A setting spray is the final step to let your makeup stay on the skin by giving it an over base to increase the longer it of the makeup and prevent it from smudging.
They are not necessary for short time events but must be used for events that last longer to keep the makeup in its original look and not let it be affected by factors of time, temperature, and humidity.
They are made of chemical ingredients which can be sensitive for some or can be even disliked by some people.
Now the question that arises in the minds of these people is-
What can be a substitute to setting spray?
Yes, there are substitute to setting sprays that you can use to affix your makeup or the hair. You can use witch Hazel rose water Aloe Vera gel Lavender oil glycerine vitamin A and other ingredients to make a setting spray of your own at home.
There’s no need to buy chemical based sprays from the market when the natural ones at home can be readily made.
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Why should chemical based hair setting sprays be avoided?
The most common ingredient in a setting spray is polyvinylpyrrolidone/ vinyl acetate copolymer.
These give the hair spray stickiness and a longer hold to keep the roots together.
The hair sprays can also contain pytocalcium chemicals that block the roots of the hair and deposit minerals at them to stiffen them.
Gum Arabic and other ingredients used in hair sprays are also a part of paint and glues so it is definitely not very good for the hair because of its gluing properties that are harmful for the hair.
For giving the spray a mist effect hydrocarbons and alcohol is used.
How to choose the right makeup setting spray for yourself?
Everyone has a different type of skin with different complexions and tones.
Just like the other makeup products such as Foundation, primer, base etc are chosen according to the skin type and complexion, a setting spray should also be bought according to one’s skin type.
For people with dry skin, one must not by sitting sprays that have alcohol as an ingredient in high proportions.
This is because alcohol is dehydrating to the skin and it will dry out the skin even more and irritate it.
A setting spray with moisturizing properties should be used for people with a dry skin that helps in keeping the makeup at hold at a place.
For people with an oily or a skin in combination of dry and oily, an oil free setting spray must be chosen to prove that it doesn’t clog the pores of the skin.
Also the skin should be less moisturized because of the natural oil properties of the skin that can decrease the hold of the makeup.
Substitute to setting sprays that can be prepared at home
1. Aloe Vera gel+ lavender oil+ water
Take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and add 2-3 drops of lavender oil to it.
Mix them both in 1-2 cups of water and shake them well.
Store it in a sterilized spray bottle and your setting spray is ready.
Aloe vera gives enough moisture to the skin and enriches it with all the essential nutrients that are required for a long day makeup look.
Lavender oil prevents the outbreak of acne.
This is a perfect setting spray for letting your makeup stay while your skin being perfectly healthy and moisturized.
2. Rosewater + witch Hazel
Mix 1 tablespoon of rose water with 1 tablespoon of witch hazel in 1-2 cups of water.
You can store the same in a sterilized spray bottle for upto 2-3 weeks.
Rose water keeps the skin healthy and vibrant by reducing the oiliness while witch hazel controls the excess oil on the skin that may disturb the makeup.
So, both of them make a perfect spray for letting the makeup stay for a longer time.
3. Water + Rose water + glycerine + Vitamin E
Take 2 cups of water and add 3 tablespoons of rose water to it.
Add 2 tablespoons of glycerine and 2-3 drops of Vitamin E gel.
Shake the components well and store them in a sterilized spray bottle. Your setting spray is ready.
Here is the video about DIY primer and setting spray
How to use a make-up setting spray?
A setting spray is used in different manners according to what kind of makeup look you want.
It is different for the ones who want a glossy look and different for the ones who want a matte and shine free look. Setting spray is a lock to the makeup applied on the skin.
Before applying a setting spray it is very important to shake the bottle well to mix all the components together so that a homogenous mixture of the variety of ingredients it contains is formed before it is applied.
After that take your spray bottle and spray the mixture while closing your eyes in X and T shaped motions that are in a perpendicular and criss cross manner to your face.
How to use a hair setting spray?
The setting sprays should be used properly in order to let the hair sit down for a longer time.
- The hair spray must be kept at least ten to twelve inches away from the head.
- It should not be applied more than three to four times in a single go.
- For people with longer hair strands should be thrown out words and spray should be applied while holding them upside down. Move the strands backwards in a gentle manner to prevent your scalp from getting any kind of damage.
- Do not brush your hair after you have applied the hair setting spray.
- If you have curled your hair use the setting spray separately on each strand of curl.
- One must not get a glossy spray for oily hair.
There are homemade substitutes for setting sprays that can withstand those available in the market. It is important to consider your differences before you buy or prepare one and also know the proper steps of its application to use it perfectly.