For my recent wedding, I knew my makeup needed to survive a long day. My cosmetic artist told me she would use a setting spray, specifically Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, which I'd heard was one of the best out there. I'm happy to report that my makeup lasted through tears, dancing, and blazing sunshine.
Setting sprays act like a top coat for your cosmetics, a fine mist that locks everything in place. Some also claim to help blur and smooth the skin. There are lots of options on the market right now, but Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is among the most highly rated.
It's now available for a discounted price in the brand's summer sale when purchased with another of the range's cult products, Charlotte's Magic Cream. Shoppers can get the 100ml spray and 50ml moisturiser for £94.35, reduced from £111. Separately, the spray costs £32, and the moisturiser £79. Considering the two hero items are rarely on sale, it's an offer too good to pass up.
The setting spray claims to provide 16 hours of transfer-proof hold. Its ingredients include aloe vera to hydrate the skin, Japanese green tea to refresh, and a resin extract to help create the illusion of smoother skin. Throughout the day, I only checked my face when I went to the toilet, but every time, I was pleased with how much my skin glowed. It felt fresh and hydrated.
I was nervous the spray might feel sticky or leave a sheen, but it didn't. Instead, it spritzed on over makeup as a super-fine mist, dried quickly, and didn't disturb my base at all. My foundation, blusher, and even highlighter looked fresh from being applied in the morning through to last dance - not a smudge in sight. In fact, the only thing I topped up all day was my lipstick.
I've since used it during the sweltering 28C temperatures at Glastonbury, and it worked just as well. I'm not the only person raving about the spray's staying power and effectiveness, though. One shopper left a review saying the product helps their makeup survive "10-hour shifts" at work.
Another added: "Best setting spray I've ever used - and it smells lovely too." I have quite dry, sensitive skin, but this didn't irritate it, and the scent isn't overpowering. It's a very subtle, floral scent that fades quite quickly once the spray has dried. I didn't notice it throughout the day.
However, if you have oily skin, it might not be the best spray for you. Several user reviews said it didn't mattify enough for their liking, particularly in humid conditions.
If you want to snap up the current deal, you'll also receive a tub of Magic Cream. If you haven't experienced it before, after using it, you'll quickly discover the product is aptly named. A luxury moisturiser, it appears to transform skin-at least it does mine. After an application (you only need a small amount, as it goes a long way), my face and neck feel smoother and hydrated, and it lasts all day.
It glides onto skin and leaves my face looking and feeling smoother and brighter. I apply it in the morning, as it's great as a primer for makeup, but equally, I like to use it on its own. It doesn't contain SPF, so you have to add that, but it means you can use it in the evening before bed.
The product contains vitamins C and E, rosehip oil, and shea butter. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which claims to draw moisture into the skin. I've been using it for around three months, and I've definitely noticed my skin feels more hydrated.
Of course, if you don't want to buy the set, Charlotte Tilbury sells the setting spray individually in several different-sized bottles, including a mini 34ml for £20 and a 200ml for £49. The sale ends 10:00am on Tuesday, July 22, or sooner if it sells out.
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