I Tried the New MAC Setting Spray That Promises to Keep Makeup in Place for 16 Hours...

There's one question I get asked at least once a month, whether from clients, via an Instagram DM or in conversation with family or friends:

Do setting sprays really work?

This is swiftly followed by do I need one? and which setting spray should I get?

I don’t think your makeup routine will necessarily suffer if you don't use a setting spray, but I definitely do believe setting sprays hold a place within makeup routines.

The main reason I like to incorporate setting sprays into both my own makeup routine and when I'm doing makeup for clients is they help prolong makeup staying power and wear time.

From blending powder and liquid layers and enhancing the overall appearance and finish of the complexion, I recommend setting sprays for brides or anyone who wants their makeup to look great for hours.

So when I first saw MAC was launching their first ever setting spray, I was excited!

Hang on... hasn't the MAC setting spray been around for years?

You're thinking of the iconic multi-use original MAC Prep and Prime Fix Plus, which contrary to popular belief, isn't a setting spray.

M.A.C Cosmetics FIX+ STAY OVER 100ml promises to keep makeup in place for 16 hours, but does the setting spray actually work?

I've been road-testing it for over a month, including on a 10-hour work day in the office... and a 10km run!

Here is my full MAC setting spray review.

What Is M.A.C Cosmetics Fix+ Stay Over?

M.A.C Cosmetics FIX+ STAY OVER 100ml is a weightless, alcohol-free setting spray that promises to keep makeup in place for 16 hours.

It also claims to hydrate skin and protect against blue light and environmental pollution.

Key features you can expect from the MAC setting spray include:

• Keeping makeup colour-true for 16 hours.

• Weightless feel that hydrates skin and keeps makeup looking fresh.

• Transfer-resistant.

• Fine-mist pump - this is very important!

• Available in a full size 100ml as well as a travel size 30ml.

Shop both MAC Setting Spray sizes here:

How is MAC Setting Spray Different to MAC Fix Plus?

I can already hear your next question...

How does the MAC setting spray differ from the original MAC Fix Plus spray?

Think of the new MAC Fix+ Stay Over as a primary setting spray.

Its main focus is to stop makeup from sliding, moving, fading or separating, with the secondary focus of hydrating and protecting the skin.

The original MAC Prep and Prime Fix product was designed to be a multi-use skin hydrator to refresh and soothe the skin, with a secondary benefit of enhancing makeup wear time.

If you want to know more about how to use MAC Cosmetics Fix Plus or are looking for a MAC Fix+ Plus review, check out this article.

It's also featured in our MAC top 10 best-selling product YouTube video below!

How to Use a Setting Spray.

Setting sprays are super versatile products that can be used at many different points throughout your makeup routine.

Here are some of my favourite ways to use a setting spray like this one: 

1. Using setting spray before makeup.

If my skin is feeling a bit dry or I just want an extra boost of hydration I will often spritz my face with a hydrating setting spray (such as MAC fix+) to help the foundation glide effortlessly onto the skin.

If your setting spray also includes skin loving ingredients, applying a setting spray prior to foundation application will allow them to penetrate further into the skin that post foundation application.

2. Applying setting spray during makeup.

Ever applied a cream blush or bronzer and immediately realised it has semi set on the skin and is proving impossible to blend out?

A few spritzes of setting spray mid-makeup application can assist in blending out cream products whilst infusing hydration AND staying power into each makeup application step. 

3. How to finish makeup with a setting spray.

This is the obvious one!

Once your makeup is completed, mist your face with a few sprays to lock your makeup in place.

Pro tip: Apply mascara after your setting spray has been applied and has fully dried to avoid any transfer.

Watch more of my long-wear makeup tips in this YouTube video below.

4. Throughout the day.

If I’m attending a long-haul event like a wedding or even just a day in the office, I love to mist my face throughout the day to refresh and rejuvenate the skin.

This can be a great way to add moisture back into the skin, without disturbing your makeup.

Or mattifying setting sprays like M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+ Mattifying Mist are a great safeguard against an oily T-zone.

5. Using setting spray with eyeshadow.

Some setting sprays can be used in conjunction with an eye shadow to help enhance pigment/colour pay off.

Simply apply a light mist of setting spray to your brush before applying your shadow/pigment.

This works exceptionally well with shimmer shadows.

MAC Fix + Stay Over Setting Spray Review.

OK, time for the verdict and my MAC setting spray review!

I have been road-testing this MAC setting spray for just over a month now, and have really put it through its paces.

Including during a 10km marathon, more on that in a second.

Here are some key things I noticed while using the MAC setting spray:

• Scent: Very similar to the scent of the original MAC Fix Plus Spray. Fresh but not overpowering and provides a nice sensory experience when you’re applying the spray. 

• Packaging/nozzle: I’m rapt with the MAC Fix Plus Stay Over packaging. We have an updated nozzle which dispenses a fine mist and a removable cap which safeguards against leakage whilst in transit. 

• Finish: I would say this setting spray gives a hydrated, skin-like finish. It is definitely less dewy that the OG MAC Fix+ setting spray, making it better suited to all skin types.

Here is a side-by-side comparison showing how my makeup held up over a 10-hour day while wearing it.

I found this setting spray wears beautifully on my skin.

I've tried some average setting sprays in my time, and I really cannot fault this one.

Now, about that 10km marathon...

Because I'm committed to the content, I really did give this setting spray a run for its money.

Would I normally wear makeup while running?

No, but I did it for you.

Here's a before and after showing how the setting spray held up during the sweat test.

Not bad at all!

Final Thoughts...

If you’re looking for a setting spray that hydrates and helps lock makeup in place, without making skin look flat or dull, this MAC Fix setting spray delivers.

I love the packaging and find the bottle super travel-friendly. I've even purchased another bottle for my professional kit.

If you’re a first-time setting spray user or don’t want to commit to the full size, the 30ml travel size bottle is a no-brainer.

Now when people ask me about setting sprays, I can tell them about this one.

Keen to know more about some of our favourite MAC products? Check out these articles below:

• From Glowy Skin to Laminated Brows: 8 Ways You Can Use This Cult $39 Product

• The Difference Between These MAC Foundations (& Which One Will Give You Flawless Skin)

• I Tried the Viral MAC Stack Mascara Dividing the Internet & Here Are My Thoughts