Set your sights on the essential tools of the trade that keep our makeup flawless from dawn till dusk: makeup sealers and setting sprays. I’ll break down the differences, explore my top picks, and give you the lowdown on which products to reach for depending on your makeup needs. So, if you’re ready to ensure your makeup survives the longest days and the harshest conditions, let’s jump right in.
my favorite and therefore the best must-have setting sprays and sealers
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In This Episode We Cover:
- the importance of understanding the key differences between makeup sealers and setting sprays.
- the top makeup sealers and setting sprays.
- exploring gentler, more hydrating setting sprays packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Episode 82: Show notes
I’ve certainly had my fair share of artistic pursuits and trials by fire as far as making makeup stay on (and I’m not even touching that time the spray sunscreen we used on 400 people that caused their body makeup to come OFF! Hello, sweaty, makeup-free nightmare)
One thing I’ve learned in this dynamic industry is that long-lasting, a durable makeup application is essential, especially under the hot, glaring lights of a film set or theater stage. Whether on a marathon shoot or under stage lights, your makeup needs to be impeccable from start to finish.
That’s where makeup sealers and setting sprays become indispensable tools in every makeup artist’s arsenal. And today, I want to delve into both, shedding light on their similarities, differences, and my top picks of the best setting sprays and let’s not neglect the best sealers for your makeup applications.
Are Makeup Sealers and Setting Sprays the Same Thing?
At first glance, makeup sealers and setting sprays might appear to serve the same purpose—keeping makeup in place.
However, they diverge significantly in formulation and use.
Makeup sealers are the heavyweights in this realm, creating a robust barrier over the makeup to prevent smudging, wear-off, and mishaps.
They’re essential in the theatrical and special effects domains where prosthetics, grease paints, and intricate details need to stay set through the day. On the other hand, setting sprays offer a lighter, more versatile application, more commonly used in beauty makeup to maintain freshness and reduce shine.
And they’re also generally the last step in your makeup routine. That last ditch effort before your person steps out of the chair. So you better get it right, right?
Let’s take a look at my top 15 picks, their pros and cons, key ingredients, and what makes them so seal-tastic!
Top Picks for Makeup Sealers
When selecting a makeup sealer, Ben Nye Final Seal often comes top of the list.
It’s a staple in the theatrical world, renowned for its ability to keep grease and cream-based makeups intact with a semi-matte finish.
While effective, it’s alcohol-based, so it may not suit sensitive skin types. So aside from what is, yes, also my favorite sealer, let’s take a look at the best products available today
My favorite supplies
Here are some of the supplies that I used when making this project!
Ben Nye Final Seal
- Best for: Stage performances, outdoor shoots, prosthetics, tattoo cover, need for water resistance
- Pros: Long-lasting, semi-matte finish, prevents smudging
- Cons: Alcohol-based, may be drying on sensitive skin
Next up, Kryolan Fixing Spray is a powerhouse for film and television, creating a strong, durable seal that stands up to sweat and humidity. It can feel quite heavy on the skin, though, so light, quick layers are the way to go.
Kryolan Fixier Spray
- Best for: Film, TV, theatre, live events, high humidity conditions
- Pros: Strong seal, waterproof, “bullet-proof” barrier spray
- Cons: Heavier feel, not for daily use on bare skin
For special effects, Green Marble Selr Spray is an industry favorite (if someone explains the mis-spelling for me, I’ll be sweet!).
It’s known for its durability and is waterproof, making it perfect for body painting and prosthetic applications. Although it has a strong odor and can be drying, it’s a top performer under the harshest conditions.
Green Marble Selr Spray
- Best for: Prosthetics, body painting, extreme wear
- Pros: Durable, waterproof, semi-matte finish
- Cons: Strong odor, can be drying, may want to go for Blue Marble Seler instead
Another sealer worth mentioning is Allied FX Undetectable Matte Spray, a newer addition to my toolkit that offers a complete matte finish – fantastic for film and TV.
It’s alcohol-based too, so remember to patch test on sensitive skin.
Allied FX Undetectable Matte Spray
- Best for: Film, TV, shine control
- Pros: Complete matte finish, long-lasting
- Cons: Alcohol-based, not suitable for ultra-sensitive skin
Moving on to my lighter, more skin-friendly options, European Body Art’s Pro-Seal is another excellent choice. It provides a strong hold with a micro-fine mist, suitable for high-performance environments, though it might be drying.
European Body Art Pro Seal
- Best for: Theatrical performances, tattoo cover, special effects
- Pros: Long-lasting, stronghold, ultra-fine mist
- Cons: May be drying on certain skin types
Good news if you’re concerned with the alcohol content of these sealers, Jordane Aqua Bamboo Sealer offers a gentle, water-based alternative that works wonderfully on younger or more sensitive skin.
It’s versatile enough to function both as a primer and a sealer.
Jordane Aqua Bamboo Sealer
- Best for: Multi-purpose use, high moisture environments, minors
- Pros: Water-based, dual-purpose for priming and sealing, lightweight
- Cons: Lightweight, hence not as strong as heavy-duty sealers
Top Picks for Setting Sprays
These are my picks for the best makeup setting sprays and I have to start with Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is a cult classic for a reason. It promises (and delivers) up to 16 hours of flawless makeup that suits all skin types.
Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray
- Best for: Special occasions, long events, weddings
- Pros: Lightweight, long-lasting, suitable for all skin types
- Cons: Not as heavy-duty as sealers
The MAC Prep and Prime Fix Plus is versatile and doubles as a refreshing and hydrating mist, ideal for day-to-day touch-ups or reducing that powdery finish.
MAC Prep and Prime Fix Plus
- Best for: Day wear, touch-ups, hydration
- Pros: Hydrating, natural finish, can be used throughout the day
- Cons: May not as strong a hold as other setting sprays on some folks
Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is another great option, lending a smooth, long-lasting finish perfect for high-profile events.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
- Best for: Red carpet events, photo shoots, beauty makeups
- Pros: Long-lasting, smooth finish, reduces appearance of pores
- Cons: May be too dewy for oily skin types
Honorable Mentions for Hydrating and Dewy Finish Setting Sprays
And then, there are the special mentions – the gentler, more dewy options.
You’ll find that these products all contain more skin-loving ingredients and could most likely be categorized as hydrating mists as well as lightweight formula water sprays too.
Whether this type of spray is the final step in your makeup application, or simply a refreshing after-lunch lightweight makeup fixer, these all feel delightful on the skin, and will lightly set makeup as that final step, on top of your makeup.
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Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is a luxury spray that imparts a plump, radiant finish thanks to its blend of hyaluronic acid and botanical oils.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
- Best for: Dry or combination skin types, radiant glow
- Pros: Hydrating, illuminating
- Cons: Pricey, may be too dewy for oily skin
- Contains: Hyaluronic acid, blend of botanical oils
huda beauty glow coco
- Best for: Normal to dry skin, glowing finish
- Pros: Hydrating, soothing
- Cons: Not suitable for very oily skin
- Contains: hyaluronic acid, coconut water, coconut milk
pixi by petra makeup fixing mist
- Best for: All skin types, extra hydration
- Pros: Affordable, refreshing, hydrating
- Cons: Scented, may not be suitable for everyone
- Contains: hyaluronic acid, green tea extract
Too faced hangover 3-in-1 replenishing primer and setting spray
- Best for: All skin types, especially dehydrated skin
- Pros: Hydrating, multi-tasking, contains beneficial ingredients
- Cons: Strong scent, not strong hold on oily skin
- Contains: Hyaluronic acid, probiotic ingredients
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray
- Best for: Normal to dry skin, dewy finish
- Pros: Very radiant, alcohol-free
- Cons: May be too dewy for oily skin
- Contains: hyaluronic acid, coconut water, glycerin
e.l.f. power grip dewy setting spray
- Best for: Light spray with strong hold
- Pros: Perfect for use in hot conditions
- Cons: May not be great on oily skin
- Contains: Hyaluronic acid, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, glycerin
Choosing between a makeup sealer and a setting spray boils down to the demands of the task ahead.
If you’re in the thick of a theatrical production or dealing with special effects, a makeup sealer will be your best bet.
For a more everyday beauty look that remains fresh and a more natural-looking finish, a good setting spray is the way to go. As we do our darndest to embrace the ever-evolving world of makeup artistry, these products continue to pave the way for flawless, long-lasting results, even longer!
So here’s to the art of makeup, the resilience of our craft, and the tools that help us achieve our best.
And remember, the right products and techniques can dramatically elevate your work, whether you’re behind the scenes or in front of the camera. Until next time, stay set!
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