In this review, we delve into the world of E.l.f. setting sprays, examining their performance, claims, and suitability for various skin types. We've tested their entire current lineup, focusing on how they lock in makeup and enhance the overall makeup-wearing experience. E.l.f. has listened to user feedback and improved their misting experience, ensuring a smooth application every time.
E.l.f. Stay All Day Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist
This lightweight makeup setting spray promises up to 16 hours of wear. It is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as Cucumber Fruit Extract, Aloe, and Green Tea Leaf Extract, which help to hydrate and soothe the skin. The spray features a new micro-fine mister designed for ultimate coverage and easy application, allowing you to lock your look down from morning to night. It is suited for all skin types and nourishes the skin while keeping makeup looking fresh for 16 hours straight. This spray provides a matte finish and sets the skin perfectly well, significantly extending the wear time of makeup. A notable advantage is its lack of a scent. While its blue light blocking capabilities are difficult to ascertain, it does not negatively impact normal oil production.
Claims: This spray should set makeup and refresh it during the day. Glucosylrutin reduces blue light emittance. The formula is lightweight for use on all skin types to provide a matte, shine-free finish.
Some reviews have cited issues with the spray nozzle becoming clogged after a few uses. However, the product includes a ball to facilitate shaking, and it's suggested that E.l.f. may have addressed this issue. Similar to other sprays in this line, it delivers a fine mist, sets makeup effectively, and provides a matte finish, extending makeup wear time.
E.l.f. Dewy Coconut Setting Mist
This setting spray aims to provide up to 16 hours of wear with a lightweight formula. It imparts a subtle, fresh, and healthy glow without the use of shimmers or glitters. This particular spray does not contain a shaker ball. As is typical with these round-shaped bottles, the mist is fine, and the spray successfully sets makeup. As expected, this dewy mist results in more shine by the end of the day compared to other E.l.f. sprays, partly due to natural oils and partly due to the spray itself. While there is slightly more wear and tear observed by the end of the day, the overall look with this dewy mist is still quite good.
Claims: This spray should provide up to 16 hours of wear with a lightweight formula. It does give you a subtle fresh and healthy glow without the use of shimmers or glitters.
E.l.f. Hydrating Coconut Water Setting Mist
This spray is designed to hydrate and condition the skin for a long-lasting finish. E.l.f. offers a comparison table for all their setting sprays in cylindrical bottles, which can be helpful for consumers.
Claims: This should hydrate and condition the skin for a long-lasting finish.
E.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set (The OG)
This product holds a special place as potentially one of the first setting sprays used by many when getting into makeup, and it is certainly an original in the drugstore market. Originally available in white packaging under the Essential line for $1 and in black under the Studio line for $3, trying this product again after many years has been a very impressive experience. It effectively sets makeup and, surprisingly, extends wear time. While it may not extend wear as long as the "Stay All Day" or "Stay All Night" variants, it still offers a good daily option. It's likely E.l.f. was ahead of its time with this product.
Claims: This spray should hold your makeup in place all day. It should also revitalize, soothe, and hydrate the skin.
This spray provides a basic, matte finish that is not overly drying. Similar to the original Makeup Mist & Set, it is believed to extend makeup wear time, though a slight increase in wear and tear might be visible compared to the "Stay All Day" or "Stay All Night" options. It's considered a nice daily option.
E.l.f. Illuminating Mist & Set
This spray is marketed as being lightweight and helping makeup last. However, it does not provide an illuminated or radiant look. It might offer the slightest hint of a fine glitter on the skin, but the overall finish is matte.
Claims: This spray is lightweight and helps your makeup to last.
Ingredients of E.l.f. Setting Sprays (Example: Stay All Day Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist)
A typical ingredient list for E.l.f. setting sprays includes:
- Water (Aqua)
- Propylene Glycol
- AMP-Acrylates/Allyl Methacrylate Copolymer
- Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
- Glycerin
- Coceth-7
- PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
- PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- Retinyl Palmitate
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
- Butylene Glycol
- Disodium EDTA
- Caprylyl Glycol
- Phenoxyethanol
E.l.f. Setting Sprays: Performance and Comparisons
Does E.l.f. Have Good Setting Sprays?
Yes, E.l.f. offers good setting sprays. It can be challenging to find setting sprays that genuinely extend makeup wear time, but E.l.f. provides several options that achieve this.
Which E.l.f. Setting Mist Is Best?
The Stay All Day Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist is considered the overall best E.l.f. setting mist, particularly for those who prefer a matte finish. For a natural finish, the Makeup Mist & Set is the second-best option.
Is E.l.f. Setting Spray Matte or Dewy?
E.l.f. offers setting sprays that provide dewy, matte, and natural finishes. The Stay All Day Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist stands out as the best overall setting spray due to its lack of scent, fine mist, and exceptional wear-extending capabilities.
For a natural finish, the Makeup Mist & Set is a top pick. For those seeking a dewy finish, the Dewy Coconut Setting Mist is recommended.
E.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set: A Deep Dive
The E.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set is a popular choice for those looking for a dupe of MAC's Fix Plus. Despite its simple, black, square-shaped plastic bottle that can easily get scratched, the product itself is effective. It contains glycerin and Allyl Methacrylate Copolymer, which help combat humidity and sebum that can cause makeup to run.
Upon application, the spray feels wet, and it takes some time to dry. However, once dry, it feels natural and comfortable. The finish is somewhere between dewy and matte. This spray is also excellent for use with eyeshadows; dampening a brush with it helps to pick up and pack on pigments, especially for loose, baked, foiled, and glittery eyeshadows. Overall, this product is considered a good dupe for MAC Fix Plus. At an affordable price of $3, it's a great option for avoiding a powdery look. Its vegan formulation also makes it an accessible entry point into the world of setting sprays.
Review: ELF Studio Mist & Set Spray
This review tested the entire current lineup of sprays on combination skin, noting that this spray has a fine mist, as do all in this style of packaging. There is a ball in the bottom to facilitate shaking the product well. This spray does provide a matte finish and sets the skin perfectly well, absolutely extending the wear time of makeup. Even better, it does not have a smell.