As someone who has a 17 hour day from 5 am to 10 pm, my makeup needs to last all day! I have four setting sprays in my rotation (this is part two), including the L’Oreal Infallible Setting Mist and NYX Bear With Me Setting Spray. The L’Oreal spray is literally hairspray for your face. The scent and spray definitely resemble actual hairspray, but my makeup doesn’t move after using this. The NYX setting spray might be retiring from my collection (this is my 5th bottle) as a setting spray, but it’s still really refreshing when my face feels dry and dull.
... Read moreOkay, so in my last post, I chatted about my current setting spray rotation, but I know what many of you are probably thinking: 'What about the ELF Micro Fine Setting Mist?!' You're right, it's a cult favorite, especially among us college students looking for effective yet affordable makeup solutions. I've definitely tried it myself, and let me tell you, it lives up to a lot of the hype!
The ELF Micro Fine Setting Mist is often praised for its incredibly fine mist, which feels amazing on the skin and helps melt all your powders seamlessly without making you look cakey. For those super early mornings and late-night study sessions, having a spray that genuinely holds up is crucial. While my L'Oreal Infallible spray is my 'hairspray for your face' for ultimate lockdown, the ELF mist offers a fantastic balance of setting power and a natural finish. It doesn't promise "36H DEFY TRANSFER" like some heavy-duty options, but for an average 8-10 hour day on campus, it truly helps keep my foundation and blush in place without feeling heavy or sticky.
What I love about ELF is how budget-friendly it is, making it a perfect pick for students who need to stretch every dollar. It's not just a setting spray; many use it for a quick 'PRIME. SET. REFRESH' throughout the day, much like how I've used my NYX Bear With Me spray for a midday pick-me-up. It can definitely offer a refreshing boost when your skin feels dull, and some even find it provides a little '8 HR HYDRATION' thanks to its infused ingredients like green tea, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and E. While it's not marketed as a '3 in 1' product, its versatility in priming, setting, and refreshing makes it a fantastic multi-tasker in my makeup routine! The 'clean scent' is also a huge plus for those sensitive to strong fragrances.
Compared to the L'Oreal Infallible, which I rely on for extreme longevity and a truly 'locked-in' feel, the ELF Micro Fine is lighter and more breathable. If you're someone who prefers a less 'bulletproof' hold but still needs your makeup to last through lectures, group projects, and maybe even a quick coffee run, ELF is a fantastic contender. It sets quickly, almost like a '3-SECOND SETTING MIST' in terms of how fast it dries down, which is perfect when you're rushing out the door. The NYX Bear With Me, while amazing for hydration, doesn't quite have the same setting power as ELF for keeping makeup locked. So, if true setting is your goal, ELF definitely steps up better than NYX for that specific task.
Choosing the right setting spray really depends on your needs. For those super intense days where you absolutely cannot touch up, the L'Oreal is my go-to. But for everyday wear, especially if you want a natural finish with good staying power and refreshing capabilities, the ELF Micro Fine Setting Mist is an absolute gem. My top tip for any setting spray, including ELF: apply it in an 'X' and 'T' motion across your face for even distribution. Also, don't be afraid to mist your beauty sponge with it before blending foundation or concealer for an extra boost of staying power. Finding the right setting spray can be a game-changer for long college days, and the ELF Micro Fine Setting Mist is definitely one to consider adding to your arsenal for reliable, affordable, and effective makeup longevity!
Ugh need to try