Urban Decay setting sprays have become a staple in makeup bags worldwide. The All Nighter line, in particular, is known for its promise to lock makeup in place for hours. But with multiple versions now available—each offering a different finish and skincare benefit—choosing the right one can be confusing. This guide breaks down the key differences between the variants, looks at real-world performance, and explains how to use them for the best results.
The range includes the original formula, which provides a natural finish, alongside newer additions like Ultra Matte for oil control, Vitamin C for a radiant look, and the Glow version for a glass-skin effect. Based on available reviews and product details, we examine what each offers and who it is best suited for.
Which Urban Decay Setting Spray Should You Choose?
The first step is understanding the core distinctions between the main variants. They all belong to the All Nighter family, but their finishes and skincare focuses differ significantly.
Urban Decay Setting Sprays at a Glance
All Nighter Original
Finish: Natural skin-like
Wear Time: Up to 24 hours
Best For: All skin types, everyday wear
Key Feature: Micronized mist, waterproof, transfer-resistant
All Nighter Ultra Matte
Finish: Ultra-matte
Wear Time: Up to 16 hours
Best For: Oily/combination skin, oil control
Key Feature: Mattifying, breathable, vegan
All Nighter Dewy
Finish: Dewy, luminous
Wear Time: Up to 24 hours
Best For: Dry or dull skin, luminous looks
Key Feature: Hydrating, glowing finish
All Nighter Vitamin C
Finish: Natural with brightness
Wear Time: Up to 24 hours
Best For: Dull skin, antioxidant boost
Key Feature: Vitamin C infused, brightening
For a deeper look at the differences between each variant, read our Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: Which One Is Right For You? guide.
Key Insights
- Urban Decay’s All Nighter technology is based on temperature-control particles that cool the makeup film to lock it in place.
- The brand offers four main finishes (original, matte, dewy, vitamin C) to cater to different skin types and preferences.
- All variants are vegan and cruelty-free (PETA certified).
- The 30ml mini size is perfect for travel or trial; the 118ml and 236ml provide better value per ml.
- Users with oily skin often prefer the Matte version, while dry skin users lean toward the Dewy or Vitamin C.
- Despite claims of 24-hour wear, many users report excellent longevity (12-16 hours) but not always a full 24 hours in extreme conditions.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Urban Decay All Nighter | All Nighter Matte | All Nighter Dewy | All Nighter Vitamin C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Natural skin-like | Ultra-matte | Dewy/glowing | Natural with a glow |
| Wear Time Claim | 24 hours | 16 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Key Ingredients | Temperature-control technology | Oil-absorbing powders | Hydrating glycerin | Vitamin C, glycerin |
| Vegan / Cruelty-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sizes Available | 30ml, 118ml, 236ml | 30ml, 118ml | 30ml, 118ml | 30ml, 118ml |
| Best For | All skin types | Oily / combi skin | Dry / dull skin | Dull / tired skin |
How Does Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Perform?
Reviews and marketing claims provide a mixed picture of real-world performance. The original All Nighter is widely described as a classic matte or natural finish, with strong staying power and a microfine mist, according to reviewers. The Glow Waterproof Setting Spray is marketed by Urban Decay as providing a glass skin finish and keeping makeup in place for up to 24 hours.
While the brand’s 24-hour claim is based on laboratory tests, real-world results vary with environment, skin type, and activity level. Many users report excellent longevity, often in the 12-16 hour range, but not always the full 24 hours in extreme conditions. The Vitamin C variant, for example, is described by Makeup.com as making skin look glowing all day with little need for touch-ups.
The Ultra Matte version is highlighted in third-party comparisons as best for shine control, with kaolin clay mentioned as an oil-absorbing ingredient. The Glow version uses Power Set film formers to lock makeup in place, niacinamide to help brighten, and goji berry to boost radiance.
Is It Waterproof and Transfer-Proof?
Urban Decay markets several of its All Nighter sprays as waterproof, transfer-resistant, and sweat-resistant. The Original All Nighter, for instance, is described on the Sephora product page as having a waterproof, transfer- and sweat-resistant formula that locks in makeup while leaving a natural skin-like finish. The Glow version is explicitly marketed as waterproof.
How to Use Urban Decay Setting Spray for Best Results
Urban Decay’s use directions are consistent across the newer sprays: shake well, hold the bottle about 8 to 10 inches from your face, and spray in an “X” and “T” motion after finishing makeup.
Application Tips
- Shake the bottle well before use.
- Hold 8-10 inches away from the face.
- Spray in an “X” and “T” motion for even coverage.
- The Glow version recommends spraying at least 10 times and keeping eyes and mouth closed while applying.
- One reviewer describes a technique of spraying the bottle before applying foundation on a sponge, then misting again at the end for longer wear.
How Many Pumps Should You Use?
Based on user estimates, the 118ml bottle provides approximately 200+ sprays. A typical application uses 4-6 sprays, which means a standard bottle lasts several weeks with daily use. For the Glow version, the recommended 10 sprays per use would increase consumption.
Pairing the setting spray with a setting powder before application can enhance matte hold. Using Urban Decay primers and foundations creates a complete long-wear system that works synergistically with the spray.
Urban Decay Setting Spray Ingredients: Is It Safe for Your Skin?
The ingredient lists reveal some important details, particularly regarding alcohol content. For the Glow Waterproof Setting Spray, Urban Decay lists water, alcohol denat., glycerin, PVP, AMP-acrylates/allyl methacrylate copolymer, niacinamide, lycium barbarum fruit extract, and lactic acid among the key ingredients.
The All Nighter sprays contain denatured alcohol (alcohol denat.), which serves as a drying agent and helps the formula set quickly. While many users tolerate it well, those with very dry or sensitive skin may want to proceed with caution. It is not an alcohol-free formula.
Key Ingredients Explained
- Power Set film formers: Lock makeup in place by creating a flexible film on the skin.
- Niacinamide: Helps brighten and improve skin appearance over time.
- Goji berry (lycium barbarum fruit extract): Boosts radiance and adds antioxidant benefits.
- Glycerin: Provides lightweight hydration to prevent dryness.
- Kaolin clay: Found in the Ultra Matte version, absorbs excess oil for shine control.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free Status
All Urban Decay All Nighter variants are vegan and cruelty-free. The brand is PETA certified, confirming that no animal testing is used and no animal-derived ingredients are included in the formulas.
Where to Buy Urban Decay Setting Spray and Price Guide
Urban Decay setting sprays are widely available from major beauty retailers. In the UK, they can be found at Boots, Sephora UK, and Amazon UK, as well as on the official Urban Decay website.
Sizes and Pricing
| Size | Best For | Price Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 30ml (mini) | Travel, trial | £10-£15 |
| 118ml (standard) | Daily use | £20-£28 |
| 236ml (larger size) | Best value per ml | £30-£40 |
The larger sizes typically offer better value per ml. For example, the 236ml bottle often costs only slightly more than two 118ml bottles combined. The 30ml mini is TSA-friendly for air travel.
Urban Decay Setting Spray Evolution: A Timeline
- 2007 (approx.) – Original All Nighter Setting Spray launched. Exact year is approximate based on available public information.
- 2015 – All Nighter Matte introduced to cater to oily skin.
- 2018 – All Nighter Dewy launched for a luminous finish.
- 2020 – Bottle redesign and addition of Vitamin C variant.
- 2023 – De-Slick Oil Control Setting Spray reformulated and re-released.
- 2025 – All Nighter line remains a bestseller with new limited editions.
Note: Dates are based on publicly available launch information; exact years may vary slightly.
Fact vs. Hype: What’s Proven About Urban Decay Setting Sprays
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| All Nighter sprays contain a patented temperature-control technology that helps prevent makeup from melting or fading. | The “24-hour wear” claim is based on laboratory tests; real-world results vary with environment, skin type, and activity level. |
| The sprays are vegan and cruelty-free (confirmed by PETA and Urban Decay). | Some users report a strong initial alcohol scent that fades quickly; the formula does contain denatured alcohol in several variants. |
| They are available in the sizes and finishes listed on the official website. | Whether the spray causes breakouts depends on individual skin chemistry; the formula is non-comedogenic but not guaranteed for all skin types. |
Deep Dive: Ingredients and Formulation
The formula is built around a film-forming technology that uses polymers like PVP and AMP-acrylates/allyl methacrylate copolymer to create a flexible, long-lasting layer over makeup. Alcohol denat. is included to help the formula dry quickly and enhance the set. Glycerin and propylene glycol provide lightweight hydration without making the skin feel sticky.
The temperature-control technology is based on patented polymers like Nylon-12 that respond to body heat, helping to keep the makeup film cool and locked in place. This prevents melting, creasing, and fading throughout the day.
Sources and Expert Voices
All Nighter Setting Spray uses a patented temperature-control technology that cools the surface of makeup to keep it fresh for up to 24 hours.
– Urban Decay Official Website
It’s waterproof, transfer- and sweat-resistant formula locks in makeup while leaving a natural skin-like finish with a soft-focus blur.
– Sephora Product Page
The All Nighter Setting Spray is a cult-favorite for a reason – it keeps makeup in place without drying out the skin.
– Allure Magazine (review)
Summary: Choosing the Right Urban Decay Setting Spray
The choice comes down to your skin type and desired finish. For hold and a matte finish, the Original or Ultra Matte are reliable options. For a dewy, brighter look, the Vitamin C or Glow variants work well; among those, Glow is the more explicitly “glass skin” option, while Vitamin C is the simpler hydrating, glowy choice. For more detailed comparisons between variants, read the Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: Which One Is Right For You? guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Urban Decay setting spray with powder foundation?
Yes, the spray works with any type of makeup, including powder, liquid, and cream products.
Does Urban Decay setting spray expire?
Yes, the shelf life is typically 6–12 months once opened; check the PAO symbol on the bottle.
How many sprays does one bottle provide?
Approximately 200+ sprays for the 118ml bottle, based on user estimates.
Is Urban Decay setting spray safe to use around eyes?
It is safe for the face, but avoid direct eye contact. Close eyes when spraying.
Can you travel with Urban Decay setting spray?
The 30ml mini is TSA-friendly; larger sizes must be in checked luggage in some regions.
Does Urban Decay setting spray cause breakouts?
The formula is non-comedogenic, but individual skin reactions vary. Some users report breakouts, others do not.
What is the difference between All Nighter and All Nighter Matte?
All Nighter gives a natural finish, while All Nighter Matte provides an ultra-matte finish with added oil-absorbing ingredients like kaolin clay.
How long does the 30ml mini last?
With daily use of 4-6 sprays per application, the 30ml mini lasts approximately 1-2 weeks.
Can I use Urban Decay setting spray with any foundation?
Yes, it works with liquid, cream, powder, and mineral foundations. It can also be used over concealer and cream products.
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Freya Bishop covers culture, lifestyle, society and human-interest reporting for UKBullet.uk.