There is nothing more frustrating than spending time on your makeup for a special occasion, only to find it looks cakey and settles into fine lines and wrinkles. It can make you want to scrub it all off and start over. However, this cakey finish can be banished by adding a few simple products to your routine.
The Missing Product in Your Makeup Routine
Working at Estée Lauder, applying makeup day in and day out, taught me many handy tricks. One of the most important is how to avoid cake-face, even when using the fullest coverage foundations. Some people avoid full-coverage foundation because it feels too thick, but adding just one item to your makeup kit can make all the difference.
That elusive product is a setting spray. The good news is you do not have to buy an expensive one for flawless results. A couple of my favorite sprays include the Filter Finish Flawless Skin Setting Spray from Collection Cosmetics at £7.99 and The Beauty Crop Oui Cherie Hydrating Setting Spray at £10. The latter is available in a watermelon scent for a limited time. If you prefer to splurge, the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Setting Spray at £28 is another favorite.
Why Setting Spray Works
These setting sprays do not leave a sticky or tacky feeling on your face. Instead, they provide a boost of hydration that can be reapplied after a few hours to refresh your skin. A setting spray is the vital missing piece in your routine because it helps multiple layers of makeup seamlessly melt into one another, giving a more skin-like texture rather than a mask-like appearance.
It absorbs excess powder residue and eliminates the heavy, dusty look that often occurs when applying foundation, concealer, and other products. It hydrates the skin and keeps it looking glowy, not sweaty. According to Faces Canada, it acts as a proactive barrier against environmental factors like heat and humidity, preventing makeup from breaking down and separating throughout the day.
Tips for Best Results
For a more natural finish, spritz your tools with setting spray before use. This helps products pat into the skin more easily rather than sitting on the surface and looking lackluster. If you really want your makeup to stay—for example, at a wedding—spritz setting spray between every layer, especially after powder layers.
It is also important to prep your skin adequately beforehand. Ensure SPF has time to soak in before applying makeup, as this can prevent an undesirable finish.
