It’s no surprise that as your skin matures, you’ll need to modify your skin care and makeup routines — including the setting spray you use to lock in your beautiful looks.
“Setting spray plays a very important role for mature skin by helping to prevent makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles,” says Kunal Malik, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and assistant professor at Icahn School of Medicine in New York City. “Setting sprays basically create a protective barrier that not only locks in makeup but can provide additional hydration and skin care benefits that mature skin may need.”
Shop TODAY tapped dermatologists and makeup artists to learn all about the best setting sprays for mature skin regarding their benefits, key ingredients you should look for (and avoid) and best practices to follow when applying.
Although changing your current setting spray or adding a new one to your makeup routine may seem overwhelming, don’t let it scare you. You’ll notice that your gorgeous makeup looks will be thanking you for altering your setting spray of choice to meet your skin where it’s at regardless of its age — trust us.
Extra hydrating$14.49$17.99
Expert-approved setting sprays for mature skin
To reduce inflammation: E.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
- Bi-phase properties
- Non-greasy feel
- Affordable
- Its smell
Finish: Dewy | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe, squalene and green tea seed oil | Size: 2.7 oz.
If you’re looking for a setting spray that will set your makeup while reducing facial inflammation, look no further than this one from e.l.f. Debra Jaliman, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, notes that this setting spray is effective when it comes to hydrating and soothing skin with its combination of hyaluronic acid, squalene, and aloe.
Unlike some other setting sprays, this one is “bi-phase” meaning its water and oil properties are activated once the bottle is shaken to bring forth its intended effects. If that isn’t enough to persuade you to click “buy now,” you should also expect to experience a dewy finish without looking greasy or feeling sticky when using this setting spray.
With hyaluronic acid: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray with Hyaluronic Acid
- Designed for all skin types
- Cooling
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Needs distance for application
Finish: Dewy | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and water | Size: 3.4 oz.
If you’re specifically looking for a setting spray containing hyaluronic acid, this one from Neutrogena is a solid pick. “I am a fan of the Hydro Boost line for patients of all ages!,” says Nazanin Saedi, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University. “The main ingredient, hyaluronic acid, helps add hydration to the skin."
Unlike some other setting sprays which are recommended to be held between 6 and 10 inches away from the face, it is advised that this one be sprayed approximately between 12 and 14 inches away for optimal results. Regardless of whether you use one or five pumps of this hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula, you’ll experience a cool (and dewy) glow.
Waterproof formula: Tarte Life Lock Hydrating Waterproof Setting Spray
- Recyclable packaging
- Transfer-proof
- Available in a travel size
- Mist feels too thick for some
Finish: Natural | Key ingredients: Caffeine, Bakuchiol, aloe and hyaluronic acid | Size: 3.38 oz.
When it comes to a waterproof setting spray for mature skin, Natalie Dresher, a New York City-based celebrity and bridal makeup artist, recommends this one from Tarte. “This Tarte setting spray is waterproofing while being hydrating which is so rare,” notes Dresher. What makes this spray so hydrating is its infusion of hyaluronic acid and more than 10 fruits including goji, acai, strawberry and peach.
In addition to moisturizing the skin, this setting spray works to decrease facial puffiness via its incorporation of caffeine. When you shop this setting spray, you have the option to choose a full size (3.38 oz.) or a travel size (1.15 oz.) bottle — either way, your makeup will be set for up to 16 hours after spraying it in the advised “X” and “T” formations.
Oil-free option: Urban Decay All Nighter Hyaluronic Acid Setting Spray
- Has a fresh scent
- Colorful bottle
- Oil-free
- Fragrance may be strong
Finish: Dewy/radiant | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and watermelon fruit extract | Size: 4 oz.
If an oil-free setting spray is what you seek, Caitlyn Dominic, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based makeup artist, recommends this one from Urban Decay. Despite being oil-free, this setting spray provides a radiant and dewy finish. “It extends makeup wear while keeping the skin looking fresh and plump rather than dry or cakey, making it very suitable for mature skin,” says Dominic.
When you apply this micro-mist setting spray, you’ll experience an even application and one that holds your look for up to 16 hours. Since it’s sweat-, smudge- and transfer-resistant, it’s a particularly good option if you live in an area with a warmer climate or are looking for a setting spray to help your makeup look make it through the summer months.
For a natural finish: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
- Lasts up to 16 hours
- Waterproof
- Vegan
- May make makeup feel stiff
Finish: Natural | Key ingredients: Film-former polymers, Japanese green tea and aromatic resin | Size: 3.3 oz.
For a setting spray that will provide a natural finish for up to 16 hours, this one from Charlotte Tilbury is a great pick. “This Charlotte Tilbury one really melts the makeup onto the skin, and prolongs makeup wear,” says Dresher. “I used to religiously use this setting spray when I had to wear a mask and my makeup wouldn’t budge under it!”
Made with ingredients including Japanese green team, film-former polymers, and aromatic resin, you can apply this setting spray during the priming and setting stages of your makeup routine for extra protection. And, it’s waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about any small rain showers smudging.
For a radiant finish: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray
- Non-comedogenic
- Microfine mist
- Lightweight
- Better for non-dry skin
Finish: Dewy/radiant | Key ingredients: Blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe and hemp seed extract | Size: 3.38 oz.
When it comes to a setting spray for mature skin that will leave you with a radiant finish, consider this one from Milk Makeup. “It’s formulated with a combination of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and hemp seed extract, which are all excellent for calming and moisturizing the skin,” says Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.
It works quickly as it can set in 60 seconds and can hold makeup for up to 12 hours (thanks to its blue agave extract). Just make sure to adequately shake your bottle before using and avoid spraying it directly into your eyes or on any areas of your face that may be extremely dry.
With vitamin C: MAC Fix + Magic Radiance Setting Spray
- Made with essential oils
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Caution with overspraying
Finish: Natural/dewy | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and glycerin | Size: 3.4 oz.
Malik recommends this setting spray from MAC if a natural, dewy finish is what you seek. He adds that this setting spray is especially beneficial for brightening and hydrating the skin thanks to its formula containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
This spray is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested — and, it’s non-acnegenic, so you don’t have to worry too much about breaking out.
Investment-worthy expert pick: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
- Cruelty-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Can be used before makeup
- Expensive
Finish: Dewy | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalene, red algae and silk extract | Size: 1.35 oz.
Although a nearly $50 price tag accompanies this setting spray, Dresher and Reszko note that it is worth the splurge. With key ingredients including hyaluronic acid, red algae, silk extract and squalene, you’ll notice that your skin will rehydrate with your first pump.
“This Tatcha spray is skin care infused and can be used throughout the makeup process as well as after it is complete,” notes Dresher. “I love using this on my clients with more mature skin who love a glowy look.” All it takes is two or three spritzes to feel its hydrating hydrating and makeup-setting effects. Reszko notes that this setting spray doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances or sulfate detergents making it an especially suitable option for those sensitive to fragrance.
What kind of setting spray is best for mature skin?
With so many different setting sprays, ensure you’re using those designed to have the best impact on mature skin. Our experts agree that dewy setting sprays tend to be most compatible with the qualities of mature skin due to their hydrating properties, since many matte setting sprays often emphasize fine lines, adds Malik.
“It helps skin look refreshed and hydrated, addressing the moisture loss that often comes with aging,” explains Reszko. “This also helps to reveal a more blurred or airbrushed effect that can minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles or enlarged pores.”
How do you use setting spray?
Setting spray (for the most part) works as well as it is applied. Although you should apply your setting spray as directed, there are some general best practices you can follow to maximize your results.
Although you can spray it onto a makeup sponge and apply it that way, Dresher recommends spraying setting spray onto your face (hence its name) in a snowflake or continuous pattern ensuring that your eyes are closed before the product makes its way onto your skin. Malik notes that you should aim to spray your setting spray anywhere from 8 to 10 inches from your face to prevent your look from appearing cakey.
“I like to apply a generous amount and let it dry naturally as you don’t need to rub or pat it in,” adds Dominic.
Even though most setting sprays are directed to be applied after your makeup look is complete, some products work best when used multiple times throughout the application process.
“If it’s a hydrating setting spray that is designed to be used throughout the makeup process like the Tatcha one, I would use it as often as desired,” explains Dresher. “Otherwise, just at the end of the makeup process or for a little refresher later in the day.”
Ingredients to look for in setting sprays for mature skin
When shopping for setting sprays for mature skin, search for those with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, ferulic acid, antioxidants, ceramides, green tea extract and niacinamide.
“Hyaluronic acid binds water to the skin and increases the plumpness and hydration of the skin,” explains Jaliman. “Another good ingredient is glycerin as it also pulls water from the air into the skin hydrating it, and aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps any irritation or inflammation of the skin,”
On the other hand, you should steer clear of setting sprays that will dry out the skin. “When choosing a setting spray for mature skin, it’s best to avoid ingredients that can be overly drying such as high concentrations of alcohol, fragrances (which may cause sensitivity) and mattifying agents such as clay or talc,” says Dominic.
How we chose
To compile our list of the best setting sprays for mature skin, Shop TODAY considered the hydrating recommendations provided by the dermatologists and makeup artists we interviewed.
Meet the experts
- Kunal Malik, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and assistant professor at Icahn School of Medicine in New York City.
- Debra Jaliman, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and author of “Skin Rules” (St. Martin’s Press).
- Natalie Dresher is a New York City-based celebrity and bridal makeup artist.
- Caitlyn Dominic is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based makeup artist.
- Anetta Reszko, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.
- Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University.
