NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Setting Spray, Transfe

The Verdict

Let’s cut through the hype. NYX calls this “The Face Glue” — a bold name for a $10–12 drugstore setting spray. After 220 Amazon ratings averaging 4.4 stars, shoppers are clearly having opinions. I tested it against the claims: transfer resistance, waterproof wear, and that elusive “glue” hold. Here’s what actually happens.

What You Get

The 60ml (2 fl oz) spray bottle is compact — palm-sized, travel-friendly, and TSA-compliant. The nozzle delivers a surprisingly fine mist for the price point. No jet-stream blasts that leave you looking drenched. The formula itself is clear, alcohol-forward (you’ll smell it on application), and dries down to a matte finish.

Performance: The Real Test

I wore this through a 9-hour workday, a commute on public transit, and a dinner where I absolutely tested my napkin’s integrity. The results? Impressive for the category. My foundation stayed put — no patchiness around my nose, no foundation transfer onto my phone screen. The transfer-resistant claim holds up in real-world conditions.

One reviewer noted, “I wore this to a wedding in July and my makeup didn’t budge through tears, sweat, and dancing. I was genuinely shocked.” That tracks with my experience. The waterproof element is real — I tested it against a light rain drizzle and it survived.

The finish is matte but not flat. It blurs slightly without looking cakey. However, here’s the catch: it feels tacky for the first 10–15 minutes. You need to let it dry completely before touching your face. If you’re in a rush, this is annoying. If you plan ahead, it’s a non-issue.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. First, the alcohol content is noticeable. If you have sensitive skin, you may feel a mild sting on application. It fades quickly, but it’s there.

Second, this is not for dry skin. The matte, transfer-resistant formula can emphasize dry patches, especially around the cheeks and forehead. One Amazon reviewer put it plainly: “I have dry skin and this made me look flaky by hour four. My friend with oily skin loved it though.” That’s the key distinction — this is formulated for oily and combination skin types.

Third, the tacky phase. It’s brief, but if you’re layering this over powders, you need to wait before applying anything else. It’s a minor inconvenience, but worth knowing.

Who Should Buy This

• The oily-skin warrior: If your makeup slides off by noon, this will genuinely extend your wear time.
• The mask-wearer: This survived face masks without transferring foundation onto the fabric. That alone is worth the price.
• The event-goer: Weddings, long shifts, outdoor events — this holds.
• The budget-conscious: At roughly half the price of Urban Decay All Nighter, it competes for a fraction of the cost.

Skip It If

• You have dry or mature skin — the matte finish will work against you.
• You prefer a dewy, luminous finish — this is firmly matte.
• You’re sensitive to alcohol in skincare — the formulation may irritate.

FAQ

Does this work with all foundation types? Yes, but it performs best with powder and matte-finish foundations. With dewy or silicone-based foundations, you may notice the tacky phase lasts longer.

How many sprays do you need? Three to four sprays in an X and T pattern is sufficient. More than that and you risk the tacky feeling lingering.

Is it actually waterproof? It’s sweat-resistant and handles light rain. It’s not swim-proof — if you’re submerging your face, nothing will fully hold.

The Verdict

Buy it if you have oily or combination skin, need long-wear performance without the luxury price tag, and prioritize transfer resistance above all else.

Skip it if you have dry skin, prefer a dewy finish, or want a spray you can apply and immediately forget about.

Rating: 4.2/5 — The Face Glue delivers on its core promise: your makeup stays put. It’s not perfect — the tacky phase and dry-skin incompatibility are real issues — but for its target audience, this is the best drugstore setting spray I’ve tested this year.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.