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You’ve got hairspray for hair and a topcoat for your nails -- you need something to seal off your makeup and make it last, too. That’s where makeup setting spray comes in. This fine mist requires just a few sprays after wrapping up your makeup application to extend the life of your eye shadow and keep your foundation fresh. Learn how to apply it then put away that powder compact -- no touch-ups needed!
Significance
Makeup setting sprays can range from a fine mist of mineral water to a mixture of essential oils, such as sweet orange and bergamot, to stronger stuff, such as dimethicone and polymers that can work to extend the life of your makeup. Think of setting sprays like taking a picture -- applying a setting spray can help to capture your makeup moment in time, making it last longer.
Timing
If you’re a full-face makeup kind of girl -- foundation, powder, eyeshadow, blush and bronzer -- you don’t have to apply a spray of the setting spray with each application. Instead, save the best for last. A makeup setting spray should be the very last thing you apply or spray on your face before you call it quits on your daily makeup application.
Application
Makeup setting sprays will spray in either a fine, aerosol-like mist or like a pump that you spritz. Either way, you’ll apply it much like you do your hairspray, only this time the focus is on your face. Make sure your hair is out of your face, then close your eyes and apply a few light mists over your face, ensuring the mist hits your forehead, eyes, nose and chin. You don’t have to rub the mist in, just wait a few moments to allow it to set. A word to the wise -- if your hairspray can looks a lot like your makeup setting spray, you may want to put a big sticker on it to avoid a sticky mix-up.
Making It Last
Makeup setting spray can make your eye makeup last into the next day, which can help to cut down on your makeup application in a pinch. Always take your foundation makeup off -- otherwise you could have a big breakout situation on your hands. Thanks to your setting spray, however, you should be able to run a cotton swab dipped in eye makeup remover under your eyelid to get rid of excess eyeliner and/or mascara that may have migrated its way down.
