If your make-up has a habit of sliding off by lunchtime, a good setting spray can make all the difference, especially in warmer weather. For more than a decade, Urban Decay’s all nighter setting spray has been a holy grail product that’s achieved cult status for its staying power, whilst Charlotte Tilbury’s airbrush flawless setting spray has quickly gained a similar reputation, with its ability to set, hydrate and blur.

With temperatures soaring this summer, I put both setting sprays to the test to see which one could keep my make-up intact through sweaty commutes, a full day at the office and evening plans.

Most make-up setting sprays, like these two, work through a polymer dissolved in a solvent. When you spray it on your face, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a polymer “film” that locks in make-up and provides some water resistance. The ingredient can also diffuse your make-up slightly to make it look more blended.

So far, so similar. Both promise up to 16 hours of wear and waterproof performance, but which one actually delivers? I tested them side by side to find out.

If you’ve already got your eye on Charlotte Tilbury’s airbrush flawless setting spray, now’s an excellent time to try it with up to 45 per cent off Charlotte Tilbury icon kits, plus free gifts if you spend more than £200. The setting spray is included in a number of kits, including this duo that comes with full-size and mini products for £39 (worth £54, Charlottetilbury.com).

Read more: Best setting sprays, tested

Read more: Best foundations, tested

  • Size118ml
  • Key ingredientsAloe vera and vitamin E
  • Why we love it- Holds make-up in place all day
  • Lightweight spray

  • Bottle lasts a long time

  • Take note- Doesn't add any glow

I’ve used this setting spray for years, and I’m usually quite liberal when spritzing it. I get through two to three bottles a year, so the 118ml bottle lasts a long time.

It doesn’t provide any additional glow, but as someone with oily skin, this isn’t something I necessarily need every day. It has a light mattifying effect, but I’d still recommend a setting powder if you like a shine-free look.

As for its 16-hour claims? It’s rare to wear make-up for that long, so it’s hard to know. However, when I went to check my make-up in the evening, it had held up exceptionally well. My foundation hadn’t gone patchy, and my kohl eyeliner hadn’t smudged. There was still pigment left from my cream blush, and this is often the first to go.

  • Size100ml
  • Key ingredientsAloe vera, Japanese green tea and aromatic resin
  • Why we love it- Locks in make-up all day
  • Can be used as a primer

  • Fine, lightweight mist

  • Take note- Strong fragrance

As well as setting your make-up, this can be used as a primer and throughout application to add hydration. I used it as the last step, as I was mainly interested in how it made my make–up last.

I found that it has a stronger scent than Urban Decay, which is worth noting if you’re sensitive to fragrance. It’s certainly not unpleasant, but it’s noticeable – a light, zesty sort of smell. Upon application, you get a fine mist that dries down quickly and leaves a healthy glow without looking shiny.

By the end of the day, my make-up had lasted well. However, Urban Decay takes the crown. With this Charlotte Tilbury setting spray, I noticed that a little shine had come through. This was to be expected on a 30C day, and was easily fixed with some setting powder, but it wasn’t as good a result. It’s still a great setting spray, but unfortunately, there’s one a little better.

If you fancy giving the product a try yourself, you can save up to 45 per cent on Charlotte Tilbury icon kits right now.