Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray review

Who remembers this hype? The Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray used to be the be all and end all of setting sprays in the beauty community. And then Urban Decay started struggling, their products no longer the most wanted and by now the brand seems to be suffering dearly for a string of bad decisions and just being out of tune with makeup trends while catering to a completely different demographic than they once started out with. But their setting spray is still a staple for many people. Today I’d like to tell you why it’s never been mine.

Review: Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray

This review is for the travel size. I am not a heavy setting spray user so a mini size was just right for me. Given how expensive a full size bottle is (€30) I felt more comfortable paying €15 for a smaller bottle that would be easier for me to get through. That said, the full size is better value for money as you’d have to buy 3 travel sizes and a bit to get a full size, but in the end I just didn’t feel I could commit to a 100 ml bottle of this stuff and that has everything to do with how I like doing my makeup.

What does this product have to offer?

For anyone unfamiliar with the Urban Decay setting spray, a bit of history. I don’t think that before this product was hyped up anyone thought they needed a setting spray. A brand called Skindinavia originally created this product and till this day, it is this brand that also makes the Urban Decay setting sprays. What it’s supposed to do is make your makeup last longer, while also taking away the cakey look if you’re wearing a full beat. Over time, influencers started using it more and more, some people even spraying on a layer after every step in their makeup routine. Personally I have never much understood the hype of setting sprays. You could very easily go without it. I mainly use it because I like the fresh feel it gives at the end of doing my makeup and therefore I don’t have that many demands when it comes to a setting spray.

What makes the Urban Decay setting spray unique?

In terms of setting sprays I tried, the Urban Decay has never been my favorite. However it is one of a kind as it is the only setting spray I ever used that truly made a difference in how long my makeup lasts. It’s like hairspray for your makeup which is also how this feels when I apply it. Yes it makes my makeup lasts, but it also makes my makeup feel much more layered and cakey which is not what I like. If you want that full glam look, this is a good product to get a hold of, but if like me you prefer a more natural look, this just adds a layer that makes my makeup look less flattering than without it.

How does this apply to the face?

It’s perhaps a bit difficult to tell here, but on the left you can see my makeup freshly done. I always apply my setting spray and then do my mascara and lipstick as I feel it usually messes up my mascara. In the picture on the right I feel you can see some lines a bit better, the makeup is sitting more on my skin and is more noticeable on my nose and cheeks and on my chin it looks a bit more cakey. So yes in terms of ‘setting’ spray that is exactly what this does, but it is not what my dry, dehydrated skin with texture and fine lines needs. It is just a bit too much, too heavy duty and it just doesn’t go with how I like doing my makeup.

My final thoughts

The Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray is a cult favorite for a reason, but I don’t feel it is quite right for me. Yes it makes my makeup last and I would definitely still use this if I need my makeup to be fully bulletproof, but it’s just not a product I can use on a daily basis. It just a bit too much for my liking and sometimes too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect of what you’d need. And for me the Urban Decay All Nighter is just that: too much of a good thing.

Would I recommend the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray?

I still would recommend this though. If you like that super longlasting makeup look, then this is a good one. Maybe also if you have less textured skin, this may be an excellent product for you. I definitely still keep a small bottle on hand for moments where I need my makeup to stay on. Think sweaty dance parties or other ordeals where I just want my makeup to stick. So still a useful one to keep around, but not one I need on the daily.

What is your experience using the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray?