Testing famous Setting Sprays (So you don’t have to!)

With so many setting sprays on the market and the internet hyping them left, right, and center, I decided to put a few of the most hyped ones to the test. No filters or fancy lighting- just one bold red eyeshadow, a few spritzes, a mini fan and a smudge test.

I swatched a bright red eyeshadow on my arm (because what better way to expose smudging than with red?), sprayed each swatch with a different setting spray, let it dry completely, and then did a swipe test to see which sprays actually lock it down.

Here’s how they performed:

1. So Natural Setting Spray – 8/10

This one held up surprisingly well! There was a slight transfer of pigment, but very minimal smudging overall.  

2. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Setting Spray – 10/10

Flawless.

This spray did not let that shadow move an inch. No transfer, no smudge, nothing. If you need your makeup to last through a full day, no hesitation this is the product for you! 

3. MAC Fix+ – 4/10

This one surprised me, in the wrong way. Despite the hype and price tag, the red shadow smudged easily after drying. So what’s the deal?

A little research later I realized this specific spray is often mistaken for a setting spray when it’s actually more of a finishing mist. It’s designed to melt powders into the skin for a natural finish, but not necessarily to set your makeup and lock it in place. It’s great for hydration and glow, but not designed for longevity, hence the results.

4. Makeup by Mario Master Hold Setting Spray – 10/10

Another top performer! Zero smudging or transfer. This spray gave me all the staying power I wanted without making the skin feel stiff or sticky.  

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for true smudge-proof power, my top picks are:

• Huda Beauty Easy Bake Setting Spray
• Makeup by Mario Master Hold Setting Spray

Both lock your makeup in tight and are absolutely worth the investment if longevity is what you’re after. 

Have you tried any of these? Or do you have a setting spray that beats them all? Let me know in the comments as I’m always ready for round two of testing!