Setting sprays are the unsung heroes of our makeup routines—the invisible glue holding everything together long after the final brushstroke. Why spend an hour perfecting your base only to watch it quietly dissolve by mid-afternoon? I’ll admit it: I was once a setting-spray skeptic. Maybe that’s a byproduct of growing up in an anti-setting spray era. At the very least, the category felt a little underdeveloped. Did we even have real options a decade ago? It often felt like Urban Decay was the lone pioneer, and my own introduction came in the form of their iconic eyeshadow primer potion (an era I stayed loyal to for far longer than I probably should have).
Fast-forward to now, and setting spray is no longer optional, it’s foundational. The category has exploded, leaving us with an almost overwhelming number of options. Heavy hitters like Charlotte Tilbury, ONE/SIZE, and NYX dominate the conversation, each offering their own take on long-wear performance. And while they’re all compelling in their own right, for those of us prioritizing clean formulations, the question becomes more nuanced: Who’s actually doing it best?
Enter Saie. I recently visited the brand’s headquarters and left with more than just a deeper appreciation for its skin-first philosophy. I also walked out with a bottle of what was quite literally labeled “top secret.” The CitySet Ultra-Fine Mist Setting Spray hadn’t officially launched yet, but after putting it to the test and its official release, I’m ready to share my verdict.
About Saie
Founded in 2019 by industry insider, beauty blogger, and self-proclaimed “everyday consumer” Laney Crowell, Saie was born out of a simple but powerful mission: to create beauty products that are better for people and the planet. What began as a direct response to Crowell’s community—who repeatedly asked for more accessible, high-performing clean beauty—quickly evolved into the brand’s guiding mantra: “You say it, we’ll create it.” (And yes, that ethos is exactly where the name Saie comes from.)
That commitment to listening and actually taking action remains at the heart of the brand today. Nearly seven years later, Saie has cemented itself as one of the fastest-growing clean beauty brands on the market, emblematic of a broader shift toward skin-first, ingredient-conscious formulations that don’t compromise on performance. Its lineup includes category standouts like Slip Tint, Dew Blush, and Glowy Super Gel—products that consistently punch above their “clean” label and rival many legacy formulas.
In short, Saie isn’t just participating in the clean beauty conversation. It’s helping to shape it.
About the Saie CitySet Ultra-Fine Mist Setting Spray
Available in both a full-size 3-ounce bottle and a perfectly portable 1-ounce version (which, I’ll admit, I want exclusively for the adorable matching Mini CitySet Case), Saie’s latest launch rethinks what a setting spray can be. CitySet features a non-aerosol mist powered by plant-based ingredients, designed to lock makeup in place for up to 16 hours without sacrificing skin comfort.
The ultra-fine spray disperses evenly and absorbs almost instantly, leaving behind a natural, soft-dewy finish that truly feels like skin—never sticky, never cakey. Instead of that tight, over-set feeling many sprays leave behind, CitySet offers a subtle hydrating glow while keeping makeup intact from morning through night.
Beyond performance, the formula is infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients that help soothe the skin and support its natural pH balance. It’s also non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free, making it well-suited for sensitive and breakout-prone skin alike.
My Review of the Saie CitySet Ultra-Fine Mist Setting Spray
My Skin Type
For reference, I have acne-prone, combination skin that tends to get greasy as the day goes on. And winter in New York always further complicates things. I deal with dry, rough patches through my T-zone, while also noticing makeup start to break down around my nose, mouth, and chin by the end of the day. It’s the kind of skin that requires balance: enough control to manage shine without clinging to dryness or emphasizing texture.
Application
While visiting Saie’s headquarters, I had the chance to chat with the brand’s in-house makeup artist, who shared a simple application tip that made an immediate difference. Instead of misting quickly all over the face, she recommends using one long, continuous sweep—moving the spray in an “X” motion across both sides of the face. This method creates more even coverage with fewer passes and helps set makeup without oversaturating the skin.
Wear
From the first application, I noticed how hydrating the formula felt. I’ve tried countless setting sprays over the years, and this one felt immediately different. It has no strong scent, no sticky residue, no tightness as it dried down. Instead, it left my skin feeling calm, comfortable, and genuinely hydrated, while still doing its job.
Final Verdict: Is the Saie CitySet Ultra-Fine Mist Setting Spray Worth the Switch?
The usual signs of makeup breakdown I experience by midday—creased patches, fading around the nose and mouth—were noticeably absent with Saie’s CitySet Ultra-Fine Mist Setting Spray. That alone feels like a win, especially coming from a clean beauty brand.
After trying nearly every setting spray on the market, I can confidently say this is the best I’ve used. The mist is ultra-fine and consistent, the bottle never sputters, and application is effortless. Most importantly, it wears beautifully—locking makeup in place without feeling heavy, drying, or overdone.
Bottom line: if you’ve been looking for a setting spray that actually balances longevity with skin comfort, this one is absolutely worth the switch.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
