The Best Economical Setting Spray Swap That Might Already Be In Your Kitchen

After spending an ample amount of time perfecting your look with all of the makeup in your arsenal, you know how important it is to seal your appearance — literally. Setting sprays for makeup have been around for ages, and these days, there is a wide selection for every need. That being said, they are also known for the high price tag they occasionally come with, which can be a downer for any beauty enthusiast on a budget.

One hack that has grown in popularity — in part due to TikTok influencers — is the use of sparkling water as a setting spray. For example, TikTok user @SeanAnthonyV vouched for spritzing the water on their face to seal their makeup in a video, and it has since received thousands of likes. Even Huda Beauty founder Huda Kattan has lauded the tip on TikTok, but why does this beverage work just as well as a setting spray?

TikTok user @SeanAnthonyV explained the benefits in a follow-up video, noting that sparkling water can not only set your makeup, but also create a smoother appearance while combatting oiliness. Perhaps the biggest benefit of this do-it-yourself setting spray is that you might already have it in your refrigerator. However, not everyone will see the same results upon trying this hack, and much of it is dependent on your skin type.

Beauty editor and journalist Anita Bhagwandas tried out the trendy sparkling water setting spray trick, detailing her experience for The Guardian. To begin, she poured the sparkling water into a spray bottle. When she finished applying her makeup, she spritzed her face with the water and immediately noticed that it felt drier and taut. However, Bhagwandas explained that it didn't seem to extend the lifespan of her makeup.

Despite giving it another try, the sparkling water still didn't do the trick. In the end, Bhagwandas concluded that while this hack might work for those with oily complexions (as it seems to have a drying effect), it doesn't seem to be effective for dry or combination skin types. Ultimately, she recommended using a skin primer to keep makeup in place.

Understanding your skin type can help you ensure your flawless appearance remains intact all day long, and it can also give you the knowledge you need to keep it healthy. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, your skin type — which may be oily, dry, normal, sensitive, or a combination — should dictate what you use on it, whether it's makeup or moisturizer. A dermatologist can help you learn more about your skin and address any underlying concerns you may have. They can also help you steer clear of skincare products that can potentially cause issues, such as acne.

If you find yourself in a pinch without a makeup setting spray (or sparkling water), there are a few other tricks you can use to extend the longevity of your appearance. Perhaps one of the most essential items you should have on hand is primer. By using a primer before applying your makeup, you can give yourself a smoother palette to work with and boost the chances of your final look standing the test of time.

Another way to lock and seal your appearance is to finish it off with a setting powder. "I recommend getting loose powders," makeup artist and skincare expert Molly Thompson-Tubridy told Real Simple. "Apply a thin layer on your face with the straight end of a beauty brush, leave it on for a few minutes, then gently wipe off with a larger brush," she says. "This baking technique is my all-time favorite way to achieve the full waterproof effect."

If all else fails, you may want to see if you have a longwear sealant in your collection. These sealants typically come with an eyedropper that you can use to add them to non-waterproof makeup. "All you need to do is add a drop or two to the product and apply immediately," Thompson-Tubridy explained to Real Simple. In the end, your favorite non-waterproof cosmetics will be ready to last the entire day.