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Milani vs. Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray 2024

Milani vs. Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray 2024

Setting sprays have long been a beauty essential, as they set all types of makeup looks and ensure longevity. The best version for you will depend on your skin type and preferences, as sprays can leave a matte to dewy finish—and some also offer SPF. I set out to compare two of the most popular formulas on the market that claim to keep makeup fresh for up to 16 hours. The Milani Make It Last Original Setting spray is a great option for everyday use, it feels light, dries instantly and is barely noticeable on the skin. However, if you want to achieve a bolder makeup look, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is your best choice.

Both setting sprays have achieved cult status on social media and through vibrant collaborations with celebrities and influencers. Milani has recently worked with athletes such as Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and basketball player Sabrina Ionescu. Below you’ll learn how the two products fit together and which spray is best for your needs.

Milani Make It Last Original

Our score: 8.5 | Finish: Dewy | Sweatproof: Yes | Contains alcohol: Yes | Price per fluid ounce: $4.91

Best for:

  • For a minimalist or natural makeup look
  • A dewy finish
  • A budget-friendly option

Skip if:

  • You want to achieve a bolder makeup look
  • You prefer an alcohol-free spray

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Our score: 9 | Finish: Of course | Sweatproof: Yes | Contains alcohol: No | Price per fluid ounce: $11.51

Best for:

  • For more dramatic makeup looks
  • An alcohol-free formula
  • A moisturizing option

Skip if:

  • They are sensitive to strong scents
  • You don’t like the feeling of a light film on your makeup

Milani Make It Last Original vs. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless: How Do They Compare?

Application: Milani and Charlotte Tilbury setting sprays are designed for skin preparation and post-makeup application. Both sprays worked well in the test and I didn’t notice any blockages. The Milani spray had a much finer mist similar to the Evian facial spray, while the Charlotte Tilbury spray was distributed in larger droplets. Because of this, the Airbrush Flawless spray took longer to dry (about 2 to 3 minutes) than the “Let it last” option (about 1 minute). I also needed a few more spritzes of the Charlotte Tilbury spray to completely cover my face and set my makeup.

I have sensitive combination skin and found that both products felt very different after application. Milani’s spray was so light that I forgot I had applied my makeup. It feels just as refreshing as my favorite moisturizer, Caudalie’s Grape Water Mist – which I really appreciate. Overall, it immediately feels very fine and hardly noticeable on the skin.

On the other hand, Charlotte Tilbury’s spray feels heavier on the skin when first applied. My face feels a bit damp immediately afterwards and it takes longer to dry. This is due to the film formers in the ingredients often included in such products to improve water resistance. The Charlotte Tilbury option works well for setting my makeup, but feels like a film on my skin for the first hour.

Longevity: Both bottles are designed to lock in makeup looks for up to 16 hours; Milani’s website now states that the makeup “lasts up to 24 hours.” During the day, I didn’t notice much of a difference between the two sprays when I tested each to set my more natural daytime makeup. I found that while both products helped my foundation, contour, and blush last throughout the day, the Charlotte Tilbury spray did a better job of setting my favorite smoky eyes. It also effectively minimizes the appearance of pores and reduces possible wrinkles with an eye area concealer.

I also tested it for what I call “the inner corner glow” when I apply a champagne shimmery eyeshadow à la Sabrina Carpenter to the corner of the eye, which usually fades within 10 to 20 minutes without spraying. To achieve this look, I sprayed each setting spray onto an eyeshadow brush, then dipped my brush in Tom Ford’s Nude Dip eyeshadow palette and applied the lightest shade to the inner corners of my eyes. Using Charlotte Tilbury’s setting spray, the eyeshadow lasted longer, but started to dull after 3.5 to 4 hours. (It was still subtly there at the end of the night.) However, it’s worth noting that I use eye drops and this may have affected longevity. For reference, without setting spray, my inner corner of the eye usually disappears within the first hour.

However, I saw the biggest difference at night when I emphasized my eyes in a bolder and more dramatic way. After using the Milani spray and taking before and after photos, I noticed that my (pretty intense) eye makeup was getting under my eyes by the end of the night. This could be due to the eyeliner I used, but the spray certainly didn’t set everything properly. However, when I used Charlotte Tilbury’s spray, my graphic eyeliner, smudged shimmer eye pencil, and mascara stayed intact for six hours while I was out and about.

Ingredients: Both products feature ingredients that nourish the skin: Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray contains Japanese green tea for hydration, aromatic resin to refine pores and aloe vera for soothing and moisturizing properties. Milani’s Make It Last, meanwhile, contains ultra-hydrating glycerin and 2% niacinamide, a popular skincare ingredient with many benefits including regulating oil production.

Fragrance: While both sprays have floral scents, Milani’s is barely noticeable and Charlotte Tilbury’s spray has a more pronounced scent that lingers on the skin. However, Milani’s formula contains alcohol (it’s listed as a second ingredient), which you can smell when the product is first sprayed on. When I tested it, I noticed that the smell of alcohol disappeared after about six seconds.


My final verdict

After extensively testing both sprays for two months, I plan to alternate using them depending on my desired makeup look. For an everyday setting spray I prefer Milanis Make It Last Original Due to the lightweight, fragrance-free formula that doesn’t irritate my complexion. I also appreciate that it feels refreshing, dries instantly and is barely noticeable on the skin. (I wish Charlotte Tilbury would come out with a fragrance-free version.) However, if I’m going to a black tie event or hopping from one event to the next during the holiday party season, I would use this Charlotte Tilbury spray as it better showcases my favorite graphic cat eyes and smoky smoky eyes.

Although both products are effective at setting makeup, they deliver different results. If you have sensitive skin that reacts to fragrances, you can opt for the Milani spray. And anyone who really wants to create a dramatic makeup look will appreciate the longevity of the Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray.


My expertise

I’m a long-time beauty enthusiast and have been writing about makeup, hair care, fragrances and skincare for over 14 years. I was an editor at for six years city ​​and country and now have bylines in it Glamour, Quest, Well+Good, Bustle, The Zoe Report and more. In addition to researching and testing the latest products and trends in beauty and wellness, I truly love the transformative way makeup makes me feel and allows me to express myself. This story was commissioned and edited by Forbes Veted deputy editor Jane Sungwho monitors it Beauty and care Vertical. She has produced a variety of stories including the best fixing sprays and a detailed one CurrentBody vs. Omnilux LED face mask Special feature.