The Difference Between Priming, Soothing, and Setting Sprays

Facial mists and sprays generally fall into one of three categories: face mist, priming mist, or setting spray. Do you need to use all three? Probably not. Can you use all three if you want? Absolutely!


Some of these mists and sprays can even be interchangeable with their uses, but each type has a very specific benefit that can be added to your beauty routine.

Hydrating Face Mist

A facial mist can almost be categorized as more of a skincare product, rather than a makeup product. Facial mists help to awaken your skin and help to nourish, calm, and soothe your skin before applying makeup.


Some mists include skin-loving ingredients such as aloe, vitamins, coconut oil, and many more. You can use a face mist to prep your skin before applying makeup, or reapply throughout day for a hydrating pick-me-up.

e.l.f. SKIN hydrating face mist

Soothing Face Mist

A soothing face mist is used for just that—to help sooth and calm your skin throughout the day. It helps to purify and calm visible redness in sensitive, blemish-prone skin.


This Dermatologist-developed hypochlorous acid spray for your face features an Ultra-fine mist and can be used as a toner or sprayed throughout the day.

Model spraying hypochlorous soothing face mist

Makeup Setting Spray

The last of the mists and sprays are setting sprays. Also known as a finishing spray, a makeup setting spray is the last and final step of your beauty routine that locks makeup in to keep you looking fresh all day.


Some people like to put setting spray on before foundation as a primer, however, they are designed to be put on after foundation to set makeup for long lasting wear.

e.l.f. cosmetics stay all day setting spray and stay all night setting spray