If there’s one thing that’s consistent about me, it’s that my skin is gonna be both sensitive and oily. It certainly has its upsides at times, (tight, dry skin? I don’t know her) but when I want to be a matte queen, it’s a struggle. I was on Accutane as a teen and as an adult (IYKYK). I try to control both acne and oil with prescription-grade retinol. Perhaps you can relate. I’ve spent years trying out different types of powder finishes — from Physician’s Formula to Bare Minerals to Covergirl Clean Matte — and I swear I’ve finally found a long-lasting setting powder that shot to the top of my list. And truly, I cannot gatekeep this from my fellow oily babes.
The Powder
I first tried ONE/SIZE Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder by Patrick Starrr as a sample in a summer Sephora kit I’d purchased. When I applied it at the end of my full face of makeup, I was floored by the results. I am not being overdramatic when I tell you it made my skin look flawless. Okay, I thought. This looks great. But I’m about to spend the day outside in the Los Angeles sun, so I bet it doesn’t last long.
Oh, how wrong I was. This setting powder is baby fine, lightweight, and actually long-lasting. And if you don’t believe me, believe these reviews. I’m used to having to use oil blotting sheets or carry a powder compact with me to touch up my face during the day, but I didn’t have to do that with this product. When I got home from hanging out with friends, I was genuinely surprised to see that it had held up. And as someone who will break out into a rash or acne if I so much as touch the wrong kind of product, this matte powder hasn’t given me any problems whatsoever.
Application
A little truly does go a long way with this product. I found that roughly one makeup brush dab of this product is enough to set my makeup and give me a matte finish without compromising the look of my foundation or blush. Plus, I love that it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin.
The Formula
So, what’s the magic behind this setting powder? I’m no scientist, but the ingredients reveal that it contains “performance powder microspheres” that give you a smooth and matte finish. It’s a very fine powder, which helps blur fine lines, and its “surface-treated pigments” help it adhere to your skin. Bonus: it’s free of sulfates, parabens, and formaldehydes and is vegan, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free. As I mentioned before, I have extremely sensitive skin and ingredients are key. On this note (and like, every other one), this powder is a win.
The Shade Range
Currently this O/S setting powder is available in two shades: Universal Translucent (fair to medium) and Dark Deep (for dark skin tones). So while it’s not the most expansive shade range among setting powders, there are two shades available that should work for most users—especially given the product’s translucent nature.
The Final Verdict
The O/S Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder is $34 for 1.2oz, which is a little pricey. However, you really do get what you pay for. I truthfully hope it never gets discontinued since it’s become a game-changer in my makeup routine. It’s gotten a lot of hype for good reason, and I don’t think there’s anything else out there that can beat its phenomenal results. The only downside is the package, which many others have also griped about, as it’s sometimes difficult to coax out of the container. But if you suffer from oily skin like me, a frustrating package is so worth it for the result this powder provides.
