Makeup Pros Reveal the Best Setting Sprays for Mature Skin (2025)

Both Paige and James recommend this setting spray from Charlotte Tilbury—and it earned a glowing (pun intended) review from Prevention Senior Commerce Editor, Charlotte Finigan. Paige says she recommends this setting spray “for the ultimate dewy and hydrating finish,” while James says its one of her “all-time faves” thanks to its ability to keep makeup in place without making the skin feel tight or dry. Plus, “The soft-focus effect makes skin look smoother and more radiant,” James adds.

What reviewers think: “This is the best setting spray I’ve tried so far for mature skin,” one Sephora reviewer wrote. “It doesn’t make me look dry, it doesn’t make me look greasy, it seems to make my makeup last longer and takes away the powdery look from my setting powder. I would highly recommend, especially for mature skin.”

This affordable setting spray is a “great option for mature skin,” according to Paige, who appreciates that it “provides moisture with aloe leaf for dewy, luminous skin.” It also contains hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration throughout the day.

What reviewers think: “I love this setting spray. I swear by it and it’s my favorite,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “All my makeup looks have a nice and natural dewy finish and my makeup lasts all day. Great price and face looks radiant.”

MAC Fix+ is legendary for a reason. This multitasking mist is a beauty industry staple and I can personally attest to its ability to “fix” the look and feel of makeup. James also recommends the formula due to the hydrating, alcohol-free formula.“It refreshes makeup throughout the day without disturbing it,” she explains.

What reviewers think: “I am aproaching 50 and have not been able to use setting sprays due to reactions from alcohol. Fix+ does not upset my skin,” one Ulta reviewer wrote. “I use foundation powder and blush. I spray Fix+ before and after—it takes away the dullness and plumps my skin and the makeup lays beautifully. Smooths fine lines too.”

This popular setting spray from Milk Makeup is the best of the both worlds. It “contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which help plump and hydrate skin, while gripping makeup for long wear,” James explains. It’s also highly recommended by Paige, who adds that it is “perfect for mature skin” and appreciates the skin-loving ingredients that contribute to a “healthy, glowy, and hydrating finish!”

What reviewers think: “A great primer/setting spray! This will hold your look allllll day. My 15-year-old daughter keeps ‘borrowing’ this, she prefers it because it holds her make up all day at school, but doesn’t leave her eczema-prone skin dry,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I like it for the same reason, except my skin is dry from being older! So I say it’s a win-win for any of us ladies.”

According to James, this setting mist from L’Oréal Paris is a “fantastic drugstore option.” She appreciates the way this product “locks in makeup without feeling dry or tight,” and confirms that it’s “great for all-day wear.”

What reviewers think: “I have tried so many different types of setting sprays and this is the best by a long shot. After 12 hours of wearing it, through work and my daily commute on the bus and train, my makeup still looks good,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It doesn’t ever look greasy either. I have never had to reapply! And it doesn’t make my skin feel dirty. I will never try another setting spray again; I’m sold.”

This ultra-dewy setting mist “gives skin a gorgeous, natural glow without shimmer,” James explains. It’s “perfect if you want hydration and radiance,” which are often key for those with mature skin. While the bottle is sparkly (and will look super pretty on your vanity!), as James notes, you can rest assured knowing that the formula is free from glitter or shimmer.

What reviewers think: “I never got into the dewy-look foundations because they would never last and basically slide off my face as the day goes on. Now, I can use my longer-wear matte products, and with this setting spray, I have an instant dewy look without any sliding off,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “After eight-plus hours I’m still having to use makeup remover and double cleanse to remove it all—that’s how well it works! And in high heat and humidity, too. I love a dewy look, especially as I’m getting older, and long-wear matte makeup runs the risk of accentuating fine lines. With this: Zero creasing, lovely scent, and just an excellent setting spray for your makeup.”

The original All Nighter setting spray from Urban Decay has been an industry staple for years. Paige specifically recommends this iteration, which is “packed with vitamin C—the ultimate hero ingredient for mature skin.” She also loves that it offers up to 16 hours of wear!

What reviewers think: “This is the best makeup setting spray I have ever tried, and I’ve tried soooooo many! Holy grail, get it!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It’s even good for my mature skin! I use this both UNDER and OVER my makeup. Doesn’t budge, and actually helps my makeup to go on smoothly when used under makeup.”

Paige says that this “is a great option that smells amazing and does exactly what it says it will do: plump the skin and lock in hydration.” According to the brand, it also helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles thanks to the ultra-hydrating formula. While it isn’t specifically marketed as a makeup setting spray, if a boost of hydration is what you’re after, this is an excellent choice.

What reviewers think: “I’ll have to admit, it is a pretty pricey item but it does an amazing job with keeping my skin super hydrated throughout the day. Haven't found a spray that keeps my skin hydrated till now,” wrote one Sephora reviewer. “If I am wearing makeup I also set it with the essence which helps make my foundation look more like skin considering the textured areas I have on my face.”

“For those with mature skin, the best setting spray to look for would be a dewy setting spray to hydrate, blur, and brighten,” Paige explains. James adds that lots of setting sprays “are designed for younger, oilier skin and can be too drying for mature skin,” and that the key is to avoid harsh, alcohol-based formulas.

Based on these criteria from the pros, we recommend our overall pick—the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Waterproof Setting Spray. Its hydrating formula provides a natural-looking, radiant glow while locking in makeup for a smooth appearance all day long.

“For mature skin, setting spray is usually the better option, but it depends on your skin type,” James explains.

If you have dry, mature skin, James recommends opting for a setting spray to lock in hydration and prevent makeup from looking cakey or settling into fine lines/dry spots.

If you have oily, mature skin, James suggests using both setting powder and setting spray strategically. First, apply a “light dusting” of a finely milled setting powder under the eyes and on your forehead, nose, and chin. Follow up your powder with a setting spray.

Generally, James prefers to use powder “sparingly” along with a setting spray “to melt everything together. This combination provides a “natural finish” and “keeps skin looking fresh.”

✔️Choose the right ingredients. A setting spray that includes soothing, hydrating ingredients “helps prevent a dry, crépy appearance,” James says. Paige and James recommend looking for skincare ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, green tea, niacinamide, or aloe vera.

✔️Look out for smoothing or blurring formulas. “Some setting sprays help diffuse fine lines for a smoother look,” James explains. These setting sprays will usually employ buzzwords like “soft-focus,” “blurring,” or “smoothing.”

✔️Avoid alcohol-based or oil-control products. Alcohol in both skincare and makeup can be too drying on the skin, especially for mature skin types, ultimately leading to tightness or flakiness, James says. She also suggests avoiding mattifying products (which often contain alcohol) unless you have very oily skin.

✔️Go for glow—not glitter. “While glow is great, anything too sparkly can highlight fine lines and texture,” James explains. You’ll want to avoid any products meant for all-over wear that contain glitter or heavy shimmer and instead look for setting sprays that provide glow via hydrating ingredients.

✔️Apply like a pro. James recommends applying your setting spray in light layers. While misting, hold the bottle about 8- to 10-inches away from your face to apply lightly on the skin. James and Paige also recommend using setting spray not only at the end of your makeup routine but throughout the application process to amp up hydration and help makeup melt together seamlessly. Apply a light layer before makeup, between your creams and powders, and at the very end of your routine.