These 7 best makeup setting spray tips are suitable all year round, but especially now that the summer season’s coming. Most of you may already be eager to soak up the sunshine. But is your makeup ready to beat the summer heat? The summer season can be brutal on your makeup. One minute, you’re looking flawless; the next, your foundation has melted away.

This is because makeup products and cosmetics usually contain various waxes (e.g., Candelilla and Carnauba wax) that contribute to their texture and stability. Each wax has different melting points. For instance, Carnauba wax is known for its melting point between 82.5°C and 83.0°C. Meanwhile, Candelilla wax has a melting point of 68.5°C to 72.5 °C.

Now, while you might not be stepping into temperatures quite that extreme, the combination of heat, humidity, and your body’s natural warmth can still wreak havoc on your carefully applied look. Thankfully, makeup setting sprays are here to help you. Here are the 7 best makeup setting spray tips to help your makeup stay fresh from morning to night.

1. Prep Your Skin for a Flawless Base

Great makeup should always start with great skincare. Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face to eliminate any excess oil or residue. Next, apply a lightweight moisturiser that suits your skin type. If you tend to shine, a mattifying primer will do the trick.

A hydrating formula will help create a smooth base for those with drier skin. Remember to let each layer absorb completely before moving on. Otherwise, if you rush, you might end up with products that peel or separate.

Once your base is set, give your face a light mist of makeup setting spray before you apply your foundation. This adds a bit of tackiness that helps your makeup adhere better.

2. Apply in Thin, Even Layers

Yes, makeup setting sprays are designed to ‘set your makeup in place’. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can drench your face with it. Remember, setting spray is still liquid and overapplying it will actually dissolve your makeup!

So, if you’re really aiming to get your makeup to last all day long, you need to know how to use the setting spray effectively. When applying, hold the bottle about an arm’s length away from your face.

Next, spritz it on your face in an ‘X’ and ‘T’ motion. It should be once diagonally from left to right, then vertically down the middle. This ensures even coverage without over-saturating any single area.

You should also consider layering your setting spray. A light mist after foundation, another after powder, and a final one post-cream products (like blush or highlighter) can lock each step in place without compromising texture.

3. Blot Before You Reapply

No matter how great your products are, that midday shine is bound to happen. Another one of the 7 best makeup setting spray tips is to keep some blotting papers handy to soak up any extra oil before you reach for your setting spray again. Just press the paper onto the shiny areas instead of rubbing it in to keep your makeup intact. Once your skin is looking matte, a quick spritz will give you a fresh look without the heaviness.

4. Match the Formula to Your Skin’s Needs

Just like your makeup products, setting sprays aren’t made equally. They’re often made to match certain types of skin.

If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for oil-control or mattifying sprays that feature ingredients like silica. For those with dry skin, hydrating sprays with glycerin or hyaluronic acid can work amazingly by moisturising your skin. And if you’re part of the 60% to 70% of women who have sensitive skin, it’s wise to avoid sprays loaded with alcohol, as they can cause irritation.

5. Set Your Eye Makeup Too

Besides your foundation, your eyeshadow and eyeliner will also smudge and fade under the summer heat. So, to keep this from happening, try this simple trick!

After you’ve applied your eye makeup, take a flat eyeshadow brush and spritz it with a little setting spray. Gently press the brush over your eyelids. This method locks in the colour without watering it down, so your eyes remain bold and defined all day long. This might be my favourite of these 7 best makeup setting spray tips.

6. Don’t Skip Your Neck and Décolletage

When applying makeup, your neck is always included because it’s part of your face. Thus, when using makeup setting spray, you should also include your neck and chest, especially when you’re wearing a strapless dress.

This helps keep your foundation from smudging onto your clothes and gives you a smooth, natural finish. Just be careful not to spray directly on delicate fabrics.

7. Store It Properly for Maximum Efficacy

To get the most out of your setting sprays, you need to store them properly. If they’re left in heat or direct sunlight, they can lose their effectiveness (just like your makeup).

So, find a cool, dark spot for them. Never store them in your handbag or the glove compartment of your car. And don’t forget to give the bottle a good shake before each use to mix those ingredients back together, especially if it has shimmer or skincare elements.

Key Takeaway from These 7 Best Makeup Setting Spray Tips

Your setting spray is like your makeup’s insurance policy against summer’s beauty challenges. By choosing the right formula, mastering application techniques, and prepping your skin properly, you can confidently face even the most demanding summer days. So, don’t forget these seven tips the next time you spritz on your setting spray, and you’ll look effortlessly polished, no matter how hot it gets.

Main Image – Photos by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-shirt-and-gray-knit-cap-4612127/ & https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-shirt-drinking-from-clear-drinking-glass-4612145/