Most setting sprays are packed with alcohol and synthetic fragrance. This version uses gentle hydrosols, a touch of witch hazel and humectants to refresh your face, calm heat and help your makeup last a little longer.
You can make a quick “use-within-a-week” fridge spray or a longer-lasting version if you work with natural preservatives or rosemary and manuka hydrosols.
As always, patch test first and follow cosmetic-grade hygiene. If you sell products, use a tested preservative system and get stability testing done.
Quick Cooling Hydrosol Setting Spray (Fridge Version)
Use this within 7 days and keep it chilled.
You’ll need
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40 ml rose, lavender or chamomile hydrosol
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5 ml alcohol-free witch hazel
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3 ml aloe vera juice or gel (thin, not thick gel)
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1 ml vegetable glycerin (about 20 drops – optional, adds light hydration)
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10–15 drops of a broad-spectrum natural preservative if you want to keep it longer
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50 ml fine mist spray bottle (sanitised with boiling water or high-proof alcohol and dried)
Method
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Sanitise
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Clean your workspace, bottle and utensils thoroughly.
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Blend liquids
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In a small beaker or glass jug, combine hydrosol, witch hazel, aloe and glycerin. Stir gently to avoid too many bubbles.
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Add preservative (optional but recommended)
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If using, add your chosen preservative at the manufacturer’s recommended rate and mix well.
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Bottle
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Pour into your spray bottle, cap, and label with the date.
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Use
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Shake lightly before each use.
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Hold at arm’s length, close eyes, and mist over your face after makeup – or anytime you feel hot and flushed.
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Extra-Cooling Cucumber & Mint Setting Mist (Longer-Wear Version)
For a more “pro” feeling spray.
You’ll need
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30 ml cucumber hydrosol (or half cucumber, half rose/lavender hydrosol)
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10 ml alcohol-free witch hazel
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5 ml aloe vera juice
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2 ml glycerin
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Optional: 1–2 drops peppermint hydrosol or a tiny drop of peppermint essential oil well-diluted (avoid if very sensitive or using near eyes)
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Broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative at recommended % for 50 ml water-based product
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50 ml fine mist bottle
Method
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Combine base ingredients
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Mix hydrosols, witch hazel, aloe and glycerin in a sanitised glass.
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Add optional cooling note
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If using peppermint, be extremely conservative – it’s strong. One drop in the whole batch is often plenty. Skip for sensitive skin.
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Preserve & bottle
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Add preservative per instructions, stir, and pour into your spray bottle.
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Test & adjust
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Spray on bare skin first.
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If it feels too tight, dilute with a little more hydrosol.
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If you want a slightly stronger “set”, you can increase witch hazel a little (but too much can feel drying).
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How to Use Your Setting Spray
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Mist after makeup to take away powderiness and help everything mesh into the skin.
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Keep a mini bottle in your bag for hot days, flights or post-workout cool-downs.
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Avoid direct contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, rinse with cool water and discontinue use.