The brand One/Size has intrigued me ever since its launch in 2020. Founded by Youtube icon Patrick Starr, One/Size has garnered a cult following because of the company’s intuitive yet professional quality products. I’ve particularly felt a pull towards One/Size, as opposed to other new lines at Sephora, because of its strong mission that makeup is “one size fits all” for all genders, all skin tones and all skin textures. We love inclusivity! When last month I heard one of my favorite drag queens, Trixie Mattell, raving about One/Size on her YouTube channel, it was my final push towards forking over the cash and giving this brand a try.
In order to test out if One/Size is worth the hype, I put two of the most popular products to the test. Firstly, I experimented with the Blurring Setting Powder, and secondly, I tried the award-winning Point Made 24-Hour Liquid Eyeliner Pen. Both are cruelty-free, vegan and come in elegant pink and red packaging. These products together added up to $49, which is definitely more than I usually pay for such staple makeup items. I knew that in order to earn a repurchase, these products were going to have to blow me away.
The Blurring Setting Powder claims to create a matte finish for up to 14 hours while smoothing texture to achieve a poreless effect. I purchased the translucent shade and tested the bounds of the powder’s performance throughout the first week of Spring Quarter on campus. On Monday, I opened the product for the first time and noticed that the powder’s dispensing method is really unique. There’s a double lid that closes in place super tightly, and slashes form little openings for the sifted powder to fall through. This specialty packaging means that it’s pretty much impossible to spill the loose powder, and is one of the details that made the One/Size product feel luxurious.
For the application, I simply used a big, fluffy brush to dust the powder all over my base concealer and foundation. I also didn’t use any primers or setting sprays that could subtly boost the powder’s longevity. I instantly noticed the blurring. My T-zone almost looked like I’d put a filter on it, and my bronzer and blush built on top of the powder with more buttery blends than usual. However, as the day went on, the 14-hour wear claim definitely didn’t come true. The powder wasn’t really a match for a long day of walking up and down UCLA’s hills, and by a few hours in, I felt the need to re-powder. That being said, I am a makeup user with particularly oil-prone skin, so even three to four hours of mattifying is quite the feat.
Later in the week, I checked to see if the Blurring Setting Powder also works when baking, rather than generally setting the face. After I applied my contour, I used the edge of a beauty sponge to pack a generous layer of the powder under the shadow line. I then baked my under eyes as well, for a brightening effect. This application technique brought out the best in this powder. I appreciated how finely milled the product is, making sweeping it off the skin without disturbing other makeup a breeze. The powder also didn’t sink into any texture or create creases under my eyes, even as I wore it throughout the day. As far as baking, the Blurring Setting Powder was a resounding success.
Though One/Size is primarily known as a complexion-focused brand, they’ve also launched a limited range of eye products. So, I decided to give their viral Point Made 24-Hour Liquid Eyeliner Pen a shot. For me, liquid eyeliner has always been the most intimidating makeup product, but I found this eyeliner incredibly user-friendly. The tip is ultra-fine and flexible, so it’s easy to sketch out a line without immediately creating a mess. Additionally, the product is a true black, which means I’ve never had to retrace a line to get more pigment payoff. The rich color looks great in photos, stands out against eyeshadows and makes my lashes look thicker. You can overall tell that Patrick put his years of makeup experience into crafting his perfect formula.
During the week, I tested the eyeliner out creating a wide range of different looks. On Tuesday, I did a wearable thin line for class; on Wednesday, I drew a subtle wing for a dinnertime smokey eye; and on Thursday, I used the liner to create a dramatic Twiggy-inspired look for a costume party. Each time, I was increasingly impressed by how speedy the process was thanks to the pen’s sleek shape and how well the liner wore without any bleeding or smudging. When creating my 60s flick, in particular, I was pleased by how the liner glided on without catching on my skin. The one major drawback I noticed throughout all of my attempts was some product leaking out from the felt-tip and into the cap. I’m not sure what is causing the problem, but I definitely have to be cautious not to get liner all over my hands whenever I open the product.
So, at the end of my week: What’s the deal with One/Size? Does it live up to the internet renown? The short answer is, “Yes, One/Size is truly a new beauty powerhouse.” Neither product I tested was perfect, but both excel in their own ways. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more powerfully smoothing powder or such a vivid, long-lasting liner for less than One/Size’s asking prices. Combined with the fact that the packaging is cute, and the brand takes animal welfare and inclusivity in mind, my purchases were well worth the money. I’m looking forward to seeing how One/Size goes on to further expand its brand (I’d love to see a mascara!) and will definitely consider buying these items again when they run out.