Few things feel "normal" this summer, but when I head out for outdoor BBQs and socially distant coffee dates at the park with friends, I find myself actually looking forward to applying a full face of makeup. Surely it has something to do with the fact that I wore as little product as possible from March to June. Because if I'm putting on highlighter and mascara, it almost feels like things are back to normal, right? Sort of. And while I'm elated to be able to see friends (at a safe distance), it's not the most ideal scenario when it's 90-degrees outside and my BB cream is sliding around my face, leaving a streaky mess on my mask and a patchy SPF application.
Armed with plenty of beauty knowledge, I knew I needed to reach for a setting mist to ensure everything stays put while out and about. But I also wanted something that would help to protect my skin from the sun without messing up the little makeup I wear for those park dates. Enter the greatest invention of all time: Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist. I'm already a huge fan of Supergoop!, because it's just about the only brand that makes wearing sunscreen feel cool and leaves my skin looking better (not like a chalky mess à la a Mark Zuckerberg meme). So when I discovered this mist, I knew it would be good in the SPF department—but what about the makeup setting power?
I was pleasantly surprised to find that it excelled in that category, too. I first got the travel-size version, which fits easily in my everyday handbag, makeup case and is TSA-friendly (you know, in preparation for the days when traveling becomes a normal, monthly occurrence). But once I went through a teeny bottle of the Setting Mist so quickly, I immediately re-upped my stash with the full-size version, which I used to refill my little bottle for on-the-go needs.
The actual formula is amazing—it doesn't sting or smell toxic. If anything, it has a slight sunscreen scent, which I'm weirdly all about. It comes out in a fine mist with good coverage power, so I feel protected after just four quick sprays: one at the center of my face, one on each side and one on my neck. And it doesn't leave a sticky feeling at all—I can't even tell I have anything sitting on top of my makeup. It locks my BB cream, highlighter and blush in place until I wash them off, even when I have no choice but to sit outdoors in humid summer temperatures. Plus, I can easily use it to re-up my SPF protection throughout the day (TBH, my derm would be proud). And because it's completely clear, I also use it on my part to protect my scalp as needed.
It's one of the first products I added to my Wish List for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—the retailer is selling a two-piece set with both a full and travel size bottle, so there's no excuse for melting makeup or midday sunburns. Oh, and it's just $30 for the pair (the same price it typically costs for one full-size bottle).
