Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray review

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What it is (and how it works)

All Nighter is a fine-mist, film-forming setting spray designed to help makeup last up to 16 hours. Urban Decay’s “Temperature Control Technology” is a brand term for a quick-drying blend of volatile solvents and polymer film formers that create an ultra-thin, flexible layer over makeup. That micro-film helps resist sweat and humidity, reduces transfer, and helps your base look more smooth and pulled together.

• Finish: natural to soft matte (not glowy, not flat)
• Skin types: normal, combination, and oily; dry or sensitized skin should prep well (more on that below)
• Fragrance: light cosmetic scent that fades quickly
• Sizes: travel mini (1.0 oz / 30 ml) and standard (4.0 oz / 118 ml); occasional seasonal jumbo sizes

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Who it’s best for

• Long days & hot climates: great for commuters, brides, performers, and anyone dealing with heat, sweat, or masks.
• Oil-prone complexions: the soft-matte finish helps manage midday shine without looking powdery.
• Event makeup: helps reduce transfer onto clothing and supports longer-wearing eye looks.

Who should consider an alternative:

• Very dry or reactive skin: the high alcohol content can feel tight or sting. Consider a more hydrating or alcohol-free option (for example, Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh or Rare Beauty Always an Optimist).
• Dewy finish lovers: try Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow or Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless if you want more radiance.

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Real-world performance (compiled from lab demos + broad user feedback)

Longevity: With good prep (primer plus a light dusting of powder where you crease), many users report 10–16 hours of wear with minimal breakdown. Blush and bronzer tend to fade more slowly, and eye makeup often stays cleaner when lightly misted.

Transfer resistance: Not transfer-proof, but noticeably reduces transfer to masks and shirt collars compared with no spray.

Humidity & workouts: Holds up well to light rain, sweat, and humidity. After heavy sweating, expect some T-zone shine, but makeup generally stays in place.

Flash & photos: Typically won’t leave a white cast in flash photography (unlike some powder-heavy routines), which is part of why it’s popular for bridal and events.

Foundation compatibility: Works well with most water- and silicone-based foundations. With very dewy or oil-rich bases, mist before and after a light layer of powder to improve hold.

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How to apply for best results

1. Base prep
   Moisturize based on your skin type (serum + moisturizer). If you’re oily, use an oil-controlling primer on the T-zone.
2. The “sandwich” method (for all-day wear)
   • Lightly mist All Nighter on bare skin; let it dry for about 30 seconds.
   • Apply foundation and concealer.
   • Set high-movement areas with a thin veil of powder.
   • Finish with a generous X + T pattern of All Nighter from 8–10 inches away.
3. Eye makeup lock
   Spray a little onto a clean sponge and press gently over the eye area (eyes closed) to help reduce creasing and transfer.
4. Fix-it pass
   If makeup looks dry or powdery, mist once more and bounce a damp sponge over the skin to melt layers together.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Spraying too close (can cause droplets or splotches). Keep it 8–12 inches away.
• Misting over an oily T-zone without blotting first. Remove surface oil, then spray.
• Trying to “set” very wet cream bronzer or highlight—let creams set down, or lightly powder first.

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Ingredients snapshot

• Alcohol Denat. (quick-drying carrier), Water, polymer film formers (the hold), plus small amounts of humectants and fragrance.
• The high alcohol level helps create the ultra-fine mist and quick dry-down that supports wear time, but it can be drying or irritating on compromised skin. If you’re sensitive, moisturize well first or choose a gentler option.

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Value & sizing

• Travel (1 oz / 30 ml): a smart way to test it and handy for on-the-go use.
• Standard (4 oz / 118 ml): usually the best cost per ounce and can last months with regular use.
• Jumbo seasonal: good value if you already know you love it.

Tip: If the nozzle clogs (which can happen with film-forming sprays), remove it, soak it in warm water, then spritz a few times to clear it.

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How it compares (finish, wear, and use-case)

Product	Finish	Longevity Claim	Best For	Not Ideal For
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray	Natural–soft matte	Up to 16 hrs	Heat, humidity, oily/combination skin; long days & events	Very dry/sensitive skin; dewy-finish lovers
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray	Natural–satin (subtle glow)	Up to 16 hrs	Event makeup, normal-to-drier skin; soft radiance	Very oily T-zones unless well-powdered
NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray	Matte	Long wear	Budget-friendly shine control; oily/combination skin	Very dry skin; can feel tight
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist	Natural, “melting” effect	Makeup melding; some longevity	Taking down a powdery look; comfortable everyday wear	Extreme heat/sweat situations
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh	Dewy/hydrating	Grip + refresh	Dry/sensitive skin; fresh, dewy finish	Strong oil control or water-resistant wear

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Bottom line: If your top priority is staying power in tough conditions, All Nighter is one of the most reliable options. If you want more glow or prefer lower-alcohol formulas, Charlotte Tilbury or Milk may be a better fit.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong wear time and noticeably better transfer resistance (up to 16 hours, depending on prep)
• Natural soft-matte finish that helps control shine without looking chalky
• No white cast in photos; a popular choice for bridal and event makeup

Cons

• High alcohol content can feel drying or sting on compromised or very sensitive skin
• Not the best match if you want a dewy glow (consider the Ultra Glow version)
• Nozzle can clog if you don’t clean it occasionally

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