Q&A for How to Use Makeup Setting Spray

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What does makeup setting spray do?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

It forms a protective barrier over your makeup, locking it in place. It should hold for at least 8 hours.

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Is Mac fix plus a good setting spray?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

I haven't used it personally, but I know professional makeup artists who swear by it, so I'd say yes.

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Question

What are the ingredients in makeup setting spray?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

The main ingredients are usually a polymer (a binder) and alcohol, which helps it set.

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Question

Do you put makeup setting spray on before or after?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Makeup setting spray should generally be applied after your makeup application is complete. You can also spray it on before applying for maximum hold on small areas like the eyebrows.

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Are Kiss beauty products ok?

Community Answer

Yes, Kiss Beauty Products are amazing! I'm wearing a pair of their fake nails as I type this. They are an affordable and good brand.

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Question

Can I add water to setting spray when it's running out?

Community Answer

No. This will dilute the spray and defeat the purpose of setting the makeup. Additionally, water will cause smudging and will probably ruin your makeup. Just get a new one or use a setting powder.

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Question

Can I spray on slant brush for contouring?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Setting spray is used after all your makeup is done or on a brush to intensify metallic, shimmer, or glitter shades. I don't see why you'd need setting spray on a brush for contour.

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What brand is best for older women with dry skin?

WikiSmarts

Community Answer

Any brand is suitable, as long as you use moisturizer day and night and wear an age-free BB, CC, or DD cream under your foundation. For dry skin, I recommend liquid or powder foundation.

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Question

Do I need to use setting powder and setting spray?

Community Answer

No, you don't have to use both at the same time. You can use either or, since they'll have relatively similar effects.

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Question

Can a man use setting spray?

Community Answer

Of course! There's nothing wrong with a man wearing makeup, and nothing wrong with a man using setting spray to keep his makeup in place.

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Question

Is it okay to use natural rosewater setting spray?

Community Answer

Yes, this is perfectly fine.

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Question

Before or after powder?

Jeffery McCleer

Community Answer

Before. Don't rub it in, just squirt the bottle a few times onto your face after completing your desired makeup effect.

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Question

Can I spray it after I have done my mascara?

Community Answer

Yes, but only do a few sprits and make sure you're holding the spray at least 30 cm away from your face.

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Question

I used the Kiss beauty makeup mix spray and it gave me an oily look, why?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Check the bottle. If it say "dewy", then that's why. Look for a matte setting spray if your skin is oily. It may just be that setting spray that makes you look oily, so try different brands.

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Question

Can I spray immediately after applying makeup, or do I have to wait a few minutes first?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

You can apply immediately after applying your makeup. Just make sure you apply your mascara after setting spray unless it's waterproof, or it'll run down your face.

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Question

Can I use the setting spray as a refreshing mist?

Community Answer

That would not be wise. There are chemicals and other impurities in it. You should only use water as a refreshing mist.

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Question

Can I use it to set my lipstick?

Community Answer

Yes, but I suggest moisturizing your lips first.

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Question

What can I add if I run out?

Community Answer

If you run out of setting spray there are an abundance of companies that sell more of it (such as e.l.f who sells a good one for $3). If you are in a pinch just use a setting powder (a translucent powder). Have you heard of the technique called baking? It uses a translucent powder that sets your makeup all day.

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Which setting spray is suitable for an oily face?

Community Answer

Try drugstore mattifying sprays such as the Revolution fixing sprays and make sure to get one that says matte finish.

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Question

Can I use the setting spray and setting powder at the same time?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Yes! Set your face with powder (and bake if you want to), then use a setting spray at the very end of your makeup routine to lock everything in.

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Question

Can I set the concealer with a beauty blender using the setting spray?

Paulina Czarnecka

Community Answer

You can, but the effect won't be the same as just spraying your face with the setting spray.

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Question

Am I supposed to spray it onto my eyelids as well?

Paulina Czarnecka

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure you're holding it a reasonable distance away from your face, as you don't want your makeup to drip or run.

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Question

Can I use spray over foundation to set it before I start contouring? I find that if not, when I use cream countour products over my foundation, some of the foundation transfers onto my contour brush.

Community Answer

Yes. Typically setting spray is used as the last step in a makeup routine, however it can help fix makeup products already at an earlier stage. Try out what works best for you and your look.

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Question

I tried to use setting spray the first time and in stead of fine drops like I expected, it's a whole lot of liquid coming out at once and it instantly made my mascara run. Am I applying it wrong?

Community Answer

Setting spray should be a very fine mist, even finer than hairspray. Make sure you shake the bottle first, stretch out your arm for maximum distance and spray the spray in the direction of your face for just 1 or 2 seconds.

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Question

I have very oily skin. Over time, my makeup looks really oily. How do I prevent this?

Buggylu25

Top Answerer

Using mattifying powders and setting sprays to set your liquid makeup will help manage the oils. Using products designed for oilier skin types can also help, as these often have mattifying properties alone. Setting liquid makeup with powders helps keep it in place longer and remove the look of oils.

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Question

Is Wet and Wild's setting spray good? I use the natural finish one, and I can't tell if it is actually working.

Community Answer

If you want to check how effective a setting spray is, it is best to wear your makeup one day without the spray and one day with the spray and compare how well the foundation and powders last until the night. Ideally, your makeup will look fresher with the setting spray, even after many hours.

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