You’re using setting spray wrong & so are the YouTube beauty gurus – once you get it right, it’s a complete game changer
A MAKEUP expert has shared the correct usage of setting sprays.
They explained that many people misuse it, with the list of culprits including YouTube beauty gurus.
Redditor RipperReeta, a beauty fan with over 20 years of cosmetic sciences and beauty industry experience, shared the makeup tip in a post.
They expressed frustration over the misinformation floating around about the difference between setting, fixing, and refreshing sprays.
"A lot of YouTube beauty gurus get it wrong (or explain it wrong) and it's a little maddening and darn confusing," they wrote.
"Once you get it, I swear, it's a COMPLETE game changer!"
After applying an entire face of makeup, complete with foundation, concealer, and set with setting powder, the likely last step is to finish off with a mist.
RipperReeta said that makeup fans should reach for one of three different sprays depending on the effect they desire.
"Setting Sprays have one major function they are supposed to fill and that is to mesh your makeup into one layer, not add to the wear length of your makeup," they explained.
While setting sprays can help makeup last longer by making it more cohesive, that's not the intended purpose.
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"When you spray a setting spray over makeup, everything you’ve applied should kind of merge into one, quick-drying liquid so it avoids slipping and separating," they added.
"It does NOT offer any or very, very little fixative value or staying power.
"If your foundation tends to slip, then yes, you'll see more staying power.
"Otherwise, it's a merging and 'de-powdering' agent ONLY."
Deceptive product labels and names add to the confusion within the beauty community, they added.
"Confusingly, regardless of its name, Mac Fix+ is a setting spray and will not offer more hold," they said.
Applying a fixing spray over a setting spray will make your makeup last a lot longer.
Redditor RipperReeta
"If applied BEFORE makeup it will make your foundation more difficult to blend and layer as it will set more quickly."
Those looking to extend the longevity of their makeup should use a fixing spray instead.
"A fixing spray has only one function also, that is to make your makeup last as long as possible," they explained.
"Applying a fixing spray over a setting spray will make your makeup last a lot longer. Applying a fix alone will make it last a little longer as you're really only fixing the top layer it can penetrate."
"Remember, a setting spray merges them all so fixing after setting LOCKS THAT MOTHER IN!!"
The main difference between the two sprays, they revealed, is the polymers and saccharides in fixing sprays that form a barrier to seal in makeup.
Those looking for a quick skin refresh, on the other hand, will be happy with refreshing mists.
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"Applying something like Mario Badescu Herb Water or Mac Charged Water after your makeup will literally do nothing," they said.
"It may appear it has for a few minutes as it’s ‘wet’ your face' but It will dry off and literally go back to the way it was before."