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Makeup

10 Alcohol-Free Setting Sprays That Actually Work

Setting sprays have come a long way from their stage-makeup roots. These alcohol-free formulas do more than hold everything in place—they hydrate, soothe, and pull your whole look together with just a few spritzes.

Text Ebru Kabacık

April 9, 2025

Setting sprays rarely get the credit they deserve. Sure, they keep your makeup in place—but the good ones do much more. Think of them as the final step that fuses powders and creams into skin, leaving everything looking more natural and cohesive. Many formulas now double as skincare, with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera that keep your skin calm and hydrated throughout the day. Some even work beautifully under makeup as a prepping step.

Before they had their moment in beauty routines, performers resorted to hairspray to keep their makeup intact (yes, really). Thankfully, we’ve moved on. Today’s setting sprays offer more sophisticated benefits: hydration, protection against the elements, and the stamina to last through sweat, humidity, and long days. And despite the myth, they’re not just for special occasions—there’s a finish for every skin type and mood, whether you prefer matte, dewy, or somewhere in between. Below, 10 alcohol-free picks that prove this step is worth the spritz.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, $51.50

Weightless yet effective, this cult favorite locks in makeup without any stickiness. Green tea and aloe vera lend a calming touch.

Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray, $52

Lovers of a dewy finish, this one’s for you. It promises longevity and glow, while niacinamide blurs pores in the background. Shake well before use.

Hourglass Veil Setting Spray, $68

A soft-focus effect in mist form. Hydrating and glow-enhancing, it also helps blur the look of pores.

Fenty Beauty You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray, $43

Designed to withstand sweat, water, and humidity—all while delivering antioxidant protection. It doubles as a primer, too.

M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix+, $34

A multitasking classic. Preps, hydrates, and sets in one go. With caffeine to energize and cucumber and green tea to soothe, it’s also perfect for a midday pick-me-up.

Laura Mercier Translucent Pure Setting Spray 16HR, $40

A no-fuss spray that dries fast and keeps your base in place. Its glycerin-rich formula helps retain moisture all day.

Refy Face Setter, £22

With arginine to soften the look of fine lines, this one leaves behind a hydrated, lit-from-within glow. Dewy finish fans, take note.

Lisa Eldridge Skin and Makeup Enhancing Mist, £37

You might be drawn to the chic packaging, but what’s inside is just as thoughtful—niacinamide, aloe vera, and amino acids to hydrate, balance, and support the skin barrier.

Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin 16HR Soft Setting Spray, $46

A barely-there mist that acts like a breathable shield. Infused with vitamin C, it leaves a natural, skin-like finish while keeping makeup in place.

By Terry Hyaluronic Glow Setting Spray, £39

Formulated with eight types of hyaluronic acid, this one goes the extra mile with ceramides and probiotics to soothe redness and support barrier health.

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