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But do they actually work or is it all a placebo?

Surely, there must be some sprays that are better than others, right?

A woman spraying her face with makeup setting spray in the mirror

Getty Images

As most of us have come to know, not all beauty products are made equal.

To set the record straight, we reached out to two celebrity makeup artists.

Keep scrolling to see their honest opinions about setting spray.

Meet the Experts

What is a Setting Spray?

Setting spray is a liquid mist that typically lists water and alcohol as its main ingredients.

Its goal is to increase the lifespan of your makeup look, preventing fading and smudging.

Does Setting Spray Really Work?

According to makeup artist, Gloria Elias-Foeillet,setting spraysreally, truly work.

“Setting sprays absolutely make a difference in the wear of your makeup,” she says.

“They prolong the life of your makeup program.”

In particular, she swears by using a setting spray when working with performers.

Her makeup artist, Rokael, told usher secretwas the One/Size’s On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray.

What are the Benefits of Setting Spray?

But that’s not to say that going the alcohol-free route is fruitless.

Alcohol-free setting spray can give your skin that healthy, dewy, glass skin look without drying it out.

The secret, she says, is the special combination of ingredients found inside.

Here’s how to apply it, step by step, according to the pros.

after base, eyes, blush, powder, etc)," says Elias-Foeillet.

Next, spritz your setting spray all over the face to allow for that first layer to really stick.

Add Eyeshadow

Next, apply eyeshadow before using a mist of setting spray over each (closed eye).

This will allow the shadow to dry before you add eyeliner.

Swipe On Eyeliner

Next comes the eyeliner.

Finish With Lipstick and Blush

Finally, add your final detailslipstick, blush, contour.

Does Setting Spray Work for All Skin Types?

As Yang puts it, “Remember that they are not skincare ingredients.

A light mist is more than enough.”

NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray

One of our favorite setting sprays is this affordable spritzer from NYX.

It comes in two different finishesmatte and dewy.

Matte for oily skin types and dewy for those with drier skin.

The formula is oil-free and suitable for all skin types.

Are There Alcohol-Free Setting Sprays?

Yes, there are alcohol-free setting spray formulas and they’re typically more hydrating than their counterparts.

But, Elias-Foeillet says formulas that contain alcohol usually perform better.

“The ingredient that really makes the difference is the alcohol,” she says.

“Alcohol-based setting sprays tend to be more effective.

They have more staying power.

“Think of setting spray like hair spray.

Those that contain alcohol tend to provide more hold, though they can be drying to the hair.

It’s formulated especially for people with dry skin.

It actually increases the skin’s hydration and boosts oxygenation, which makes the complexion look bright and radiant.

Setting spray is applied after makeup as it allows everything underneath to dry and set.

However, there are instances where you may want to apply it before makeup or between each step.

If applying after a full face of makeup, two spritzes of setting spray should do the trick.

Using your hands as a fan can work in a pinch, too.