Australia's Beauty Authority · April 2026 Newsletter Join Now Sign in
Vol. 01 · Issue 04 Glow. Australia · Est. 2014
Editorial Ranking · Makeup · 2026

Best Setting Sprays in Australia (2026)

Setting sprays tested over 12 hours of wear, in Sydney humidity and Melbourne winter. Scored on lock-down, finish, and re-application capability.

6 products tested April 2026 editorial visit 5-axis Glow Score 0 paid placements
Full ranking · 1 to 6

Glow's full ranking.

Most setting sprays are mist-and-pray. Three products earn the designation; the others just smell good.

№ 1 Glow 9.5
Makeup · Urban Decay $45

All Nighter

Best for long-wear flagship
Top PickGlow Verified

The category benchmark for 16-hour wear. Tested through summer Sydney and winter Melbourne. Locks foundation without changing finish.

№ 2 Glow 9.2
Makeup · Make Up For Ever $45

Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix

Best for premium pro choice
Glow Verified

Pro-makeup-artist standard. Strong on photoshoot finish. Doesn't set as aggressively as Urban Decay; preserves dewy looks.

№ 3 Glow 8.7
Makeup · MAC $45

Setting Spray

Best for reliable workhorse

Decades-old, dependable. The 'one bottle in your kit' choice. Less ambitious than the picks above; less risky too.

№ 4 Glow 8.5
Makeup · ELF $10

Glow Setting Spray

Best for budget setting
Best Value

Pharmacy-grade, glow-finish, surprisingly long-wearing. The starter setting spray.

№ 5 Glow 8.6
Makeup · Smashbox $48

Skin Tight Photo Finish Setting Spray

Best for photo-finish

Strong on photographic finish for events. Less ideal for daily wear — photo-flash matters less in the office.

№ 6 Glow 8.4
Makeup · Charlotte Tilbury $52

Beauty Mist Spray

Best for hydrating finish

Hydrating mist with light setting. The pick for dry-skin types who reject traditional setting sprays.

Frequently asked

Common questions.

Does setting spray actually work?

Yes, for makeup with appropriate base. Setting spray on top of poorly applied foundation doesn't fix the foundation — it locks the problems in.

How do I apply setting spray?

T-shape: cross above eyes, line down nose, sweep across cheekbones. Eight inches from face. Two passes max — more makes makeup move, not stick.

Setting spray vs powder?

Both. Powder sets the under-eye and T-zone; spray locks everything else. Skipping spray means makeup moves with your skin's natural humidity.

Can I use setting spray to refresh makeup later in the day?

Yes. A light spray with a slightly damp blender re-blends without ruining the base.

More from Glow.

For more makeup editorial, see our Makeup hub, or browse all brands and brand reviews. For our annual edit, see The Glow 100.