This review pits two popular setting sprays against each other: L'Oreal Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist and One Size's 'On Till Dawn' setting spray. Both products promise impressive longevity and a flawless finish, but do they deliver? We put these sprays to the test under real-world conditions, including daily activities and a rigorous workout, to determine which one reigns supreme. This detailed comparison examines their application, finish, wear time, transfer resistance, and waterproof capabilities, offering a comprehensive assessment to help you decide which setting spray best suits your needs and budget.Our experiment involved applying each spray to half of the face, using a standard makeup routine to ensure a fair comparison. We tracked the performance of each throughout the day, paying close attention to makeup longevity, transfer, and the impact of sweat and water exposure. The results reveal both strengths and weaknesses, ultimately highlighting which spray excels in specific areas – providing valuable insights for consumers seeking a long-lasting and effective makeup setting solution.
Read more: 5 Best Vitamin C Setting Sprays for Flawless Makeup
Product Claims and Expectations
Both the L'Oreal Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist and the One Size 'On Till Dawn' setting spray make bold claims. L'Oreal promises transfer, water, and smudge resistance for up to 36 hours, along with a natural, healthy glow finish that prevents cracking and flaking. One Size boasts 16-hour wear with a mattifying finish.
Before testing, I primed my face with a sunscreen primer and applied a medium-coverage foundation with concealer. This allowed for a fair test of the setting sprays on makeup not specifically designed for long wear. My brow routine involved powder and gel, which are generally long-lasting products.
This setup provided a realistic scenario—using products that aren't known for their extreme longevity to see how well each setting spray could extend their wear. I also included a step where I set my under-eyes with a pink setting powder to enhance the brightening effect.
Half-Face Test: L'Oreal Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist
To compare the effectiveness, I applied the L'Oreal setting spray to only half of my face. The application process resembled a light hairspray mist; the instructions recommended a circular motion for 2-3 seconds to avoid heavy application.
The immediate feeling was a light mist, not heavy or sticky, which dispelled many of the concerns in the negative online reviews. I suspected the negative reviews were due to over-application. I proceeded with my day, including errands and weightlifting.
After 9 hours, the L'Oreal side showed noticeable improvements in makeup longevity, particularly around my nose where my makeup often breaks down. The unset half showed significant makeup loss around my nose, but the set side maintained substantially more.
Dupe Test: One Size 'On Till Dawn' Setting Spray
The following day, I tested the One Size setting spray. This spray has a finer mist, creating a more noticeably mattified look compared to the radiant finish of the L'Oreal spray.
Both sprays underwent the same tests: errands, cardio, and a waterproof test. During the cardio session, the L'Oreal side showed a noticeable line where sweat dripped, indicating makeup breakdown. The One Size side, however, maintained its makeup surprisingly well despite heavy sweating.
The transfer test yielded similar results for both: a noticeable amount of foundation and blush transferred to a paper towel. The One Size spray slightly outperformed the L'Oreal in brow transfer.
Waterproof Test & Final Verdict
Finally, a waterproof test was conducted. Both sprays showed a similar performance under water; the L'Oreal, slightly less resistant. Overall, minor makeup smudging was observed on both sides.
The L'Oreal spray provided a more radiant finish, better performance against sweat, and comparable long-wear, but it’s not truly waterproof, despite the claims. The One Size spray offered a mattifying finish, decent long wear, but also exhibited similar transfer issues and a less impressive waterproof result.
While not exact dupes, both sprays performed well in specific areas, making the choice depend on individual preferences. The L'Oreal setting spray is more affordable, offering impressive long-wear performance at a lower price point. While the One Size spray is more expensive and does not necessarily deliver on all its claims. Consider your budget and desired finish when deciding.