Setting Spray With SPF Is the Festival Season Product You Need (2025)

Our Top Picks

SPF: 50 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.53 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This spray from Naked Sundays provides an extra layer of SPF without affecting the finish of your makeup. It actually leaves it looking more luminous. The completely invisible mist works on all skin tones and types and contains hydrating and soothing ingredients. Austin-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mindy Conroy, D.O., recommends this mist due to its high SPF 50 and the combination of ingredients, including watermelon extract and the vitamin C-rich kakudu plum. “This product contains hyaluronic acid, which makes it great for dry skin,” says Dr. Conroy.

Clare Holden, Byrdie contributor and makeup artist: "This is the only SPF I have found that works over makeup without disrupting it. It is so light that even with consistent top-ups every two hours, it never feels greasy on your skin.”

SPF: 50 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you are looking for an extra layer of high protection, then Vacation’s Super Spritz Face Mist is it. The transparent, noncomedogenic formula makes it the ideal choice to complete your look, as its subtle satin finish enhances the appearance of your skin while also protecting it from UV rays. Makeup artist Michelle Quaranta recommends this pick: "This broad-spectrum mist has a lightweight and refreshing feel when applied.”

In addition to a high SPF, this spray contains nourishing ingredients that provide extra protection from the sun. “If you are prone to irritation, it has aloe vera, while antioxidants such as green tea, vitamin E, and botanicals work for added collagen and elastin protection,” says Dr. Conroy. This spray also has the added benefits of containing bisabol, cucumber, shea, and maracuja oil, along with caffeine, coconut, and ferulic acid—all working together to smooth your skin and shield it from daily stressors. Just like the rest of the brand’s popular sunscreens, the spray has a strong coconut scent, which may be overwhelming to those sensitive to fragrances.

Emily Cieslak, associate editor: "In addition to using this on my face, I love spraying this on my neck and décolletage when I'm out and about and need a new layer of SPF. I've stained too many tops trying to reapply sunscreen lotion, so this clear spray is a lifesaver. The spray is also small enough to keep in my purse for touchups."

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dr. Conroy recommends this setting spray from Coola for anyone looking to calm, protect, and hydrate their skin all at the same time. The water-resistant formula makes it ideal for beach days, while the no-shine finish means it also works great for everyday wear. Cucumber and aloe vera extract combine to calm and soothe the skin, while hyaluronic acid keeps your base hydrated and soft. This mist also contains algae extract to detoxify the skin, along with a complex of plant stem cells to help protect the epidermis and support the skin barrier. All together, these ingredients create a revitalizing treat for your skin that also helps to maintain freshly applied makeup for longer.

Leslie, tester: "It didn't smudge that much and it settled very quickly on my face."

SPF: 42 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.53 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dr. Conroy says this is her favorite SPF setting spray as it seals in your makeup look for longer-lasting wear while also providing sun protection. It has been formulated with a host of skin-nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic and polyglutamic acid, that work simultaneously to deeply hydrate and lock in moisture, helping to create a smoother complexion. It also contains vitamins C and E, which brighten and protect the skin from free radicals, while ethically sourced mica ensures your skin looks radiant and illuminated all day long. Use it for events like outdoor weddings where you want a little shimmer with the sun protection you need.

SPF: 40 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 1, 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Makeup artist Quaranta recommends this mist to keep shine at bay. “I love how lightweight and mattifying this product is while also being packed with antioxidant protection,” says Quaranta. It sets makeup beautifully and is both water and sweat-resistant. The non-comedogenic formula makes it feel breathable on your skin, while silica silylate works to absorb excess oil, keeping your base matte. It also has a subtle scent of mint and rosemary to help make you feel refreshed while touching up throughout the day. The handy travel-size version fits neatly in your purse to ensure you always have SPF on hand.

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Our favorite drugstore brand, e.l.f, has created this spray that can be used to prime, set, and refresh your makeup throughout the day. In addition to providing sun protection, it also has superior grip capabilities that ensure your makeup stays looking freshly applied even hours after application. Both nongreasy and transparent, this mist leaves no white cast and dries quickly. Suitable for all skin types, the formula has also been infused with watermelon fruit extract, prickly pear seed oil, and bisabolol to nourish your base while you wear it. This spray is also fragrance-free for those who find scented products irritating.

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty Free: Yes

The soft-focus effect this mist gives your skin definitely makes it worth the investment (the bottle is also larger, so it lasts a long time). The super fine spray contains light diffusing silicone powder to blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as absorbing oil resulting in smooth matte skin. In addition to providing SPF 50, this mist has been infused with hydrating powerhouse hyaluronic acid and antioxidant plant Rhodiola rosea to ensure your complexion is nourished and protected. It dries down instantly to set your makeup in place, and the almost filter-like finish makes it universally flattering for every skin tone and type.

SPF: 25 | SPF Type: Mineral | Size: 3 fl.oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We have searched far and wide for an SPF setting spray that is free from avobenzone. For those sensitive to the ingredient, this gentle mist is unscented and uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains blueberry extract to help reduce inflammation and shield against free radical damage. Vitamin C, E, and P-rich Shiri fruit extract have also been included to tackle the signs of aging caused by UV light. Along with all the skin-enhancing benefits, this spray has an airbrush finish that works just as well over makeup as it does on bare skin for an elevated natural look.

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 2.02 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If keeping your makeup in place is your main concern then this spray from Milani prevents smudging, transferring, shine, and creasing with just a few spritzes. This non-sticky mist can be used as a primer and setting spray to create an almost sandwich-like seal for your makeup that ensures it doesn't budge, no matter how hot or sweaty it gets. The finish is natural and dewy and leaves your skin looking healthy and fresh while also providing it with an extra layer of SPF 30. We also love how this spray is unscented, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. Bonus points, too, for the affordable price tag.

FAQ

• Does SPF in setting spray provide enough sun protection?

  While setting sprays can provide an extra layer of protection against UV rays, they shouldn’t be relied upon as your sole form of SPF. “Setting spray is such a fine mist that it does not coat the face evenly, so you would need to spray a generous amount to achieve the product’s full SPF rating,” says Dr. Reszko. “Sprays also may not be sweat or waterproof, like dedicated sunscreens, meaning they’ll wear off quickly. I recommend applying sunscreen after your morning skincare and before your makeup application for complete protection.”

• How often should you apply setting spray with SPF?

  “SPF should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re outside,” says Dr. Reszko. “As long as the setting spray is formulated with antioxidants and hydrating and smoothing ingredients, you can reapply it every two hours for sun protection and extended makeup wear.”
  

• Is chemical or mineral sunscreen better for a setting spray?

  While chemical and mineral sunscreens both serve a purpose, chemical formulations tend to be more cosmetically elegant, making them more suitable as a setting spray. “I recommend using a setting spray with a chemical sunscreen," says Dr Reszko. "Chemical sunscreens are more like skincare, as they absorb into your skin for a lightweight and invisible finish.” For those who prefer to stay away from chemical sunscreens, mineral options can work when applied before your makeup. “Mineral sunscreens provide a physical shield on top of the skin, sometimes leaving a white cast—making them better suited as your base layer sunscreen rather than a setting spray," says Dr. Reszko.