Date: 22 Oct 2025
Every time you finish your makeup, there’s that moment of hope: “Please let this stay all day.” But can a setting spray really lock in your look against sweat, humidity, and long hours?
At its core, a setting spray is a finely misted formula sprayed over finished makeup to create a light, invisible film that helps hold everything in place. It usually contains film-forming agents (polymers), water or hydrating bases (like aloe), and often additional ingredients for oil control or glow.
To put it simply: Think of primer as your base coat and setting spray as your top coat — the finishing touch that seals in the work you’ve done.
When it comes to setting sprays, not all formulas are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of setting sprays and what they’re best for:
Perfect for people with oily or combination skin, mattifying sprays help control shine and keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day.
These are ideal for dry or sensitive skin. Packed with moisture-boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin, hydrating sprays lock in hydration and prevent makeup from cracking or flaking.
Designed to add radiance, illuminating setting sprays contain light-reflecting particles that give your skin a subtle glow. They’re perfect for evening looks or when you want to achieve that lit-from-within luminosity.
These formulas are often alcohol-based, creating a thin film over your makeup that locks everything in place and prevents smudging or transferring onto clothes.
Blurring the line between skincare and makeup, these modern sprays include nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, antioxidants, and vitamins that help your makeup last and also protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays.
Let’s break down the real advantages (and caveats) of setting sprays — what they genuinely offer when used properly.
One of the strongest selling points: a good setting spray can help your makeup last longer. It forms a thin barrier that resists friction, humidity, and minor contact. In controlled tests, setting sprays have shown measurable reductions in makeup fading and transfer.
Many modern setting sprays include aloe, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or other humectants. These ingredients help the finish feel more skin-like, preventing that “tight” look you sometimes see after powders alone.
For oily or shiny-prone skin, one of the key roles of setting sprays is to absorb or suppress excess sebum. Matte spray formulas often include oil-absorbing ingredients that help maintain a balanced look.
Always shake well (ingredients may settle).
Here are five setting sprays you can actually find on Pharmily Kenya — click the links to view them directly.