By Maybelline New York • September 22, 2026

What Is Setting Spray?

Looking to lock in a light touch-up, or keep a full face of glam in place? It sounds like you need a setting spray.

Possibly the most overlooked product in any makeup bag, setting spray can be one of the most useful tools at your disposal if you want to make a look last, or refresh it! But if you’re new to setting spray, understanding what it is and why it’s necessary might not be immediately obvious.

In this article, we’ll dive into the question of what is setting spray, looking at its benefits and the key differences between setting sprays, powders and other similar products.

What is setting spray: Key takeaways

Setting spray, also known as fixing spray, is a lightweight mist applied over finished makeup to lock it in place and protect it from smudging, staining, and water damage.
Finishes vary widely, from dewy and glossy to matte and oil-absorbing, so there's a setting spray suited to every look.
Setting spray and setting powder serve different purposes: spray forms a protective topcoat, while powder is applied between liquid and powder products to absorb oil and mattify.
Primer and setting spray sit at opposite ends of a makeup routine: primer preps the skin beforehand, while setting spray locks everything in afterwards.
Maybelline offers a setting spray for every finish, from the 16-hour matte hold of Facestudio Lasting Fix to the 24-hour dewy grip of the niacinamide-powered Grippy Setting Mist.

A before and after shot showcasing a woman’s face before and after using Maybelline’s Grippy Setting Mist.

What is a fixing spray?

Setting sprays, also called fixing sprays, are light topcoats that are applied over finished makeup to keep the look in place. By adding a protective film over your makeup, you give it added protection against daily wear and tear, reducing smudges and stains, as well as water damage.

Despite coming in mist form, setting sprays can have a variety of finishes ranging from full-on dewy, glossy looks that help blend powdered makeup in more seamlessly, to matte, oil-absorbing finishes that keep shine in check.

Setting spray vs powder

If you’re looking for a way to prolong your makeup's lifespan, then the biggest choice you’ll have is to pick a setting spray or setting powders. Both setting powder and sprays have their uses, but suit slightly different situations; here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:

Setting spray: Fixing sprays are lightweight mists that are used to form a protective layer on top of finished makeup. They can have a variety of finishes ranging from matte to dewy, and can offer hydration and glow to your look.
Setting powder: Fixing powders are fine powders used to help absorb excess oil and reduce your face’s shine. They’re applied after liquid makeup, but before powder products and tend to only offer a matte finish.

Setting spray vs primer

Now you know whether to pick a setting spray or setting powder, let’s take a quick look at the difference between two other types of spray: primer and fixing spray.

While they might appear similar, setting sprays and primers have very different roles in a makeup routine. Primer is a heavyweight spray used to prepare the skin for makeup application by coating it in a polished barrier. It is always applied before makeup, as opposed to setting spray, which is always applied after.

Setting spray vs primer vs powder at a glance

	Setting Spray	Setting Powder	Primer
When to Use	After all makeup	After liquid makeup, before powder.	Before makeup
Texture	Lightweight & hydrating mist	Fine powder	Thicker liquid formula
Finish	Varies, can be glossy, dewy, or matte	Matte only	Smooths skin and fills fine lines
Best For	Protecting makeup, blends layers, adds a chosen finish	Soaking up excess oil and mattifying oily skin	Preparing the skin for seamless makeup application

A product shot of Maybelline’s Facestudio® Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray.

How Maybelline setting sprays can make your life simpler

If you find yourself wondering what is a good setting spray for makeup, then Maybelline is here to help.

Our Facestudio Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray helps to lock in your makeup look with a matte finish for up to 16 hours. A lightweight, easy-to-apply spray, it helps to control any excess shine from naturally oily skin or dewy makeup, leaving a natural-looking finish.

If you prefer a dewy finish, then go for Maybelline’s Grippy Setting Mist. A setting mist powered by 2% niacinamide, it provides up to 24 hours of comfortable makeup grip, leaving a dewy, plumped, and hydrated finish.

A promotional shot for Maybelline’s Grippy Setting Mist.

Keep your makeup in place with Maybelline setting sprays

If you’re looking to make a good look last, then you need a setting spray you can trust. Maybelline’s fixing sprays come in a variety of finishes to suit all skin types, and help your makeup to last through even the toughest days.

Discover Maybelline’s Setting Sprays

Can I use setting spray on lips?

Setting spray isn't typically designed for lip products and can leave lipstick feeling dry or slightly altered in texture. If you're looking to make your lip colour last, try a long-lasting lipstick instead like our SuperStay Vinyl Ink range!

Is setting spray safe?

Setting sprays are safe for most skin types when used as directed, though it's always worth checking the ingredient list if you have sensitivities. As with any new product, it's a good idea to patch-test before applying it directly to your face.

Is setting spray necessary?

Setting spray isn't essential, but it's a highly effective way to extend the life of your makeup and protect it against daily wear and tear. Whether it's necessary really depends on how long you need your look to last and the finish you're hoping to achieve.

Is setting spray better than setting powder?

Neither is better: setting powder controls shine and oil, while setting spray locks makeup in place and creates a more natural finish.

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