Have you ever wished your makeup could stay flawless all day long? A good setting spray can be a game-changer, helping to lock in your look and keep it fresh from morning until night. However, many store-bought setting sprays contain harsh chemicals and can be expensive. The good news is that you can easily make your own setting spray at home with just a few simple, natural ingredients.
From personal experience, I was always disappointed when my carefully applied makeup would start to fade, crease, and get shiny by mid-day. That all changed when I started using a setting spray – my makeup looks almost as good at 8pm as it did at 8am! But the $20-30 price tag for many popular setting sprays had me searching for a cheaper DIY alternative.
| What You Need | Simple Recipe |
|---|---|
| – 3 tbsp rosewater or distilled water – 1 tbsp vegetable glycerin – Fine mist spray bottle Optional: – 2-3 drops essential oils – 1 tsp vitamin E oil – 1 tsp aloe vera gel |
1. Combine water and glycerin in spray bottle 2. Add any optional ingredients 3. Shake gently to mix 4. Mist over finished makeup to set |
What is Setting Spray?
A setting spray is a lightweight mist that is applied as the final step in your makeup routine. When misted over your face, it helps to mesh and “set” all the makeup products together for long-lasting, crease-proof wear. A good setting spray will also have a refreshing effect, hydrating and reviving your makeup while controlling shine.
| Pros of Using Setting Spray | Cons of Not Using Setting Spray |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting makeup wear | Makeup fades quickly |
| Prevents creasing | Creasing and caking |
| Natural, hydrated finish | Shiny, oily look |
| Refreshes makeup look | Dull, flat makeup by mid-day |
Benefits of Homemade Setting Spray
Making your own DIY setting spray has several benefits compared to buying it pre-made:
Cost Savings – The ingredients for homemade setting spray are very inexpensive, especially when you calculate the cost per use. My current batch cost me around $3 for 4 oz and will last me 3-4 months!
Customization – You can adjust and customize the ingredients to suit your specific skin type and preferences. I make mine with rosewater and a touch of vitamin E.
Natural Ingredients – Avoid potentially irritating chemicals, alcohol, and preservatives found in many commercial setting sprays.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a few basic items to make an effective DIY makeup setting spray:
- Water or Rosewater: The main ingredient that makes up the majority of the spray. Rosewater adds a lovely scent.
- Vegetable Glycerin: This helps the spray to mist finely while acting as a hydrating, makeup-setting humectant.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Essential Oils like lavender or frankincense for aromatherapy benefits
- Vitamin E Oil for antioxidant skin nourishment
- Aloe Vera Gel for extra soothing hydration
These simple ingredients can be purchased quite inexpensively online or at many drugstores, beauty supply stores, or natural grocery stores.
Here are some popular options for each ingredient:
| Ingredient | Budget Option | Higher-End Option |
|---|---|---|
| Rosewater | Grocery store rose water | Heritage rosewater |
| Glycerin | NOW Solutions glycerin | Plant Therapy glycerin |
| Essential Oils | Art Naturals essential oils | Plant Therapy essential oils |
| Aloe Vera Gel | Fruit of the Earth | Lillé Sir pure aloe vera gel |
Setting Spray Recipe
Making your own setting spray couldn’t be easier! Simply follow these steps:
- In a small spray bottle, combine 3 tbsp water/rosewater with 1 tbsp vegetable glycerin.
- If using, add:
- 2-3 drops of essential oils
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
- Close bottle and shake gently to combine all ingredients.
- To use, give it a shake and mist 4-5 times over your finished makeup look.
That’s it! You’ve just made your own hydrating, long-lasting makeup setting spray.
Tips for Best Results
For optimal use of your homemade setting spray, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a fine mist spray bottle: This will disperse the product evenly without causing your makeup to get blotchy.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Heat and humidity can cause the spray to spoil more quickly.
- Shake well before each use: This incorporates any separated ingredients.
- Replace every 2-3 months: Since it lacks preservatives, the spray has a limited shelf life.
Customize for Your Skin Type
One of the best parts about DIY setting spray is how easy it is to customize the formula for your skin’s specific needs and preferences:
- Dry Skin:
- Add 1-2 tsp of aloe vera gel for extra hydrating, replenishing moisture.
- Use rosewater instead of plain water.
- Add 1-2 drops of hydrating oils like argan or marula.
- Oily Skin:
- Use only distilled or purified water, not rosewater.
- Add 2-3 drops of mattifying tea tree or grapefruit oil.
- Can add a hydrating ingredient too like glycerin or aloe.
- Sensitive Skin:
- Rosewater is gently soothing.
- Avoid any added essential oils that could potentially irritate.
- Stick to just water, glycerin, and maybe aloe.
Final Thoughts
Making your own setting spray gives you full control over the ingredients while saving you money. With just a few pantry staples, you can have a hydrating, long-lasting mist that will keep your makeup looking freshly applied. Give this easy DIY a try – your skin (and your wallet) will thank you!
I know my makeup routine isn’t complete without a setting spray now. It makes such a difference in how long my makeup lasts and prevents that cakey, creased, shiny look later in the day. At less than $1 per ounce, my DIY setting spray is an affordable luxury I can treat myself to every day!