TikTok advises using setting spray before blending makeup—does it work?

The Secret to Preventing Cakey Makeup: Applying Setting Spray Before Blending

Makeup is a world full of surprises, with new tools and techniques constantly emerging. And the latest trend taking the beauty world by storm? Applying setting spray before blending your base makeup. Some TikTok creators swear by this method, claiming it’s the secret to flawless, non-cakey makeup. But what do the experts say?

We reached out to celebrity makeup artists Tayaba Jafri, David Birdwell, Dillon Peña, and Rea Ann Silva to get their take on this viral trend. Before you decide to switch up your routine, let’s find out what they had to say.

Let’s meet our experts:

Tayaba Jafri: Global Beauty Director at Laura Mercier.
David Birdwell: Celebrity makeup artist and Executive Director of Global Education and Artistry for Buxom Cosmetics.
Dillon Peña: Celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Beyoncé and Bebe Rexha, and founder of Leland Francis.
Rea Ann Silva: Professional makeup artist and founder of Beautyblender.

Setting Spray 101

Setting spray is a mist that helps protect your makeup from creasing, smearing, and fading. The market offers countless options, some even providing additional benefits like sun protection, hydration, vitamins, and acne treatments. Applying setting spray can be done by direct mist or a fine cloud of mist. Celebrity makeup artist Dillon Peña recommends using a liquid spray to target specific areas you want to preserve. His favorites are Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Milk Makeup’s Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Setting Spray.

Typically, setting spray is applied after completing a full makeup look. However, as social media has shown us, rules are made to be broken. Some creators are now spritzing on setting spray before blending their makeup, claiming it reduces cakiness and improves wear time.

Should You Apply Setting Spray Before or After Makeup?

The choice is yours, but there are benefits to applying setting spray before the rest of your makeup. According to David Birdwell, the right setting spray can emulsify your complexion products with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, leading to a non-cakey application and increased wear time. Tayaba Jafri agrees, suggesting that blending your makeup with a wet setting spray can enhance its longevity. However, she points out that the success of this technique depends on the type of makeup used and the compatibility with the spray.

It’s important to note that not all setting sprays are created equal. Jafri explains that setting sprays are designed to dry down and “set” your makeup, so using a spray with a dewy or natural finish, combined with quick blending, yields the best results.

How to Use Setting Spray Before Blending Your Makeup

Ready to try this viral method? David Birdwell recommends applying all your base products, misting your face, and then blending. He suggests using the Laura Mercier Translucent Pure Setting Spray and a wet beauty sponge to airbrush and absorb excess product. However, Tayaba Jafri cautions that viral videos often don’t show the behind-the-scenes effort. It’s crucial to avoid spraying too much or too often, as it can result in a tight and dry finish. Her top tips? Choose a non-dry or matte formula, blend quickly, and use setting spray sparingly.

More Setting Spray Hacks

The wonders of setting spray go beyond a full mist over your makeup. Rea Ann Silva recommends dampening your Beautyblender with setting spray to set specific areas that need extra durability. And if you’re dealing with creasing concealer, Dillon Peña suggests spraying setting spray on a Beautyblender and pressing it onto the problem areas before applying powder.

The Final Takeaway

Ultimately, the success of your makeup application relies on more than just setting spray. Prepping the skin properly is the key to a flawless finish. So, whether you choose to apply setting spray before or after your makeup, remember that it’s the groundwork that truly counts.

Now go forth and experiment with setting spray. Who knows, you might just discover your own unique makeup hack along the way!

TikTok advises using setting spray before blending makeup—does it work?