Summer Essential: SPF Setting Sprays For a Flawless Face and Protected Skin (2024)

Whether the forecast is calling for high temperatures or you’re constantly out and about and breaking a sweat, your pristine makeup look shouldn’t have to suffer the second you leave home. Typically, a setting spray is a makeup wearer’s secret weapon to keep foundation, concealer, and every tint and powder intact all day or night, yet it should do more: protect your skin from the sun’s rays.

Although using a facial SPF is a crucial part of your skincare routine, having some in your setting spray is an extra layer of protection, and keeping your skin safe is so important. So, we conducted hours of research on the best setting sprays with SPF. We narrowed down our list after evaluating dozens of brands on their ingredients, SPF levels, and longevity. We then consulted with dermatologists Dr. Nava Greenfield, MD, and Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, to bring you the best in show.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Won’t leave a white cast

  • Water based and lightweight

  • Easy to apply

What to Consider

  • Some reviewers note a slight stickiness

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A setting spray with SPF should feel weightless on the skin, not look chalky, and provide ample protection from UV rays. Love from Yours’ Sunny Side Up Sunscreen Mist checks all those boxes and more, making it a no-brainer for our best overall pick. This mist layers perfectly over makeup without making your face look the slightest bit greasy, and its invisible finish prevents any pesky white cast from showing up on your skin.

Plus, the formula itself is water-based, so it feels extremely lightweight while being spritzed on your skin. With SPF 30 protection, you can feel confident that your skin has an extra layer of ample protection when you spritz this on before stepping out for the day or while you’re out and about.

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Even though this Sun Bum formula isn’t explicitly made for makeup-setting purposes, we think it’s a perfectly suitable option for spritzing over your freshly-made face thanks to its lightweight feel and oil-free formulation. The Original Sunscreen Face Mist provides homosalate-based sun protection (SPF 45 protection, to be exact) and won’t clog your pores—a must-have feature considering how much product is likely already on your face. Not only is this mist noncomedogenic, but it’s also water-resistant for 40 minutes, so you can feel confident in its protection level as you re-spritz throughout the day by the pool or ocean. Plus, the banana scent is a crowd-pleaser.

What We Like

  • SPF 50

  • Glowy finish

  • Doesn’t disrupt existing makeup

  • Made with hyaluronic acid for added hydration

What to Consider

  • May have too shiny of a finish for those with oily skin types

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you add an extra layer of UV protection with a sunscreen-infused setting spray, you may incorporate as high of an SPF as possible. Naked Sundays’ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up spray has SPF 50, a much higher level of protection than others on the market. Although this is a huge bonus, this setting spray is also one of our faves because of its ultra-glowy finish and hydrating capabilities from the hyaluronic acid included in its formula. Also included in its formula are watermelon extract and Kakadu plum, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, respectively. Further, with an invisible finish, the Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up won’t leave any white cast on your skin, so you can relax knowing your spritzes won’t mess up your pristine makeup look.

What We Like

  • Portability (it’s TSA approved!)

  • Users said it feels lightweight

  • Invisible finish

What to Consider

  • Some users expressed disappointment in how it made them look shiny

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Purse-sized products are ideal for these setting sprays, considering how often you’ll want to reapply throughout the day to ensure your makeup and UV protection remain. Vacation’s Super Spritz Face Mist is another favorite spray of ours with SPF 50, and it’s compact enough to take with you on the go. Formulated with makeup wearers in mind, this superfine mist feels lightweight on the skin, is dermatologist-tested, and has an invisible finish. It even features ingredients like bisabolol, which has anti-inflammatory effects, aloe and cucumber to soothe and refresh, and caffeine, which is beneficial for its antioxidant and UV protection properties. Aside from its skincare and protective benefits, Vacation’s retro packaging alone may be enough to get you to add this to your regular makeup routine.

What We Like

  • Boosts radiance with vitamin C

  • Adheres well over makeup and skincare products

  • Can help lighten dark spots

What to Consider

  • Strong vanilla citrus scent isn't for everyone

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re a makeup-wearer who prefers a glowy finish, you’ll want to consider adding Pacifica’s Glow Baby Brightening Setting Mist as the final step in your routine. This budget-friendly buy is formulated to give you broad spectrum SPF 45 protection and provide your skin with a radiant glow thanks to the inclusion of vitamin C, a known radiance-boosting agent, in its formula. Utilizing this SPF setting spray regularly in your routine can contribute to lightening dark spots and evening out of skin tone over time, securing your makeup look, giving you a glowy finish, and providing an extra layer of protection from the sun’s rays.

What We Like

  • Ideal for oily skin types

  • Water-resistant

  • Formulated with hyaluronic acid for added hydration

What to Consider

  • Some reviewers believe the formula has an off-putting smell at first

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Whether you have an oily skin type or prefer a more matte makeup finish in the summer when you’re sweating in higher temperatures, COOLA’s Makeup Setting Spray may be the best sunscreen-infused spritz. This product is designed to give your skin a matte finish, toning down any excess shine and making your makeup appear even more pristine. Its SPF 30 protection is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so this bottle should be packed into your beach or pool bag to shield you from harmful UV rays, even while splashing around in the ocean or pool.

Further, this formula includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid for added hydration, as well as juniper, date palm, and peony plant cell extracts, which are said to be chock full of antioxidants for free radical and UV damage protection.

What We Like

  • Formulated with hyaluronic acid for added hydration

  • Contains vitamin C and vitamin E to protect skin from free radicals and UV damage

  • Red algae and bisabolol softens skin

  • Doesn't make skin greasy

What to Consider

  • It might not be the best for those with sensitive skin

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We love a product chock-full of skincare benefits, so it makes sense why we’re such huge fans of Soleil Toujours’ Set + Protect Makeup Setting Spray. This beloved formula includes not only hydrating hyaluronic acid, but also vitamin C and vitamin E, which both help to shield your skin from free radicals and UV damage—a huge plus for an already protective sunscreen product. Also included in this ingredient list are red algae and bisabolol, which add a soft and supple look and feel to your skin.Further, the ultrafine mist and colorless finish make this product perfect for makeup-setting purposes, and it’s even water-resistant.

What We Like

  • Silica silylate absorbs oil

  • It comes in a travel size

  • Lightweight

What to Consider

  • Keep your eyes closed while using as users said it stings

SPF: 40 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When you’re out on a hot, sunny day, you might not be swimming, but you could still be wet because of sweat. If you want to mask the moisture, consider this spray from Supergoop! (which already has an exhaustive list of great products). It’s a lightweight mist that not only provides 40 SPF but also includes silica silylate that absorbs oil. A dive in the pool won’t remove this sunscreen either, as it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Helps makeup look dewy

  • Long-lasting

What to Consider

  • Users expressed disappointment in the product’s strong scent

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not only is this under $15 setting spray option more budget-friendly, but it’s readily available in most retailers, too. Milani’s Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray works wonders on keeping your makeup intact for up to 16 hours, and the lightweight, translucent mist won’t feel heavy or look chalky on your skin post-application. Instead, you’ll have a gorgeous, glowy sheen and broad spectrum SPF 30 protection just as long as you remember to re-spritz every two hours.

What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Doesn't leave a white cast

  • Lightweight

What to Consider

  • Users expressed frustration with the product’s scent

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for a more inexpensive setting spray with stellar reviews, consider this option from e.l.f Cosmetics. Its weightless formula is SPF 45, dries quickly, and doesn’t leave a white cast behind. Apply by shaking the bottle well, closing your eyes and mouth, and spraying from 8 to 10 inches away.

What We Like

  • A worthy investment

  • Hyaluronic acid boosts hydration

  • Matte finish

  • High SPF level

What to Consider

  • Some users said it burned their eyes

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty Free: Yes

While this pick is slightly pricier than other options, the extra splurge is worth it. Kate Somerville’s UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray creates a matte finish on the skin (hence the “Soft Focus” in its name) that is especially perfect for those steamier days in the summer, and the UV protection level is higher than most at 50. Alongside its sun protection factor, this formula boasts an inclusion of hyaluronic acid and rhodiola rosea in its formula, which have both hydrating and antioxidant properties. We also love how this product comes in a larger container than the others at 3.4 ounces, making the higher price tag even more worth it.

What We Like

  • Good for dry skin

  • Super lightweight

  • Doesn't leave a white cast

  • Absorbs into skin quickly

What to Consider

  • Some users said it made their skin feel greasy and sticky

SPF: 60 | Active Type: Chemical | Cruelty-Free: No

It’s sometimes best for your skin to avoid products with alcohol as an ingredient, as it can dry and damage certain skin types. That’s why this option from La Roche-Posay had to be included on our list. It’s alcohol-free, has SPF 60, and won’t clog your pores. The brand boasts that it’ll leave your skin looking matte, so it’s a great final step to top off your makeup.

What to Look for in Setting Sprays with SPF

  • Ingredients for Skin Type: Dr. Robinson says: “I always recommend oil-free, noncomedogenic products. If you're looking for cosmetic and skincare benefits, seek out nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like vitamin E and C.” With regards to SPF-related ingredients, Dr. Greenfield says “the SPF used will be chemical type in setting sprays,” including “ingredients like avobenzone and octisalate.”
  • SPF Level: While it’s even better to have a higher SPF level than this, SPF 30 is the minimum level of UV protection your setting spray should have, according to Dr. Robinson.
  • Longevity: Dr. Robinson says that although the longevity of your SPF-infused setting spray “depends on if you're sweating or swimming and the specifics of the formulation,” she suggests using your setting spray “in between reapplications of your primary SPF protection” for optimal protection. Dr. Greenfield adds that “SPF needs to be reapplied at least every two hours, sometimes more frequently, because the chemicals break down in sunlight and do not provide protection past a certain amount of time."

FAQ

  • Are setting sprays with SPF effective?

    Dr. Robinson notes that although setting spray with SPF is a great way to add protection and provide touch-up coverage for days when you are in and out of the sun, she would not count on a setting spray with SPF (or any cosmetics with SPF for that matter) for adequate SPF protection if you're going to be in the sun for an extended amount of time. These do not replace topical, cream-based SPFs.”Want a little extra protection? There are lots of other makeup products with SPF, including foundations, lip balms, powders, and more.

  • How often do you have to apply face sprays with SPF?

    Dr. Greenfield reminds us that any SPF is not effective after a certain amount of time in UV light. While the reapplication time is dependent on the sunscreen you’re using, Dr. Greenfield notes that each reapplication period will run about “60 minutes to two hours long.” Dr. Robinson further suggests reapplying “after swimming or sweating.”

  • Do face sprays with SPF last all day?

    While a setting spray with SPF is a great multipurpose cosmetic product, ”the cosmetic benefits might last all day, but the SPF protection does not,” notes Dr. Robinson. She further states that a spray application doesn't offer adequate coverage, and many setting sprays are chemical formulations, which will not work well to protect your skin if they are being applied overtop of makeup and other skincare products. Chemical SPFs need to be applied first in your skincare routine to function as they need to be absorbed into the skin, which they can't fully do when they are layered overtop of other products.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Madison Barber is a commerce producer, regular contributor to Byrdie, and passionate beauty product researcher. She conducted hours of research to determine the best setting sprays with SPF on the market.

Cullen Ormond, a frequent Byrdie freelancer, helped to ensure the setting spray SPFs, ingredients, and information were all up to date for easy shopping. As someone whose skin gets irritated from heavy skincare and makeup products, Cullen loved researching lightweight options.

For this story, team Byrdie interviewed the following experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when buying setting sprays with SPF:

  • Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D., is a dermatologist based in NYC's Schweiger Dermatology Group.
  • Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough setting sprays with SPF products from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Summer Essential: SPF Setting Sprays For a Flawless Face and Protected Skin (2024)
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