Regarding achieving long-lasting makeup, two popular products often come into play: setting spray and fixing spray. People sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but they serve distinct purposes in the makeup world. As a professional makeup artist, understanding the difference between these two sprays is crucial for creating flawless and long-lasting looks. I have seen many people confused between their functions. Let’s break down what setting spray and fixing spray are.
What are Setting Sprays?
You can apply setting spray as a light mist to your face before makeup, during makeup after foundation and powder, and finally after finishing your makeup. All the layers of foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, and powder melt together for a smooth, flawless finish. Water, glycerine, and a few lightweight oils typically make up the formula, helping to melt your makeup in place and create a cohesive finish. Setting spray prevents makeup from smudging, fading, or settling into fine lines, and is ideal for those who need their makeup to look fresh throughout the day. They are often lightweight and hydrating, with many infused with skincare benefits like vitamins, antioxidants, or calming agents such as aloe vera.
Setting sprays don’t immediately control or “set” individual layers of makeup, such as foundation or eyeshadow, after application. Instead, they work by merging the makeup as a whole and enhancing its longevity by creating a thin barrier between your makeup and external elements like humidity, sweat, or oil. One of my favorite setting sprays is MAC Fix + Prep and Prime Fixing Spray. Though the name says fix+ it helps in setting the makeup.
What are Fixing Sprays?
Fixing spray is a much stronger product than setting spray. You use it to fix makeup in place, making it essentially immovable. The key distinction is that fixing sprays often have more alcohol-based formulas, which make the makeup adhere to the skin. These sprays are essential when you need a locked-in look for special events, photography sessions, or outdoor occasions where heat and humidity could ruin your makeup.
Fixing sprays are applied to “SET” specific makeup products, such as foundation or eyeshadow, and they lock everything down. They can give a matte flawless finish and are ideal for professional makeup looks that need to last for hours under harsh lighting. Because of their alcohol content, fixing sprays are also good for those with oily skin who need extra control over shine and longevity.
The Correct Way to Apply Setting Spray:
Applying setting spray is a fairly straightforward process, but getting the technique right can make a big difference. Here’s how to do it:
- Apply your makeup normally, ensuring you blend and buff all layers into the skin.
- Give your setting spray a good shake to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed and evenly distributed.
- Hold the spray at a comfortable distance from your face (about arm’s length) 8-12 inches away to ensure a fine mist rather than large droplets that could disturb the makeup.
- For even coverage, spritz the setting spray across your face in a “T” motion (across the forehead and down the nose) and then in an “X” motion across your cheeks. This helps cover the most important areas of your face.
- Avoid touching your face or fanning it excessively. Let the spray dry naturally for a smooth, seamless finish.
- If you’re heading into a particularly long or hot day, consider reapplying the setting spray mid-day for added protection and hydration.
The Correct Way to Apply Fixing Spray:
You need to apply fixing spray with precision to ensure your makeup stays intact, especially for long-lasting looks. Here’s how to apply it properly:
- For best results, apply fixing spray when your makeup is done in thin, even layers. Blend each step of your makeup routine—foundation, contour, eyeshadow—well before using the spray.
- Like with setting spray, shaking the bottle is essential for an even application.
- Since fixing spray is stronger and can be harsher, hold it a little further from your face compared to setting spray. This prevents the formula from creating a patchy or cakey appearance.
- You don’t need much fixing spray—less is more. Spritz it lightly across your entire face using the same “T” and “X” motions.
- Do not touch or manipulate your face as the fixing spray dries, as this could disrupt the locking process.
- Since fixing spray is powerful, avoid spraying too much. Overuse can make your makeup look stiff or heavy.
Some more major differences:
Some more key facts about setting spray and fixing spray:
- Setting spray is primarily used to prolong wear time and provide a fresh, radiant finish. Fixing spray, however, locks makeup in place to prevent any movement, even under extreme conditions.
- Setting sprays can give a dewy or natural finish while fixing sprays usually provide a matte, flawless finish.
- Setting spray is ideal for dry or sensitive skin due to its hydrating properties while fixing spray is best for oily or combination skin types.
To conclude, a makeup fixer is designed to fix the makeup making it last longer. Its main element is alcohol. On the other hand, a setting spray is a light mist that is applied on the face after you are done applying the makeup. A setting spray provides only a non-cakey look, whereas a makeup fixer gives long-lasting makeup. Keep in mind that the latter means longevity. That’s it! We hope we helped you better understand makeup fixers and setting sprays!
Some of my Recommendations:
- Milani Flora Scented Setting Spray
- Milani Make It Last Natural Finish Setting Spray
- NYX Professional Makeup Up To 16HR Makeup Setting Spray Matte Finish
- Daily Life Forever52 Makeup Fixer Spray
- Swiss Beauty Long Lasting Professional Makeup Fixer Setting Spray
- MARS Seal the Deal Long-Lasting Makeup Fixer Spray
- Urban Decay All-Nighter Relaunch Setting Spray
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
- M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray
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