The best setting sprays don’t just lock in makeup—they transform your look from dewy to divine, delivering a velvety, soft-focus finish that resists humidity, oil, and time. For those with oily or combination skin, a great mattifying setting spray is essential—not only to hold everything in place but to eliminate shine without drying the skin. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve it.
From viral TikTok favorites to professional makeup artist picks, today’s drugstore formulas rival high-end classics. Think: long-wear hold, shine control, and hydration—all for under $15. Whether you’re searching for a alternative for Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray or want to know if e.l.f. Stay All Night really stays put, these affordable heroes deserve a spot in your beauty routine.
Below, find our curated edit of the best drugstore mattifying setting sprays, tried, tested, and totally worth it.
Our Top Picks
Best All-Night Hold: E.l.f. Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist
Why we love it: With up to 16 hours of wear and a micro-fine mist that doesn’t disrupt your makeup, this budget-friendly option is a fan favorite for a reason. Plus, it’s alcohol-free and infused with cucumber and aloe for a cooling finish.
Key ingredients: Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Silica
How to apply: Mist evenly 6–8 inches from the face after completing your makeup. Let it dry naturally.
Best Alternative for Urban Decay: Milani Make It Last Matte Charcoal Setting Spray
Why we love it: A near-perfect alternative for Urban Decay All Nighter, this setting spray mattifies with micro-fine charcoal powder while holding your makeup in place for up to 16 hours.
Key ingredients: Charcoal, silica, fruit extracts
How to apply: Shake well and mist evenly. Reapply mid-day to combat shine.
Also try: Milani Make It Dewy if you’re after a more radiant finish.
Best Shine Control: Makeup Revolution Sport Fix Extra Hold Setting Spray
Why we love it: Designed for active days (and nights), this makeup revolution setting spray is sweat-proof, water-resistant, and keeps oily skin looking fresh for hours—without that sticky film.
Key ingredients: Alcohol denat., castor oil, polyquaternium-11
How to apply: Spray 10–12 inches away in an “X” and “T” motion.
Best Multi-Tasker: NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
Why we love it: The OG drugstore hero for mattifying results. It blurs pores, controls shine, and keeps makeup looking freshly applied for up to 16 hours.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, aloe leaf extract
How to apply: Use before foundation for extra oil control, then again to set.
Best Grip + Set: e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray
Why we love it: Think of it as a primer and setting spray hybrid. It power grip dewy setting spray grips makeup for long wear while delivering a semi-matte glow—perfect for oily T-zones and dry cheeks.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, green tea, squalane
How to apply: Use before makeup to prep, and after to lock everything in.
Best Super Hold: Revolution Superfix Misting Spray
Why we love it: This extra-hold revolution super hold setting spray formula rivals high-end sprays in performance. Makeup stays locked in—even through heat, masks, and sweat—while leaving a matte, filtered finish.
Key ingredients: Aloe, castor oil derivatives, polyacrylates
How to apply: Spray evenly from 10 inches away in a circular motion.
What Is a Setting Spray?
A setting spray is a liquid mist used to lock in makeup and prolong its wear. Mattifying formulas target excess oil and create a shine-free finish that’s ideal for oily or combination skin types.
How to Choose a Mattifying Setting Spray
For Oily Skin:
Look for oil-absorbing ingredients like charcoal, niacinamide, or silica. These help control shine without stripping the skin.
For Sensitive Skin:
Opt for alcohol-free formulas enriched with aloe vera, cucumber, or green tea extract to calm and hydrate while setting your look.
For All-Day Wear:
Seek out setting sprays that promise 12+ hours of wear, waterproof, or humidity-resistant finishes to keep your makeup intact through long days and steamy nights.
How and When To Use Setting Spray
Spray after completing your makeup look—foundation, blush, and powder included. For extra staying power, apply before and after makeup. Mist evenly while holding the bottle 6–10 inches from the face.
Is There a Alternative for Urban Decay’s All Nighter?
Yes—Milani Make It Last Matte and e.l.f. Stay All Night are top-rated drugstore alternatives for Urban Decay’s iconic All Nighter. Both deliver similar longevity, finish, and oil control at a fraction of the price.
Final Thoughts
With these affordable finds, you can achieve a flawless, shine-free finish that stays put from morning meetings to evening plans. Whether you’re looking for a makeup-locking mist, an All Nighter alternative, or a gripping spray that won’t budge, these drugstore setting sprays prove that great performance doesn’t need a luxury price tag.
