If you haven’t jumped on the setting spray bandwagon, all we have to say is, why?
Not only do setting sprays help increase the longevity of your makeup — which is a do or die in Singapore’s hot and humid weather that just about melts the sturdiest of makeup — they also help make your skin look natural and fresh.
In the spirit of being pragmatic Singaporeans, we’ve rounded up 12 multi-purpose setting sprays that do more than just extend the life of your makeup. We’ve split them up into mattifying, hydrating and protective to cater to your specific beauty needs.
MATTIFYING:
This Boscia setting spray uses binchotan white charcoal to control excess sebum while artichoke leaf extract and antioxidant-rich black tea minimise the appearance of pores. Shake well before spraying to properly disperse the charcoal within. This spray doesn’t contain denatured alcohol/ethanol that could dry the skin.
MATTIFYING:
Skindinavia is a brand specialising in a variety of sprays that’s well-loved by makeup artists and celebs. It uses its patented Temperature Control Technology that is said to regulate the skin temperature and keep your skin cool and makeup fresh over 16 hours.
OIL CONTROL:
Created by beauty blogger Huda Kattan, this matte setting spray was made to help makeup last for long hours so that you don’t have to worry about touching up while you’re busy conquering the corporate world. Some online users have remarked that it has a strong scent so do take note if you’re sensitive to fragrances.
HYDRATION:
The OG of hydrating sprays and a cult favourite, this MAC Cosmetics mist uses glycerin — a humectant — to hydrate and a combination of chamomile, cucumber and green tea to soothe and refresh. It is available in four scents — original, rose, lavender and coconut — and has mattifying and shimmer (which contains pearlescent particles) versions.
HYDRATION:
This biphase mist from Pixi contains nourishing oils such as olive, argan, avocado and jojoba, making it especially great for people with dry skin. This paraben-free mist gives a dewy, glowing finish too. Because it is a biphase product, you have to shake the product well before use.
OIL CONTROL:
Infused with flavours of peach and sweet fig cream, this fragrant Too Faced setting mist employs a comfort matte technology that’s lightweight and oil-controlling. For those looking for a dewy, hydrating setting spray, the brand has another variant called the Hangover 3-in-1 Primer & Setting Spray. The latter is made with coconut water.
HYDRATION:
Containing rosehip oil and 24k gold, this Farsali mist imparts a refreshing and radiant glow to the skin. As with any oil-containing setting sprays, you can spray the mist onto a beauty sponge before patting it lightly onto your made up face. This will help prevent you from applying excessive amounts of setting spray in case the oils break down the makeup.
HYDRATION:
This facial mist/setting spray from Fresh is packed with vitamin fruit complex that helps fend off external aggressors such as pollution and smoke. In addition, castor oil adds a glow to the skin while the citrusy (almost passionfruit-like) scent refreshes.
SUN PROTECTION:
This alcohol-free formula by Cover FX uses a fermented algae extract to defend your skin against urban pollutants such as heavy metals and free radicals, while also increasing the longevity of your makeup. The brand also has three other formulas that are specifically made to impart either a matte, dewy or radiant finish.
SUN PROTECTION:
If you didn’t know, Urban Decay’s cult favourite setting sprays are developed with Skindinavia (above). This Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is given a boost of minerals including zinc, magnesium and copper to shield your skin from pollution while keeping true to the long-lasting efficacy.
SUN PROTECTION:
Many of us don’t reapply sunscreen like we should. Supergoop has made it easier to commit to that habit by creating a setting spray that contains sunscreen. This uses chemical filters to provide broad spectrum SPF 50 protection (i.e. protects against UVA and UVB rays).
SUN PROTECTION:
This Biore spray is formulated with superfine translucent powder that helps control sebum and shine. Its non-sticky, lightweight formulation protects against both UVA and UVB rays with the use of chemical filters.