The 9 Best SPF Setting Sprays for On-the-Go Protection and Makeup Longevity

Best Overall

Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50

$24 at Amazon $22 at Ulta $22 at Dermstore

SPF: 50 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you are looking for an extra layer of protection, then Vacation’s Super Spritz Face Mist is it. The transparent, noncomedogenic formula makes it the ideal choice to complete your look, as its subtle satin finish enhances your skin’s appearance while protecting it from UV rays with SPF 50.

Approved by both makeup artist Michelle Quaranta, who loves the “lightweight and refreshing feel of this mist,” and Dr. Melinda Conroy, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist based in Texas, who praises the inclusion of aloe vera, for those “prone to irritation,” as well as “antioxidants [like] green tea, vitamin E, and botanicals [...] for added collagen and elastin protection.” It also contains bisabolol, cucumber, shea, and maracuja oil, along with caffeine, coconut, and ferulic acid—all working together to smooth your skin and shield it from daily stressors. Like the rest of the brand’s popular sunscreens, the spray has a strong coconut scent that may be overwhelming for those sensitive to fragrances.

Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “In addition to using this on my face, I love spraying this on my neck and décolletage when I’m out and about and need a new layer of SPF. I’ve stained too many tops trying to reapply sunscreen lotion, so this clear spray is a lifesaver. The spray is also small enough to keep in my purse for touch-ups.”

Best Drugstore

Milani Make it Last Sunscreen Setting Spray

$19

$13 at Amazon View on Ulta $15 at Target

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 2.02 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Like any drugstore hero, this simple SPF setting spray from Milani is a true multitasker. It can be used as a primer or a finishing spray, offers standard SPF 30 protection, and leaves behind a slightly dewy finish without a white cast. Best yet, it rings in under $15, and it’s the perfect size to throw in your bag for touch-ups. Reviewers report impressive grip when worn under makeup, and all-day staying power when applied on top. Even after multiple reapplications, each spritz leaves makeup looking freshly revived with minimal buildup. (One tip: Avoid spraying your eye makeup directly when reapplying to prevent smudging and irritation.)

Cam, tester with combination skin that tans easily: “Immediately after use, the spray left my face with a slight sheen and subtle glow. It made my pink blush pop with more color and my cheekbones glisten with a summery highlight. My makeup held up for a good 3-4 hours before I felt I needed another spray application, acting almost like a boost from a facial mist.”

Best Drugstore, Runner-Up

e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45

$15

$13 at Amazon $15 at Ulta $15 at Target

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Our favorite drugstore brand, e.l.f., has created this spray that can be used to prime, set, and refresh your makeup throughout the day. In addition to providing sun protection, it offers a superior grip that keeps your makeup looking freshly applied for up to eight hours, according to our tester. Both nongreasy and transparent, this fine, lightweight mist thankfully left no white cast on our tester’s skin, and we love how it’s fragrance-free for anyone averse to scent or eczema-prone. Suitable for all skin types, the formula has also been infused with watermelon fruit extract, prickly pear seed oil, and bisabolol to nourish your base while you wear it.

Cortney, tester with dry skin that tans easily: “The setting spray keeps makeup in place for a few hours, maybe even a whole workday (eight hours), but if you’re looking for true sunscreen benefits, you need to reapply every two hours. A spray like this obviously makes it easier.”

Best Dermatologist-Recommended

Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF50+

$27 at Amazon View on Ulta View on Nakedsundays.com

SPF: 50 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.53 oz  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This spray from Naked Sundays provides an extra layer of SPF without affecting the finish of your makeup. In fact, it actually leaves it looking more luminous. The completely invisible mist works on all skin tones and types and contains hydrating and soothing ingredients. Dr. Conroy recommends this mist for its high SPF 50 and combination of ingredients, including watermelon extract and the vitamin C-rich kakadu plum. “This product contains hyaluronic acid, which makes it great for dry skin,” says Dr. Conroy.

Clare Holden, Byrdie contributor and makeup artist: “This is the only SPF I have found that works over makeup without disrupting it. It is so light that even with consistent top-ups every two hours, it never feels greasy on your skin.” 

Best Dewy Finish

Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50

$34

$29 at Amazon $18 at Ulta $34 at Target

SPF: 50 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 2.53 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

A setting spray that catches the light without melting your makeup? Sign us up. If you like to match your glam to your glazed donut mani, Kopari’s Sunglaze Sheer formula will maximize your glow. With hyaluronic acid to hydrate and vitamin C to brighten the complexion, the ingredient list supports the product’s glow-boosting claims. The controlled mist makes even distribution easy, and the golden shimmer you see in the bottle translates subtly to the skin. While this formula may feel a bit heavier, especially on oil-prone skin, testers confirm that it feels more dewy than sticky once it absorbs. Layer it over your favorite highlighter or radiant skin tint, or apply it to a fresh face for a lit-from-within glow. 

Anna Traver, writer: “I like how easy it is to apply SPF with this, and that it has a high SPF (50). It also leaves a pretty glow on the skin, which I think is a great look for summer.”

Best Matte Finish

Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30

$36 at Amazon View on Ulta $36 at Target

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Size: 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As much as we love a luminous makeup look, sometimes the summer heat calls for a reliable matte finish. Whether you’re prepping for a steamy office commute or an outdoor wedding with never-ending photo ops, this spray from Coola will keep your shine under control. The product is quick-drying and instantly mattifying, leaving behind a soft-focus blur. If you prefer a lighter mist, save this one for your heavy-duty setting needs: One tester says it distributes a thicker layer of product than alternatives while keeping makeup fully intact even through sweaty workouts. Plus, unlike many matte sprays, this SPF option offers a well-balanced formula of oil-busting and skin- replenishing ingredients. 

Nicolette, tester with combination, sunburn-prone skin: “I didn’t notice any burning or tanning throughout the day, and my makeup didn’t move. The finish is extremely matte, and it locks in the makeup.”

Best for Oily Skin

One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Sunscreen Setting Spray

$39 at Sephora

SPF: 28 | SPF Type: Chemical | Size: 1.05, 3.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

If your skin is oil-prone, you understand the value of a finishing spray that doesn’t add congestion—especially during the warmer months. While lots of traditional setting sprays and SPF products leave a sticky sheen, our testers with oily skin vouch for this One/Size spray’s ultra-lightweight feel.

The SPF version of the brand’s fan-favorite setting spray doesn’t just mask shine with a matte finish (although the blur is real): It’s formulated with ingredients like green tea extract and silica, which actually help manage sebum production throughout its impressive 16-hour wear. Best yet, the product dispenses as a fine, refreshing mist that won’t bead up or alter your makeup. That means you can reapply regularly, worry-free—an important habit when you’re opting for an SPF 28 product. 

Dominique Hobdy, senior editor: “It’s super easy to apply this spray. It comes in an aerosol can that delivers a really light, fine mist. It distributes really evenly, and it didn’t take much for me to feel fully covered. I’d say my makeup lasted for 8-12 hours a day without needing a touch-up.”

Best for Dry Skin

Ultra Violette Sunscreen Mist

$30 at Sephora View on Ultraviolettespf.com

When you need a skin-friendly spray that locks in your makeup without that tight, drying texture, this SPF 50 pick from Ultra Violette has you covered. Ideal for dry skin, this spray is formulated with niacinamide (vitamin B3) and other skin care ingredients that help lock in moisture for comfortable all-day wear. It also leaves behind a luminous finish—the perfect balance between dewy and blurred. If you have combination skin, some testers recommend adding a setting powder to balance out your oily zones—but generally, the mist is fine enough to prevent buildup. Keep it on hand to stay protected and revive your look as you reapply throughout the day.

Bianca, tester with combination skin: “The great thing about this spray is you can just pop it out and reapply it without disrupting your makeup. [...] Spraying this on helped bring the life back into my face.”

Best Mineral

Seriously Fab Zinc It Over Unscented

View on Seriouslyfab.com

SPF: 25 | SPF Type: Mineral | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

We have searched far and wide for a solid mineral SPF setting spray; thankfully, for anyone sensitive to the chemical filter avobenzone, this unscented, gentle mist uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains blueberry extract to help reduce inflammation and shield against free radical damage. Vitamin C, E, and P-rich Shiri fruit extract have also been included to tackle the signs of aging caused by UV light. Along with all the skin-enhancing benefits, this spray has an airbrush finish that works just as well over makeup as it does on bare skin for an elevated natural look.