I first came across the concept of using a mist to set your makeup many years ago. I was taught then, that a thermal water spray mist could do double duty to set makeup. For a spell, I was using it because it helped powder foundation look less powdery. When I switched to liquid foundation, I stopped.
I remember one day, a friend waxing lyrical about this mist from Urban Decay, that sets and holds your makeup, literally all night long. She swore up and down that her makeup did not budge one bit. Considering that it was a hot evening, and she did still look fairly fresh while I was wilting, I believed her.
But I never tried it, because I never found the need to. I’m one of those people who tends to let nature take its course. If it melts, it melts. But recently, I was taught a new way to use a product I’m not a fan of, and I have to say, I was sold.
But the question is this – do you use a makeup setting mist?
I don’t. Not generally.
But I had this bottle of the famed Caudalie Beauty Elixir lying around, and didn’t know what to do with it. One day, I got to talking with the people from Caudalie Malaysia about this, and how I’m not a big fan of the product as it is (as a facial mist), and they told me I could try using it as a makeup setting spray instead.
Oh hang on! What was this?
So I tried it. You shake it up, and the lovely thing about the Beauty Elixir, is that has a lovely fine mist. So, I did my makeup, and at the end of it, shook the bottle of Beauty Elixir, and sprayed a fine mist all over my face. It did not leave it sopping wet, and dried quickly.
Much to my surprise, my makeup did stay on better and longer through the day! The other added benefit was that it took away any powdery look caused by setting powder, and give my skin a more natural glowy finish.
I now have it back on my dresser, where I use it, not as a skincare product, but as a makeup setting spray. It doesn’t dry my skin, and I don’t mind the sharp scent, and I like how my makeup looks when I use it occasionally.
Incidentally, when I met Mathilde Thomas, co-founder of Caudalie, she too mentioned that the Beauty Elixir can be used as a makeup setting spray. I was glad to inform her then, that it does work, and I love using it for that purpose! 😀
For now though, this is the only makeup setting spray mist thing that I use, and even then, only occasionally. I don’t really have a need for it on a day to day basis, only for when I have a long day or perhaps, for a formal occasion. Otherwise, I let it slide 😛
Do you use a makeup setting spray? What do you use?
If you own the Beauty Elixir but don’t quite like it, try using it this way too. I have a suspicion that the oils included in the product is what helps the skin take on a more dewy, glowy appearance, while the water in the mist is what helps hold your makeup in place. But what do you use? 🙂
Paris B
I’ve used both makeup forever and urban decay’s setting sprays…I don’t think they’ve done anything for me in the ‘prolong your makeup’ part!
Ooh really? So many people rave about the Urban Decay one! I personally haven’t used either – I guess I never really needed my makeup to last that long haha!
Many years I use Mac fix+. Not every day, but I like how it is looks likea after that.
Thanks for sharing Veronika! Oh yes I remember many people raving about MAC Fix+ too!
The beauty elixir is ahmaaaaaazinggggg… But I’ve never found setting sprays to work for me in that sense. The elixir, I prefer it for freshening up and it’s great for calming down my occasional flare ups – which tend to show up when stressed or bad weather 🙂
On that note, I think there’s a difference between finishing sprays and setting sprays? I’m not too sure though.
It’s interesting to know how you use the Beauty Elixir, Deborah 🙂 I personally never got it to work for me, but the Caudalie Grape Water Spray works for me the way you use it – to calm my skin. I love it! I don’t know if there’s a difference between finishing and setting sprays. I think maybe just a question of semantics 😀
Hi PB, I’m using the famed Urban Decay All Nighter makeup setting spray and really like the effect!! My makeup stay longer and I look fresher. Never tried any other brand for this purpose.
Hey Esther, that UD one gets a lot of raves! I guess it’s justified 😀
Looks like a product worth buying! ?
If you mean Beauty Elixir, there are other ways people use it too, so perhaps yes, it is?
I started using a setting spray last year and now I can’t go without! I’ve used the NYX Matte spray (which I liked) and am finishing up my bottle of Fix+ from MAC. I bought the Wet n’ Wild setting spray to try out next.
The Beauty Elixir sounds divine though!
Ah if you already use one of the dedicated setting sprays, perhaps you may find the Beauty Elixir wanting haha! It serves its purpose, I feel, but perhaps not in the way a proper makeup setting spray does. Still, it’s refreshing and smells lovely!
Hahhahahahhahah “let it slide”… I see what you did there (?° ?? ?°)
I use the SKII mid day essence thing spray. It helps with hydration and does a decent job at setting. I’ll give my beauty elixir a whirl. It’s collecting dust…
The only one to pick up on it! 😀 Oh I got that mid day essence thing, but didn’t do much for me. Oops! 😛 Maybe I’m not dedicated enough. Since I have it, I might as well use it up right?
All my makeup, including foundation, eye shadow and lipstick, creases, smudges or fades away after several hours and it is really frustrating. Finally figured out a way to overcome it. Thanks for sharing this great tips. I would definitely try this. Sharon Elsie | diva-in-me.com
Try a primer as well, Sharon. It will help makeup stay on longer, and look fresher too! 🙂
Actually, UD’s setting spray is by Skindinavia, a company popular for their setting spray and is a favourite among many makeup artists overseas. I myself really love Skindinavia’s Bridal Setting Spray, it really does help your makeup to last whole day, up to 16hrs.
My testing day was a day where I was very busy from early morning, i did my own makeup before 6am finish off with the setting spray, went to work making up other clients the whole day. In between weather was hot humid, then air cond room then hot humid, i sweat a lot, face gets oily in T-zone, i didn’t even have much time to bother about my own face other than blotting it with tissue whenever i can/remember. But at the end of that day at night, my makeup still look pretty good after 12hrs! Even my clients feedback their makeup lasted well whole day ever since I started using Skindinavia’s setting spray. Tips is don’t be stingy when you spray hehe…
If you like an in expensive facial mist that works in providing your face hydration and also helps makeup to last better, another option is Mario Badescu’s Rose Water & Herbs Facial Mist 🙂 Is available online at Sephora. It is also a cult favourite among top makeup artists overseas. You can use prior skin care as a toner and after makeup as setting spray/finishing spray. My makeup will usually look dry/cakey around cheeks, laugh line, but when I pair my routine with Mario’s rose water, I noticed my face looked hydrated the whole day, not dry 🙂
Ah I’d heard of Skindinavia but never felt the urge to try it, as the concept wasn’t something that appealed to me 😀 But am happy to know that it works very well – especially helpful for bridal makeup! Thanks for the suggestions, I’m sure they’ll be helpful for someone looking for good makeup setting mists 🙂