‘I tried the new Laura Mercier setting spray to see if it makes makeup last longer’

The setting spray has been hailed ‘the absolute best’ by Space NK shoppers so our beauty writer put it through its paces

With plenty of exciting new launches in the beauty world right now, it can seem like there’s a lot of noise to cut through in order to decipher just what’s worth splashing the cash on.

As someone with oily skin who likes to wear makeup on a daily basis, a setting spray is a staple in my makeup bag, so when I heard that Laura Mercier had recently released its £32 Translucent Hydrating Ultra Blur Setting Spray I jumped at the chance to try it out.

The spray is described on Space NK’s website as being a ‘powered-by-air’ continuous setting spray, and the product boasts a 98.5% skincare-based formula. It supposedly wears comfortably whilst remaining smudge, transfer, crease, fade and water proof.

It also claims to control shine for up to 24 hours. It’s currently available at Space NK for £32, and can also be shopped at LookFantastic. Since my skin does tend to get shiny (I like to call it a natural glow) pretty quickly, especially during warmer weather, I knew the setting spray would have its work cut out.

I put the spray through its paces, spritzing early in the morning and checking how well my makeup had lasted throughout the day. Read on for the results.

Pros

• Sprays out fine continuous mist that doesn’t saturate skin
• Feels refreshing to apply
• Doesn’t have a strong smell
• Helps to keep makeup from sliding or going patchy throughout the day

Cons

• Higher price point than some others on the market
• No scent which some may not like
• Translucent finish which some may prefer but others may like added glow
• Says it controls shine for up to 24 hours but not on my oily skin

Laura Mercier Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Review

My first impression of the spray is that I like the aerosol-style nozzle. I do find typically some setting sprays can leave the skin wet and saturated on application which can have the adverse affect of making makeup slide.

I tested the Laura Mercier spray over the course of a week where I had various plans, from sitting at my laptop working to a rather long day out with friends, all with quite muggy or warm weather. Each time I wore a full face of makeup including primer, foundation, concealer, bronzer, blusher, and a full eye and lip look to really make sure the spray had its work cut out.

First things first, the spray does feel nice to apply. It boasts a fine mist that dries down relatively quickly so it can be topped up depending on preference, and after a minute or so it feels completely undetectable on the skin.

Usually my skin does have an immediate glow as it sits on the oily side, (especially around my T-zone) so although I still noticed this, I wouldn’t rule it out on that basis.

I know many people aren’t fragrance fans, though I personally am not sensitive to it and do like the experience of having something scented to spritz. This however doesn’t smell of anything which could be seen as both a pro or a con depending on taste.

One drawback for me personally is that the shine control properties would probably work better for someone with normal to combination or dry skin.

Overall, I do think the setting spray works really well. As an oily skinned girl I wouldn’t say my shine was drastically reduced or that the effects would last a full 24 hours, but overall it has definitely enhanced the longevity of my makeup.

I’m certainly as pleased with it as I am my beloved £30 Kopari SPF Setting Spray which can be purchased from Cult Beauty. Whilst they both do different things, I would go as far as to say the Laura Mercier one locks my makeup in place a little longer so does warrant its price tag.

Another alternative is the MAC Fix + Setting Spray which is now £24.65 at Boots down from £29. I love this spray because it really does help to grip onto makeup, even on a hot summer’s day.

One day I did get caught in the rain wearing the Laura Mercier setting spray and some slight splashes of water didn’t make a difference to my look so I would agree the product is waterproof, smudge proof, and crease proof.

One element I’m not one hundred percent convinced on is the transfer proof part if, like me, shoppers wear quite a full coverage base, but to be honest it doesn’t overly concern me as after years of being a makeup wearer I’m used to being super careful when putting on clothes and cuddling people.

I’d rate this pretty highly as a setting spray and I can definitely see it becoming a part of my everyday routine. I can also imagine it’d be great for travel since it comes in a handy 100ml sized bottle and feels cooling and refreshing to apply. A definite go-to for anyone who struggles to keep their look in place past a few hours.

You can shop the Laura Mercier Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra Blur at Space NK.