I have tried enough setting sprays to know that there is a big difference between something that lightly refreshes makeup and something that is genuinely trying to keep it in place.

L’Oréal Infallible 3 Second Setting Spray definitely falls into the second category.

This is an aerosol fixing spray designed to dry almost instantly and help makeup resist transfer, heat and water. The first time I used it, I was surprised by how different it felt from the usual fine beauty mist. It is much closer to the experience of using hairspray on your face, which sounds slightly alarming, but actually makes sense once you see what the product is trying to do.

The bigger question for me was whether the strong fixing effect actually made enough difference to justify adding another step to my makeup routine.

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The first spray feels very different

You need to shake this properly before using it and hold it well away from the face.

I keep my eyes and mouth closed, hold the can around 20 to 30cm away and spray in a circular motion once my makeup is completely finished.

The aerosol comes out incredibly fine and dries quickly. There are no big wet droplets sitting on the face and I do not need to stand around waiting for it to disappear.

There is an obvious alcohol and hairspray style smell when it first comes out of the can. I notice it, but it fades quickly enough that it does not bother me once the spray has dried.

That is probably the biggest thing to know before buying it. If you want a pretty, hydrating facial mist that feels luxurious and refreshing, this is not that product.

It is much more functional.

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What happened to my makeup through the day

The biggest difference I noticed was how well everything stayed looking put together.

Foundation remained more intact and blush did not seem to disappear as quickly as it sometimes does without a fixing spray. My makeup still looked like makeup several hours later rather than slowly separating into different areas of my face.

I noticed the benefit most around the areas that normally start looking less tidy first, particularly around the nose, chin and places where I tend to touch my face.

It did not somehow stop my skin producing oil or prevent every tiny bit of movement, but the overall makeup looked more controlled.

L’Oréal claims up to 36 hours of wear. I did not wear a full face of makeup for a day and a half to prove that claim, and I do not think most people buying this are planning to either.

What matters to me is whether it makes a noticeable difference through a normal long day, and for me it did.

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How transfer proof is it really?

I would describe it as transfer resistant rather than completely transfer proof.

Once the spray had properly dried, my base seemed less likely to come away with casual touching and there was less obvious transfer than I would normally expect.

That said, rubbing your face hard against clothing, repeatedly touching your makeup or wiping it with a tissue is still going to disturb it.

No setting spray turns foundation into permanent paint.

Where this worked particularly well was making the whole makeup look feel more secure. I was less conscious of checking whether everything had moved or faded as the day went on.

For nights out, events, weddings or particularly long days, that is exactly what I want from a product like this.

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Does it make makeup look matte?

The finish leans more towards controlled and natural than glossy.

I would not buy this to add radiance or bring a powdery base back to life. Its job is much more about fixing everything in place.

On my skin, it slightly tones down an overly dewy base without making my face look completely flat.

If your skin is oily or combination, I think that will probably be part of the appeal. If you are very dry and love an extremely luminous finish, you may prefer something more hydrating.

I also would not keep spraying layer after layer throughout the day. The formula already contains plenty of film forming ingredients, and I find one proper application at the end of my makeup is enough.

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Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

My own skin tolerated it without a problem, but I would not specifically recommend this because somebody has sensitive skin.

Alcohol denat. is high in the formula and the product is fragranced. That does not automatically make it irritating, but it is worth knowing if your skin is very reactive or you normally avoid alcohol based fixing sprays.

The aerosol application also means you need to use it properly. I keep it away from my eyes and mouth and do not spray it close to the skin.

This is a makeup fixing product rather than a soothing skincare mist, and I think expectations should match that.

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L’Oréal Infallible vs ONE/SIZE On ’Til Dawn

ONE/SIZE On ’Til Dawn is probably one of the closest premium comparisons because it is also an aerosol style setting spray focused heavily on strong hold.

Both feel more like proper makeup fixers than hydrating finishing mists.

ONE/SIZE has built a huge reputation for waterproof, long wearing makeup and has a particularly matte finish. It is also considerably more expensive.

L’Oréal gives me much of the same practical appeal for a much lower price. The aerosol is fine, it dries quickly and it noticeably improves how secure my makeup feels.

I would choose ONE/SIZE if I wanted the premium option and maximum matte fixing power.

I would choose L’Oréal if value was important and I wanted a strong everyday or occasion setting spray without spending more than £30.

If I am comparing premium fixing sprays, I usually look at the Sephora makeup offers I check before buying to see whether a product like ONE/SIZE is included in a current promotion.

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75ml or 150ml?

L’Oréal sells the spray in more than one size, and I think the smaller bottle makes sense if you are simply curious about it.

The 75ml is easy to keep in a makeup bag and gives you enough product to decide whether you actually like the aerosol experience.

If you already know you use setting spray regularly, the 150ml is usually the more sensible size to compare because the cost per ml can work out better.

Lookfantastic stocks both sizes, so before ordering I normally check what I can currently save on makeup at Lookfantastic rather than assuming the shelf price is the best deal.

My usual code to try is LFTFNICOLAL, which gives 20% off eligible products when accepted at checkout.

L’Oréal products may already be reduced or included in a wider retailer promotion, so I always check that the final basket total actually improves after adding a code.

I also look at the latest Look Fantastic makeup savings I am using when I am ordering several beauty products together.

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Is it actually worth buying?

For the price, I think this is one of the stronger setting sprays I have tried.

It does not feel luxurious and it is not trying to.

The aerosol smell is noticeable, the finish is more fixing than hydrating and the whole experience is slightly closer to using a professional makeup product than a pretty facial mist.

But it works.

My makeup stayed looking more intact through the day, there was less obvious transfer and the overall finish felt more secure.

That is difficult to argue with when the product costs around the same as many basic drugstore setting sprays.

If you only wear very light makeup for a few hours at a time, you probably do not need this level of hold.

If you regularly wear a full base, go to events, have long working days or simply hate seeing your makeup disappear by the afternoon, it makes much more sense.

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Can I use it every day?

Yes, but I would still think about what your skin actually needs.

I tend to use stronger fixing sprays when longevity matters rather than automatically applying one every single time I wear makeup.

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Does it work on dry skin?

It can, but I would make sure the skincare underneath is properly hydrating. This is not a moisturising finishing mist, so very dry skin may prefer something softer.

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Can I spray it again during the day?

You can, but I rarely feel the need. I prefer one good application after finishing my makeup rather than repeatedly adding more product.

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L’Oréal Infallible 3 Second Setting Spray is not the prettiest setting spray I own, but it is one of the most practical.

The aerosol delivery feels different from a traditional setting mist and the initial hairspray style smell may surprise you. Once it dries, though, the product becomes much easier to appreciate.

My makeup looked more secure through a long day, foundation stayed tidier and colour products seemed to hold on better.

I also think the value is excellent.

There are premium aerosol fixing sprays that give a stronger matte finish or a more luxurious overall experience, but L’Oréal gets surprisingly close to that category for much less money.

I would buy this for longevity rather than glow. If your main concern is keeping makeup where you put it, that is exactly what it does best.

Final rating: 4.6/5

Kisses,  

Nicola xxx

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