SPF Setting Sprays Have My Makeup Lasting Through 8-Hour Beach Days
Skin protected and foundation preserved.
I am a rule follower in pretty much every aspect of life—but especially when it comes to proper sunscreen application. It's why I reapply my SPF every two hours like the good little beauty editor I am. Historically, that meant I had to skip my makeup during long beach days. (Rubbing SPF 50 over a face of foundation, blush, and highlighter isn’t pretty.) But courtesy of a handful of my favorite brands like Coola, Kopari, and e.l.f., the best SPF setting sprays offer a solution—just in time for summer.
Here’s the deal: this innovative product category offers the protection of a sunscreen (because we know it’s so important for skin health and cancer prevention) right alongside the makeup-locking powers of a high-quality setting spray. “Shifting attitudes toward sun protection are creating demand for new textures and formats—the sprays and mists we’re seeing are super lightweight, ultra-fine, invisible, non-oily, and rapidly absorbed,” says Eleonora Mazzilli, the Business Development Director for North America at trend forecasting company BEAUTYSTREAMS. “The demand for products that offer both beauty benefits while guarding the skin against the sun is growing—it’s what we call the sun-ification of beauty.”
The convenience factor is desirable and the best SPF setting sprays are efficacious—just don’t skip your regular morning SPF application. You really need to apply a full three finger-lengths worth of sunscreen for the promised level of protection (and it’s pretty impossible to get that out of a setting spray. Instead, think of a sunscreen-infused setting spray like a beneficial supplement that swoops in for a mid-day boost.
The options on the market run the gamut. You can scoop up a glow-boosting SPF setting spray that adds a soft glimmer to the skin or a mattifying option that will keep your glow-to-grease ratio in control. You can buy travel-sized options that pop right in a beach bag or are loaded with good-for-your-skin ingredients like brightening niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. To get the full scoop, I spoke with board-certified dermatologists Elyse Love, MD, and Pooja Rambhia, MD. Their application tips—and product picks—for the best SPF setting sprays ahead.
The Best SPF Setting Sprays
- The Best SPF Setting Spray Overall: Kopari Beauty Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50
- The Best Glow-Boosting SPF Setting Spray: Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray
- The Best Mattifying SPF Setting Spray: Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30
I like to be a glowy human—especially in the summer. The Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist is my hack for shiny legs (even when it’s nighttime, the sun is set, and the only thing on my itinerary is going to an indoor dinner), so I was thrilled when this setting spray launched earlier this summer. It has the most incredible shimmer (there are flecks of glitter, FYI), so I skip my highlighter altogether. Bonus: the texture never pills on top of my Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, no matter how many layers I spray.
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Vitamin C (brightening); Vitamin E (antioxidant)
Size: 3.3 fluid ounces
What I Love: Broad spectrum protection; Super fine mist; Fast drying
What I Don’t: It does have a heavy shimmer that will be too intense for some
Review for MC: “The key is to shake this baby before spraying. It’s the secret to achieving an even shimmer. I also find that the spray handle has a pretty long dispersion, so I apply this in two diagonal sprays, one vertically and one horizontally to cover my whole face. Then, I repeat the process. I get so many compliments when I use this—especially on days when I skip makeup altogether.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender wears Kopari's Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50.
The TLDR on Naked Sundays: they’re an Australian sunscreen brand that has mastered the art of non-greasy, elegant SPF texture in every single product. Their new mist is simply no different—it’s lightweight, never leaves a white cast, and provides a gorgeous touch of luminosity that mimics drinking two liters of water daily. The spray cap is so good, in fact, that some reviewers say that they’ll fill up the bottle with a regular setting spray once they power through the SPF version just to mimic the ultra-fine mist.
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Kakadu plum (brightening); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
Size: 2.53 fluid ounces
What I Love: Travel-friendly; Glowy finish; Incredible bottle
What I Don’t: Heavier alcohol content; Some report burning eyes
Review for MC: “Until the TSA decides to approve full-size sunscreen for carry-ons (please, I’m begging you), I’ll be piling as many mini SPFs into my personal item as I can. I plan on brining approximately three of these with me to Turks and Caicos next month. I do have sensitive eyes and fully acknowledge that this can be irritating. But so long as I close my eyes tightly and let the product dry a bit before opening them, I’m A-Ok.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender wears Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50+.
If your skin type is oily or combination, then you are well aware that certain SPFs, or just a few minutes standing outside in the humidity, will turn even the best foundation into a pool of grease. Enter: Coola’s Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30, which has—you guessed it—mattifying properties. It soaks up oil and reduces shine so quickly that you’ll want to apply it more than every two hours, just to keep your complexion in check. It’s also non-comedogenic, which is a huge plus for acne-prone girlies.
SPF: 30
Type: Chemical
Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
Key Ingredients: Juniper and date palm (antioxidant protection); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
What I Love: Water-resistant; Mattifying; Natural green tea scent
What I Don’t: Some say it’s difficult to apply and can be irritating on sensitive skin types
Review for MC: “As previously mentioned, I’m not really a fan of matte skin. But when the humidity is above 70 percent, my glowy preferences go out the window and my new mission is simply to avoid looking like a pile of a oil. When those moments hit, I reach for this SPF setting spray on repeat. It controls shine to the best of its ability, without drying out my skin. Hot tip: keep it stored in your cooler on the beach for an extra pick-me-up.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender wears Coola Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30.
Other SPF Setting Sprays I Love
Getting in on the SPF setting spray action doesn’t have to cost more than your coffee allowance. “This drugstore option is equal parts lightweight, protective, and shimmery—it’s seriously the cherry on top to sealing my glam, especially during Manhattan’s heated summers,” says MC Contributing Beauty Writer Malcia Greene. “It’s non-toxic ingredient list is perfect for a natural and dewy glow, which only furthers my obsession with it.”
SPF: 45
Type: Chemical
Size: 2 fluid ounces
Key Ingredients: Watermelon fruit extract (calming); Prickly pear seed oil (antioxidant protection)
What I Love: Comes out clear; Fragrance-free; Great price point
What I Don’t: Sometimes the spray dispenser clogs with product
Customer Review: “It does a great job as a makeup setting spray, my makeup stayed put just fine, and I feel the sun protection was also great as I had spent a few hours out in the sun in the afternoon and my face did not get sunburned. Other than that this product does have a very strong smell of alcohol and did make my skin feel quite sticky after applying it for quite some time, but I do tend to have a bit more oily skin.” — Ulta
Beauty Editor Siena Gagliano’s main pain point with SPF setting sprays: they come out too greasy. But even she can get on board with Kate Sommerville’s take on the trend. “This one from Kate Somerville perfectly balances the two thanks to its matte formula,” she tells me. “It doesn’t dull out my skin either—in fact, I think it leaves more of a natural skin finish. Plus, the super-fine mist won’t disrupt any of my makeup underneath.”
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Size: 3.4 fluid ounces
Key Ingredients: Light diffusing silicone powder (blurring); Rhodiola Rosea (calming)
What I Love: Lightweight; Great for oily and combination skin types
What I Don’t: Contains lavender fragrance; Some report breakouts; Little pricey
Customer Review: “I have tried multiple SPF setting sprays after makeup application and no one does the job like this one. This product sprays very fine particles without ruining your makeup. It gives a dewy look, perfect for the 'natural look' while protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. I love that it has hyaluronic acid to give the skin a plump and hydrated look. Sometimes, it leaves product residue so it’s best is to spray before doing hair and before putting clothes on.” — Ulta
I know, I know: what is a self-tanning brand doing making a sunscreen? If you really think about it, though, it makes sense. Isle of Paradise is just intent on encouraging safe tanning habits. Love that. Their recent venture into skincare is shockingly quite good. I happen to really like their new moisturizer, but this SPF setting spray is really up there. It has a great ingredient profile—featuring redness-reducing cica—and locks in makeup so well, that my blush still looks pretty pigmented after a windy beach walk.
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Cica (redness reducing); Niacinamide (brightening)
Size: 2 fluid ounces
What I Love: Travel-friendly; Helps brighten skin tone
What I Don’t: Very strong scent
Customer Review: “Sprays on well and easy to blend onto skin! Stays on pretty long even after swimming! Love the coverage and soft scent. It's so convenient and don't have to get my hands covered in sunscreen. The only downside is it does seem to rub/sweat off fairly easily but it's not a problem if you remember to reapply.” — Sephora
While I wish I could be the girl who wears a full face beat to the beach, I am not. But! If you are *that* girl, this is the SPF setting spray for you. It’s designed specifically for heavy makeup wearers—and will have your foundation, contour, blush, eyeshadow—the works—staying locked in despite the heat. In fact: it has claims that it’s makeup setting powers last for a full 16 hours. (Just make sure you still reapply every two hours if you’re using this as your primary re-application method.)
SPF: 30
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Tropaeolum Majus flower extract (refreshing)
Size: 2 fluid ounces
What I Love: Affordable; Great for setting makeup; Long-wear claims
What I Don’t: Might feel drying
Customer Review: “This setting spray is a 2-in-1. It helps your makeup last and protects your skin with SPF 30. That's a huge plus for me! It doesn't have a strong scent and does not irritate my skin. My makeup stays on longer when I wear this too so it's much needed in the Texas heat! It's a new staple in my makeup bag.” — Ulta
The Australian sun is no joke—so knowing that this SPF was tested against it (and still received a UV rating of PA++++, which is the highest level of UVA protection) gives me peace of mind. It gets even better: this formula is fortified with bisabolol, an antioxidant that calms the skin, provides antioxidant protection, and soothes redness, as well as niacinamide, which is proven to smooth out skin texture.
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Bisabolol (calming); Niacinamide (smoothing)
Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
What I Love: Travel-friendly; Great PA rating; Skincare benefits
What I Don’t: Looks better on a makeup-free face; Mist feels a bit thicker than some of the others on the list
Customer Review: “Love it, it doesn’t make my skin sticky or dry after using it it doesn’t matter if I use it for the whole day, it’s a good product and it doesn’t have a strong scent i definitely do recommend it, perfect for summer.” — Sephora
No list of the best SPF-anything is complete without a Supergoop! mention. This is a solid option for anyone who leans oily—optical diffusing silica sylate works to absorb oil and mattify your complexion. I will say it can get a little greasy depending on the foundation you’re wearing, but it’s my go-to on light makeup or no-makeup beach days.
SPF: 40
Type: Chemical
Size: 3.4 fluid ounces
Key Ingredients: Optical diffusing silica sylate (absorbs oil); Mint (invigorating)
What I Love: Smells delightful; Mattifying
What I Don’t: Can feel greasy
Customer Review: “This product USUALLY works the way it claims: if I shake it really, really, really well, and mist it all over my face, it generally dries without disturbing my makeup; I'd say it works right maybe 75-80% of the time. The rest of the time, it messes with the finish of my foundation. Not terribly, and since I'm not out in the sun a lot, most of the time when I use it it's late in the day (for example: I'm going for a walk when I get home from work), so it's fine.” — Ulta
What’s the Benefit of an SPF Setting Spray?
The American Academy of Dermatology (and every dermatologist to ever exist) is going to tell you that your once-a-day sunscreen application isn’t enough. You really need to reapply every two hours (or more if you're sweating or swimming) to keep up protection. But wearing makeup makes safe suncare habits difficult. A cream-based SPF will smudge foundation, spray sunscreen leaves a greasy cast, and powder SPFs can be cakey. That’s where SPF setting sprays come into play. “The convenience factor is real—you can quickly spritz and go without worrying about messing up your look,” says Dr. Rambhia.
What Should I Look for in an SPF Setting Spray?
Broad Spectrum Protection
Most importantly, you want an SPF setting spray that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it will guard against UVA rays (the aging ones) and UVB rays (the burning ones). Mineral options, which are typically better suited for sensitive skin, are marked by zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens include ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxiate, or octocrylene.
Sun Protection Number
“Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ should always be the goal with any sun protection,” says Dr. Love. But because you’re likely not applying enough of your SPF setting spray to get the full does, “a higher SPF is better given the likelihood of under-application.” Every option on this list is at least SPF 30, with most offering SPF 50.
Ingredients
Make sure to pick a product with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin to prevent your skin from drying out, says Dr. Rambhia. “You can also consider antioxidants like vitamin C or E for added skin protection,” she adds. If you have sensitive or highly irritable skin, you’ll also want to look for low alcohol concentrations and fragrance-free formulas.
How to Apply an SPF Setting Spray
To maximize sun protection, Dr. Rambhia suggests applying your SPF setting spray six to eight inches away from your face and spraying in multiple layers rather than one heavy mist in order to get more even coverage. “Allow each layer to set for a few seconds before applying the next, and remember that you’ll need to reapply every two hours just like a regular sunscreen,” she says.
Dr. Love adds that you’ll want to treat your face like a grid while misting so you don’t skip any spots. “Apply to your forehead then left cheek/right cheek, then nose, and chin. The focus on each area will increase the uniformity of application versus applying in a general circle multiple times.”
Do I Need to Wear Sunscreen If I Use an SPF Setting Spray?
Yes—you still need to wear regular sunscreen (at least as your base) if you use a SPF setting spray. To get the full, promised protection on your sunscreen bottle, you need to apply two, full finger-lengths to your face. That’s nearly impossible to do with a fine mist. “Think of these SPF setting sprays as a nice bonus rather than your main line of defense,” says Dr. Rambhia. “It’s an extra layer of protection that will also keep your makeup looking fresh.”
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
To compile this list, Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender consulted with two board-certified dermatologists and spoke with a trend forecaster. She combed through customer reviews on major retails, including Ulta and Sephora, sourced recommendations from beauty industry experts—including members of the Marie Claire team—and even tested a handful of SPF setting sprays herself. Every product was evaluated based on its ingredient profile, how long it set makeup, and the sun protection factor.
Meet the Experts
Pooja H. Rambhia, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with specialized fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. She provides comprehensive cosmetic and medical dermatologic care, specializing in laser treatments, injectables, and facial and body contouring. Dr. Rambhia is dedicated to delivering personalized, natural-looking results while offering safe and effective treatments for all skin types, including skin of color.
A Long Island, NY native, Dr. Rambhia received her Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry and Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University through their prestigious BA/MD pre-professional scholars program. During medical school, she completed an additional pre-doctoral fellowship through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) T32 training grant in investigative and molecular dermatology. Her dedication to research was recognized with the American Skin Association medical student grant award for her work on genetic melanoma syndromes.
Dr. Rambhia subsequently completed her internship at The Mount Sinai Hospital and her dermatology residency at Zucker School of Medicine/Northwell Health, where she was selected as Chief Resident in her final year. Upon graduation, she was honored with the Northwell Dermatology Departmental Award for Humanism in Medicine, recognizing her compassionate patient care and commitment to leadership. Following residency, Dr. Rambhia completed the prestigious American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Cosmetic and Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship at UnionDerm under the mentorship of Dr. Anne Chapas. During this year-long fellowship, she served as a sub-investigator on several clinical trials exploring treatments for hyperhidrosis, acne, acne scars, melasma, wrinkles, skin laxity, and facial volume loss using novel laser and energy-based device technologies.
Committed to advancing the field of dermatology, Dr. Rambhia has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Dermatologic Surgery, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Melanoma Research, and the International Journal of Clinical Oncology. She has presented her research at major national conferences, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Eleonora Mazzilli is a key beauty industry leader. As BEAUTYSTREAMS’ Trend Localization Business Development Director for North America, she plays a pivotal role in translating global beauty trends into actionable regional market strategies. A sought-after speaker at important industry events, Ms. Mazzilli recently served as the host presenter for the landmark Openstreams Global Beauty Industry Summit: The Aging Forum at the United Nations headquarters in New York. She is frequently quoted in industry publications worldwide, including Allure, Marie Claire, Cosmetic Design, Global Cosmetic News, Beauty Packaging, Cosmopolo, Vogue, and InStyle. Holding two Master’s degrees—one in Language, Society Communication from the University of Bologna and another in Digital Marketing Communications from 24ORE Business School—Ms. Mazzilli is renowned for her expertise in trend localization. Fluent in four languages and of Italian origin, she ensures that international beauty trends are localized for regional success.
Originally from Alabama, Dr. Love completed her undergraduate education at the University of Alabama, where she graduated summa cum laude. She received her Doctor of Medicine from Emory University School of Medicine, after which she moved to New York to complete residency training at The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology. She served as chief of aesthetics during her final year.
In addition to up to date, evidenced based care, Dr. Love has a clinical and research interest in the quality of life impact of dermatologic conditions and methods to modernize the dermatology visit. She has published many peer reviewed articles on these topics.
Dr. Love has a holistic approach to skin wellness that includes fitness and diet. She has completed the NYC marathon twice and is a fitness enthusiast.
