I hope you don't mind my somewhat lengthy post. I've been reading SO many questions on here where people just give incorrect information as responses on what setting/fixing sprays are and what they do that, I though I'd properly clarify the difference between them cosmetically and explain what they do and how to best use them. Finish: Depending on your skin type and preference, you may want to look for (or even avoid) certain finishes. Dewy-finish setting sprays tend to provide a glow to the skin and some have shimmery pigments. Matte-finish sprays can help to control shine and excess oil. Not all will state either way, but it’s good to keep an eye out so you know what to expect when purchasing.

EDIT: I thought as a TL;DR i'd add the ONLY person i've ever seen get it right on YouTube. It's INCREDIBLE to watch a clear demonstration of how they all work - especially if you're skeptical at all. Not short videos, but will clarify everything and take you from confused to expert in no time! Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEzrGMdkmMc Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCJF9FpylWg Polymers are make-up setting spray’s not-so-secret key ingredient, which are dissolved into solvents like alcohol to provide your make-up with some waterproofing power. When the solvents evaporate away, the polymers can form a barrier on the skin holding your make-up in place. How do I choose a make-up setting spray?Home or away: Sprays that come in larger containers or glass bottles may not be suitable for travelling abroad or for your handbags What is the best make-up setting/fixing spray?

GHI tip: Apply your mascara after using the setting spray to keep your eyes smudge proof Will a make-up setting spray dry out my skin? Apply Setting Spray after makeup application to merge layers and avoid slipping. Let it dry completely. A lot of YouTube Beauty Guru's get it kinda wrong (or explain it kinda wrong) and it's a little maddening and darn confusing - so if you want to finally understand it -- READ ON. Once you get it, I swear....It's a COMPLETE game changer!! (TL;DR at bottom of post)Let's imagine for example you start with a full face of makeup. Foundation/concealer etc... all set with either a tiny bit (under eyes) or up to a full face of setting powder. THE CONFUSION.. Here is the annoying part. Companies don’t care whether you know or not what each product does, they just want you to buy the damn thing. They call everything a ‘setting spray’ these days because people think setting means ‘setting it in place for a ling time’. But NOW YOU KNOW! Don’t be fooled.

Purpose: Are you looking for something to just enhance the look of your make-up and make it look more blended? Or also hold it in place through the night? Most sprays on our list have two main purposes: to smooth-out or “set” make-up and refresh the skin, and to prolong the wear of make-up – also known as “fixing” – protecting it from smudging or transferring. Some brands say that their formulations are sweat and water-resistant too. Three that made our top ten are designed to only set rather than set and fix but we still mentioned if testers noticed their make-up lasting longer. A refreshing water like Mac Charged Water/Caudalie Elixir BEFORE moisturisers and makeup application.