The 8 Best Hydrating Setting Sprays for Dry Skin in 2026
Dry skin can feel tight, flaky, and uncomfortable,especially when makeup is involved. That’s where hydrating setting sprays come in handy. They not only lock your makeup in place but also keep your skin feeling fresh and moisturized throughout the day.
Why Hydrating Setting Sprays Matter If you have dry skin? You know the struggle of finding makeup products that don’t make your skin look cakey or feel uncomfortable. Regular setting sprays can sometimes leave your skin feeling even drier. That’s why it’s essential to choose a formula specifically designed to hydrate while setting your makeup. According to skincare expert Jane Wilkins, hydrating setting sprays are formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera to keep your skin supple and your makeup intact.
To help you find the perfect hydrating setting spray for your skin, we researched the top-rated options on the market and tested over 20 products in different environments. We evaluated each spray based on hydration, staying power, finish, and overall feel.
Best Picks
1. Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Setting Spray
This cult favorite has earned its place as the best overall hydrating setting spray. It combines long-lasting wear with a dewy finish, making it perfect for dry skin. Infused with hyaluronic acid and agave extract, this spray keeps your skin hydrated while locking your makeup in place for up to 16 hours. Whether you’re heading to work or a night out, it’s your go-to for a fresh, glowing complexion.
Why we love it:
Gives a fresh, dewy finish that keeps dry skin looking smooth, not flat
Helps makeup last up to 16 hours without feeling sticky or tight
Hyaluronic acid and agave extract keep skin feeling comfortable while it sets your makeup
2. e.l.f. Dewy Coconut Setting Mist
If you’re looking for hydration without breaking the bank, this affordable option from e.l.f. is a game-changer. The coconut-infused formula delivers a dewy, radiant finish while helping to set your makeup. Plus, it’s enriched with vitamins B5 and E to nourish your skin. It’s a perfect choice for everyday use when you want your makeup to stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.
Why we love it:
The mist is super fine, so it sets evenly and gives that fresh, dewy finish instead of leaving wet spots or droplets
It helps your makeup last longer, but it still feels lightweight, so it’s great when you hate that tight “setting spray” feeling
The formula includes coconut oil and coconut water plus green tea and cucumber extracts, so it feels more conditioning and comfy on the skin
3. Catrice Prime and Fine Dewy Glow Fixing Spray
Sensitive skin can be tricky to manage, especially when it’s also dry. The Catrice Prime and Fine Dewy Glow Fixing Spray is formulated with hydrating ingredients that lock in moisture without irritating delicate skin. It provides a radiant, dewy finish while ensuring your makeup stays put all day. Lightweight and fragrance-free, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to keep their complexion fresh and comfortable.
Why we love it:
It’s a true multitasker, you can use it to prime, set, or refresh, which is perfect if you only want one spray in your bag.
It dries down fast and leaves a soft dewy glow with a light shimmer that helps take away that powdery look.
It fits a cleaner vibe for a budget spray since Catrice lists it as vegan and free from alcohol, parabens, and silicones.
4. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
For those willing to invest a little extra, Tatcha’s luxurious mist is worth every penny. It’s packed with botanical oils and Okinawa red algae, offering an intensely moisturizing experience. The ultra-fine mist gives your skin a luminous glow, making it a favorite among beauty enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Why we love it:
The mist is ridiculously fine and even, so it refreshes makeup without leaving big droplets or disturbing your base
It’s more than a setting spray, it’s a 2 in 1 hydrator and finishing spray, so you can use it under makeup, over makeup, or any time skin feels dry
The formula leans super nourishing with hydrators and oils like hyaluronic acid, red algae, squalane, and Japanese camellia oil, which is why it gives that glossy, luminous finish
5. Morphe Continuous Setting Mist
This ultra-fine, continuous mist from Morphe is a favorite among makeup artists for its long-lasting hydration and lightweight feel. It’s infused with vitamins E and B5, giving your skin a healthy-looking glow without feeling greasy. Ideal for long wear, it ensures your makeup stays fresh from day to night.
Why we love it:
The air powered continuous spray lays down a micro fine, even mist, so it sets without big droplets and does not mess up your base or texture.
It actually improves wear in testing, with 94% saying it enhanced the look and wear of makeup and helped resist caking or fading, plus it increased foundation wear for up to 8 hours.
It gives a naturally radiant finish while still feeling lightweight, and it is infused with vitamin E, vitamin B5, and fruit extracts so it feels more comfortable than a harsh “hair spray” set.
6. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist
Made with watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus AHA, this setting spray from Glow Recipe not only locks in moisture but also gives your skin a dewy, radiant finish. It’s perfect for those looking to achieve a natural glow while keeping their makeup intact.
Why we love it:
It’s a bi phase spray, so you shake it up and get a mix of lightweight oils plus water based extracts that refresh makeup without messing up your base.
The hydration is real, with a high watermelon content plus hyaluronic acid, so it brings back that juicy look when skin starts feeling dry or powdery.
You get a gentle smoothing boost from hibiscus sourced AHAs, which helps skin look a bit more even and glowier over time.
7. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Hydrating Setting Spray
This classic spray from MAC is more than just a setting spray, it also works as a primer and refresher throughout the day. Enriched with green tea, chamomile, and cucumber, it hydrates, soothes, and revitalizes the skin, making it a versatile addition to your beauty routine.
Why we love it:
It’s a true multitasker that hydrates, primes, sets, and refreshes, so you can use it before makeup, after makeup, and even midday when your face looks a little tired.
It helps makeup wear better for up to 12 hours and it’s alcohol free and non comedogenic, so it’s a safer bet if you worry about clogged pores.
The formula includes glycerin plus soothing extracts like cucumber, chamomile, and green tea, which is why it feels calming and comfortable instead of tight.
8. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
If you want a high-end option that lives up to its promise, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is a must-try. It not only hydrates with aloe vera but also blurs imperfections, creating a flawless, airbrushed finish that lasts for hours.
Why we love it:
It’s clinically proven to prime and set makeup for up to 16 hours, and the formula is waterproof, so it holds up on long days.
It uses “Flawless Film Formers” that create a breathable veil over makeup, so your base looks smoother and more airbrushed instead of melting or separating.
It’s packed with skin-comfy ingredients like aloe vera and Japanese green tea, which is why it sets without that dry, tight feeling.
What is a hydrating setting spray?
Hydrating setting sprays are specially formulated products designed to lock your makeup in place while adding moisture to the skin. Unlike traditional setting sprays that might contain alcohol or mattifying ingredients, hydrating versions often include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin. These components help to maintain your skin’s moisture balance, preventing your makeup from looking cakey or patchy. Hydrating setting sprays are ideal for those with dry or combination skin, as they keep the complexion fresh and radiant throughout the day.
Can I use hydrating setting spray on oily skin?
Yes, you can use hydrating setting spray even if you have oily or combination skin. The key is to choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without adding excess oil. Some hydrating sprays are designed to deliver moisture without leaving a greasy residue, making them suitable for balancing your skin’s natural oils. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, which soothes without clogging pores, or niacinamide, which helps regulate sebum production. If you have oily skin, it’s also a good idea to use a mattifying primer before your makeup to reduce shine.
Can I use hydrating setting spray as a primer?
Some hydrating setting sprays can indeed double as a primer, especially those labeled as multi-purpose. For instance, MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ is popular as both a priming and setting spray. Applying a hydrating spray before makeup can help prep your skin by adding moisture, smoothing the surface, and creating a balanced base for foundation. To use it as a primer, spray it onto clean, moisturized skin and allow it to dry before applying your makeup. This technique can enhance the longevity of your makeup while keeping your skin comfortable and hydrated.
How often should I reapply setting spray?
ypically, one application of setting spray at the end of your makeup routine is sufficient to keep your look intact for several hours. However, if your skin feels dry or your makeup appears to lose its freshness, you can lightly mist your face again throughout the day. Hydrating setting sprays are particularly beneficial for midday touch-ups, as they can refresh your complexion and boost moisture without disturbing your makeup. Carry a travel-sized version in your bag for convenience.
Can I make my own hydrating setting spray at home?
Yes, creating a DIY hydrating setting spray at home is possible and can be cost-effective. A simple recipe involves mixing equal parts distilled water and rose water, adding a few drops of glycerin for moisture, and a small amount of aloe vera gel for soothing properties. Store the mixture in a clean spray bottle and refrigerate for up to a week. Keep in mind, however, that homemade sprays lack preservatives, so they should be used within a few days to avoid bacterial growth. While DIY sprays can add moisture, they may not have the same makeup-setting properties as store-bought versions.
