There’s nothing worse than doing your makeup perfectly, only to find that within a few hours it’s ruined. Maybe it’s gotten all cakey, or maybe it’s melted, perhaps it’s been a victim of the elements, but now, all your hard work is gone. This is where primers and setting sprays come in. Primers smooth out your skin to create the perfect canvas, while also being something that your makeup should stick to a little better. Setting sprays lock in all your makeup after you’re finished applying it.
Do You Need Both?
You may be wondering if it’s necessary to use both, and the importance here is to understand what each product does. Using both a primer and a setting spray sandwiches your makeup, so it is protected. A primer stops your makeup from coming into contact with your skin and being impacted by all the oils in your skin. By the way, this is the case for all skin types, people with dry skin are not immune from this. And a setting spray largely protects your makeup from outside elements.
Skin Type
Now, which brand to use depends largely upon your skin type, and whether you have gone for a more natural look, or a glam look. There are products that are best for dry, a combination of oily, and mature skin, as well as those with skin concerns. So which product to go with is completely individual based.
So, starting with the primers, our top 5 are:
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Skin Type: All
Finish: Radiant
Base: Water
Price: $52.00
This primer is number one for a reason. It has the incredible ability to greatly extend the wear-time of your makeup. It can outlast warm weather and can withstand splash tests.
Tatcha the Silk Canvas Protective Primer
Skin Type: All
Finish: Natural
Base: Silicone
Price: $32.50
This primer is very light on the skin and gives an airbrushed finish. Due to its very gentle formula, this primer is great for mature skin.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer
Skin Type: Combination, Oily
Finish: Matte
Base: water
Price: $36.00
This primer’s mattifying formula blurs the skin to leave a flawless finish. It is perfect for those with oily skin as it prevents your makeup from becoming oily, reducing the need to use blotting papers throughout the day.
Hourglass Mini Veil Mineral Primer – Travel Size
Skin Type: All
Finish: Natural
Base: Silicone
Price: $32.50
This primer minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. The formula is also free of acne-triggering ingredients, so it’s great for anyone with skin concerns like acne.
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer
Skin Type: Oily
Finish: Matte
Base: Silicone
Price: $57.00
This primer is lightweight and reduces shine, ensuring that your makeup stays intact all day.
Now onto the setting sprays, our top 5 are:
Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Skin Type: All
Finish: Natural
Price: $48.50
This was one of the first setting sprays released on the market, and it still sits at the top of its class. Lightweight and non-irritating, this spray keeps everything in place while also making your makeup pop.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray
Skin Type: Dry, Combination
Finish: Dewy/Radiant
Price: $35.00
Perfect for dry skin, and perfect for if you also want to use it as a primer. It leaves a dewy finish and makes your makeup last a very long time.
Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist
Skin Type: All
Finish: Radiant
Price: $27.00
This spray hydrates, primes and refreshes your skin while also setting your makeup. It’s no wonder this spray is quickly rising to the top of everyone’s lists.
Nyx Professional Makeup Setting Spray – Matte Finish
Skin Type: Oily
Finish: Matte
Price: $13.96
Mattifying and lightweight, this spray stays true to its claims and makes sure that your makeup lasts all day.
One/Size by Patrick Starrr Mini GO OFF Makeup Dissolving Mist
Skin Type: Combination, Oily
Finish: Matte
Price: $24.50
Beloved by drag queens and Beyonce alike, this setting spray ensures that no matter how glam your look, or how much makeup you put on, nothing is going anywhere.
Lily Frances | Staff Writer
