Setting Spray 101

A setting spray can lock in makeup, add hydration, remove a powder-y look, add a dewy-ness, and/or help remove shine from the face.

A lot of Setting Sprays over lap in type. All Setting Sprays (except what I have under long wearing) will add hydration because they are water based facial sprays. 
***NOTE: This is how I personally classify the types of setting sprays because most brands claim to have the longest lasting setting spray.

Types

• Dewy: If you have dry skin a dewy setting spray can really help. A dewy setting spray can help add a lot hydration (perfect for those with dehydrated skin) which helps because dry skin tends to absorb all the moisture from foundation sometimes leaving a dry, matte, or cake-y appearance. 
• Ex: Urban Decay Chill, Mac Fix+, Mac Charged Water, Smashbox Photo Finish Water, NYX Dewy, No7 Hydarating Facial Mineral Water, Givenchy Mist Me Gently Instant Moisturizing & Relaxing Mist, *below the Mineral Water sprays also help give a dewy look

• Matte: A matte spray helps keep your skin matte. These are perfect for oiler skin types. Other benefits include helping with the cake-y makeup, add a little bit of hydration, and removing shine.
• Ex: Skindinavia Oil Control, Urban Decay De-Slick, NYX Matte, Dr. Jart+ PORE MEDIC Pore Minish Mist, *below the long-wearing ones are also matte 

• Long-wearing: These help with makeup lasting longer and almost feel tacky on the face like hair spray on your face. They act almost like a glue to help seal makeup in place. With a lot of these primers you can’t add makeup after using them. Many claim to make your makeup smudge-proof and water resistant. I would not recommend these for dry or sensitive because they are alcohol based and are very mattifying. These also are the only setting sprays that don’t add hydration because they are alcohol based. 
• Ex: Ben Nye Final Seal, Model In A Bottle (Original and Sensitive *sensitive is still alcohol based but contain aloe to ‘soothe’), Kiko Face Makeup Fixer

• Universal: These help make up last longer on all skin types. Universal sprays usually claim to add hydration and control oil. Therefore they can work for all skin types because they help balance rather than go extreme in one direction. These will not give you a overly matte or dewy affect. 
• Ex: Skindinavia Orignial Makeup Setting Spray, Skindinavia Bridal Spray, Urban Decay All-Nighter, Kat Von D Lock ‘N Load Makeup Setting Mist, Mufe Mix & Fix, ELF Makeup Mist and Set, Laura Geller Set-N-Spray, Clarins Fix’ Make-Up, L’Oreal infalliable Makeup Extender

• Mineral Water:  They give a refreshing feel and add hydration. Mineral Water sprays are perfect for using mid-day when you face feels tight, dry, or is starting to get cake-y. These are a tad more hydrating than Universal setting sprays but not as hydrating as dewy setting sprays and contain no other ingredients except mineral water. 
• Ex: Evian Mineral Water Spray, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, Vichy Thermal Spa Water, Laneige Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist