In the ever-expanding universe of makeup setting sprays, finding one that delivers on its promises without breaking the bank can feel like searching for a unicorn. As a beauty expert who’s tested countless products across price points, I’ve developed a keen eye for distinguishing marketing hype from genuine performance. Today, I’m diving deep into Maybelline’s Facestudio Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray with Matte Finish to determine if this drugstore option deserves a place in your makeup routine.
First Impressions and Packaging
The Maybelline Facestudio Lasting Fix Setting Spray comes in a substantial 3.4 fl. oz. (100ml) clear plastic bottle with a black spray nozzle. The size is generous compared to many competitors, offering excellent value for the price point. Several users mentioned being pleasantly surprised by the bottle size, with one noting it’s “super grande” and likely to last for months.
However, the packaging isn’t without issues. Multiple reviewers reported problems with the spray nozzle, describing it as delivering an uneven spray rather than the fine mist ideal for setting makeup. One reviewer candidly described it as spraying “like a water gun” rather than providing the delicate dispersion you’d want for facial application. A few customers even mentioned transferring the product to different bottles with better sprayers, with one specifically mentioning that they swapped the nozzle with one from a L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray bottle.
Some customers also reported receiving the product without a cap or with seal concerns, which understandably raised questions about product integrity. One customer noted finding “white stuff around the brim,” though they mentioned that shaking the product well helped address this issue.
Application Experience
Despite the spray mechanism concerns, many users find that once applied correctly, the product delivers excellent results. The setting spray dries quickly on the skin, with multiple reviewers describing it as feeling “weightless” or “like you’re just spraying water on your face.”
The formula doesn’t have a strong scent according to most reviewers, which is a significant advantage for those with fragrance sensitivities. One reviewer did mention it “smells like king coconut water” and found it “very refreshing,” while another compared it unfavorably to hairspray, noting they’re “sensitive to smells.” Overall, the consensus points to a minimal scent profile that most users find unobtrusive.
Application techniques vary among users, with some describing a multi-step approach for maximum effectiveness. One reviewer mentioned applying the spray “several times during my makeup application. Once after foundation/concealer but before any powders, and then once more after all makeup is applied.” Another suggested spraying it onto a beauty blender for more controlled application, particularly for ensuring transfer-proof makeup.
Performance: Longevity and Finish
The defining measure of any setting spray is how well it extends the wear of makeup, and here the Maybelline Facestudio Lasting Fix earns significant praise from most users. Multiple reviewers reported impressive wear times, with comments like “Made my makeup last for 15 hours” and “I was sweating pretty bad and my make up still stayed on and didn’t rub off which was impressive.”
One particularly enthusiastic user described using the product at 3:30 AM and finding their makeup still intact at 3:45 PM—a remarkable 12-hour wear time. Another mentioned the spray maintained their makeup through a 15-hour workday. For everyday wear, most users found the product kept their makeup looking fresh for 8+ hours, which satisfies the needs of most consumers.
The finish is described as primarily matte, though opinions varied somewhat on this point. While the product is marketed as having a matte finish, a few reviewers with oily skin noted that they still experienced some shine breakthrough after a few hours. One reviewer directly contradicted the matte claim, stating: “I don’t know that this really gives you a matte finish because my nose gets really shiny after about two hours of wearing this setting spray. It almost has a bit of a dewy finish if you ask me.”
For those with dry skin, this slightly less-than-fully-matte finish might actually be beneficial. One user with dry skin mentioned pairing it with a hydrating spray on top for balance, while another compared it favorably to more expensive options like Fenty Beauty’s “What It Dew” mist for those seeking less of a flat matte effect.
Makeup Transfer and Protection
When it comes to preventing makeup transfer, reviews are mixed. Several users specifically praised the product for preventing transfer, with one emphatically stating: “Your makeup will NOT budge a single inch, not even lipgloss!!” However, others noted limitations, with one reviewer plainly stating it “works for all day usage” but “does nothing for transfer.”
A significant test came from a reviewer who decided to sleep in their makeup (not recommended for skin health!) with a white towel on their pillow to test transfer resistance. They reported that “a lot of the makeup transferred to the towel” and the face looked “a little faded” by morning, requiring touch-ups. While sleeping in makeup is an extreme test case, it does suggest the spray may not completely eliminate transfer in high-friction situations.
For special occasions and challenging conditions, many users found the spray performed admirably. One customer mentioned using it for Halloween makeup, reporting that it kept their costume makeup intact all night. Another highlighted its effectiveness during concerts and in hot, humid weather, suggesting it’s suitable for situations where makeup normally struggles to stay put.
Skin Compatibility and Sensitivities
For those with sensitive skin, the Maybelline setting spray appears to be generally well-tolerated. One reviewer with “very sensitive skin” reported having “no irritation or issues” even with repeated use throughout their makeup application process. The lack of strong fragrance likely contributes to this compatibility.
For different skin types, experiences varied somewhat predictably. Those with oily skin were particularly enthusiastic about the product, with one calling it a “life saver” for “super oily skin” and recommending “two coats, with a layer of powder in between” for hot and humid days.
Dry-skinned users had more mixed responses, with some finding it worked well while others noted it wasn’t particularly “moisturizing.” One 46-year-old reviewer specifically mentioned looking for something “more moisturizing” while acknowledging this product’s effectiveness for longevity.
Comparisons to Higher-End Alternatives
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this setting spray for many consumers is how it measures up against more expensive competitors. Multiple reviewers directly compared it to Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray, a product often considered the gold standard in the category at roughly triple the price.
The comparisons were overwhelmingly favorable, with statements like “It’s comparable with Urban Decay all nighter, but way less money” and “Better than urban decay all nighter.” One particularly definitive review declared: “I’d even say it rivals the Urban Decay setting sprays (I actually like this better!).”
Another user mentioned switching from Two Faced [sic] “All Nighter” setting spray (likely referring to Too Faced) to this Maybelline option, noting it “works almost as well” at “a 3rd of the price.” For budget-conscious makeup enthusiasts, these comparisons to prestige brands offer significant reassurance about quality despite the drugstore price point.
Value Proposition
The value-for-money aspect of this product received consistent praise across reviews. At roughly $8-11 depending on retailer (compared to $20+ for prestige brands), many users considered it an exceptional value. One reviewer specifically mentioned finding it much cheaper on Amazon than at Ulta, where a comparable setting spray was $13.
The combination of the large bottle size and effective formula led many to describe it as “worth your money” and an “excellent value.” For everyday use, many found it particularly economical, with one professional makeup artist noting it’s a “good” option “if you are looking for an affordable mattifying setting spray.”
Consistency and Quality Control
While most reviews were positive regarding the product’s performance, there were some concerning mentions of inconsistency. A few users reported receiving products without caps or proper sealing, raising questions about potential tampering or quality control issues.
The spray nozzle inconsistency was the most frequently mentioned problem, suggesting Maybelline might benefit from improving this aspect of the packaging. The product itself, however, generally received high marks for consistency when properly applied.
How It Compares to Other Drugstore Options
Several reviewers mentioned trying other drugstore setting sprays before settling on this Maybelline option. One specifically mentioned switching from L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray after a price increase made it less economical. Another mentioned trying “NYX matte spray” before deciding to try the Maybelline version.
The general consensus among those who had tried multiple drugstore options was that this Maybelline spray offered superior performance within its price category. One reviewer who had “tried at least a dozen setting spray[s]” declared this one “the best and my favorite.”
Best Practices for Application
Based on the collective wisdom of reviewers, here are some best practices for getting the most out of this setting spray:
- Fix the spray issue if necessary: If you find the spray nozzle delivers too forceful a stream rather than a fine mist, consider transferring to another bottle or replacing the nozzle.
- Use throughout your makeup routine: Several users reported better results applying the spray at multiple points – after foundation but before powder, and then again after completing all makeup.
- Layer for maximum protection: For special occasions or challenging weather conditions, consider a double application with powder in between for extreme longevity.
- Hold at arm’s length: Though not explicitly stated in most reviews, this is standard practice for setting sprays to ensure even distribution.
- Consider follow-up products: Those with dry skin might benefit from adding a hydrating spray on top, while those with oily skin might prefer to set with powder first.
Who Should Consider This Product
Based on the combined feedback from numerous users, this setting spray appears best suited for:
- Budget-conscious makeup users looking for prestige-level performance
- Those with oily to combination skin seeking a primarily matte finish
- Makeup wearers who need extended wear (8+ hours) without frequent touch-ups
- Consumers who prefer fragrance-free or minimally scented products
- Those willing to work around potential packaging issues for an otherwise solid product
It may be less ideal for:
- Those who demand a truly fine mist application without modification
- Individuals seeking an intensely matte finish that controls oil all day without breakthrough
- Consumers who prioritize completely transfer-proof makeup
- Those with very dry skin looking for a hydrating setting spray
Final Verdict
After analyzing hundreds of real user experiences, the Maybelline New York Facestudio Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray with Matte Finish emerges as a strong contender in the drugstore setting spray category. While not without flaws—particularly regarding packaging and spray mechanism—the actual formula delivers impressive longevity and a comfortable finish that works well for most skin types.
The overwhelming consensus among reviewers suggests this product offers exceptional value, performing comparably to setting sprays costing 2-3 times as much. For everyday makeup wearers seeking reliable staying power without premium prices, this Maybelline offering deserves serious consideration.
If Maybelline addressed the spray nozzle issues consistently reported by users, this product would be nearly flawless for its price point. Even with this caveat, most reviewers found the performance benefits outweighed the application challenges, with many becoming repeat purchasers despite the packaging shortcomings.
In the competitive world of makeup setting sprays, the Maybelline Facestudio Lasting Fix earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars—a budget-friendly option that doesn’t feel like a compromise on performance, just on price.
Rating Breakdown
- Performance/Longevity: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 5/5
- Packaging Quality: 3/5
- Skin Compatibility: 4/5
- Finish Quality: 4/5
- Overall: 4/5
Buy on Amazon: Here
