Demystifying Facial Sprays
Just know that you are not alone in your confusion when it comes to all of the facial sprays on the market! What do they do? How are they different? And which one should you be using?? Today, I'm demystifying facial sprays.
Let me easily break both down so that you can make an informed decision on which one is best for you. Honestly, they’re both really handy to have in your makeup routine, once you find out the benefits of them!
TL;DR
Today, Jennifer is demystifying facial sprays, showing us how to use finishing and setting sprays correctly
Jennifer defines each type of spray and shares how and when exactly to use them
All of Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text- and image-widgets
Demystifying Facial Sprays
1. Finishing Sprays
Finishing Sprays focus more on skincare and usually contains hydrating ingredients for the skin like glycerin or some type of oil to help meld makeup together.
What are finishing sprays used for? Most are used pre-makeup to prep the skin and usually can be used to also refresh dry dehydrated skin during the day. They help with cakey-looking makeup, provide a soft glow, and get rid of that powdery look!
They’re really beneficial for dry-skin gals like me!
They are not typically meant to prolong makeup, however. But, using them before makeup to help prep the skin can in fact help with longevity…so there’s that!
How to use a finishing spray. After moisturizer and other skincare, apply a light coat of finishing spray all over the face and even the neck. I spray about 8 - 12 inches away from my face. I love to then take a flat-head foundation brush, like my it Cosmetics Flat Top buffing foundation brush, $49, and gently tap that spray into my skin. Then move on with your foundation, concealer, etc.
1. MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY, $31. This one has been a staple in the MAC Cosmetics brand and in makeup artist kits for years! Now comes in a variety of scents and literally does everything!
2. PEACH + LILY GLASS SKIN VEIL MIST, $31. I am a big fan of this K Beauty brand whose main focus is on glowing and glassy skin! This is perfect for my super dehydrated mature skin and literally gives my skin a bouncy glass-like finish. Contains cucumber water and peach extract and smells delightful.
3. MILK Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray, $38. This unique gel formula spray contains blue agave extract to help with an invisible layer to lock in makeup like a skin primer. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide to boost hydration to visibly smooth skin for a dewy glow.
Shop finishing sprays
2. Setting Sprays
Setting Sprays focus on prolonging and sealing in makeup wear and are your last step. These usually contain some kind of alcohol. But alas, now some brands are making setting sprays without alcohol for those with really dry skin. But the most effective ones, tend to contain alcohol, just FYI.
What are setting sprays used for? Basically, you want to use a setting spray to give your finished makeup look longevity, lock in all of that hard work, and keep your makeup from smudging/fading throughout the day.
How to use a setting spray. Similar to a finishing spray, but you’ll use it at the end of your makeup. I like to spray mine in a criss cross formation across the face from temple to opposite side of my chin and repeat. Then in an up and down t motion starting at the forehead and going straight down nose and chin. Then side to side across the cheeks.
1. Morphe Continuous Setting Mist, $17. The reason I love this one so much is that it’s an aerosol spray which is so much more pleasant to use than a pump spray! Great for dry skin gals and doesn’t make your skin feel tight after using.
2. NYX MATTE FINISH SETTING SRAY, $9. This one is GREAT for oily skin gals, is totally affordable, and is a favorite by many makeup artists for its effectiveness to lock in makeup on slick faces! Provides a true matte but comfortable finish to the skin.
3. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, $38. Truthfully, I have yet to try this one because it always seems to be sold out. But gosh does it get a lot of love around the internet (like a lot of Charlotte T products do!). This one is alcohol and oil-free but claims to keep makeup fresh and locked in for 16 hours. I plan on adding this to the cart very soon!
Shop setting sprays
3. Final Thoughts
Here’s the kicker - some finishing sprays and setting sprays claim to do BOTH prepping, sealing, and melting makeup together!! The big one is the Too Faced Hangover 3 in 1 Replenishing Spray, $38. It’s a weightless, three-in-one coconut water-infused mist that primes, sets, and refreshes makeup while it helps keep skin hydrated.
And if you’re high maintenance like me, you can use both a finishing spray and a setting spray to your advantage 😉
Tell me, have you ever used any of these types of sprays or are you planning on trying one now?!
My fave lavender nail polish by Essie in Go Ginza, $9, similar red lipstick sweater from Revolve, $85, my Bezel Shaker earrings, $90, and Buxom Plump Shot collagen gloss in “Cherry Pop,” $28, chinoiserie tube bracelets, $20.
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Jennifer, I have used PEACH + LILY GLASS SKIN VEIL MIST. I love it! My skin feels smooth and silky. I used it as a setting spray, and my makeup stayed put all day. I live in the south, and it even stays during our hot, humid summer months. I can’t wait to use it as a finishing spray. The results should be fabulous since they were great with me using it as a setting spray instead of a finishing spray!