How to Make a DIY Setting Spray With Essential Oils

  • By Sade van Gestel
25Jul
How to Make a DIY Setting Spray With Essential Oils

Did you know that our sense of smell is connected to our limbic area of the brain, otherwise known as the emotional control centre?

Aromatherapy has long been used as a way to support our well-being with the help of essential oils. But you can also use essential oils in DIY setting spray and other makeup products.

Setting spray helps your makeup stay on for longer periods of time. Certain essential oils have added skin benefits that you can utilise when you make your own setting spray. 

If you're interested in learning how to create your own makeup setting spray with essential oils, then keep reading!

Essential Oils for Each Skin Type

Since there are plenty of options to choose from, it can seem overwhelming when deciding which essential oils to use in your setting spray. But you can narrow down your decision by learning which essential oils are best for your skin type.

For ageing and mature skin, you want to use oils such as:

  • Frankincense
  • Neroli
  • Myrrh
  • Patchouli
  • Sandalwood
  • Rose

But if you have oily skin, that means you are more prone to breakouts. Luckily, there are a few essential oils that help reduce inflammation and breakouts that you may want to include:

  • Rosemary
  • Tea Tree
  • Lemon
  • Grapefruit
  • Geranium

By utilising these essential oil scents in your DIY setting spray, you can combat acne while keeping your makeup in place. It's a great way to defeat two problems with one solution. 

Knowing your skin type is the first step in creating your natural setting spray. If you have dry skin, you should use hydrating products that won't dry you out. This is important to consider when deciding on the essential oil scents you choose. 

Using Natural Ingredients

In this recipe, there are only two ingredients that you'll use outside of essential oils. One is distilled water, and the other is vegetable glycerin. 

Vegetable glycerin is used in many skin care products as a means to lock in moisture. It acts as a skin barrier to protect your skin from harmful elements. 

It is also a natural emulsifier when you mix essential oils and water. 

There is also an optional ingredient: witch hazel. Many consumers report that witch hazel minimises the appearance of pores and is overall a great product to use on your skin.

Though witch hazel works for some people, it may not be the best for everyone. This is because witch hazel can be harsh for those with dry or sensitive skin. 

It's important to use natural ingredients because you don't need added preservatives and chemicals in your setting spray.

DIY Makeup Setting Spray Recipe

Now that you've decided on the essential oils you want to use and know the importance of natural ingredients; it's time to make your concoction. Here are the setting spray ingredients you'll need:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of distilled water 
  • 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin
  • 5 drops of chosen essential oil(s)
  • 1/2 tablespoon of witch hazel (optional)

If you choose to use witch hazel, then you'll only need 1 tablespoon of water. 

This recipe fits in a 1-ounce spray bottle, but you'll need a small bowl and a spoon to mix the ingredients first. . It is also helpful to have a funnel to pour these ingredients without spillage.

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time for the instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the vegetable glycerin and essential oils together
  2. If you're using witch hazel, pour and combine in the same bowl
  3. Add your distilled water to the mix and stir
  4. Use your funnel to pour the mixture into your spray bottle
  5. Twist and seal your spray bottle; shake to combine

After following the instructions, you now have your DIY setting spray! To use it, you only need 2-3 spritzes to set your makeup.

Recipe Substitutions

The beauty of DIY recipes is that you have control over the ingredients. This means that if you're interested in substitutes, you may use them instead.

A popular substitute for vegetable glycerin is aloe vera gel. The antioxidants and minerals in aloe vera gel help soothe your skin. But as mentioned before, ensure that you're using natural ingredients.

Many aloe vera gels use fake green colouring and preservatives.

If you want to use rose in your recipe, you can use rose water instead of the essential oil. And if you cannot find rose water in stores, you can make your own by using organic rose petals. 

Using Herbs and Oils Throughout Your Day

Though essential oils are a primary focus of aromatherapy, there are other ways to implement aromatherapy throughout your day. With the help of herbs and oils, you can control your emotions and promote skin/hair care. 

If you have trouble sleeping, drinking herbal tea that promotes relaxation may help you fall asleep faster. The good news is that many relaxing herbs, such as lavender, also come in the form of essential oils. 

So if you're not a fan of tea, then there are other ways to soak up the benefits of these herbs. 

Argan oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil are all great to use for hair care. They moisturise your scalp and, if used on your skin, can fight acne or psoriasis. 

A great way to use your essential oils is to mix a few drops in a carrier oil, such as the ones listed above. This way, you can create DIY skin care and a DIY setting spray.

DIY Setting Spray

Now that you know how to create DIY setting spray, there is no end to how you can alternate this recipe and make it entirely your own. By using substitutes and different scents each time, you'll find the perfect combination that fits your needs.

Essential oils are used as an alternative plant medicine to improve our health. If you're interested in purchasing a few bottles, check out our collection!