Best NYX Professional Makeup Setting Sprays: 6 Real Picks for 2026
Six real NYX and comparable setting sprays compared by finish, wear time and skin feel, for anyone whose makeup melts, cakes or slides off before the day is done.
In this article
- Who this guide is for
- The picks, one by one
- NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Matte Finish
- NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Dewy Finish
- NYX The Face Glue Setting Spray
- NYX Bare With Me Multitasking Primer & Setting Spray
- e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
- Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray
- How we chose these
- Final verdict
Who this guide is for
If your makeup starts sliding by lunch, gets patchy in a humid commute, or you just want one fewer step that actually does something, a setting spray is the cheapest fix in your kit. This guide is for anyone shopping for a NYX Professional Makeup setting spray -- or comparing it against a handful of close alternatives -- who wants a real sense of finish (matte vs. dewy), wear time, and price before adding one to cart. We are not picking a single "winner"; different skin types and finishes call for different bottles, and we have laid out both NYX's own core lineup and a few well-reviewed alternatives so you can match the spray to your skin.
| Product | Image | Finish | Rating | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYX Setting Spray, Matte Finish |  | Matte, up to 16HR | 4.5 | $8.50 | Check price on Amazon |
| NYX Setting Spray, Dewy Finish |  | Dewy, up to 16HR | 4.5 | $8.50 | Check price on Amazon |
| NYX The Face Glue Setting Spray |  | Transfer-resistant, up to 24HR | 4.5 | $8.50 | Check price on Amazon |
| NYX Bare With Me Multitasking Mist |  | Hydrating, up to 8HR | 4.6 | $8.50 | Check price on Amazon |
| e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray |  | Dewy glow, hydrating | 4.6 | $9.68 | Check price on Amazon |
| Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray |  | Dewy finish | 4.4 | $9.99 | Check price on Amazon |
The picks, one by one
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Matte Finish
This is the original, and it is still the one most people mean when they say "NYX setting spray." The fine mist settles fast without disturbing eyeshadow or lipstick, and it genuinely knocks down shine on oily T-zones through most of a workday.
Pros: cheap enough to repurchase without thinking about it, fine mist that does not smear makeup, noticeably less shine by midday. Cons: can feel a little drying on already-dry skin without a hydrating primer underneath. Who should skip it: anyone chasing a lit-from-within glow rather than shine control -- go dewy instead.
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Dewy Finish
Same bottle shape and price as the matte version, but formulated to leave a soft sheen instead of flattening it out. It is a good match for drier skin types or anyone using matte foundation who wants to soften the finish without switching products.
Pros: adds a healthy sheen without looking greasy, same reliable price point as the matte version, layers well over powder. Cons: not built for oily skin -- shine can return faster than with the matte version. Who should skip it: very oily skin types who need real shine control through the afternoon.
NYX The Face Glue Setting Spray
This is the pick for genuinely long days: concerts, weddings, 12-hour shifts. It is built specifically to resist transfer onto masks, collars and glasses, and it holds up in humidity better than the standard two finishes.
Pros: strongest transfer resistance of the NYX lineup, holds through heat and humidity, still affordable. Cons: can feel slightly tacky right after application until it fully sets. Who should skip it: anyone who just wants a light daily touch-up spray rather than max hold.
NYX Bare With Me Multitasking Primer & Setting Spray
This one is doing double duty -- it is designed to be used both as a pre-makeup primer mist and a post-makeup setting spray, which makes it convenient for a minimal routine or travel bag where you don't want to pack two bottles.
Pros: works as both primer and setter, hydrating vegan formula, lighter wear time is fine for everyday looks. Cons: shorter stated wear window than the dedicated setting sprays, so not the pick for a full workday of heavy makeup. Who should skip it: anyone who specifically needs 16+ hours of hold for a long event.
e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
A hyaluronic-acid-forward alternative worth comparing against NYX if you want the same dewy category but a hydration-first formula. It is a strong option for dry or combination skin that wants glow without stickiness.
Pros: hydrating dewy formula, fine mist that does not shift makeup, well-reviewed for combination skin. Cons: dewy finish means it is not for anyone managing oil control. Who should skip it: oily-skin shoppers who need mattifying, not glow.
Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray
A budget-friendly dewy option that regularly sits alongside NYX in "best drugstore setting spray" comparisons. It leans slightly more toward a soft glow than e.l.f.'s Power Grip and comes in at a similar price to the NYX lineup.
Pros: genuinely dewy without excess shine, drugstore price, easy to find in-store as a backup. Cons: finish fades a bit faster on very oily skin than the transfer-resistant NYX option. Who should skip it: anyone prioritizing maximum wear time over glow.
How we chose these
We focused on setting sprays that are actually part of, or directly comparable to, the NYX Professional Makeup lineup, since that is what most shoppers searching for "NYX setting spray" are trying to decide between. We prioritized listings with real, high review counts and ratings of 4.4 stars or better, and made sure to include a spread of finishes -- matte, dewy, hydrating and transfer-resistant -- rather than six variations on the same formula, so the comparison actually helps with a real buying decision.
Final verdict
There is no single best setting spray here -- there is a best setting spray for your skin and your day. If oil control is the main problem, start with the NYX Matte Finish or The Face Glue for longer wear. If your skin runs dry or you want a soft glow, the NYX Dewy Finish, e.l.f. Power Grip, or Milani Make It Last are the better lane. And if you want one product that primes and sets, NYX Bare With Me covers both jobs in a lighter-wear formula.
Frequently asked questions
Does NYX setting spray actually make makeup last longer?
Yes, for most users -- a light, even mist locks powder and cream products in place and slows down oil breakthrough, though exact wear time varies with skin type and heat.
Which NYX setting spray is best for oily skin?
The Matte Finish or The Face Glue formulas are built for oil control and transfer resistance, making them the better picks for oily or combination skin.
Can I use a dewy setting spray if I have oily skin?
You can, but it will add sheen rather than control shine, so oily-skin shoppers usually get better results from a matte or transfer-resistant formula.
How far should I hold the bottle when spraying my face?
Most setting sprays, including NYX's, are designed to be held about 6 to 8 inches from your face in a light X or T motion, then left to air-dry rather than blotted.
Is a primer spray the same thing as a setting spray?
Not usually -- primer sprays like NYX Bare With Me are formulated to prep bare skin before makeup, though some multitasking formulas are designed to work both before and after application.
