My Top 5: Foundations for oily skin

After a small hiatus from the blog, I'm back! I have been experimenting with various foundations, from drugstore to luxury, that will regulate my oiliness and give me the matte look I so desperately want. Being oily in nature, plus living in a humid climate like Austin, can lead to makeup meltdown- quick. I need a foundation that can not only withstand oils, heat and humidity, but one that also has lasting power. I don't want to have to reapply my face during an 8 hour shift. I've used powder foundations in the past, and I do like them. Lately, however, I've been on a liquid foundation kick, as I feel they offer more coverage and can be built up more. Below you will find my top 5 liquid foundations for oily skin, ranked 1 (my must have) through 5 (a good one to have on hand).

Foundation #1- Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

I've searched high and low and have yet to find anything that works as well or gives me as flawless of a finish as my Hourglass Cosmetics Immaculate Foundation. I hesitate calling something like a foundation a "Holy Grail" product, because my skin is always changing based on the season, as well as factors like tanning can seriously impact foundation. After exploring a variety of brands, I can say with absolute certainty that this is my Holy Grail of foundations.

My current shade in this foundation is Nude. You can visit your local Sephora shop to pick it up, or order it directly from Hourglass at www.hourglasscosmetics.com

It's claim to fame is that the Immaculate foundation turns from a liquid to powder, offering a velvet-matte finish on the skin. I have tried other liquid to powder formulas (I'm looking at you, Benefit Cosmetics The Big Easy) and it ended in a chunky over-powdered disastrous mess. Hourglass has done something magical with their formula. It comes out of the bottle a creamy liquid texture- not too thick but certainly not runny. It does turn to powder fairly quickly, so it needs to be applied to the face instantly after pumping out of the bottle. Because this foundation does tend to set so quickly, I apply by separating my face into four sections and building each section before moving on. I don't know that I would describe the finish as velvet- I feel it is a bit more matte than other traditional velvet-matte foundations.

It starts out as a creamy liquid, and then turns to a subtle, soft powder look when dry. I love how the formula is a soft, fine powder without drying to a cakey powder finish. It's easy to blend with fingers or brushes. I would not use a sponge with this foundation, as it may absorb the product too much and increase the drying rate.

I can't rave about this foundation enough. Seriously, it's like magic! The finish is indescribable. It's not too powdery, but certainly matte. It's not flat matte, but it's also not shimmery or too glowy on the skin either (which I hate). It looks so natural and skin-like, and covers imperfections without making the skin look too porcelain. It is easy to work with and build, and I have yet to have it look cakey or streaky on my skin. It also truly does what it claims; it absorbs oil and keeps the skin shine-free all day. No matter which primer I used with it, or which finishing powder, the result is always the same- a flawless finish. When I put this foundation on, I know I won't have to worry for the rest of the day. I self-tan, so my face often varies in shade. I wear the color "nude" and I have found that even if my face is lighter than usual, it still blends naturally and does not make me look orange or too dark. It also gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty free- just another reason to love it and the Hourglass brand!

Me (on the left) wearing my Hourglass foundation. This photo was taken after 10 hours of wear with absolutely no touch-ups, and it still looked flawless!

My only minor issues with this foundation are sometimes it can dry out and the cost of the product. Originally, when I used this foundation as my daily, I was going through the bottle about every 6 weeks. At $55 a pop, I don't think it is feasible to use as your every day foundation. Since exploring other foundation options, I've had this bottle for about 5 months now. I am noticing that the product dries MUCH quicker than it used to (which means I have to go even faster), and sometimes it even comes out of the bottle on the dry side. Because of the nature of the foundation, this is one that you don't want to have lying around your house for a year. It will dry out too quickly when exposed to air for that long.

Foundation #2- Givenchy Fluid Foundation Airy-Light Mat Radiance  

My next go to foundation is Givenchy's Fluid Foundation Airy-Light Mat Radiance with SPF of 20. To be honest, I have yet to make the plunge and purchase this foundation yet. It can be purchased at Sephora for $51, and at that price, my experimenting over the past month has already gotten the best of my bank account. I have tried this foundation on numerous occasions though, and I feel I have a firm understanding on how it works and how it holds up.

This foundation can be difficult to find. Some Sephora shops carry it, but not all. You can order it from Sephora's website: www.sephora.com

I was fairly nervous to try this foundation for multiple reasons. For one, the shade range is limited. When I tested it on my hand in the store, I immediately noticed a fragrance, which is also a red flag for me. I will also say, I'm not a huge fan of the bottle either. You flip up a piece of the cap, which reveals a short pump. However, the nozzle is so short that when you press down, it runs down the front of the bottle rather than squirting onto your hand or brush. Worries aside, I decided to give it a try as I love the Givenchy brand. I've sampled shades #3, #4, and #5. For Summer, #5 is a lovely choice for me. However, it can look a bit orange when my face is on the lighter side. I found shade #4 to be the best match for me, as I find it is one of the more neutral shades they offer.

Upon application, this foundation is VERY liquidy- almost watery. It applies easily, blends well, and dries fairly quickly. There is a very sweet and noticeable fragrance to the foundation, which I did not have any issues with bothering me or breaking me out. I actually enjoyed the scent, and once it was on my face I did not notice it. Anything that says "radiant finish" usually has me running the opposite way with my oily skin. I found that I actually really enjoy the finish of this foundation. It is light and glowy, but there is no shimmer or dewy nature to the foundation at all. It makes the skin look healthy and natural. I love how it feels so lightweight on the skin. It literally feels like you are wearing nothing and is very breathable. What sold me on this foundation, however, was the lasting power. I wore this foundation while moving in the hot Texas heat, for about 16 hours, and it did not budge nor did I blot or touch up. I will say I was wearing a setting spray, and of course I had a bit sweat showing through, but overall this foundation kept me oil free throughout my move. Pretty impressive!

Foundation #3- Sephora Collection Airbrush Mist Foundation

I stumbled upon this foundation after hearing it was a dupe for Dior's Airflash foundation. I was intrigued by the idea of using a spray to get the ideal "airbrushed" look, but was not quite willing to spend $62 on Dior's foundation. I also heard that Sephora's version offered a much more mattified finish, which I agree that it does. I must applaud Sephora for this foundation. I've tried some of their products in the past (powders, mascaras, liners) and have never been overly thrilled with the end result. However, I'm on my third bottle of the airbrush mist foundation! Again, like the Givenchy, there isn't a huge color selection, especially in the lighter tones. I picked up the shade "medium" and found it to be a perfect match for my skin tone. I did see on their website that they recently added more shades- both on the lighter and darker spectrum- so if they did not originally have your shade I would give it another try.

I've heard that some people find this product to be difficult to apply or buff into the skin evenly. I haven't had any issues with it. Some people have said that they prefer to spray the foundation onto their brush or sponge and then work it onto their face, but I disagree. I found that spraying onto my brush soaked up much of the product, so I was constantly having to re-spray. I simply divide my face into 4 sections and just spray the foundation directly onto my face, making sure I'm only applying it to a small area rather than spraying across my entire face. I haven't had any issues with the mist getting onto my clothes or into my hair- perhaps it's because I do hold the canister fairly close to my face when spraying?

I can use both a beauty blender and a brush to blend this product out, and I've found that either works great. This foundation is fairly blendable and doesn't dry as quickly as the Dior version. I absolutely love the finish this foundation gives me. Every time I wear it, people comment specifically on how "airbrushed" my makeup looks- thus, success achieved! It does have a matte finish as well, rather than a dewy look I noticed with the Dior foundation. At $26 a bottle, it more than half the price of my Hourglass foundation, so it definitely a staple in my makeup bag.

I would have ranked this foundation higher, however, I didn't find that is was as oil absorbent OR had the staying power that my top 2 foundations have. It does offer a matte finish, but I do have to be cautious as to which primer and finishing powder I use with it, since it does not necessarily offer much oil control throughout the day. I find this foundation to be perfect when I don't want to do a full face, or when I have a day off/ am working a shorter shift.  I notice that it begins to wear off after about 6 hours. This is still excellent, especially in Texas heat, but it wouldn't be my first choice to wear when I know I have a long shift and will then be going out later that evening.

Foundation #4- NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation

For those of you in search of a quality drugstore foundation, let me introduce to you NYX's Stay Matte But Not Flat. As someone who typically gravitates towards luxe brands, I was pleasantly surprised at how effective this foundation is for helping with oil control. Ulta carries the entire NYX Cosmetics line, and at only $7.49, this foundation is certainly worth a shot. I picked up a bottle of this along with the Stay Matte But Not Flat powder foundation (to use as a setting powder) during Ulta's 40% off NYX sale. This is another positive about this foundation. Ulta almost always has some sort of sale going on involving NYX, and you can use their $3.50 coupons on this brand as well. I got the liquid foundation in the shade 02 Nude, which is a tad dark for me at times but I can still work with it. Again, I didn't find the color range to be super impressive, but I don't find the darker shades give me orange undertones, which is my main concern.

This makeup is oil-free, water based and claims to be full coverage. It is definitely a thicker formula. When you squeeze some of the tube, it isn't going to run ANYWHERE. I would say that it is fairly full coverage. I do have to reapply it in some areas for a bit more coverage, so it isn't like Kat Von D's Lock- It Foundation. It is by no means sheer though. I apply this using both a brush and a sponge. I find that I prefer the sponge a bit more, as it does sheer it out a bit, making it easier to blend and work into the skin. A brush works just fine, and I never noticed any streak marks. I felt a brush took more work to fully buff this formula out and blend it in.

Thick formula that does not run. Though this shade is a bit dark for me, I find it is easy to blend.

For a drugstore makeup, I am really impressed with the staying power- even WITHOUT a setting spray to hold it in place. Many people felt they only got about 3-4 hours out of it before fading, but I can typically go about 6 hours before noticing anything. I also find this keeps me matte fairly well- especially for the price. I do pair this foundation with the powder foundation to set it, and I think the two together are amazing. I do think, however, the oil control could be contributed more to the powder rather than the liquid, but for the cost I am impressed. Both the liquid and the powder also great for traveling. I hate lugging around my makeup case, and it also makes me nervous to take my extremely expensive makeup with me it case it is lost, stolen, or damaged. At the cost for both of these items, plus the travel-friendly packaging, I can take these items with me free of stress and worry.

I really like the packaging. So easy to throw in your bag and go! You can pick these up at your local Ulta store, or order online at www.ulta.com

NYX is not vegan, as this foundation does contain beeswax. NYX used to be a cruelty free brand until this June, when they were bought out by L'Oreal.

Foundation #5- Boots No. 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation SPF 15

Recently, I've seen a lot of hype surrounding the Boots brand, and the mattifying foundation in particular. It is the most recent oil control foundation I've tried ( I got this about a week ago), but I do feel it is worthy of oily-skinned folks' attention. I picked this up from my local Target for $13.99. It's not terribly expensive, but it's a bit more on the pricy side for a drugstore option. Once again, the color range is bleak (Hello cosmetic companies!) and most of their foundations are cool with pink undertones. This typically equals orange tint on my skin. After much debate, I picked up the shade deeply beige, which I'm not in love with, but seems to be the closest match to my skin tone in their range.

This foundation claims that it offers full coverage and an oil free finish for up to 12 hours, which I do and don't agree with. I will say, this foundation truly is full coverage. Just one pump is usually enough to cover any hyper-pigmentation, discoloration and blemishes I may have. I highly recommend using a beauty blender with this formula. I think a brush works fine, but just like with the NYX foundation, I find it is A LOT more work to blend and buff it into my skin. The beauty blender sheers this formula out, which I think is necessary. I would also agree that this foundation offers a shine free finish throughout the day. This was really the defining factor that put this foundation on the list for me. It stays MATTE, all day long. I actually recommend not using an oil-control primer or blotting powder with this foundation. The first day I tried it, I used one of my oil-control primers and the NYX powder to set it and my face was almost too matte (a rarity for me). I noticed as the foundation wore on it began to look a little too powdery, which is why I recommend easing up on the finishing powder.

This is one pump of foundation, which is usually the amount I need to cover my entire face. If I need a little more coverage I will do another half pump. A little goes a long way!

I don't agree that this foundation lasts 12 hours or more. I do think it has decent lasting power, but around hour 6-7 I noticed the finish waning a bit and wearing off. I will also caution- this foundation transfers very easily, so get dressed prior to applying it. This is one of my biggest issues with the foundation. It applies well and sets, and does what it is supposed to do. However, it doesn't ever really attach to the skin, so it smudges, smears and transfers onto anything you touch your face with. I made the mistake of getting dressed after applying this foundation (even after setting it), and I instantly noticed streak marks of makeup on my shirt. I also have an issue with the finish of the foundation. It finishes very porcelain, but almost too porcelain. I feel like my skin no longer looks like skin, and that it looks too perfect. It isn't necessarily flat matte, but it definitely isn't skin- like either.

Overall, I think this foundation is worth checking out if you are in desperate need of coverage and oil control, as it will offer you both and will also last a decent amount throughout the day.

HONORABLE MENTION- Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20

I went back and forth between putting the Armani Lasting Silk and the Boots foundation as my number 5. The first few times I tried the Armani Lasting Silk in the store (on my face) I loved it. I thought it was the perfect amount of coverage, kept me matte, offered lasting power and a flawless finish. I made the plunge and purchased this foundation. I must say, for $62 I am a bit disappointed. I picked the foundation up in shade 5.75. I had initially been matched for shade 6, but they were out of that color. I will also say- the only counter in Austin that sells Armani is not the most helpful or most stocked either...

I got home and eagerly used this foundation for the next week, thinking I had found something to rival my Hourglass foundation. Alas, it was not to be. Perhaps the particular batch I received is a bit off, because my bottle is very liquidy and runny. I remember the foundation being a bit more cream-like in texture in the store, but mine is not even close to a cream. I applied it each day before going to work, and that is where I began to notice the flaws. When I had first tried the foundation, I recall it feeling very lightweight and matte- almost as if nothing was on my skin. However, the more I wear it the more I do feel it on my skin. Also, it is not nearly as matte as I expected. Even with setting sprays, oil-control primer and a setting powder, I cannot make it through a full shift without having some oil shining through. This was really the deciding factor as to whether it would make my top five or not. It simply does not have the mattifying or lasting powers that the other foundations mentioned above do.

The packaging is bulky. The bottle is glass so it is not easy to travel with, and my lid does not fully lock onto the bottle when closed. I also find the pump to be messy. It doesn't push the product out hard enough so it runs and drips down the bottle after every use.

I also noticed that it has a much more radiant finish than I recall- almost too radiant. I really love a mattified look, so a little glow is fine, but I'm not big into shimmer, dew or radiance on my skin. I have considered taking it back to the kiosk and having them evaluate it (making sure there isn't anything wrong with my batch), which I may do in the next week or two.

Even after all of my negativity, I DO think the Armani lasting silk is a lovely foundation. For a "designer brand" it is one of the better cosmetics that I have experienced. It simply does not offer the look or oil reduction that I personally need. However, if you are in search of semi-matte, light and airy coverage, with a luminous glow I highly recommend it. Of the many foundations I have explored over the past few months, the Lasting Silk is certainly worth mentioning.


I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on my top 5 list! What are your favorite oil control foundations? Do you find primers and powders matter more, in regards to helping regulate oil control?

Also, if there is a foundation you're interested in and hesitant to try, let me know. I love trying new products and would be more than happy to share my thoughts on my experience.

Until next time,
- The POSH Lady

Review of Signature Nail Systems

Those who know me know that I am completely OBSESSED with nails. From the most creative artwork, to long stiletto nails, 3-D designs and the latest nail creation, I love it all. Unfortunately for me, I'm a nail biter. Not just a nibbler either. I will pick and bite until my nails are bleeding. I know, I know. It is a disgusting, terrible habit! But after 23 years, I still have yet to break it. I have consistently gotten my nails done (every 3-5 weeks) since I was about 17 years old. I love new and different techniques and have tried it all: acrylics, solar, hard gel (the kind you can't soak off), Shellac, fiberglass, silk wraps, and I have also tried other types of gel such at OPI, Gelish, etc.

My first love in nail enhancements would have to be hard gel. I've used a few types, but my favorite brand thus far for hard gel would have to be LUXE nails. It is what got me hooked on regularly getting my nails done. The look and feel so natural, as well as they were minimally damaging to my nail bed. It also helped that my nail tech was amazing and created the most beautifully shaped nails. Because I am so hard on my nails and such a picker, I also loved how strong and durable hard gels were. I could wear them with a tip (if need be) or on my natural nail. It helped me reduce my biting and allow me to grow out my natural nail- something I had never been able to do.

Once I moved to Texas, I found it nearly impossible to find nail techs and salons that actually used hard gel products. I love the look and feel of shellac ( or OPI gel) nails, but alas, they aren't strong enough for my biting habits. My nails would look beautiful for about a week, and then with one small pick, I would easily rip of the gel and continue biting. I've even tried wearing OPI gel colors with tips under them ( there is a LOT of building of the gel involved to remove the look of any tip lines). Once again, my nails would be perfectly manicured for about a week and a half. Then my bad habit would get the better of me, and I was popping off my nails within minutes.

I'm completely fine with acrylics. I recognize adding tips to my nails is called an "enhancement" therefore, I'm not one of those people who necessarily needs "natural" or organic nails. I'm also so hard on my nails that I am ok if the enhancement does scuff up my nail a bit. In order for the nail enhancements to be more durable and stick, some filing down will be necessary. My major issue with acrylics is the fills. I don't like to get fills because even after just one, my nails begin to feel like talons. The nail just gets too thick and heavy for my liking. I typically like to just get a fresh set- which means more money, and it also means removing the old set which is a painful and time- consuming process. In my search for the perfect type of nails to replace my beloved hard gel sets, I discovered the Signature Nail Systems, or SNS nails.

SNS nails claim they are "healthy natural nails." They say they are organic, there is no odor or primer, no need for a UV light and that the products contain various vitamins and minerals. Do I necessarily  believe this system is completely natural and organic? No. As I said earlier though, being completely natural and organic isn't really a concern of mine.

A description of the benefits of SNS, as well as a chart comparing this system to other nail systems. More information can be found on the SNS website: http://signaturenailsystems.com/Home.html

Intrigued by the idea of something that feels as light as gel, but as sturdy and durable as acrylics without the heavy damage, I spent hours upon hours researching salons that provided this service. I am not typically a "nail salon" girl. I've had my fair share of great salons, but also dingy unclean salons that had a serious language barrier and ruined my nails. I will visit various nail salons for pedicures, but when it comes to my sets, I usually seek out an actual nail tech. Once I find a professional tech whose work I like, I usually stick with them.  My understanding is SNS has been around for many years now. However, I found it difficult to find a salon who provided this service here in Austin. I poured over reviews prior to trying a place. Many reviewers described botched SNS services where their nails were painted with regular polish, they were still cured under lights, or worse, they received basically an acrylic set with a gel coat. With my confidence wavering a bit, I settled on two nail salons. One salon had amazing ratings, but is located far south Austin- near Onion Creek. Since I am North Austin, I was reluctant to make the nearly 30 mile trek ( one way) just to get a set of nails. The other nail salon I stumbled upon was called Studio nails and Spa, and was only 7 miles from me. My major concern was that this salon seemed fairly new, and there were no ratings on it as of yet. After studying their website and watching numerous youtube videos of the SNS process ( so I could call them out if they did anything that wasn't actually part of the system), I made a leap of faith and went to Studio Nails and Spa.

When I arrived I  was warmly greeted. I was the only one in the salon, but both girls working were sweet and friendly. They were also conversational. The salon, upon first scan, was large and simple, but very clean. I explained I wanted an SNS set, and they immediately brought out a huge section of their color swatches. I was impressed already! Such a variety of color choices- a confidence boost for me. Lan was the lovely lady working on my set. She decided for my first set it would be best to add tips, and then hopefully during the fill tip enhancements would no longer be needed. She was gentle and meticulous. She didn't file and drill my nails down relentlessly, and she actually redid a nail completely because she wasn't happy with how it turned out.

The SNS process is interesting. The best way I can describe it is basically a gel/ acrylic hybrid. After shaping my nails, she put one coat of gel on. Then she dipped my nails into an extremely fine clear powder as the "base coat." She then flicked my finger (to dust off any excess) and moved on to the next finger. She repeated this process twice on each nail, as she said she wanted to build up the base a bit more on my nails. She then put another coat of gel and dipped each finger in the my chosen colored powder twice. After the color was added, she added a gel coat again, letting it dry by a fan for a moment. The final touch was a top coat, which glossed the nails to a high sheen. I immediately loved them. They felt so natural and thin, looked as gorgeous as a shellac set, but felt EXTREMELY strong and durable. She charged me $40 for a new set. In completing my research, this was a very reasonable price for a new set of SNS nails. In comparison to the amount of money I have spent on other sets in the past, I also found this price to be fair.

My first SNS nail set in a Lavender color. I had just gotten done with a crazy (and long) set of stiletto nails, so I asked her to file my nails down extra short and shape them as natural as possible.

I was curious about the "fill" process,  since the color essentially came from a powder and likely could not simply be "added to" like they normally do with an acrylic set. She said they would soak my nails for just a minute or two in acetone to soften the powder up, and then essentially shave off the colored powder so that a new color could be added. It sounded like it wouldn't get built up and heavy like an acrylic set, so (depending on how the set wore) I figured I would try a fill with the SNS rather than getting a new set.


After three weeks of wear, my nails were in excellent condition! There was little lifting, all 10 nails were still intact, and there was no color fading/ chipping. I did have one nail that was slightly loose, so just shortly after hitting the three-week mark, I decided to go get my fill done. She soaked my fingers in acetone for about 2 minutes. The gel/ powder mixture immediately became almost gooey. She then used the drill to shave off all the layers, leaving just a very thin base layer as the starting point. She actually just pulled off the one loose nail I had (and started over fresh with that nail). I was impressed at how painless it was and how little damage was done to my nail in comparison to acrylics. She repeated the same base coat/ dip, color coat/ dip process as the first time. For my fill, she had me dry next to the little table fan for just a few minutes longer. She said it was because she did not was any bumps in the top coat. Does this make the SNS completely free of any drying time as it claims? NO. But again, waiting a few minutes at a fan does not make a huge impact on my opinion of a set. My fill cost me $28. This was a huge savings for me because usually after 3-4weeks I am paying for an entirely new set.

This is my fill set after about a week and a half of wear. You can see they look still look amazing- nearly new! I chose the color "Puppies Breath", which is a peachy/ nude natural color. I plan to get another fill in 3 weeks, to see if the sets remain as durable and lightweight.

Overall I have been LOVING my SNS nail sets! My hands are constantly in water at work, and I haven't noticed it effecting my nails. They look very natural. Most people think they are simply shellac or gel set. I have had little to no lifting even on my fill set, and I have yet to have a nail crack or any color chip off. At this point they really fit my needs. They are strong and VERY durable, help my natural nail grow, have high shine with beautiful colors, and no UV lights or thick and heavy powders are required. I would encourage you to give them a try if you're curious about the system. It was worth it for me! I would also encourage you to do your homework to find the perfect salon. Just like the gel craze, so many salons claim they offer this service, but really they just use acrylic powder in place of the actual process.

For those of you who have tried it- what are your thoughts? I would love to hear others' experiences (good and bad) with the Signature Nail Systems.

If you're in the Austin area and would like to check out the salon where I got my SNS sets, please visit:
http://studionailsspa.com/

- The POSH Lady

Setting Sprays: a makeup essential or just another step?

 As someone who suffers from oily skin, I have experimented with nearly EVERYTHING humanly possible to regulate the shine on my face. I grew up in Colorado, so my skin adapted to the dry climate. Now living in Austin, my skin freaks out in the humidity, and thus, I become a giant greaseball. I will preface my slick-face woes by stating that I am a girl who LOVES a matte finish to my skin- like zero dew/ luminous look. I'm fine with a lovely "glow" to my skin, but if there is even a hint of glitter/ gleam in a product what-so-ever I will not purchase it. I also must mention that ( as oxy-moron as it may sound) I am a very simple girl in my makeup routine. I don't do too much in regards to sculpting my cheekbones, blush or eyeshadow. I'm a "one and done"; meaning, I put on my primer, foundation, liner, mascara, shadow and finishing powder on in the morning, and that is it. I never bring my makeup bag with me anywhere, thus I never touch up my makeup throughout the day. When evaluating makeup products for purchase, coverage, mattifying nature, and staying power are my three must haves.

 After trekking my way to Sephora on numerous occasions and testing out every mattifying primer and finishing powder in existence, I still haven't found my Holy Grail matte product. My makeup was continuing to melt off my face halfway through the day, leaving me awkward and embarrassed. Since I'm not interested in touching up my makeup while I work, I began toying with the idea of purchasing a setting spray. Setting sprays are a very new step to my makeup routine. Initially, the thought of having to add another step to my process annoyed me, so I planned on using the setting spray in place of a setting powder. However, as I began using the spray, it just seemed too weird to me to not set with a powder as well, so I rarely use my spray in place of.

I originally got a sample of Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray based upon all of the positive reviews.

Overall, I really enjoyed this spray! It has a mild, pleasant smell and applies really well. Word to the wise: when you use a setting spray, even though they are a finer mist they will still apply wet and do take a few minutes to dry. The first time I used it I panicked for a moment because it applied on so wet that I thought it was cause streaks and create runs in my makeup.

The All Nighter is said to actually lower the temperature of your makeup throughout the day (great for humidity) and keep your makeup from melting or cracking for up to 16 hours. I must admit, I was fairly impressed with the staying power of this spray. I don't know that the spray set for a full 16 hours, but I did notice my makeup stayed in place for a full day of work, as well as dinner that evening. I would say I had my makeup on for at least 12 hours and definitely noticed an improvement in the appearance of my face that far into my day. After about a week and a half of testing out the spray, I went back to Sephora with my heart set on purchasing the All Nighter. While chatting with one of the experts there, they directed me to another one of Urban Decay's setting sprays that would help hold my makeup in place, as well as combat some of my oily issues.

                                 
                   Enter Urban Decay's De-Slick Oil-Control makeup setting spray.

 Much like the All Nighter, this spray is meant to help hold your makeup in place while lowering the temperature of your makeup. However, this spray also claims to control oil/ deflect shine on the face, to keep ones' skin matte throughout the day. Intrigued by the idea of this spray offering more oil-control than the All Nighter, I changed up my choice and purchased the small bottle of this. I've been using this spray for about a month now, and overall I really enjoy it.

I do feel this spray does help to hold my makeup in place. Does it have the staying power of the All Nighter? In my opinion, no. I do feel the need to touch-up my face after working all day and before going out at night, which I don't recall feeling that need with the All Nighter. Another con for me is the scent of the De-Slick. It is nothing terrible or deal-breaking, but it does have a more potent, less sweet scent than the other spray, and is a bit more noticeable. Perhaps this is just me, but I've also noticed that De-Slick seems to burn my eyes a bit more. If I'm not careful and open my eyes too early after spraying, my eyes sting and water, and I have to quickly dab them with a towel( FYI- I wear contacts as well).

Here's a photo of the setting spray right after I sprayed it (on completed makeup). You can see all of the shiny areas, which are actually the visibly "wet" areas of the spray. I spray my face in an "X" formation twice, and then a "Z" formation- as directed. The spray takes about 2-3 minutes to fully set and dry. Also another tidbit; I put mascara on AFTER spraying. I've noticed the formula makes my mascara too wet and it smears if I apply before spraying.

The big Question- does it help keep my face matte and reduce oil-production? Overall, I would say yes. Sometimes I still catch some shine in the mirror while at work, but that is typically a good part into my shift, and I recognize it could be the change in various makeup products (like under eye brighteners, foundation, etc.) that I used for that day. I  don't know that I would call it a HG product, as I still have unwanted oil and shine at times. However, I do love setting sprays for the simple fact that I can put my makeup on once and then not have to fix it throughout the day. The directions recommend spraying your face prior to applying makeup and then again as a finish. I haven't experimented too much with this method, mainly because it annoys me. Shouldn't my primer aid with the "under makeup" portion? Isn't the setting spray meant to be more of a finishing product? I don't know that I would use the spray solely under makeup, without any primer. Primers are made to help the overall application and look of makeup, and I just don't feel the setting spray would be competent as a primer.

Another interesting observation I'd like to note about the De-Slick setting spray in particular is how it sets with various types of foundation. I usually wear cream-to-powder or liquid-to-powder products to help with my oily nature. Two of my favorite foundations include Hourglass Immaculate foundation (HG for sure!) and Benefit's The Big Easy Better Than BB Cream. De-Slick tends to be ok with my Immaculate, however, it can get VERY powdery/ cakey if I use too much of it with the Big Easy foundation. Depending on what setting powder I use, sometimes I see this over-powdered look as well. It is likely due to the mattifying formulation of the De-Slick mixing weirdly with the mattifying properties of the other products I use.


I purchased the travel size of De-Slick, so I plan to purchase the All Nighter after I use up my bottle and further compare the two. During my sample period I remembered I felt my face looked shine-free with the All Nighter, but I only tried it for a little over a week (in less humid/ non-summer weather), so I'd like to give it another try.

What are your thoughts on setting sprays? Anyone else have experience with these two products? Also, any uber oily sufferers out there like myself, feel free to comment with your favorite methods and products to combat shine!

- The POSH Lady