My Makeup Kept Melting Off in This Heat, So I Tried Layering Setting Sprays
I thought I had setting spray figured out: Pick one that works for your skin type, mist it on, and call it a day. Then, during a Beauty Aisle interview, makeup artist Erica Taylor mentioned that when she really needs her makeup to look fresh and to last, she layers two setting sprays. She starts with Milani Moisture Boost Setting Spray to add hydration and set the layers of makeup together, then finishes with L’Oréal Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist to lock everything in place.
Since then, I’ve noticed Taylor isn’t the only makeup artist who doubles up on setting sprays. No, you don’t need two. If you’ve already found one setting spray that keeps your makeup looking fresh all day, stick with it. But if your makeup starts breaking down in the humidity or you want an extra benefit like hydration, glow, oil control, or even a bronzed finish, layering two formulas is a surprisingly effective trick. The first spray helps create the finish you want, while the second acts like insurance, helping that finish last longer. I tested several combinations to find the pairings that worked best.
Our favorite setting sprays
For Extra Hydration
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This was Taylor’s drugstore pick. The alcohol-free setting spray is formulated with a polyglutamic acid complex and glycerin, two humectants that help attract and hold onto moisture. It leaves my makeup looking fresh with a natural, slightly dewy finish.
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I followed with this heavy-duty fixing spray. I’ve been using it since it launched and can vouch that it really does lock makeup into place. The brand claims up to 36 hours of wear. I can’t personally attest to that, but after several hours in the heat, my makeup still looked freshly applied.
Why they work together: The Milani spray keeps skin looking hydrated, while the L’Oréal mist preserves that fresh finish so it doesn’t disappear halfway through the day.
For a Dewy Finish That Lasts
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This biphase formula combines lightweight oils with a water-based serum, so you’ll want to shake it before spraying. It can also be used before makeup, but I used it as a finishing mist. It immediately gave my skin a radiant sheen without feeling greasy or sticky.
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Because the About-Face spray contains oils, I wanted to pair it with a setting spray known for serious staying power. Urban Decay’s cult favorite uses flexible polymers to help makeup resist sweat, creasing, and transfer while still feeling weightless on the skin.
Why they work together: I got all the radiance from the About-Face spray without sacrificing longevity. My makeup still looked dewy hours later instead of shiny or melted.
For a Sun-Kissed Glow
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The aloe water in this formula gives skin a subtle boost of hydration while leaving behind a natural — not shiny — finish. It felt refreshing and lightweight on my skin.
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This waterproof setting spray now comes in two sheer bronzing shades. I used Caramel Glow, which added just enough warmth to make my complexion look like I’d spent a weekend at the beach without having to reach for bronzer.
Why they work together: The Clinique spray keeps skin from looking dry, while the One/Size mist adds believable warmth and helps it stay put.
For Oily Skin
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If your makeup tends to disappear because your skin gets shiny throughout the day, starting with a mattifying setting spray can help reduce excess oil before you seal everything in.
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This lightweight setting spray creates another layer of protection without feeling heavy or sticky.
Why they work together: The NYX spray helps control shine, while the e.l.f. mist acts like a final seal to help your makeup stay looking fresh longer.
For Outdoor Events
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Founded by a cosmetic chemist who struggled with oily skin herself, this setting spray helps melt powder products together while mattifying and extending wear.
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This SPF 30 setting spray is less about replacing your morning sunscreen than making reapplication easier. It refreshes makeup while adding broad-spectrum sun protection, making it especially handy for weddings, concerts, and other outdoor events.
Why they work together: The Haleys spray helps lock your makeup into place, while the Coola mist makes it easy to refresh both your makeup and your sun protection throughout the day.
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