MissLJBeauty

I must admit I am very late to this party. As someone who was trained as a make-up artist, I can't believe I waited so long to try this out and You know I love testing hyped beauty products and when something promises to keep your makeup looking fresh for up to 16 hours, I’m definitely listening. I honestly don't know why I haven't picked this up before. But I finally got my hands on the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, and after giving it a proper test through day-to-day wear and sweaty mountain biking sessions (yes, really). Sometimes I think that if something gets so much hype on social media, I am more inclined to try something else. I know I am strange that way. I am always looking for the best product to recommend to you all. So let's put this setting spray to the test. 

What Is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray?

This is Charlotte’s luxury setting spray, designed to set makeup, reduce shine, and create a soft-focus, blurred finish. It comes in a sleek rose gold bottle. I got the 34ml travel version, and it promises to give that flawless, "your skin but airbrushed darling" look. Think fine mist, no stickiness, and a formula that feels more skincare than makeup and you get the picture. 

How Does the Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Work?

The spray creates a lightweight veil over your makeup, almost like a shield that helps prevent creasing, fading, and makeup melt. It locks everything in without feeling heavy. I’ve used it over foundation, blush, bronzer, even powder, and it blends the layers together beautifully.

What Ingredients Are in the Spray?

If you’re into your skincare-meets-makeup, the ingredients will impress: they have impressed me and we know I am a hard sell that way. 

• Aloe vera and aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder – to soothe and hydrate

• Glycerin – for extra moisture retention

• Pistacia lentiscus gum – helps blur and smooth skin

• PVP – the “setting” ingredient that forms the film over your makeup

• Plus: pentylene glycol, citric acid, propanediol, and fragrance (parfum)

While it’s packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients, it also includes fragrance, which might not be ideal for sensitive skin types. You know I am not a fan of fragrance in products like these. Don't get me wrong, we all know I love nice smelling things, but I think it can really irritate people with sensitive skin, so it makes me a bit eye roll. 

What Skin Types Benefit Most from This Spray?

I have combo skin, oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks, and this worked well for both areas. It absorbs shine without drying me out, so if you’ve got oily, combination, or even drier skin, you’ll probably get on well with it. It’s definitely not greasy or heavy. It gives my skin a nice finish and it is so gentle. 

What Are the Promises of the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray?

The spray promises include:

• 16-hour wear

• A dewy but not greasy finish

• Transfer-proof, fade-proof makeup

• Hydration + staying power in one mist

Big claims, right? I put those to the test.

How Long Does the Makeup Last with This Spray?

This is where it shines. I tested it on long days, work, gym, and even a trail ride, and my foundation, concealer, and bronzer were still intact by the end. Which is incredible, really, I would guess most people reading this don't mountain bike. Think out in the mountain doing hard, sweaty climbs, then flying down hill with the bitter wind in your face. Normally, I will have bits of wear after a ride, but not when I use this spray. Im not sure what magic is in this but it works. It doesn’t keep everything perfectly matte, but it does help your makeup wear evenly without creasing or melting.

Does It Really Keep Makeup Looking Fresh for 16 Hours?

Honestly? Pretty close. I didn’t quite make it to 16 hours every day, but the 10-12 hour mark looked amazing no cakey spots, no patchiness, just slightly glowy skin that still looked “done.” It's not totally shine-proof, but definitely keeps your base from sliding off. Come on, this gal likes sleep I can't do 16 hours in make-up if I dont have to. 

What Are the Claims About Hydration and Dewy Finish?

Despite having hydrating ingredients like glycerin and aloe, it doesn’t feel wet or sticky. Ok when you first apply it, it is wet, but it is dry in seconds. It gives a soft, dewy finish, not oily or overly shiny. I’d say it balances skin nicely, especially if your base makeup is a bit matte or dry-looking.

Is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Worth the Money?

At around £30 for the 100ml bottle and £20 for the 34ml, it’s not cheap, but you’re getting high-end packaging, a refined mist, and a formula that genuinely helps your makeup stay put. For special occasions, weddings, nights out, or hot climates? Absolutely worth it. For me, it is, and I can't see myself not having this in my rotation. I mean it keeps my makeup on when biking; if it can do that, it's worth it to me. I would recommend buying the travel size first and see how you like it. Remember to check for sales or discount codes to make it a little more affordable. I always do this. 

How Does the Price Compare to Other Setting Sprays?

It’s more expensive than drugstore brands, obviously, but not wildly overpriced compared to MAC Fix+, Urban Decay All Nighter, or Milk Hydro Grip Spray. In terms of performance, I’d say it beats most and feels more luxurious and skin-friendly.

What Value Does It Provide for Makeup Application?

I love how it melts powders into skin and gives that blended, professional finish. It works as both a priming spray and finishing mist, which gives it added value. It helps your makeup not only last but also look better.

Are There Better Budget Alternatives Available?

If you're after budget options, NYX Dewy Finish or e.l.f. Power Grip Setting Spray are decent, but they don’t quite match the fine mist, scent, or staying power of this one. MAC Fix+ is the closest dupe in feel, but Tilbury’s version lasts longer in my opinion. I know it's all about priorities but I would rather have this one and save my budget in other areas. 

How to Use the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray?

What Is the Best Way to Apply the Spray?

Hold the bottle about 6–8 inches away and spritz evenly across your face. I do a classic X and T pattern to hit every area. It’s a very fine mist, so you don’t get soaked. But remember to try to be accurate the more you waste that's money down the drain. 

Can It Be Used with All Types of Makeup?

Yes, works with liquid foundation, cream blush, powder bronzer, and even over eyeshadow and concealer and powder foundation too.  It doesn’t seem to disturb layers underneath.

Should It Be Used as a Primer or Finishing Spray?

Both!  If I f i am travelling and trying to limit my travel kit, I like one layer before foundation and one after full makeup application. It helps makeup grip and set, and gives a weightless but locked-in finish. 

Are There Any Common Complaints from Users?

We have to talk about some complaints from reviews I have read, just so you get a good understanding of other options too. The main complaints seem to be 

• Fragrance: Some say it’s too strong if you have sensitive skin

• Not matte enough for those with super oily skin

• Price: It’s a splurge, especially for everyday use

What is the Fragrance like?

It has a delicate, slightly floral scent. I quite like it, but it’s worth noting if you’re fragrance-sensitive.  I honestly can't put my finger on this scent.  But the spray feels light, non-sticky, and fresh, almost like a skincare mist.

Is It Suitable for Oily or Dry Skin Types?

Yes to both! It blots shine without drying and gives a hydrated glow without feeling greasy. If your skin is very oily, pair it with a mattifying primer for best results.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?

Honestly? I didn’t think a setting spray would impress me this much. I wanted to say you can get better on the high street chemist and save your money But Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray does what it promises, keeps makeup looking fresh, holds it in place, and gives a hydrated, dewy finish without turning oily or cakey. If you love looking polished and long-lasting without the touch-ups, this one earns its place in your kit. I really think this is a good quilty product that has earned its place in my kit. Yes, you can get cheaper setting sprays, but this one hits different. I like the application, it's fresh and feels luxurious, and you look more put together with one spray of this. It is me value for money. So you will see this in my rotation for the future. 

Check out my other Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter review