Makeup has travelled lightyears since I’ve been experimenting with shimmery powders and liquid eyeliners.

We’ve witnessed a makeup revolution throughout the past 5-6ish years, where quality isn’t solely exclusive to a higher price-tag.

As a beauty obsessive, I have worked through my short-lived, snob era where I admittedly (and oh so wrongly) believed high-end products equal supreme.

From foundations to eyeshadows to highlighters, I’ve found products across drugstores outdoing or matching their bougie rivals. But there’s one category I’ve yet to trial.

Cue: the battle of the setting sprays.

It’s still holiday season for most, which only means summer: sweltering days and humid evenings, parties, beach/pool days, festive lunches and a whole lot of rolling our faces around on pillowcases doomscrolling, because we cannot be bothered removing our makeup yet.

When it comes to a setting spray, I want it to keep my face on all day, as I survive heat, sweat and holiday chaos.

So I enlisted the help of two setting sprays, one affordable and one on the bougier side to see if they were up for the challenge.

Here's my verdict...

What: Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Setting Spray

The battle begins with a budget friendly setting spray that generously claims to be mattifying, fast drying, oil-free, transfer proof and sweat resistant.  Exactly what we love to see.

Tick, tick, tick. It’s also formulated to keep shine under control for up to 16 hours, extend makeup wear time and suit normal to oily skin types whilst keeping skin soft and fresh. Sign. Me. Up.

Essentially, what I’m hoping for first and foremost, is makeup longevity and shine prevention. I typically wear makeup for eight hours at max, so if it keeps  my glam fresh, matte, feels comfortable and sweat resistant for that long, I’ll be satisfied.

For reference, I prepped my skin with a hydrating serum and lightweight gel moisturiser and SPF for both setting sprays.

Upon initial application I appreciated the minimal to no scent. The mist functionality is effortless and with one push down on the nozzle it releases a fine, full coverage mist which means it won’t spray blotches of droplets.

Further context, I am used to seeing my skin dewy/a little oily, I use cream and powder makeup products for a radiant finish to my skin.

This setting  spray certainly softened shine, but it kept the glow I strive for. My face wasn’t fully matte, but I didn’t mind that because I saw that it moderately controlled shine in the places I would usually set with powder (upper lip,  nose, forehead).

As the day progressed and sweat entered the chat, I did  spot shine developing on the typical areas. But despite this mist not being  able to control my face oils etc. every time I checked my makeup, it was surprisingly in tact. Oh, I also tested the transfer resistance with paper towel and success!

By the end of an eight hour warm summer day, my makeup had some wear but nothing a quick touch up couldn’t fix.

Overall, if you’re wanting this mist to save your makeup from heat, sweat and shine this may only be effective for the first couple hours of your day.

However, if you’re looking for a cost effective, transfer-proof setting spray that has the most perfect spritz application and gives your skin a soft matte, ethereal glow - this is for you.

What: Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Matte Setting Spray 100ml

Our second contender has a dramatically heavier price tag attached to it.

Whilst I expect Anastasia Beverly Hills products to be at this price point, I hold it to higher expectations given that we are gifted with a variety of budget-friendly beauty that can perform at the same and at times, even better level.

This setting spray claims to mattify, hold makeup in place for up to 24 hours, blur the appearance of imperfections, be suitable for all skin types but with a focus on oily-prone skin, prevent makeup from fading or settling, have an ultra-fine mist pump and be non-comedogenic. Quite the mouthful!

It’s considered ideal for anyone searching for a weightless, non-sticky feel, a natural skin-like finish and maintaining a blurred complexion without compromising on hydration.

Firstly, can we talk about the packaging? The design is flawless; you’ll want this sitting front and centre on your vanity, and yes, it just screams, “I spent $60 on a setting spray.”

Upon first application, I felt like I was in a day spa. The yuzu ginger scent transports you to summer and doesn’t jolt your senses with intensity. It’s just enough to enjoy and spritz another round. They were correct in saying the mist is ultra-fine; it’s feathery and delicate, as imagined. I almost felt like I couldn’t spray too much.

It gently moulds itself onto the skin and sprayed zero water droplets.

Despite it claiming to be mattifying, I didn’t feel it drawing out every ounce of moisture, which I appreciate. This setting spray sets makeup at an A+ standard. Think blurred shine whilst allowing skin to feel comfortable; my makeup looked unreal. As for longevity, this thing just works.

I wore it for 8 hours on a hot summer’s day, running errands, touching my face, sweating – the works.

Sweat always tends to make its way through makeup on my skin, so yes, I still had a little shine, but it wasn’t greasy or messy; I just looked radiant.

When it came to removal, I almost didn’t want to take it off because my makeup still looked so lush. Whilst I can’t attest to the 24-hour claim because I refuse to go to sleep with makeup on, I think this setting spray will look after your face for a full working day that may take you into the evening for a cocktail.

Overall, if you’re wanting to treat yourself to a refreshing setting spray that thoroughly holds your makeup in place for 8+ hours, blurs texture, makes everything look better and feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. This formula ticks all the boxes.