Your questions on setting spray answeredWhat is the best setting spray?Ultimately, the One/Size on ‘til dawn mattifying waterproof setting spray kept my make-up intact the longest. My skin looked professionally airbrushed, and the waterproof formula and pore-tightening ingredients were an added bonus. If you’re looking to spend less, I was wowed at the performance of Elf’s power grip dewy setting spray. It gave the Milk Makeup hydro grip setting spray a good run for its money and, for those after boosted hydration on a budget, you know where to turn. At the other end of the price spectrum, the Hourglass veil setting spray was a delight to use and ensured everything stayed put on a long walk in blustery conditions.I test beauty products day in, day out, so I know what to expect from a good setting spray. For this round-up, I trialled a wide range of formulas over four weeks to see which held up best on long days. For each spray I applied the same skincare and make-up base, paying close attention to how well it controlled shine, maintained coverage and resisted creasing. I put numerous formulas through their paces and eliminated those that didn’t deliver on their promises, like Milk’s pore eclipse setting spray and Charlotte Tilbury’s airbrush flawless matte setting spray. Specifically, I noted the following factors:Staying power: Perhaps the most important test, I assessed how long my make-up held after using each setting spray, paying attention to areas prone to creasing, fading or sliding.Performance in challenging conditions: To simulate real-world wear, I tested sprays during long days, exercise and hot or humid environments, including packed commuter trains and stuffy offices.Finish: I paid close attention to the various matte, dewy, satin and blurred formulas I trialled.Hydration and feel: I considered whether the sprays were moisturising, left a tacky residue and how comfortable they were for all-day wear.Skin type suitability: I recorded how each setting spray took to my oily complexion and judged which ones were better suited to dry and mature skin types, calling on other IndyBest testers where necessary.Spray mechanism: I checked the dispersion and coverage of each brand, favouring those with a fine, even mist.How do you use setting spray?“Once you are 100 per cent happy with the make-up look you have created, use setting spray to fix it in place,” Guinsberg tells me. There’s no need to top up on setting spray later on, she assures me, “you should only need to do this once – one or two good sprays should be more than enough for the product to work well.” How long does setting spray last?“Some last up to 24 hours and with so many new amazing brands on the market they’re getting more popular with make-up artists” reveals Guinsberg. Though, she concedes that most formulas last between 10 and 12 hours. When does setting spray expire?“A good setting spray should last up to a year, but always check the label,” advises Guinsberg. For those who aren’t familiar, most makeup products include a small use-by symbol. It looks like an open jar and usually displays a number followed by the letter M – e.g. 1M or 3M – indicating how many months the product is safe to use after opening.Can you use hairspray as a setting spray?“Although some people do [use hairspray], I would try to avoid it as it’s quite sticky and contains ingredients that are too harsh for the delicate skin,” warns Guinsberg. Most hairsprays contain alcohol, which can aggravate dryness, while fragrance may trigger sensitivity in those prone to irritation.Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsLucy Smith has been IndyBest’s beauty writer since July 2024. She routinely covers the latest beauty launches and keeps tabs on the best new brands on the horizon. She’s no stranger to setting sprays, having used one for more than a decade to keep her oily skin and shine in check. In fact, she’s written on the topic previously, discussing Elf’s power grip formula in her guide to the best cheap beauty products. Elsewhere, Lucy has demonstrated her make-up prowess with guides to the best bronzers, lipsticks, mascaras and more. Looking for more ways to up your make-up game? Take a look at our pick of the 10 best make-up brush sets