How to Use Primer and Setting Spray Together

Whether you're heading to the office, the beach, or a night out, there's one question we hear all the time: How do I make my makeup last all day? The answer starts and ends with two powerhouse products—primer and setting spray.

When used correctly, this duo does more than just extend your makeup wear time. It creates a smooth, hydrated base and locks everything in place, so your skin looks fresh, luminous, and natural all day long.

Below, we break down how to use primer and setting spray together, when to apply them, and why this routine makes all the difference. Plus, we’ll share our go-to picks— ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer and Radiance Lock Setting Mist—and insights from our founder, Rose-Marie Swift, a master makeup artist with decades of experience.

What Does Primer Do?

Makeup primer is the first step in your routine after skincare—and it serves as a bridge between your skincare and makeup.

The right primer will:

Hydrate and smooth the skin
Blur the appearance of pores and fine lines
Help your foundation grip and wear evenly
Reduce excess oil or shine throughout the day

According to Rose-Marie Swift, primer isn’t about masking your skin—it’s about optimizing it.

“If your skin isn’t prepped properly, nothing you put on top will look right. A good primer works with your skin, not against it,” says Rose-Marie. “I created the ReEvolve Primer to hydrate, smooth, and give makeup something to hold onto—without a heavy or sticky feel.”

What Does Setting Spray Do?

While primer preps the skin before makeup, setting spray is the final step to finish and seal your look.

Think of it as a top coat for your makeup—it:

Locks in your makeup for longer wear
Helps powders and creams melt seamlessly into skin
Refreshes your complexion throughout the day
Prevents makeup from settling, smudging, or fading

And not all setting sprays are created equal. Some are alcohol-heavy and drying, but not Radiance Lock Setting Mist.

“I’m not a fan of cakey makeup or anything that feels like a film on your face,” Swift says. “The Radiance Lock Setting Mist is clean, nourishing, and designed to set while giving the skin a fresh, natural glow. It keeps makeup in place, but never flattens it.”

Why You Should Use Both Primer and Setting Spray

While you can use either product on its own, using both primer and setting spray gives you the most polished, long-lasting results.

Here’s why the combo works:

Primer + setting spray = double the staying power
Primer improves how makeup applies and wears
Setting spray helps hold it all together—and look better as it wears

In short: primer gets you ready, setting spray keeps you ready.

When to Apply Primer and Setting Spray

Timing matters. Here’s the general order for using both products in your routine:

✅ Step 1: Skincare

Cleanse, moisturize, and apply SPF.

✅ Step 2: Primer

Apply a small amount of primer to your fingertips and press or smooth it into your skin. Focus on areas where makeup tends to wear off—like around the nose, forehead, and chin.

Pro Tip:
Rose-Marie recommends using less than you think.

“A dime-sized amount is enough,” she says. “You want a veil of primer, not a layer.”

✅ Step 3: Makeup

Apply your foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, etc. Cream and liquid formulas tend to layer best over a hydrating primer.

✅ Step 4: Setting Spray

Once your makeup is finished, hold your setting mist about 8–10 inches from your face and spritz 2–4 times in an “X” and “T” shape.

Let it air-dry for a few seconds—and that’s it. Your makeup is locked in and ready for whatever the day (or night) brings.

ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer ingredients and benefits

Can You Use Setting Spray Before Makeup, Too?

Yes! In fact, many makeup artists use setting spray both before and after makeup for extra longevity and glow.

You can spritz your setting spray:

Before makeup to hydrate and prep the skin
After primer for a boost of grip and glow
After makeup to lock everything in
Mid-day to refresh and revive your complexion

Our Go-To Primer + Setting Spray Duo

If you’re ready to level up your makeup routine, we recommend starting with this clean, high-performance pair:

💧 ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer

This hydrating, silicone-free primer is packed with skin-loving ingredients like vegetable squalane, hyaluronic acid, and Tightenyl™ (a natural retinol alternative). It blurs, smooths, and preps your skin without clogging pores or leaving behind residue.

“It’s skincare-meets-makeup,” says Rose-Marie. “It locks in moisture and creates the perfect base for foundation to glide over.”

✨ Radiance Lock Setting Mist

An alcohol-free, radiance-enhancing setting spray that locks in and prolongs makeup wear without feeling sticky, so skin stays glowy and your look stays put.

“It’s not just about holding your makeup—it’s about enhancing it,” says Rose-Marie. “You get a beautiful finish, and it actually improves your skin over time.”

Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need Primer & Setting Mist?

If you want makeup that looks better, wears longer, and still feels like your skin, the answer is yes. Using primer and setting spray together is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your beauty routine.

Just remember:

Primer creates the perfect canvas
Setting spray locks in the masterpiece

Whether you’re headed to brunch, the beach, or dinner downtown, this combo helps your makeup stay fresh from start to finish—with fewer touch-ups and more glow.