Cosmetics are constantly connected to the concept of beauty. While anyone can be naturally beautiful, it is generally accepted that beauty is enhanced with makeup. That is why it is important to many, particularly women, that they are able to maintain their makeup for hours.
Fortunately, there are sprays that can help the ladies. These products keep makeup nice and proper.
Set, Fix, Finish
There are many things that often make our daily lives harder. Makeup should not be one of them. What are these products that should make women’s lives less toxic, at least, in the beauty department?
Setting Spray
Setting sprays are designed to keep makeup intact throughout the day. It merges the foundation, concealer, and powder.
It prevents the maquillage from melting and creasing. In other words, from ruining what you spend a considerable amount of time for: to look good and presentable. That’s time and effort wasted in doing it only to fix it at various times of the day.
Finishing Spray
Is it Finishing Spray vs Setting Spray? A finishing spray is really what finishes the whole look. It is oftentimes mistaken as a setting spray, but it does not set the maquillage. Rather, it gives the whole look its finishing touches, based on your preferences.
Spray 10 inches from your face then it’s finished! You’re ready for your day. Or your night at a party, as the case may be.
Fixing Spray
As the name suggests, it fixes your makeup. It is what actually gives your makeup more staying power. It is alcohol-based therefore, it dries down faster. Apply it whenever your makeup needs fixing.
Setting Spray vs Finishing Spray vs Fixing Spray
Fixing and finishing sprays are easily mistaken and treated as setting sprays, which has become the catch-all term for all of them. But while they are similar, they are not the same.
As you can gauge from the descriptions above, there are differences between the three sprays. What are those differences? Below are several questions and answers to guide you.
How similar or different are they in composition?
Setting sprays are usually composed of water, glycerin, and botanical oils. Glycerin (or glycerol) is a colorless and odorless compound from vegetable oils or animal fats. It is commonly used in cosmetics and is a major ingredient for moisturizers and lotions.
There are setting sprays, though, that can be toxic or have chemicals that might damage the skin. The good news is there are several DIY setting spray solutions that you can try making at home. These alternative formulas or mixtures involve glycerin, rose water, witch hazel, aloe vera, lavender oil, and other essential oils that you might prefer.
You can find these formulas online. Make sure you consult reputable sites.
Fixing Sprays, as mentioned above, are primarily alcohol-based. A fixing spray dries faster, which is ideal when you are busy or in a hurry. It prolongs your makeup’s “life”.
Finishing Sprays also have alcohol. Understandably, it’s to prolong the effect on your makeup (e.g. glowing, fresh).
Which is right for your skin?
Provided that all are safe to use, there is no competition. They are applied separately. More importantly, they serve different purposes. It’s the makeup itself that covers the face. You need not choose from the three products.
However, there are setting sprays that are, for instance, good for oily skin, or bad for this or that other type of skin. So, use your decision-making skills on choosing the right setting spray.
There are also different finishing sprays for different skin types. For shiny skin, use oil-absorbing finishing sprays. For dry skin, use a moisturizing finishing spray.
Basically, there are Two Main Formulas for Finishing Sprays:
- Water-based – hydrating, light-weight, preferably to be applied over a water-based foundation
- Silicone-based – thicker, longer-lasting, but may not be good for sensitive and/or acne-prone skin
When do you use each of them? How?
They are not competing. Instead, they are meant to work together. They follow an order.
This should be your routine:
- Put on your makeup. It is best to apply face mist first, though, then proceed.
- Apply setting spray once the makeup is dry. Do not apply before but after putting on makeup. It will not work if done incorrectly.
- After setting, spritz on the finishing spray to get the finish you want.
- The fixing spray is applied so that the makeup won’t budge easily. Use this whenever you feel your makeup needs fixing. If applied properly, you won’t need it that often.
Now that you know these differences, you can start using each of these sprays properly. No more guessing which one is for what purpose. Use your new-found knowledge wisely.