Difference Between Setting Spray And Finishing Spray
Setting spray and finishing spray. You have probably heard these two words around before. In a beauty world, many beauty products are available to help you achieve a radiant and long-lasting look. Within them, there are two products that often confuse makeup lovers: Setting spray and finishing spray. Both setting spray and finishing spray have a huge contribution to makeup application. Both sprays help refresh the makeup routine, improve makeup wearability, and provide a smooth finish. Although they sound similar, there are crucial differences between these two makeup products.
But fear not. In this beauty guide,”Setting spray vs Finishing spray” I will explore the difference between those two sprays and provide insight into their benefits and best practices for using them.
What is Setting Spray?
A setting spray is a popular cosmetic product designed to set makeup and prolong its wear throughout the day. It is a lightweight, fine mist applied as the final step in your makeup routine. Setting sprays are widely used to lock makeup after you’ve completed your foundation, concealer, powder, and eyeshadow application.
Importance of Setting Spray
Setting spray is an important step in any makeup routine. It helps to hold your masterpiece of your makeup art throughout the entire day. After spending lots of time perfecting the foundation, blush, and eyeshadow, no one wants their makeup to slide off. A Setting spray prevents makeup from creasing, smudging, or fading.
Whether going to the office or attending any special events, you want your makeup to look fresh and flawless from start to finish. Here, you need a setting spray that helps to extend its wear time and prevents it from falling out of the makeup from different factors.
How Does Setting Spray Work?
A setting spray contains film-forming ingredients that create a thin layer. When the liquid mist dries down, the weightless film present in the setting spray acts as a net to lock the makeup in place. The polymers and acrylates in the spray's formula bind makeup products together. A setting spray creates a barrier against external factors such as humidity, sweat, and oil. Setting sprays also contain hydrating properties that keep your skin looking fresh.
[Recommended to Read: How to Use Setting Powder]
What is Finishing Spray?
A finishing spray, also known as fixing spray, is a versatile makeup product used in makeup applications. It is a light mist designed to upgrade the overall appearance and finish the makeup. Unlike setting spray, finishing spray does not primarily focus on longevity and holding the makeup. Finishing spray focuses on providing a natural finish while cleverly blending and melting your makeup for a seamless finish.
Importance of Finishing Spray
A finishing spray is a highly valuable addition to any beauty routine. While Setting sprays are renowned for locking makeup and prolonging wear, finishing sprays offer benefits that lift the makeup game.
The finishing spray eliminates harsh lines and a powdery appearance. Finishing spray helps to give the makeup a more natural complexion than layers of different makeup products. This versatile spray also helps to improve the makeup's wearability and adds hydration to refresh the appearance. While not their primary function, some finishing sprays can also help extend your makeup's wear time by preventing fading and transfer.
How Does Finishing Spray Work?
Makeup finishing spray is a cosmetic product used after applying all other makeup products as the last step. It is touched with the finishing spray to provide a finishing look and refresh the skin. Finishing spray helps to combine and blend all the makeup products seamlessly on your face. When the finishing spray is misted over the full makeup look, it deposits a lightweight, transparent polymer film that covers your makeup. This versatile film smooths over any potential patchiness or fine lines and gives you an airbrushed, polished look.
The polymers in the finishing sprays also help minimize the risk of transferring and rubbing off the makeup. A finishing spray also contains light-reflecting particles that help give the skin a soft and healthy glow compared to just wearing makeup.
Setting Spray Vs Finishing Spray: The Differences
Setting and finishing sprays are commonly used in makeup routines. They serve distinct purposes and provide different benefits. Setting sprays are designed to lock makeup, preventing it from creasing, fading, and falling out throughout the day. On the other hand, finishing sprays are applied as the last step after applying other makeup products.
Despite some similarities, let's understand the difference between setting spray and finishing spray in detail, using different bases.
| Basis of Difference | Setting Spray | Finishing Spray |
| Base Formula | Setting sprays are typically water or alcohol-based. | Finishing sprays are often water or silicone-based emulsions. |
| Key Ingredients | Setting sprays mainly contain polymers, film-formers, and humectants. |
Finishing sprays have silicones, emollients, and light-reflecting particles. |
| Mechanism of Action | Setting sprays form a lightweight, breathable film over makeup. | Finishing sprays deposit a flexible, transparent polymer laminate. |
| Finish | Setting sprays provide a matte, shine-free finish. | Finishing sprays provide a soft, radiant, or dewy glow. |
| Purpose | Setting sprays lock makeup in place for long-lasting wear throughout the day. | Finishing sprays blend and perfect the overall makeup look. |
| Timing of Use | Setting sprays can be used before or after makeup application. | Finishing sprays are used as the very last step. |
| Oil Control | Setting sprays helps control oil and shine. | Finishing sprays may not have significant oil-controlling properties. |
| Smoothing Effect | Setting sprays primarily focus on longevity. | Finishing sprays have a more pronounced smoothing and blurring effect. |
| Texture | Setting sprays can feel slightly drying or tightening on the skin. | Finishing sprays often have a more hydrating, emollient texture. |
| Targeted Use | Setting sprays are versatile for all makeup looks. | Finishing sprays are primarily used for a polished, airbrushed effect. |
| Fragrance | Setting sprays are typically unscented. | Some finishing sprays may have a subtle, pleasant fragrance. |
Similarities Between Setting Spray And Finishing Spray
While setting spray and finishing spray have many differences, they also have some similarities. Both come in a fine mist form that is sprayed all over the face after the makeup application. Both help extend makeup wear and prevent it from breaking and creasing throughout the day. They are quick-drying and feel weightless on the skin once dry. When used, they can provide a natural finish look and refresh the makeup.
How to Choose The Right Setting Spray?
Before choosing the setting spray, consider your skin type and the look you want to achieve. For example, if you have oily skin or want a matte, shine-free finish that lasts all day, use a setting spray containing alcohol or oil-absorbing powders. These will help control shine and keep your makeup locked all day.
Choose a setting spray with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid for normal to dry skin types. These formulas will prevent makeup from looking cakey. And if you want a dewy, glowy look, choose a setting spray with light-reflecting particles. This helps to give you a radiant finish and keep your makeup fresh. For Sensitive skin types, choose a setting spray with ingredients that do not negatively react with your skin.
How to Choose The Right Finishing Spray?
While choosing the right finishing spray, consider the desired final look you want to achieve with your makeup. Choose a finishing spray that contains light-reflecting particles. These particles help to give you a radiant glow. These particles help to transmit a dewy and healthy gloss to the skin. These finishing sprays seamlessly blend all your makeup products, adding soft radiance to the complexion.
If you prefer a more natural, skin-like finish, look for the finishing spray that smooths and helps to blur imperfections without adding too much shine. These sprays often contain silicone or flexible polymers that create an airbrushed, seamless appearance, minimizing any patchiness.
For those with oily skin or wanting to achieve an oil-free makeup look in hot, humid conditions, choose a mattifying finishing spray that helps control shine and oil production while still perfecting your makeup. The right finishing spray can be the final touch that ties your makeup together, leaving you with a polished, flawless, and long-lasting result.
How to Use Setting Spray and Finishing Spray Together
Using both setting spray and finishing spray together can help you achieve a long-lasting and flawless makeup look. After completing the whole makeup application process, apply setting spray all over your face to lock all the makeup. Leave it for a few minutes and allow it to dry and set. This will help to lock the makeup and control shine throughout the day.
Once the setting spray has dried and done its job, follow up with a light, even mist of finishing spray. This helps blend the makeup seamlessly into your skin and refresh it. Hold the finishing spray 8-10 inches away from your face and mist it lightly in an "X" and "T" motion to ensure even coverage. Let the finishing spray dry completely before touching your face or applying additional products.
Final Thoughts on Setting Spray Vs Finishing Spray
Figuring out the difference between setting spray and finishing spray is important in makeup application. Although they have some similarities, they stand differently on many bases with each other. The Setting sprays primarily focus on setting and locking the makeup from factors like sweat and oil, whereas the finishing spray focuses on giving the finishing touch and refreshing the makeup. Using them together in a proper way can give the best result. The right setting and finishing spray combo are key to flawless makeup. Whether you want a matte, dewy, or natural finish, understanding the difference between these two sprays allows you to curate the ideal makeup routine for your desired results.
FAQs on Setting Spray Vs Finishing Spray
Can a setting spray or finishing spray be used on bare skin?
While setting sprays and finishing sprays are typically used over makeup, some products can also be applied to bare skin. Look for setting sprays or finishing sprays that mention suitability for use on bare skin if that's your intention.
Do setting sprays or finishing sprays have any skincare benefits?
Some setting sprays and finishing sprays contain ingredients that offer skincare benefits, such as hydration, antioxidants, or soothing properties. These products can provide an additional boost to your skincare routine.
Are setting sprays suitable for all skin types?
Yes, there are setting sprays available for various skin types, including oily, dry, and combination skin. Look for a setting spray formulated for your specific skin concerns.
Can a setting spray help reduce the appearance of pores?
Some setting sprays are formulated to minimize the appearance of pores by creating a smooth surface on the skin. Look for setting sprays that specifically mention pore-reducing properties.
Can a finishing spray replace a setting powder?
No, a finishing spray cannot entirely replace a setting powder. Setting powders help to control shine and oiliness, while a finishing spray adds a final touch and enhances the overall appearance of your makeup.
