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When your makeup application is complete, you naturally know to set it with your favorite setting spray. However, on the market, there are multi-purpose sprays out there that do double and even triple duty when it comes to makeup application including prepping, priming, and hydrating.
These premier prep sprays of 2024 are available by many of your tried and true makeup brands and their main function is to create a smooth and flawless canvas to allow your makeup to adhere and last all day. Below are some of our favorite prep sprays that can be applied underneath and after your completed makeup application to ensure a flawless, airbrushed finish.
Other benefits of these sprays include reducing redness, evening out skin tone, and diminishing the look of fine lines. In addition, these water-based formulas can help reduce the appearance of pores and have oil-control properties to fight shine.
Our Picks of the Hottest Prep Spray
Skindinavia The Makeup Setting Spray — Best Overall
Skindinavia’s Primer Spray is another great way to start your makeup as it is infused with vitamins and will perfectly prep your skin by minimizing pores and fine lines, reducing redness, and evening out your skin tone for a flawless finish. This primer spray has a custom micro-fine mist sprayer to dispense their patented formula perfectly and comfortably while enhancing the effectiveness of the product. This primer is lightweight, silicone-free, and can enhance the longevity of your makeup for over 16 hours of wear.
Pros
- Skindinavia is uniquely formulated with cooling time-release technology to enhance the longevity of your makeup
Cons
- If you have severely dry skin, another option might be better
Mehron Makeup Skin Prep Pro — Runner Up
Mehron’s Makeup Skin Prep Pro differs slightly from our other skin prep options as it is a clear liquid toner that is sponged lightly onto the skin, prior to applying your favorite foundation. This product will act as a barrier between the skin and makeup while maintaining a fresh finish even under the most extreme conditions. Mehron is known most for its runway, stage, and movie set-friendly makeup and is great for all skin types, is available for anyone and works for any event or occasion.
Pros
- Mehron has been producing since 1927
Cons
- This product provides intense longevity and it may take longer to remove your makeup
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea — Honorable Mention
Mario Badescu’s famous facial mist does double duty as a skin prep prior to makeup and as a final step following your makeup application. The green tea, cucumber, and peppermint essential water infusion deliver a cooling boost of hydration as green tea provides antioxidant protection, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and awake. This cooling facial mist makes an ideal way to tone your skin before moisturizer and is a great way to refresh your makeup and skin throughout the day.
Pros
- This spray also contains bladderwrack seaweed which is known for its softening and nourishing properties
Cons
- This product might feel tacky on the skin as it dries
Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray — Editor's Pick
Milani’s 3-in-1 setting spray is made to prime, correct, and set to help set your makeup all day and reduce the need for any necessary touchups. When sprayed on clean skin prior to makeup application, it will reduce the appearance of imperfection and then lock the pending makeup in. Once makeup is applied, you can reapply it to set, mattify and enjoy up to 16 hours without so much of a crease or smudge in sight.
Pros
- Milani products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- The spray mechanism may not be ideal
Catrice Prime And Fine Dewy Glow Finishing Spray — Contender
The Dewy Glow Finishing Spray by Catrice can be used for priming, fixing, or refreshing your skin and makeup. This is a transparent, fast-drying spray that will give your skin a dewy, illuminating finish whether you have makeup on or not. Suitable for all skin tones and skin types, this spray is also ideal for quick on-the-go touch-ups, is travel-friendly, and can be used as an all-day refresher when you just need a little pick-me-up.
Pros
- This product is paraben and cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- This primer has a slight fragrance
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water — Also Consider
Smashbox’s Primer Water is a 3-in-1 face primer and makeup setting spray to hydrate, prep, and refresh. It instantly absorbs into the skin for lasting hydration while leaving it looking ultra-soft and delivering revitalizing electrolytes to reawaken the skin and restore moisture. Spray the Primer Water prior to makeup application to help prep the skin, and spray after you have completed your makeup to set it. You can also spray your face throughout the day for the ultimate skin refresh and surge of hydration.
Pros
- Primer Water is cruelty-free, non-acnegenic, and works for all skin types
Cons
- This primer has a slight fragrance
Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go Primer & Setting Spray — Another Option
Rimmel’s 2-in-1 primer and setting spray hybrid works to prolong and enhance the wear of your makeup while leaving your skin shine-free all day with just one application. As a primer, this product has an ultra-lightweight formula that starts by minimizing the appearance of pores and will help control shine for up to 8 hours while giving you a soft, matte complexion. Apply as a base prior to starting your makeup look and once finished, you can then use it to set and lock in your makeup all day.
Pros
- This primer is oil-free
Cons
- If you prefer more glowy, dewier skin, another option might be better
Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Quality Prep Spray
Prep sprays can be a handy tool when it comes to hydrating the skin or blending layers of powders and makeup flawlessly with your face. However, any sort of skin product should be picked out carefully as a bad product can cause acne, redness, or itching. To prevent any makeup mishaps from happening, read our guide below.
What to Look For in a Prep Spray
Skin-friendly
Your skin can be extremely sensitive to unwanted chemicals which can cover your face with acne, resulting in itchiness or redness. It's advisable to always pick out a prep spray that is approved by dermatologists, hosts hypoallergenic properties, or features some sort of skin-friendly certifications. Furthermore, always opt for prep sprays that are free from paraben which is a harmful chemical known for producing a hormonal imbalance in our bodies.
Long-lasting
A prep spray should hydrate your face and help blend layers of makeup with your skin. However, none of this is useful if the spray isn’t made to last the whole day. Always try to find a spray that can hold up your makeup for at least 14 hours without smudging and creasing as time passes. Furthermore, the prep spray should prevent your makeup from losing color and fading out over the course of the day.
Rejuvenating the skin
While it’s necessary for a prep spray to be skin-friendly and contain no trace of harmful chemicals, however, you’re setting spray can also help in nurturing your skin. Finding a prep spray with Vitamin E, antioxidants, coconut water, and aloe vera would not only help in rejuvenating your skin but would also keep it fresh, soft, and healthy.
Satisfy your needs
Prep sprays are a great way to hide imperfections on your face and cover skin issues like wrinkles and pores. The good thing about prep sprays is that they are available in a wide variety, catering to all such issues and making sure you feel the best when you step out. Whether it be blurring the lines between wrinkles or covering up pores on your face, you can find prep sprays suitable for all your needs.
Types of Prep Sprays
Silicone-based
Silicone-based prep sprays are infused with silicone, which provides the user with a more velvety feel on the skin and is ideal for people troubled with oily skin. Although not the best option to hydrate your skin before applying makeup, silicone-based prep sprays are a great tool to blur out wrinkles and cover up large pores on your face. However, due to covering up pores on your skin, these sprays prevent anything from escaping from the pores or entering your skin. This can cause inflammation and even give rise to acne breakouts. Moreover, any skincare products applied after spraying your face with a silicon-based prep spray would barely reach the surface of your skin and therefore, would have minimal effect.
Water-based
If you have dry and dehydrated skin, it’s recommended to opt for a water-based prep spray that would not only hydrate your skin but would also make your face feel soft and look fresh. Water-based prep sprays let your skin shine through and are the best option for people with sensitive skin. Due to being silicone and oil-free, water-based prep sprays prevent your pores from getting clogged up. Furthermore, water-based prep sprays can hold up your makeup for longer durations as compared to their counterparts, serving you the whole day without letting through any signs of smudging and creasing on the skin.
Weather and Your Prep Spray
While picking out a prep spray, you should be extra cautious of your environment and the type of weather you live in. For example, if you live in a dry and arid climate, a water-based prep spray that keeps your skin hydrated and has anti-sweat properties would be an ideal contender for your makeup bag. Moreover, hot climates demand a spray with cooling properties so that your face feels fresh throughout the day. You can also find a prep-spray with SPF which protects your face from sunburns and other negative effects of extended exposure to sunlight.
How to Use a Prep Spray?
For starters, you should wash your face completely and then apply the prep spray to hydrate your skin. Ideally, you should shake your spray and place it at least 6 inches away from your face. The ideal way of spraying your face is to do it in a zig-zag motion which allows you to cover your face quickly and prevent any prep spray from going to waste. You should use the prep spray again once all the makeup has been applied, in order to force the makeup to blend in with your skin and stay intact. You can also re-apply the prep spray anytime during the day when you feel that you need to rehydrate your face and enhance your makeup.
