The 8 Best Waterproof Setting Sprays to Fight Melting Makeup

Some people assume that waterproof makeup is only necessary when heading to the pool or the beach. Those people have never walked four blocks to work in L.A.s sweltering summer heat with a rising humidity index. I have. In fact, I do so often, which is exactly how I know that waterproof makeup has a role in everyday life. Without it, Id be crawling into the office with a red, shiny face devoid of makeup because my concealer and mascara would melt off somewhere about two blocks back. Thats why, in order to look halfway presentable in heat and humidity, I stock up on all the waterproof basics—including but not limited to mascara, concealer, and lipstick.

But one of the most important products behind acrease-free, smudge-free, and non-melted makeup look has to be setting spray. It keeps the makeup right where it was applied, not smudging down the cheeks or collecting in a dark and streaky mess underneath the eyes.Water-resistant setting sprays work even better (yes, those exist!).Because theyre immune to sweat and humidity, theyre perfect for people who are prone to melty makeup (like me).

To find the best waterproof setting sprays on the market, we spent hours researching a range of top-selling brands, as well as conducting our own product testing and looking at hundreds of online reviews. We also tapped makeup artist Tony Tulveto get his expert opinion on what makes a setting spray hold, no matter what.

Check out the best waterproof setting sprays, below.

Best Overall

One/Size by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

Sephora

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Our best overall pick is this mattifying waterproof spray from One/Size by Patrick Starr. Not only does it help to extend the life of your makeup, but italso helps tighten the appearance of pores with Green Tea Extract and Witch Hazel which absorbs oil and gives the skin a blurred, matte finishfor up to 16 hours. As such, it’s a great option for oily and combination skin but can also be used on all skin types. It’s also cruelty free which sealed its place as our overall winner.

• Size: 1, 3.4 fl oz
• Scent:None specified
• Finish: Matte
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best Vegan

Tarte Shape Tape Stay Spray Vegan Setting Spray

Ulta

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When you really need your makeup to stay put, look no further than this weightless setting spray from Tarte.Its micro-fine mist locks down makeup for an impressive 16 hours, making it waterproof, sweat-proof, and transfer-proof.It’s also great at refreshing and soothing the skin with refreshing cucumber and aloe extracts.Not to mention, it’s also cruelty-free and vegan. What’s not to love?

• Size: 4 fl oz
• Scent: Cucumber aloe
• Finish: Natural
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray

Sephora

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When it comes to waterproof setting sprays that won’t budge, this is one of the very best out there according to Tulve.“This spray has never let me down,” he says. “Across the board, it’s worked for all of my clients when I can’t travel to their events with them and need to make sure [their makeup] can last all night”. It also boasts temperature-control technology and time-release molecules that burst over time to reduce the skin’s temperature.This process prevents makeup from melting away.

When we tried it ourselves, we found that All Nighter blew past our expectations and our makeup didn’t budge for the entire day.“The spray melts into the skin so wonderfullythat if you need to add a little powder or pop of blush or highlight, you can without worry of it picking up the sealed makeup underneath,” Tulve continues.

• Size: .25 fl oz
• Scent:Original
• Finish: Natural
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Urban Decays Setting Spray Kept My Makeup Locked in Place for Hours

Best Budget

Covergirl Look Lock Up Setting Spray

Walmart

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Ever since Covergirl went through a huge rebrand, weve been loving the chic black-and-white packaging, like that of this setting spray. Its not necessarily fully waterproof, butits resistant to sweat, humidity, and heat, meaning itll still last you throughout the day.The microfine mist feels invisible on the skin and alsohelps it set makeup without setting it into fine lines. We love that its also infused with cucumber and chamomile and has a cooling effect on the skin.

• Size: 3.4 fl oz
• Scent: Cucumber
• Finish:Natural
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Skindinavia The Makeup Oil Control Finishing Spray

Amazon

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One of our favorite waterproof setting sprays thats readily available on Amazon is this product from Skindinavia.In addition to waterproofing your beauty look to outlast the most extreme conditions, it’s resistant to heat and will last up to 16 hours.It does this by cooling the temperature of the skin and reducing sweat and oil production.Reviewers love that the oil-free formula isn’t overly drying and also helps to keep oil and shine at bay throughout the day.

• Size: 0.7 fl oz
• Scent: Mild
• Finish: Radiant
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best Liquid

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Magic Set & Seal

Danessa Myricks Beauty

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Okay, so this isnt technically a setting spray, but it works to waterproof your makeup all the same. As the name suggests, its truly magic:“More of a mixing medium, this product is great for turning any loose pigment, glitter, or shadow into a bulletproof liquid formula,” says Tulve.“It makes it easy to create a liquid liner, bold painterly eyes, or a long-wear glitter lip!” Make this your go-to for festivals and parties, and any occasion that calls for your most creative makeup looks. Did we mention it’s also cruelty free?

• Size:0.2, 0.4 fl oz
• Scent: None
• Finish: Natural
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Matte Finish

Huda Beauty Resting Boss Face Waterproof Setting Spray

Sephora

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This extra-hold mattifying setting spray from Huda Beauty is inspired by a makeup hack used by drag queens—one that involves using hairspray to up the wear of their makeup.Fear not, this formula doesn’t at all feel sticky like hairspray, instead providing a comfortable, non-drying finish that truly lasts.As it has an ultra-matte finish,this pick is particularly good for those with oily and skin that gets super shiny in humidity or with sweat.Plus, unlike most hairsprays, it’s packaged in a non-aerosol bottle.

• Size: 3.4 fl oz
• Scent: Original
• Finish: Matte
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Eye Makeup

Trish McEvoy Finish Line Shadow Transformer

Nordstrom

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If its just your eye makeup that gives you trouble,look no further than this transparent waterproofing product from Trish McEvoy.Add a drop or two into your favorite eyeshadow, and it becomes a budge-proof and water-resistant eyeliner–say goodbye to mascara under your eyes, and faded cat-eye flicks by lunchtime.It also means you can turn almost any eyeshadow into a long-wearing eyeliner.Just think about all the possibilities (and money saved from no longer purchasing multiple liners). It gets extra points for being cruelty free, too.

• Size: 0.3 fl oz
• Scent: None
• Finish:Natural
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Lips

Mehron LipStix Lipstick Sealer

Amazon

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Sure, there are plenty of waterproof liquid lipsticks on the market, but sometimes you just need a certain shade of a cream lipstick to withstand the elements—or multiple glasses of wine and a bowl of oily pasta. That’s where Mehron’s Lipstix comes in, whichcreates a clear, non-sticky barrier over your lip color, preventing it from fading, smudging, and bleeding.It should also help to avoid a lipstick-on-teeth mishap, too. Just apply it over your usual lipstick to seal the colour on.

• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Scent: Mint
• Finish: Natural
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Where We Stand

Our favorite overall pick is One/Size by Patrick Starr’s On Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray. It blurs the skin and minmizies the look of pores while setting makeup in place for up to 16 hours. When it comes to setting sprays that will outlast a HIIT class or even a monsoon, we’re looking to the Tarte Shape Tape Stay Spray Vegan Setting Spray (view at Ulta). Its weightless, comfortable formula keeps makeup on lock for an impressive 16 hours and is enriched with cucumber and aloe extracts. When we need to keep oily skin under control, the Huda Beauty Resting Boss Face Waterproof Setting Spray (view at Sephora) is a must for creating a comfortable matte finish that’s never sticky or drying. And finally, our list of top picks wouldn’t be complete without the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, a classic that melts into the skin for an amazing (and secure) finish.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best waterproof setting sprays on the market evaluating their key features—like scent, finish, and longevity of wear—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) on the following criteria:

ScentFinish Additional benefits such as oil reduction, mattifying etcHow long it extends makeupPackaging and applicator

What to Look for in a Waterproof Setting Spray

Finish: One of the first things Tulve recommends looking into when shopping for a setting spray is how the formula dries down—keeping in mind both the overall finish and whether or not it leaves behind a residue. Depending on your skin type or desired finished look, you’ll want to choose between products that provide a matte finish to fight shine or something more natural to avoid looking too flat. And, of course, regardless of finish, you’ll want a formula that dries down comfortably sans sticky residue, especially if you’ll be wearing it for the long haul. As Tulve points out, some waterproof sprays are built for stage makeup and may be too heavy for everyday wear. Those who want a little extra protection might opt for a setting spray with SPF.Low Alcohol Content: Tulve also suggests reading into how much alcohol is in a formula before you purchase, as too much alcohol can irritate or dry out the skin over time.1While oilier types can get away with a higher alcohol content, he recommends dryer types stick to formulas that are as low in alcohol as possible. “Otherwise it can irritate dry and rough patches on the skin,” he says.Low (or No) Fragrance: Another factor Tulve takes into account is whether or not a product has any fragrance, and if it does, how long it lingers after it dries down.  Many setting sprays do have added fragrance, so those with sensitive skin will want to opt for fragrance-free formulas, whereas one with a strong, lasting scent may be a dealbreaker depending on your personal preference.

FAQ

Does waterproof setting spray work better than powder?

It depends. Powder and waterproof setting sprays both have different roles when it comes to makeup application. If you have oily or combination skin, a powder is great for absorbing excess oil and mitigating shine throughout the day. However, there are waterproof setting sprays that are formulated to help control oil, as well. Setting sprays are lightweight and can provide an extra boost of hydration, so they are great for drier skin types and those who dont desire a heavy makeup application.

Do waterproof setting sprays clog pores?

It depends on the formula. Its best to look for a non-comedogenic setting spray (this means it is specifically formulated to not clog your pores). However, you can also check the ingredients and make sure there isnt anything that can exacerbate your acne. You should avoid drying alcohol or heavy oils.

When should you apply a waterproof setting spray?

Generally, a waterproof setting spray is the very last step of your makeup routine. Hold the spray at least 14 inches from your face, then mist the spray on the center of your face and forehead in a "T" formation. Then you can spray the sides of your face, chin, and neck in an "X" formation. Finally, wait for it to dry completely. You can even use a fan to help speed up the drying process.

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