The best makeup setting sprays - by our beauty expert

I was scrolling through Instagram recently when I came across a post suggesting various summer activities to try after the age of 50. The list told me to ‘Give skinny dipping a go!’ ‘Try scuba diving!’ ‘Go to a roller-skating rink!’

I’ve never met the person who compiled this list but, quite honestly, they struck me as a little exhausting to be around.

The scuba diving lost me at ‘please get into this hideously unforgiving wetsuit’; roller skating seems a little unwise given how long it took me to get up last time I fell over; and trust me, no one is mourning the idea of never seeing me skinny dipping.

‘There’s an amazing discovery I’ve made as a result of entering my “incredible perspiring woman” era: the power of a setting spray’

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for seizing the summer months to live my best life. All I ask is that I do it while wearing reasonably dignified clothing and, preferably, avoiding anything that makes me break into a sweat. Because frankly, my hormones seem to be doing a fairly good job of that without any encouragement these days.

There is, however, an amazing discovery I’ve made as a result of entering my ‘incredible perspiring woman’ era. And that’s the game-changing power of a setting spray.

Setting sprays are the new-gen alternative to powder. But these ultra-light, fine mists don’t just lock in make-up. They’re multitasking powerhouses that also leave skin feeling revived, refreshed and radiant.

I have to confess I was wary initially. Are they sticky? Do they actually work? Reader, it’s not often I say this, so brace yourselves: I could not have been more wrong. Setting sprays are total miracle workers.

I suggest we get involved immediately.

Oh Elf, how we love your purse-friendly, innovative goodies. And you’ve also totally nailed this whole setting spray thing.

Emily's top setting sprays

Emily Dean's top five performing makeup setting sprays

Elf Matte Magic Mist & Set Spray - RRP £6 

This is unbeatable at controlling shine and keeps my base and bronzer looking flawless all day. The lightweight mist sets without any residue, plus it’s infused with skin-soothing vitamin B and vitamin E.

The dinky handbag-sized bottle also makes it ideal for refreshing pick-me-ups on the go.

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 L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist - RRP £9.99

If you’re after a setting spray with serious put-a-ring-on-it staying power, meet L’Oréal's Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. As the name suggests, this micro-fine mist dries in just three seconds and locks in make-up for up to 36 hours.

The super even coverage also leaves zero marks or droplets and ensures your make-up stays phone-proof, mask-proof and even glasses-proof.

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Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray - RRP £20

Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty empire has won fans the world over, but her masterstroke has to be her Flawless Setting Spray. It’s magic in a bottle, keeping your complexion flawless for 16 hours while delivering skin-softening aloe vera and hydrating Japanese green tea.

Top marks too for the impossibly glowy finish. And a divinely fresh, floral scent.

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Morphe Continuous Setting Mist - RRP £16

One setting spray most make-up artists swear by for a budge-proof finish is Morphe's Continuous Setting Mist. As well as gifting your make-up that freshly applied look all day, this mist also offers skin brightening and hydrating properties thanks to vitamins E, B5 and fruit extracts.

The silky, superfine formula lends such an even skin veil, even I couldn’t mess it up.

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Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray - RRP £29

Finally, it’s time to meet a legend. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray was one of the first and remains simply one of the best. The secret lies in its technology. This stuff actually controls the temperature of your make-up to keep it sweat proof, windproof and life-proof.

It also glides on and settles so lightly, you’ll barely feel it getting to work. It is genuinely next-level stuff.

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So, there it is, your fast track to remaining fresh and flawless this summer. Whatever your activities, you’re staying intact. Even if that happens to include skinny dipping