Unique bi-phase mist features one layer of water-based actives, and one layer of nourishing oils that stay separated until you shake them up into one hardworking mist! Key ingredients include: But what actually is setting spray? According to Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Victoria Vohland, setting spray is made up of three parts: water, alcohol, and a film former. Together, these create a barrier to prevent makeup from slipping. Fun fact: It's the same chemical formula that's used in hair gel, but it's tweaked to be safer and gentle enough to use on the face. "These are very much used in long-wear makeup, especially when [brands] make claims like '12-hour-wear,'" she previously told Allure .

Without a setting spray, you are more likely to end up with a shiny T-zone, creased eyeshadow and smudged mascara. On top of that, your base makeup – including contour, blush, highlighter and foundation – is unlikely to last (especially if you’re planning on wearing them for more than 10 hours, be it for a wedding or a night out). Plus, the constant summertime heatwaves don't exactly help, either. Best setting sprays at a glance:

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Longevity: Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, setting spray should set your makeup to keep it looking as fresh as possible in the hours after application. You’ll find sprays that claim to keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours on this list. Your makeup most likely will wear away as you go about your day, but selecting a formula that’s waterproof or smudge-proof, like our Best Overall, and re-applying it every few hours may swing the odds in your favor.

Though it wasn't fast-drying, this reasonably priced option from L'Oréal passed our splash test and definitely helped our makeup stay intact. Unfortunately, one of our testers experienced a burning sensation and found the smell unpleasant. How it’s held up: Even after months of use, we’re still finding ourselves reaching for this bottle multiple times throughout the week. We still recommend it for days when you’re not wearing a lot of makeup, because while it is very hydrating, it won’t keep your makeup from smudging all day long.This spray is unique among competitors because it applies almost like a burst of damp air, rather than a moist spray where you feel the hydration instantly. It almost felt like there was nothing on our face, but we felt the effects when our skin tightened ever so slightly. The mist left no residue or moisture on our faces, but completely blurred out our makeup to create a smooth surface. As a matte-finish product, it also reduces the shine effect — a bonus for those with naturally oily skin. After the splash test, we did notice that some makeup had transferred to the towel when drying off, but the appearance of our makeup hadn’t changed, smeared, or run at all. On the other hand, our Best Value—and most others on this list—fell flat with preventing my makeup from fading or creasing; instead, the best part was the hydrating feel it provided and the overall healthier appearance I saw on my skin. For any content that you submit, you grant Space NK a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, transferable right and license to use, copy, modify, delete in its entirety, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from and/or sell and/or distribute such content and/or incorporate such content into any form, medium or technology throughout the world without compensation to you.

Bi-phase” means that the formula is made up of two distinct layers that stay separated until they’re shaken up to activate. Always an Optimist 4-in-1 Mist contains one layer of water-based actives and one layer of nourishing oils—giving you the benefits of each formula in one! Be sure to shake well to fully mix before spritzing. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. How it's held up: After six months of testing, we recommend this product more for hydration and for light makeup looks versus setting full faces of makeup. It still gives us that hydrated look that we love — so we suggest using it as a primer before layering your makeup and then doing a light spray on top for a dewy finish.Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty director at Miss New Jersey Earth and Fashion Gxd Magazine. She has been featured on various outlets, including Nylon, Allure, and The Dr. Oz Show. How We Tested When it comes to selecting the right formula, professional makeup artist Jonet Williamson suggests starting with the ingredient list. From there, you can tailor it to your skin's needs and your glam style. While formulas containing alcohol can prolong makeup, they can be irritating, especially if you use it everyday. Be aware that a little goes a long way and, if you're sensitive to alcohol-based products, look for an alcohol-free formula. Though hypochlorous acid is the hero ingredient, it gives the spray a chlorine-like fragrance — but that disappears as it dries. However, because of how effective this spray is at calming and refreshing angry skin, chances are, you'll be willing to overlook it.