Foundation that wears off before noon on oily skin: this new mattifying mist spotted by Sali Hughes is a game-changer
Oily skin, a shiny T-zone in every selfie, foundation that wears off before lunchtime: the battle for a flawless complexion seemed never-ending. Yet a new generation of mattifying setting sprays, spotted by beauty columnist Sali Hughes for The Guardian, promises to change the game—even in sweltering heat.
Why traditional hairsprays don’t work well on oily skin
A setting spray is applied all over the face once your makeup is complete. It creates an invisible barrier against heat, humidity, and pollution, which helps prevent foundation from smudging and concealer from running.
However, these classic formulas pose a real problem for oily skin. They tone down the powdery texture and provide a softer, more youthful finish—ideal for dry or normal skin. On oily skin, however, this luminous glow often results in a distinctly greasy sheen.
As a result, many people with oily skin have continued to pile on layers of powder. The result: a cakey complexion that accentuates fine lines, a far cry from the natural look they were aiming for.
“It leaves a matte finish and is perfect for people with oily skin, active individuals, or those going through perimenopause—I wear it often.” —Sali Hughes, beauty columnist for The Guardian.
What the old formulas did offer, after all
Some products, such asCharlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, promise to last for up to about 16 hours. They contain smoothing aloe vera, moisturizing Japanese green tea, and aromatic resin with anti-inflammatory properties.
These ingredients are still beneficial, even for oily skin. What’s more, the smoothing effect they provide is real. The only issue is the dewy finish, which isn’t suitable for skin that already produces excess oil.
The new matte-finish hairsprays spotted by Sali Hughes
Sali Hughes describes a new wave of setting sprays that retain all the benefits of their predecessors but feature a velvety, blurring matte finish that doesn’t weigh down the complexion. These mattifying sprays are specifically designed for oily or combination skin.
In particular, she mentions the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Matte, a version that’s less “dewy” than the original. This setting spray is ideal for daily use on oily or combination skin, perfect for a long day or a wedding, without drying out the skin or causing makeup to crack.
For a finish that’s almost completely shine-free, she recommends Milani’s Make It Last Matte Charcoal Spray. This spray absorbs excess oil with a slightly powdery finish, without leaving a cakey texture or altering the skin’s natural color. Sali Hughes recommends it primarily for those with very oily skin.
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Matte provides a velvety matte finish, ideal for oily or combination skin.
- Milani’s Make It Last Matte Charcoal Spray absorbs oil without leaving a white cast or changing the color.
- One/Size’s On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray provides an ultra-long-lasting, nearly waterproof finish.
- “Prep + Fix” formulas serve as both a primer and a finishing spray.
- A matte, “shine-free” finish, along with sebum control and absorbent powders such as charcoal, remains the key criterion.
The One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray rounds out this trio. It provides an ultra-long-lasting, nearly waterproof finish. It feels a bit like hairspray when applied, but the result stands up to heat and humidity.
Powder and spray: complementary allies
Powder and setting spray aren’t opposites—they complement each other. Powder instantly mattifies, while the spray sets and smooths the look without weighing it down.
For oily skin, you can apply powder only to the T-zone and then set the look with a mattifying setting spray. This combination helps prevent a cakey or overly heavy finish.
How to Choose and Apply a Setting Spray for Oily Skin
To find the right spray, it’s best to look for one with a matte or “shine-free” finish that claims to control oil. Absorbent powders like charcoal are also a good sign to look for in the ingredient list.
To use, spray the mist as the final step, holding the bottle about 20 cm away from your face, and moving it in an X or T shape. Keep your eyes closed during application to protect your mucous membranes.
A useful tip is to use the spray at different stages of your makeup routine: a light spritz after foundation, and another after blush. In addition, you can apply a little extra to the T-zone—that is, the forehead, nose, and chin—and then apply one or two light sprays throughout the day as needed.
Highly matte formulas like Milani’s Make It Last Matte Charcoal Spray or One/Size’s On ’Til Dawn are ideal for very oily skin. They’re especially well-suited for hot weather, long nights out, or high-energy events—situations where a regular setting spray would quickly fail.
