e.l.f. Setting Spray Review: My Makeup Essential for Over 10 Years
I didn't even know I needed a setting spray until a friend introduced me to one. More than 10 years later, I rarely finish my makeup without it.
For many years, I simply accepted that my makeup looked good in the morning but didn't look quite the same by afternoon.
Foundation would start to fade, and the fresh look I had when I left the house wouldn't last.
Then one day, a friend visiting from Japan noticed it too.
When I mentioned that my makeup tended to lose its fresh look by afternoon, she introduced me to something I wasn't really familiar with at the time: setting spray.
She gave me an Urban Decay setting spray and told me to try spraying it over my makeup when I was finished.
She told me, "You'll see. Your makeup will last much longer."
She was right.
That little beauty tip changed my makeup routine.
I Didn't Know What Setting Spray Could Do
Until then, setting spray wasn't something I thought I needed.
I assumed makeup naturally faded throughout the day.
But after I started using it, I noticed a significant difference in how my makeup held up.
My makeup stayed fresher and looked closer to the way it did when I first applied it.
That was enough to convince me.
The problem was that the Urban Decay setting spray wasn't inexpensive.
At the time, I was raising a family on a pastor's household budget, so I was always careful about where we spent money. I liked the product, but I wondered whether I could find something more affordable that worked well for me.
That's when I started looking for alternatives.
My e.l.f. Setting Spray Review After 10+ Years
Eventually, I tried an e.l.f. setting spray.
It was much more affordable, but what surprised me was that I didn't feel I was giving up the things that mattered most to me.
I liked the way it felt, and most importantly, I was happy with how my makeup lasted.
So I kept using it.
And kept buying it.
More than 10 years later, setting spray is still one of my makeup essentials.
For most of those years, I used the original e.l.f. setting spray in the black bottle.
Recently, though, I decided to try something different. My e.l.f. setting spray review comes from more than 10 years of using the brand's setting sprays in my everyday makeup routine.
Why I Switched to Dewy Coconut Setting Mist
The bottle I'm currently using is e.l.f. Dewy Coconut Setting Mist – Long-Lasting Wear.
This isn't the exact e.l.f. setting spray I've been using for all those years.
It's a newer choice for me.
After using the original black-bottle version for years, I decided to try the Dewy Coconut version — and so far, I think I actually prefer the scent.
That's one thing I like about having different setting spray options. I can choose a finish or experience I prefer while keeping this important final step in my makeup routine.
But whether I'm using the original version or this Dewy Coconut mist, the reason I use setting spray hasn't changed:
I notice a real difference in how my makeup holds up throughout the day.
What Is Setting Spray, Anyway?
I wanted to include this section because I'm sometimes surprised by how many women around me don't use setting spray.
Some aren't even sure what it's for.
I understand completely because I used to be one of them.
Setting spray is simply a mist that you spray over your face after you've finished applying your makeup.
Think of it as the final step.
I hold the bottle a comfortable distance from my face, lightly mist my finished makeup, and let it dry.
That's it.
It takes only seconds.
But for me, those few seconds make a noticeable difference several hours later.
Setting Spray vs. No Setting Spray: What I Notice
Without setting spray, I find that my makeup gradually loses its fresh, finished appearance as the day goes on.
With setting spray, it holds together much better.
Of course, I don't expect any setting spray to make makeup completely indestructible. Weather, skin type, activity, foundation and other products can all affect how makeup wears.
But after more than a decade of using setting sprays, the difference is significant enough for me that I don't like skipping this step.
It's now as natural to me as applying mascara or lipstick.
Why I Think More Women Should Know About It
This is actually one of the main reasons I wanted to write this post.
Beauty content often focuses on what new foundation, lipstick or skincare product to buy.
But sometimes a small technique or an inexpensive product can make a bigger difference.
My friend didn't tell me to replace all my makeup.
She simply introduced me to one additional step that helped the makeup I already owned last better.
I've never forgotten that.
And now, more than 10 years later, I'm passing along the same tip.
If you've never tried setting spray and wonder why your makeup looks great in the morning but seems to disappear or lose its finish by afternoon, it might be worth trying.
You may notice the same difference I did.
Is e.l.f. as Good as More Expensive Setting Sprays?
This is always difficult to answer because makeup products work differently for everyone.
I can only speak from my own experience.
I started with a more expensive setting spray, but I eventually switched to e.l.f. because it was much easier on my budget.
For what I personally need from a setting spray, I've been happy enough with e.l.f. to continue using it for more than 10 years.
That's probably the best review I can give it.
I don't believe every beauty product needs to be expensive to earn a permanent place in my makeup bag.
Sometimes the affordable product is the one I end up buying again and again.
Would I Buy It Again?
I already have — for years. 😊
The Dewy Coconut Setting Mist itself is a newer choice for me, so I'm not going to pretend I've used this particular version for a decade.
But e.l.f. setting sprays?
Absolutely.
The original black bottle was part of my routine for years, and right now I'm enjoying the Dewy Coconut version, especially because I prefer its scent.
What started with a friend's simple beauty tip more than 10 years ago has become one of those steps I rarely skip.
Today, when I finish my makeup and don't use setting spray, it almost feels like I forgot something.
Disclosure
This post reflects my personal experience with products I have purchased and used myself. This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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