The Deets:
Skin type: oily
Foundation style: matte, full coverage
Needs to withstand: Palm Springs desert heat and Louisiana humidity
I heard raving reviews about the All-Nighter setting spray, claiming to be suitable for all skin types and keep makeup looking gorgeously just-applied for up to 16 hours – without melting, cracking, fading or settling into fine lines. I purchased the travel-size at Ulta to give it a test run. At the time I was traveling to Palm Springs, California from Louisiana just as the heat was setting into the Coachella valley. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to try the spray for two reasons:
1. If it can withstand the desert heat, it’s a keeper
2. If it can stand up against severe humidity, it’d be a winner in my book
After using the spray for a couple days, I liked it, but I wasn’t impressed. I found myself needed to blot and powder my face throughout the day and it would settle in fine lines. Life got the best of me and I didn’t have a chance to exchange the spray for something else, so I decided to use it in its entirety and purchase a different spray when the time came. The good news is, the travel-size bottle lasted me a lot longer than I thought it would! I had it for a good four months, and I when I sprayed I didn’t just do the ‘X’ on the face as the bottle instructed. I went ham on that spray, getting every nook and cranny to prevent the oils from seeping through. I really wanted All Nighter to be my ride or die setting spray, but it just wasn’t meant to be; my facial oils are too forceful to be contained.
A few weeks ago, I started the hunt for a new setting spray for oil prone skin and discovered Urban Decay has an oil control formula. I don’t know how I missed this formula, especially because it’s displayed right next to the All Nighter! I must have been blinded by the domineering reviews I heard on the All Nighter. Shamelessly, I can admit I fell for the “Youtube Made Me Buy It” ploy. I went to Sephora on Friday, July 8th to purchase the Oil-Free setting spray. On Sunday I threw on some moisturizer (no primer), face powder, mascara (Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex…review coming soon!), the oil-free setting spray, a hat, and I was out the door to run errands before the workweek. After the initial application, my face felt stiff for 30 seconds to a minute, but after that it felt normal on my skin.
After being out in the Louisiana humidity, eating and several hours of Netflix and laundry I forgot I was experimenting with the spray. I went to look in the mirror and I was shocked to see my face was just as matte as when I first put my powder on! I was highly impressed and immediately fell in love! Just as the product is described it controlled oil, deflected surface shine and helped my makeup stay put.
My Monday morning application consisted of my original moisturizer and primer routine, I used the new NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint (for the first time) and finished off with the oil-free setting spray. After an 8-hour day, the matte full coverage lasted longer than I’ve ever seen on myself. A touch up wasn’t necessary whatsoever! The high-tech ingredients helped keep my foundation, shadow and blush from smudging, sliding or fading – so I didn’t ever need to touch up.
I am totally in love with the Oil-Control setting spray (and NARS tint…and Better Than Sex mascara). If you have oily skin, I highly recommend it, plus it’s paraben and oil free! This spray has saved my oil prone skin this summer and for months to come!
