Have you ever found yourself staring at the beauty shelves, caught between a fixing spray and a setting spray, unsure which one to choose? I’ve been in that position! As a makeup artist, I’ve tested both of these products countless times, and at first, they seemed pretty similar. Both promise to lock in your makeup for the day, so how do you know which one is right for you?
Over time, I’ve realised that while they may sound alike, fixing sprays and setting sprays serve different purposes and offer unique benefits. A setting spray melts your makeup together, while a fixing spray completely locks it in. In this guide, we will know the key differences between the two, and help you figure out when and why to use them, so you can ensure your makeup stays flawless from morning to night.
What is Fixing Spray?
A fixing spray is intended to lock your makeup in place and bind all your makeup products together. It's the final step in your makeup routine, making sure your look stays intact even in challenging conditions, such as humidity, sweat, or long hours.
Key Ingredients in Fixing Sprays
Fixing sprays combine several ingredients in their formulation to keep makeup in place and allow it to last longer. The following is a list of some common key ingredients found within setting sprays.
- Polymers: These form a barrier on the skin surface, preventing makeup from smudging and transferring. They help set your look and last for hours.
- Silicones: They are used to smoothen out the skin and blur the skin to provide a faultless finish. They contribute to the light feel of most fixing sprays.
- Waxes: Waxes help set makeup in place and provide a long-lasting hold. They ensure that your makeup stays put, even in challenging conditions.
- Alcohols: Certain fixing sprays contain alcohols that help the product dry down fast and prevent oiliness. However, for sensitive skin, you need to avoid such products and go for alcohol-free ones.
- Antioxidants: These ingredients help your skin resist environmental stressors and keep your skin healthy. They add an extra layer of skincare benefits to your makeup.
What Is a Setting Spray?
A setting spray, on the other hand, focuses on blending your makeup, giving you a seamless, dewy finish that lasts all day. It’s often used during the makeup process to reduce cakiness, refresh the skin, and give a natural, dewy finish.
Key Ingredients in Setting Spray
Most setting sprays contain several active ingredients that help keep your makeup in place and provide a long-lasting finish. Among the most common key ingredients of setting sprays are:
- Water: This is generally the base ingredient of many setting sprays and is used to dissolve other ingredients in water to provide hydration.
- Alcohol: It helps the product to dry fast and sets makeup, though it might be drying to some skin types.
- Glycerin: It serves as a humectant to attract moisture toward the skin and helps to keep your makeup fresh and dewy.
- Aloe Vera: It is known for its soothing action on the skin to reduce irritation and other such skin issues.
- Polymer or Film-forming Agents: These agents include ingredients such as PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone), which help in creating a thin, protective layer over your makeup to hold it in place.
- Silicones: Various silicones, such as Dimethicone, help to provide a smooth finish and control oil and shine for a flawless matte finish.
- Cucumber Extract: It is added for its cooling and hydrating properties and refreshing the skin.
- Vitamin C or E: Both antioxidants are used to protect the skin and improve its appearance.Fragrances: This adds a pleasant smell to your setting spray, although it's not in all setting sprays.
Fixing Spray vs Setting Spray: Key Differences
While both products are used to enhance the longevity and appearance of your makeup, their purposes and formulations differ significantly.
|
Feature |
Fixing Spray |
Setting Spray |
|
Primary Purpose |
Locks makeup in place |
Blends makeup and enhances the finish |
|
Best For |
Long-lasting hold |
Dewy, natural look |
|
Application Time |
Applied at the final step of the makeup routine |
Throughout the makeup process |
|
Key Ingredients |
Film-forming agents |
Hydrating and nourishing elements |
|
Longevity Impact |
High |
Moderate |
|
Finish |
Matte or natural |
Dewy, glowing |
1. Purpose:
Setting sprays are made to "set" your makeup; that is, to give it a smooth and even finish where the layers of makeup blend well together. A fixing spray acts like a barrier to lock your makeup in and protect it from smudging, fading, or transferring during the day. Individually, they fulfil different roles in achieving a well-done and long-lasting makeup application.
2. Application Timing:
Setting spray is applied right after finishing your makeup to blend the products and set them so that everything looks even. A fixing spray, on the other hand, is usually applied as a finishing touch at the end to set your makeup or for quick touch-ups during the day to keep your look fresh and intact.
3. Primary Purpose:
Setting spray is about setting your makeup to give it either a dewy, natural, or matte finish, according to the formula, so your look gets polished and harmonious. A fixing spray is all about durability- keeping your makeup intact and resistant to such adversities as heat, humidity, or just long hours of wearing.
4. Ingredients:
A setting spray usually contains an active hydrating or soothing ingredient like aloe vera or glycerin that should help provide freshness and a feeling of comfort while boosting the finish of the makeup. A fixing spray contains film-forming agents or polymers that offer protection from above the makeup layer, ensuring its setting and hold, making it resistant to smudging and fading.
5. When to Use:
Setting spray is ideal for everyday use because it gives a sophisticated, natural finish to the makeup that simply enhances your appearance. However, a fixing spray is suitable for occasions, outdoor events, or long days when durability is needed. This way, your makeup stays intact throughout an event.
How to Use Fixing Sprays and Setting Sprays
Using fixing sprays and setting sprays correctly can make a significant difference in your makeup routine.
- Setting Spray: The best time to use setting spray is right after you’ve finished applying your makeup. Hold the bottle about 6-8 inches away from your face and spray a light mist all over. This helps to set your makeup in place, giving you a long-lasting, flawless finish.
- Fixing Spray: However, fixing sprays is your secret weapon for touch-ups throughout the day. If you notice your makeup starting to look a bit tired or oily, simply spritz a small amount of fixing spray onto your face. Focus on areas that need a little extra attention, like your T-zone or cheeks. This helps revive your makeup and keep you looking fresh and radiant all day. Remember, a little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
How to Choose the Right Spray for Your Skin Type
Your skin type is key in determining whether you prioritize a fixing spray, a setting spray, or both. Let's break it down:
For Oily Skin: Apply a matte fixing spray to prevent makeup from wearing off and shininess. Combine it with a lightweight setting spray that won't add extra moisture.
Dry Skin: A hydrating setting spray will keep your skin fresh and glowing. Use a light-fixing spray that won't dry your skin while keeping the makeup in place.
For Combination Skin: The secret is in the balance. Apply a hydrating setting spray in drier areas and a fixing spray on oily zones, like the T-zone.
Sensitive Skin: Use alcohol-free sprays with active soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile to avoid irritations.
Final Thoughts: Fixing Spray or Setting Spray?
The choice depends on your makeup goals and skin needs. If you're looking for a long-lasting, locked-in look, a fixing spray is your best bet. For a seamless, glowing finish, a setting spray is your go-to. And if you want the best of both, incorporating both sprays into your routine can elevate your makeup game.
Just remember, makeup is all about experimentation to find what works for you. Be it a wedding, a long day at work, or simply to be fresh and radiant-looking, these sprays can be your secret weapons in achieving perfection with makeup.