How I 'Fixed' My Faulty Make-up Setting Spray Nozzle

I remember when Setting Spray was part of my make-up routine.  It no longer is after this happened.

I've tried three brands so far ( (read my reviews here).  Make-up Forever sprayed on evenly, but Graftobian and Elf did not.  It seemed as though the nozzles were faulty because the spray was not coming out in an even mist.  Whichever area I sprayed (cheeks, forehead etc), the spray would drench a small spot, leaving the rest of the area untouched. This was very frustrating.

I would not dare toss the product - that would be a waste of product and the money I had spent. What could I do?  I had to find a way to make it work.  I continued spraying the product onto my face but I started using my powder brush to spread it evenly.  This worked but I had to work quickly before the spray dried - so no daydreaming for this make-up addict.

One day I decided to skip spraying the setting spray on my face and I sprayed my powder brush instead. Next I pressed the dampened brush onto my face.  This worked even better than the previous method.  There was still no time to lag with my daydreams but I didn't have to work as quickly as before.

After a few days the brush started to feel sticky and stiff.  Luckily I had two of them so I started using a seperate brush to apply my powder.

I never thought that something so simple would have solved this issue.


"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Review - E.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set

I love E.l.f., they offer quality for a low price - talk about a steal of a deal.

All of the E.l.f. products and tools that I have tried (brushes, eyeshadow, brush shampoo) perform just as good or even better than some of the more expensive brands on the market.  Click here for my opinion of expensive makeup vs affordable makeup.  Is one really better or worse than the other?

I am impressed with their Mist & Set, it feels refreshing and it works.

Image Source http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/tools/accessories/makeup_mist_and_set

The first time I wore it I had to run errands all day in the hot sun which is the ultimate test for me.  I was so happy when I realised that my make-up survived.

I'll admit that sometimes I get carried away when I am spraying it on and I have to stop myself from wasting the product, it feels that good on my skin.

It is a welcome change from Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray and reminds me of Make-up Forever Mist & Fix.  Click here for my review of Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray and Make-up Forever Mist & Fix.

E.l.f. you never cease to impress me, I plan to try as many of your products as I can.


"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Don't Dew Me

I prefer a matte finish for my make-up.  So even though I love my Sleek BB Cream,  I had to find a way to tone down it's dewy finish.

Initially I tried using my Iman Luxury Pressed Powder after applying the Sleek BB Cream, but the results did not last very long.

Next I applied NYX Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer before applying the Sleek BB Cream, and I applied the Iman Powder last, still not enough.

I decided to mist my face with Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray after applying the Iman Powder and I knew I had hit the jackpot.  This gave me a noticeable and lasting result.

I wondered how my recently purchased MAC Fix+ would fare, so I misted my face with it after applying the Sleek BB Cream and again after applying the Iman Powder.  I then misted my face with the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray and this combination also gave a noticeable and lasting result..

I had to so how MAC Fix+ would perform without the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray. The results were also noticeable and lasting, but the Graftobian Make-up Setting Spray was the clear champion of this battle.

Here's the winning combination:

Step 1 Primer
Step 2  BB Cream
Step 3 Finishing Spray
Step 4 Powder
Step 5 Finishing Spray
Step 6 Setting Spray

(If you don't have both Finishing Spray and Setting Spray you would just skip the relevant Steps i.e 3 and 5, OR 6)







Results may vary according to skin type and product type, so be sure to use the correct products for your skin type to get the best results, because each skin type has different needs.  Most product labels specify which skin type they are for, so choosing the right ones shouldn't be too difficult.






"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

How to Stop Your Make-up from Running, Smudging or Fading

Summer is here, and with it comes the sweltering heat that makes you perspire and usually makes your make-up run, smudge or fade.

The question on many lips is "what can be done to help my make-up beat the heat?"



I have normal skin, with combination skin in my T-Zone area, and what works for me is make-up setting spray.  As the name implies, setting spray sets your make-up and makes it more smudge-proof and more moisture-proof.  Once Summer is over I use it whenever I want my make-up to last all day or all night.

I have tried two brands so far; here is a quick review of them:


Make-Up Forever Mist & Fix (US$29 for 4.22oz bottle)

1. Mists evenly 
2. Dries with an undetectable finish
3. Pleasant smell
4. Gentle on the skin 
5. LOVE IT!

Graftobian Make-Up Setting Spray (US$6.95 for 1.25oz bottle, US$21.99 for 8oz refill bottle)

1. Sprays in uneven drops
2. Each drop dries to leave a visible, crusty dot. 
3. I have to use my powder brush to blend the drops into my make-up before they dry
4. Alchohal smell 
5. Tingles on the skin
6. I do not like it, would not repurchase

The Graftobian Setting Spray let me down big time; I really expected more from it.

 I tried shaking the bottle before spraying,  I used my empty Make-Up Forever Mist & Fix bottle,  I sprayed from the furtherest distance possible,  I tested it on my hand and neck, but I still got the same result.

 I know other persons who use it and it works for them.  That's the thing with make-up, everything does not work the same for everyone.  You have to try products to see if they will work for you.

It goes without saying that Make-Up Forever Mist & Fist wins this one by a landslide!

How do  you make your make-up last?

*New* Click here to see how E.L.F Make-up Mist & Set compares. 

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires