The 8 Best Hydrating Setting Sprays for Dry Skin in 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist
Formulated 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.
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.
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.
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.