
It provides a matte finish and makes your makeup stay put all day long.
Also, it prevents cracking or smudging your makeup and guarantees no fading or melting during hot summer days.
This lightweight makeup setting spray can prevent shine and oil and improve the appearance of pores, leaving your skin fresh and smooth.
The UCANBE Makeup Setting Spray is formulated with aloe vera, pearl powder, trehalose, Chondrus Crispus, and Undaria Pinnatifida.
Aloe vera can soothe sensitive skin, calm irritation & redness, reduce inflammation, and hydrate the skin.
Pearl powder controls oil, brightens the face, and keeps makeup in place while trehalose supports the skin barrier and moisturizes the skin due to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties.
Chondrus Crispus is a powerful antioxidant that provides extra hydration, soothes the skin, prevents dryness, and protects against free radical damage.
Undaria Pinnatifida is a suitable ingredient for people with sensitive skin and mature skin due to its soothing, anti-aging, and detoxifying properties.
So this setting spray does its job well and it works over foundation, eye makeup, and powder.
And it increases the wear time of your makeup and distributes evenly on the skin.
Plus, this unique setting spray is resistant to water. And it has never been tested on animals.
It suits all skin types especially oily sensitive skin as it can control oil, prevent makeup meltdown, and minimize the look of your pores effectively.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- All-day hold.
- Matte finish.
- Hydrating and nourishing formula.
- Refreshing.
- Prevent shine.
- Absorb excess oil.
- Ideal for sensitive skin.
- Suitable for oily sensitive skin.
- Nano-atomizing nozzle.
- Ultra-fine mist.
- No melting, smudging, or fading.
- Light pleasant smell.
- Waterproof.
- Irritant-free.
- Alcohol-free.
- Oil-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- You may need to reapply it every 5-6 hours.
5- MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix Make-Up Setting Spray
This is the best alcohol-free setting spray on the market that can nourish dry skin and sensitive skin perfectly.
The MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix Make-Up Setting Spray locks in makeup for up to 12 hours and leaves your skin smooth and fresh all day.
It contains revolutionary polymers to adhere makeup to the skin and keep it comfortable.
Also, this setting spray without alcohol is formulated with an O2 skin complex with nasturtium extract, water, and humectants that can provide 23% more hydration and boost radiance.
This makes it the best setting spray for dry skin that will soften and hydrate your skin throughout the day.
Moreover, this setting spray is multi-tasking as you can use it before applying makeup to prep your skin, after wearing makeup, or during the day to refresh and cool your sensitive skin.
The MAKE-UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix Make-Up Setting Spray is super gentle on the skin and protects your skin from environmental aggressors. And it’s suitable for all skin types.
Additionally, it provides a sweat-resistant and rub-resistant barrier for a more glowing and fresh appearance.
Lastly, the formula is lightweight and non-greasy so it won’t weigh down your skin and prevent smearing and fading.
To use it to prep your skin: spray over your face 2-3 times as the first step of your makeup routine before using primer and foundation, let it dry, it will moisturize and smoothen your skin then start to apply makeup.
To use to set makeup: apply it after wearing makeup to guarantee long-wear.
Pros:
- Alcohol-free makeup setting spray.
- 3-in-1 product.
- Hydrating formula.
- Water-rich formula.
- Lightweight.
- Non-sticky.
- Can prep the skin, set makeup, or refresh dry and sensitive skin.
- Contain nourishing and moisturizing ingredients.
- Hold makeup all day.
- Gentle.
- Ideal for all skin types.
- Rub-resistant.
- Sweat-proof.
- Oil-free.
- Dye-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Soy-free.
Cons:
- Contain methylparaben.
6- Golden Rose Long Wearing Makeup Setting Spray
This is the best makeup setting spray for sensitive skin that extends makeup wear without fading, smearing, or settling into fine lines.
Its non-drying and lightweight formula can provide a natural finish and keep your makeup looking fresh all day.
This finishing spray is an excellent option for people with sensitive skin as it contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients like Biosaccharide and Ethylhexylglycerin.
They will hydrate the skin, lock in moisture, and calm redness and irritation effectively.
Plus, it distributes evenly on the skin for a smoother-looking appearance.
The Golden Rose Long Wearing Makeup Setting Spray is non-sticky and dries in seconds after spraying.
And its formula works well over makeup so it can increase the longevity of your face and eye makeup.
This alcohol-free setting spray for sensitive skin will leave your skin looking vibrant, fresh, and shine-free
Lastly, it’s formulated without harsh ingredients that are known to sting or irritate sensitive skin badly.
To use it: shake the bottle and spray the solution over your face after makeup application and let it dry then you’re ready to go.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Invisible finish.
- Easy to use.
- Long-lasting.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Hold makeup all day.
- Soothe and moisturize the skin.
- Make your skin appear radiant and flawless.
- Non-drying.
- Non-irritating.
- No fading or smudging.
- Dry in seconds.
- Alcohol-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Dye-free.
- Oil-free.
- Cruelty-free.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- It contains a light fragrance.
7- e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set
The e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set is another great makeup setting spray without alcohol that will hold your makeup in place all day in addition to nourishing and soothing the skin.
It’s the best setting spray for dry sensitive skin as it’s formulated with vitamins A, E, & C, cucumber, green tea, and aloe vera.
Vitamins are high in antioxidants that help moisturize and soften the skin, stimulate elastin and collagen production, calm irritation and redness, and protect the skin against free radical damage.
Cucumber has cooling and moisturizing effects. It can soothe puffiness and redness, reduce aging signs, and refresh the skin.
Green tea is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that relieves redness and irritation, fights premature aging, keeps skin supple, and hydrates it.
Aloe vera can alleviate redness and irritation, reduce inflammation, smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, and nourish the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
So the e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set will improve your overall look and increase the longevity of your makeup while leaving your sensitive skin fresh, calm, and moisturized.
Plus, the formula is lightweight and free of irritating ingredients. And it’s vegan and never tested on animals.
Another bonus, a light layer of mist over your makeup can revitalize makeup color.
To use it: spray the product over your face after makeup application. Let it dry and apply this setting spray while your eyes are closed.
Related: All You Need To Know About The Powerful Aloe Vera Benefits
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Long-lasting.
- Antioxidant-rich formula.
- Contain vitamins, aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea.
- Smoothen the skin.
- Lock in makeup.
- Cool and soothe the skin.
- Suit sensitive skin and dry sensitive skin.
- No fading.
- Smudge-free.
- Alcohol-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Phthalate-free.
- Triclosan-free.
- Triclocarban-free.
- Nonylphenol-free.
- Ethoxylate-free.
- Hydroquinone-free.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Contain Paraben.
8- Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray
This water-based setting spray sets makeup all day with a beautiful dewy finish and leaves your skin soft and fresh.
It blends seamlessly and holds makeup in place during summer or blizzard conditions.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray is a 3-in1 product that can be used alone, as a primer or makeup setting spray.
You can apply it to your skin before applying makeup to prep your skin or after makeup application to give your makeup lasting power.
Also, You can use this setting spray alone to give your sensitive skin a healthy-looking glow and enhance radiance. Avoid the delicate eye area.
Plus, its formula is gentle and light on the skin and it will not cause acne as this product is non-comedogenic and tested by dermatologists.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray comes in a glittery bottle but the formula is clear and doesn’t contain sparkle, glitter, or shimmer.
Lastly, this alcohol-free setting spray is enriched with a unique coconut-vanilla scent to freshen up your skin.
Pro Tip: Mist your makeup brushes with this spray before applying foundation or eyeshadow for a more glowing appearance.
To make your highlighter more intense, mist your cheek with the spray before applying the highlighter.
Related: How To Unclog Pores: 8 Safe Ways To Keep Your Skin Glow
Pros:
- Multi-purpose product.
- You can use it as a primer or setting spray.
- Can be used alone to refresh the skin.
- Water-based formula.
- Dewy finish.
- Lightweight.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Dermatologist-tested.
- Shimmer, sparkle, and glitter-free.
- Come in a glittery bottle.
- Coconut-vanilla scent.
- Ideal for all skin types.
- Alcohol-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Dye-free.
- Soy-free.
- Irritant-free.
- Common preservative-free.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- Not fragrance-free.
How To Pick The Best Setting Spray For Sensitive Skin?
To find the best setting spray for sensitive skin, you should consider the following tips to achieve your desired look:
Choose The Product According To Your Skin Type
Firstly, you should pick a setting spray without alcohol to suit your sensitive skin perfectly without causing irritation, redness, and dryness.
Secondly, choose the one that is suitable for your skin type ( oily, combination, or dry ) to maintain your skin health and keep it nourished. So;
- The best setting spray for dry sensitive skin should contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients to soften and moisturize your skin. It should provide a natural or dewy finish.
- The best setting spray for sensitive acne-prone skin and oily sensitive skin should be formulated with mattifying ingredients to prevent shine, soak excess oil, and improve the appearance of pores. Non-comedogenic and oil-free formula is also recommended. And it should provide a matte finish.
- The best setting spray for combination sensitive skin is formulated with nourishing and oil-control ingredients to smoothen the skin, rebalance the pH level, and regulate oil production.
- The best setting spray for mature sensitive skin is the one that is enriched with hydrating, anti-aging, and antioxidant ingredients to maintain a youthful healthy complexion. And it should provide a matte finish.
Weather Conditions
Choosing the best setting spray depends on the weather conditions:
- If it’s summer, opt for a setting spray that prevents melting and smearing. And it should be also resistant to sweat to set makeup in place all day while spending time outdoors.
- If it’s winter, look for a setting spray that contains hydrating and nourishing ingredients to shield your skin against harsh and dry air. This formula will help hold your makeup throughout the day.
Check The Finish
You can easily find a setting spray that delivers the finish that you prefer.
Choose a setting spray that can provide a matte finish if you want to mattify your look.
Or pick one that provides a dewy finish if you’re looking for a radiant and glowing appearance.
You can also find a setting spray with a natural finish to keep your makeup looking fresh and normal.
Pro Tip:
If you want to enhance radiance, mist your makeup brushes or sponge with the setting spray that you prefer to even skin tone, create a more intense color payoff, and make your makeup last all day long.
How To Use Setting Spray For Sensitive Skin?
For the best results, follow the next steps:
- After applying makeup, shake the bottle before using it to mix the ingredients well together.
- Hold the setting spray bottle 6-8 inches away from your face and spray the product over your face and neck to create an even tone and prevent a cakey or powdery texture.
- After it dries, don’t touch or rub your face as this will make your makeup messy or smeary.
- You can re-apply the setting spray again during the day if you need to. This step usually depends on the product you have chosen.
Do You Use Setting Spray Before Or After Foundation?
A setting spray is the last step of a complete makeup routine as it locks in your look. After applying it to your face, you won’t have to reapply any other makeup product during the day.
Another bonus, spritzing on setting spray after makeup application makes the spray never touch your actual skin which is a great deal for sensitive skin types.
But recently, it has become quite trendy to apply setting spray before foundation as some beauty influencers use this technique.
They apply it to prime their face and then follow with the foundation while other influencers use it to refresh their face before using primer and foundation.
They apply the foundation while the spray is still damp, this helps the product to be pressed into the skin gently to guarantee a long-lasting appearance.
So you may try those two methods and find out what you like the most!
Do Setting Sprays Work?
Yes. Makeup setting sprays work. They increase the lifespan of your makeup look and make your skin look smooth and crease-free.
Also, setting sprays aid in making your makeup look more natural and fresh.
What Is The Best Setting Spray For Sensitive Skin?
You can check the list I included above and pick what suits your skin needs the most but some reviewers highly recommend:
1- The Honeybee Gardens as it is the best natural and soothing setting spray for sensitive skin.
2- The COVER FX is a high-performance and high-end setting spray that locks in makeup for 24 hours.
3- The Mented Cosmetics Better Setter Setting Spray is a hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and clean beauty product.
What Is The Difference Between Setting Spray And Primer?
Primer is the first step of any good makeup routine that makes your makeup last longer, covers skin imperfections, and creates a smooth finish.
Makeup setting spray is used after applying makeup to keep makeup in place and enhance your look.
So they pretty much do the same job but they applied differently to help you create your desired flawless look.
Related: The 11 Best Primer For Sensitive Skin & Buying Guide
Does Glycerin Work As Setting Spray?
Yes. Glycerin is a great ingredient that can be used as a setting spray to moisturize and nourish the skin.
It’s the most popular ingredient used in homemade setting spray recipes to set your makeup in addition to softening and hydrating your sensitive skin.
How Do You Make Homemade Setting Spray?
There are many recipes that you can try to make your own nourishing setting spray at home easily, including:
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel.
- 2 tablespoon rosewater.
- 2 tablespoon glycerin.
- 4 drops of vitamin E oil.
- 1 1/2 cups of distilled water.
Combine the ingredients well together in a spray bottle and store the bottle in the fridge. It can last for up to 3 weeks. For more hydrating DIY setting recipes, Check this article.
Can You Use Hairspray As Setting Spray For Makeup?
No. You can not use hairspray instead of makeup setting spray.
But some women do use their hairspray to make makeup stay put. it’s not recommended as hairspray is formulated with chemicals that will irritate your skin for sure.
So it’s best to find a good setting spray that is designed to suit your skin type to maintain its health. However, there are some products on the market state that their product can be used as a hairspray and makeup setting spray too!
I recommend checking the ingredient list carefully and making sure it’s a natural product before buying.
Wrapping Up
The best setting spray for sensitive skin will hold makeup throughout the day and prevent melting and fading while leaving skin hydrated, fresh, and soft.
It will not irritate, dry out, or sting your sensitive skin. So check the list I curated for your above and let me know which one will you try?
And if you’ve already tried one of them, tell us your experience…
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