Makeup By Chele Tutorial
Setting Spray Before Makeup – Easy Beginner Makeup Guide
Setting spray before makeup is one of Michele’s favorite full beat tricks because it can help create a light grip before the rest of the makeup routine begins. This step comes after skin prep and before brows, eyeshadow, eyeliner, lashes, concealer, and foundation.
If you are learning setting spray before makeup as a beginner, the goal is not to soak the face. The goal is to lightly mist the skin, let it settle, and create a better surface for the next steps.
This guide will show you setting spray before makeup in Michele’s order, including when to spray, how much to use, and why letting it dry matters. It is part of the full Makeup Tutorials series.
Setting Spray Before Makeup for Beginners
Learning setting spray before makeup starts with understanding that this is not the same as the final setting spray step. The first spray is a prep step. The final spray is used later to help melt the finished layers together.
The biggest beginner mistake is spraying too much or immediately applying makeup while the face is still wet. If the skin is too damp, products can slip, patch, or blend unevenly. A light mist works better than a heavy spray.
Once you understand setting spray before makeup in thin, controlled layers, it can become a simple way to help your makeup routine feel smoother and more secure.
Setting Spray Before Makeup Step by Step
The easiest way to use setting spray before makeup is to spray lightly after skin prep, then let it settle before you begin brows and eyes. This keeps the step simple and avoids over-wetting the skin.
1. Finish Skin Prep First
Start with clean, moisturized skin. Let your skincare settle so the setting spray can sit over a comfortable base instead of mixing with wet skincare.
2. Hold the Bottle Away
Hold the bottle several inches from your face. If it is too close, the spray can land unevenly or make one area too wet.
3. Use a Light Mist
Use a light, even mist instead of soaking the face. The goal is a soft layer of grip, not a wet layer of product.
4. Let It Dry Down
Give the spray a moment to settle before applying the next step. This helps avoid slipping, patching, or moving products around too soon.
5. Start Brows Next
In Michele’s full beat order, brows come after this first setting spray step. Brows can be shaped and filled before moving into eyeshadow.
6. Move Into Eyes
After brows, move into eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lashes. Doing eyes before face makeup can make fallout easier to clean.
7. Avoid Overspraying
Too much spray can make the face feel sticky or slippery. One light layer is usually enough for this prep step.
8. Save the Final Spray for the End
This first spray is not the last step. Michele also uses setting spray at the end to finish the full beat and help the layers come together.
Chele’s pro tip: do not be scared of setting spray, but do let it dry. A light mist before makeup and another spray at the end can help the routine feel more polished.
Why Use Setting Spray Before Makeup?
Using setting spray before makeup can help some makeup routines feel more locked in from the beginning. It can create a slightly tacky, makeup-friendly surface after skincare and before the rest of the routine.
This step can be especially helpful when you want makeup to last longer, when your products need extra grip, or when you like the way setting spray helps layers blend into each other. The key is using the right amount.
- Use it after skin prep has settled.
- Use a light mist, not a heavy soak.
- Let it dry before applying the next step.
- Move into brows and eyes next in Michele’s order.
- Use a final setting spray later to finish the makeup.
If your makeup slips or separates after this step, you may be using too much spray or not letting skincare dry down first.
Setting Spray Before Makeup vs Final Setting Spray
When learning setting spray before makeup, it helps to understand the difference between the first spray and the final spray. They are both setting spray steps, but they serve different purposes in the full beat routine.
Before Makeup
This first spray comes after skin prep. It helps create grip before brows, eyes, concealer, foundation, contour, blush, and highlighter.
Final Setting Spray
The final spray comes after lipstick and the finished face. It helps the completed layers look more blended and less powdery.
Setting Spray Mistakes to Avoid
A big part of learning setting spray before makeup is knowing what can make the step work against you. Most mistakes come from spraying too close, using too much, or not letting it dry before moving on.
Spraying Too Close
If the bottle is too close to the face, the mist can land in large wet spots. Hold it farther away for a softer, even spray.
Using Too Much
More spray does not always mean longer wear. Too much can make the face feel sticky or make makeup harder to blend.
Not Letting It Dry
Applying makeup while the face is too wet can cause products to move around. Give the spray a moment before continuing.
Using the Wrong Formula
Some sprays are more dewy, some are more long-wear, and some are very hydrating. The best one depends on your skin and makeup style.
What Comes After Setting Spray Before Makeup?
After setting spray before makeup, Michele’s full beat order moves into brows, eyeshadow, eyeliner, lashes, concealer, foundation, contour, blush, highlighter, lip liner, lipstick, and final setting spray.
Next, go to how to fill in brows. Then move into how to apply eyeshadow, how to apply eyeliner, how to apply false lashes, how to apply concealer, and how to apply foundation.
If you need to go back, visit skin prep before makeup. If you want the complete routine, visit the full beat makeup tutorial or return to the main makeup tutorials hub.
For general cosmetic safety and hygiene, you can also review the FDA cosmetics safety page. Clean hands, clean tools, and safe products matter when applying makeup around the face and eyes.
Related Makeup Tutorials
Use these pages next to keep building your full beat makeup routine in Michele’s order.
Setting Spray Before Makeup FAQ
Can you use setting spray before makeup?
Yes. You can use setting spray before makeup as a prep step after skincare. Use a light mist and let it dry before moving into the next step.
Do I still need final setting spray?
You can still use final setting spray at the end. The first spray helps prep, while the final spray helps finish and melt the makeup layers together.
Why does setting spray make my makeup patchy?
You may be using too much, spraying too close, or applying makeup before the spray dries. A lighter mist usually works better.
Once you understand setting spray before makeup, this step can help your full beat routine feel more polished and intentional from the start.
Want to keep learning? Go back to the main tutorial library and choose another makeup step. This setting spray before makeup guide is the second step in Michele’s full beat makeup tutorial order.
Back to Makeup Tutorials