Primer underneath, setting spray on top: why makeup lasts longer between two layers

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Researched. We have not used this one long enough to give you a verdict, and we would rather say so than invent one. What follows is how it works, who it suits, and what it will not do. When we have used it properly, this page carries the verdict and the date.

NYX Marshmellow Primer and Setting Spray

NYX's Marshmellow setting spray is climbing in searches this week, and this listing sells it together with the matching primer. That pairing is more than a bundle: the two do opposite halves of one job.

The primer: something to grip

A primer goes on after skincare and before foundation. It smooths the surface, fills in fine texture, and gives foundation a more even base to cling to, so it goes on more smoothly and moves less as the day goes on. According to the listing, this one smooths and softens the skin, blurs the look of texture and lines, and contains marshmallow root extract.

Whether your foundation sits well on a primer depends on whether the two formulas agree, which we explain in silicone primer, water-based primer, and the reason things pill.

The setting spray: something to hold it

A setting spray goes on last. It lays down a fine film that holds everything in place and reduces shine. This one is a matte spray, and the listing says it helps makeup last up to 16 hours with a fresh, just-applied look. We explained how sprays and powders differ in setting spray and setting powder solve different problems.

Why together

Makeup breaks down from both directions: oil from the skin underneath, and rubbing, heat and humidity from outside. A primer helps against the first, a setting spray against the second. Used together, they cover both, which is why makeup artists so often use both on long days.

The order, and the waiting

Moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning. Then primer, a thin layer, given a minute to set. Then foundation and the rest of your makeup. Then the setting spray, held at arm's length, misted evenly over the face, and left to dry without touching. Rushing the primer is the most common reason makeup pills on top of it.

Who it suits

The matte finish suits oily and combination skin best — shine is what it is built to control. Very dry skin may find a matte spray emphasises texture; a dewier spray or none at all may suit it better.

The listing describes both as vegan and cruelty-free.

What it will not do

It will not make up for skin that has not been moisturized underneath. It will not stop an oily T-zone shining through on a hot day without the odd blot. And it will not suit very dry skin that wants a glow.

The product

A smoothing primer and a matte setting spray from the same line, sold as a set, for makeup that needs to last through a long day. Sold by Amazon when we checked. For other sprays, see L'Oreal's microfine mist and TIRTIR's alcohol-free spray.

The one people are searching for is the NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer + Setting Spray set.

NYX Marshmellow Primer and Setting Spray

We do not print prices here, because a price we typed last month is a price that is wrong today.

Written by JamieG in Garner Town, Tennessee.