Even if you’re hiring a professional makeup artist, there is one item in your arsenal that every bride needs…a seriously good setting spray. We’re going to start at square one because some brides haven’t even heard of setting spray or have never used it, so if you’re a makeup pro/tutorial queen feel free to skip ahead to the recs. For the rest of you…class is in session. Setting spray is a transparent mist that helps keep your makeup from running, smudging, settling, and melting throughout the day. We’ve all been there. You look fire when you walk out the door only to come home to a horror movie version of what you once were looking back at you in the mirror. But no one wants that immortalized in wedding photos. Plus there are so many more obstacles, both physical and emotional, that you and your makeup will have to overcome together on your big day. So give yourself and your portraits a fighting chance and invest in a good setting spray.
There’s everyday makeup and then there’s wedding makeup–two totally different looks with completely different objectives. Wedding makeup will have more layers, more contouring, and overall more color to ensure that you POP and look as flawless as possible in your high-def wedding photos and video. Setting spray works to keep all of those elements in place through sweat, happy tears, and drastic temp changes. Think of your face as a canvas. While you could just apply a varnish when you’ve finished your masterpiece, to seriously prolong the life of your makeup look, you can actually apply setting spray after each step to really lock it in. You get your base done, spray…you finish your eyeshadow, spray…eyeliner, lashes…you get the idea.
Yes, your makeup artist will bring setting spray, but your wedding day is not a day for experimentation. The last thing you need is to have a reaction to their setting spray and break out all over your face moments before your ceremony. So, unless you know the kind they’ll be using and have tried it (and liked it) before, it’s always safest to experiment in the lead-up to your wedding so there are no surprises. You can keep it on hand and reapply throughout the day as necessary. Plus, it’s a good idea to have one that you like at home for big events or to take with you for your honeymoon.
Dewy is in, especially when it comes to bridal makeup. Now, most setting sprays have a matte finish, so finding one that can hold your makeup in place but still give you that dewy glow is a big ask, but we’ve got just the one! e.l.f’s Dewy Coconut Setting Mist has a coconut-infused formula that smells great and actually works to hydrate your skin while you wear it.
Photo | e.l.f.
So many of us struggle with oily skin, especially under layer upon layer of makeup. This water-based setting spray lets your skin breathe and won’t clog your pores. It works instantly by absorbing oil and reducing shine giving you a perfect matte finish. And get this…it lasts up to 16 hours!
Photo | NYX
So you don’t just want to glow? You want to sparkle. Say less. You’re going to need a shimmer setting spray. These 2-in-1 formulas can be a bit dicey but this one has over 2,000 5-star reviews on Sephora. There’s even a bronzing option!
Photo | Iconic London
We all hope for beautiful weather on our wedding day, but be it rain or humidity, there are some things we simply can’t change…but we can plan. Urban Decay Allnighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray gets our vote for the best overall too (in case you were wondering). Urban Decay’s patented Temperature Control Technology actually lowers the temperature of your makeup and it’s WATERPROOF!
Photo | Urban Decay
Who doesn’t want smooth airbrushed skin on their wedding day? While this setting spray may be lightweight, it’s definitely a heavy lifter where makeup is concerned. It gives skin a beautiful smooth satin look and gives your makeup an excellent hold. If you’re planning on doing your own makeup, this setting spray will also level up your look and give it that professional airbrushed finish.
Photo | Charlotte Tilbury
Everybody sweats (some more than others), especially on their wedding day. From nerves and soaring temps to endless layers of synthetic fabrics and shapewear there’s no shortage of reasons to want a sweatproof setting spray, in fact, we highly recommend it! This refreshing cucumber-scented setting spray is waterproof, sweatproof, and transfer-proof.
Photo | Tarte