Which Urban Decay Setting Spray Is for You?
November 14, 2024
If you’re concerned about the staying power of your makeup—perhaps you have oily skin or live in a hot or humid climate—a good setting spray could help to prolong your makeup’s wear time. The best setting mists help extend your makeup’s longevity, prevent creasing and smudging, and can even give your look a more uniform finish.
Urban Decay’s setting sprays have earned a solid reputation among makeup enthusiasts and professionals alike as some of the best on the market. “I like to refer to it as concrete for your makeup. You spritz it on once you’ve finished your routine and it locks in everything you’ve just applied, adds a little bit of longevity, and generally adjusts the finish of your makeup,” says professional makeup artist Tilly Ferrari. “I don’t think I could do my makeup without using a setting spray. It’s one of the most important steps for me.”
Since introducing the original Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray in 2009, the brand has continually expanded its lineup, offering a range of formulas catering to different skin types and needs. Here, we’ll take a close look at the different options the brand has on offer and share our Urban Decay setting spray recommendations for every skin type. Keep reading to find your match.
Urban Decay’s setting sprays have earned a solid reputation among makeup enthusiasts and professionals alike as some of the best on the market. “I like to refer to it as concrete for your makeup. You spritz it on once you’ve finished your routine and it locks in everything you’ve just applied, adds a little bit of longevity, and generally adjusts the finish of your makeup,” says professional makeup artist Tilly Ferrari. “I don’t think I could do my makeup without using a setting spray. It’s one of the most important steps for me.”
Since introducing the original Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray in 2009, the brand has continually expanded its lineup, offering a range of formulas catering to different skin types and needs. Here, we’ll take a close look at the different options the brand has on offer and share our Urban Decay setting spray recommendations for every skin type. Keep reading to find your match.
Which Urban Decay Setting Spray Should I Get?
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray
If you’ve ever had an Urban Decay setting spray recommended to you, it was probably this one. The classic formula with Temperature Control Technology helps keep your skin cool and refreshed. It prevents your makeup from smudging, transferring, melting, or fading for up to 16 hours.
This lightweight, waterproof spray is suitable for all skin types, including combination, dry, and oily. “As someone who uses this in my kit all the time, this is suitable for most people,” Ferrari says. It’s also the best setting spray “if you’re not quite sure what to go for,” she adds. Just mist it on at the end of your routine for smooth, vibrant makeup that lasts all day long—no touchups needed.
*Source: The NPD Group/U.S Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Makeup Product Dollar Sales, January-December 2022 Combined
This lightweight, waterproof spray is suitable for all skin types, including combination, dry, and oily. “As someone who uses this in my kit all the time, this is suitable for most people,” Ferrari says. It’s also the best setting spray “if you’re not quite sure what to go for,” she adds. Just mist it on at the end of your routine for smooth, vibrant makeup that lasts all day long—no touchups needed.
*Source: The NPD Group/U.S Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Makeup Product Dollar Sales, January-December 2022 Combined
Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray
Those with oily skin should consider reaching for this mattifying setting spray—it’s among the brand’s best setting mists for a shine-free makeup look. Like the flagship formula, this waterproof setting spray offers up to 16 hours of wear and employs the brand's patented Temperature Control Technology to maintain makeup integrity. But what makes it so great for oilier complexions is that it helps tamp down on excess shine, leaving the skin looking fresh, not greasy. Plus, it’s oil-free—making it a great pick for anybody prone to breakouts.
Urban Decay All Nighter Hyaluronic Acid Dewy Setting Spray
This hyaluronic acid-infused formula is Urban Decay’s latest innovation. Like the rest of the All Nighter range, it delivers up to 16 hours of makeup wear and helps protect against fading, smudging, and creasing. The mist’s standout feature, though, is its fresh, dewy finish. While the oil-free formula is suitable for all skin types, we love this pick for dry, dull skin, as it provides instant hydration and leaves skin with a luminous glow.
Urban Decay All Nighter Vitamin C Hydrating Setting Spray
If dullness is your main concern, reach for Urban Decay’s brightening setting spray. “This, alongside the original, is my most-used setting spray ever,” says Ferrari. “I couldn’t do a face of makeup on the mother of the bride without it.”
The formula, which is infused with vitamin C and cactus flower water, energizes, illuminates, and hydrates, leaving your skin with a healthy, radiant glow.
Plus, its bright, citrusy scent makes for a pleasant (and refreshing) application experience. For more on this skincare-makeup hybrid, read our review here.
The formula, which is infused with vitamin C and cactus flower water, energizes, illuminates, and hydrates, leaving your skin with a healthy, radiant glow.
Plus, its bright, citrusy scent makes for a pleasant (and refreshing) application experience. For more on this skincare-makeup hybrid, read our review here.
Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray
For those prioritizing oil control and seeking a flawless matte complexion, Urban Decay’s matte-finish setting spray can’t be beat. It contains kaolin clay and helps absorb excess oil on the skin’s surface for a matte look that lasts up to 16 hours. Because of this, it’s the brand’s best setting spray to reach for when you want a smooth, matte look but don’t want to cake on the powder.
“If my client is super, super, super oily, or if they’re going for a soft matte glam and want to maintain that all day, I’d absolutely use this,” Ferrari tells us. A tip: make sure to shake the bottle thoroughly before misting it on to help prime the formula and ensure a smooth, even application.
The best setting mist for you depends on a few factors, including your needs, the environment, and your personal preferences. Here are four things to consider when shopping for a new setting spray.
The first step to finding the best setting mist for you is determining your skin type. Start by cleansing your face and allowing an hour for your skin to settle without using any products. Observe how your skin feels and looks in every area of your face. Dry skin may feel tight, flaky, or rough, while oily skin may appear shiny with enlarged pores, particularly on the forehead, nose, and chin. Combination skin may have both oily and dry areas. Normal skin feels balanced with minimal imperfections. Additionally, consider any specific concerns you may have, such as blemishes, aging, or sensitivity, as these factors can also impact your setting spray needs.
The second factor to consider when choosing setting spray is your desired finish (for example, matte or dewy). Knowing what you want your end result to be can help narrow down what setting spray is best for you.
If you favor matte makeup looks, consider opting for a shine-reducing setting spray, such as the aforementioned Ultra Matte Setting Spray. Those who prefer a dewier finish, meanwhile, will generally do best with a hydrating or brightening formula.
Next, consider when—and how—you intend to wear your makeup. For casual outings like a quick trip to the supermarket with minimal makeup, a heavy-duty setting spray might not be necessary. However, if your makeup needs to withstand a long day at work or a night out, longevity is crucial. Urban Decay setting sprays are an excellent choice for days when you need your makeup to stay put, thanks to the brand’s use of patented Temperature Control Technology, which helps ensure makeup stays flawless for up to 16 hours.
Different setting sprays may be better suited to different environmental conditions. Humidity, for example, can make the skin feel oilier, so opting for a mattifying setting spray on hot or humid days may help keep your makeup looking fresh. Drier or cooler climates, meanwhile, can leave the skin feeling dry or dehydrated. A hydrating setting spray—like the hyaluronic acid-infused option mentioned above—can help ensure your skin feels comfortable even in dry conditions. If you’re still unsure which is best for you, we suggest starting with the brand’s original All Nighter Setting Spray, which is ideal for all skin types.
Next Up: Should You Use Setting Spray or Setting Powder? We Asked the Pros
“If my client is super, super, super oily, or if they’re going for a soft matte glam and want to maintain that all day, I’d absolutely use this,” Ferrari tells us. A tip: make sure to shake the bottle thoroughly before misting it on to help prime the formula and ensure a smooth, even application.
How To Choose a Setting Spray: 4 Tips To Keep In Mind
The best setting mist for you depends on a few factors, including your needs, the environment, and your personal preferences. Here are four things to consider when shopping for a new setting spray.
1. Consider your skin type and concerns
The first step to finding the best setting mist for you is determining your skin type. Start by cleansing your face and allowing an hour for your skin to settle without using any products. Observe how your skin feels and looks in every area of your face. Dry skin may feel tight, flaky, or rough, while oily skin may appear shiny with enlarged pores, particularly on the forehead, nose, and chin. Combination skin may have both oily and dry areas. Normal skin feels balanced with minimal imperfections. Additionally, consider any specific concerns you may have, such as blemishes, aging, or sensitivity, as these factors can also impact your setting spray needs.
2. Determine your desired finish
The second factor to consider when choosing setting spray is your desired finish (for example, matte or dewy). Knowing what you want your end result to be can help narrow down what setting spray is best for you.
If you favor matte makeup looks, consider opting for a shine-reducing setting spray, such as the aforementioned Ultra Matte Setting Spray. Those who prefer a dewier finish, meanwhile, will generally do best with a hydrating or brightening formula.
3. Consider the occasion
Next, consider when—and how—you intend to wear your makeup. For casual outings like a quick trip to the supermarket with minimal makeup, a heavy-duty setting spray might not be necessary. However, if your makeup needs to withstand a long day at work or a night out, longevity is crucial. Urban Decay setting sprays are an excellent choice for days when you need your makeup to stay put, thanks to the brand’s use of patented Temperature Control Technology, which helps ensure makeup stays flawless for up to 16 hours.
4. Factor in the weather
Different setting sprays may be better suited to different environmental conditions. Humidity, for example, can make the skin feel oilier, so opting for a mattifying setting spray on hot or humid days may help keep your makeup looking fresh. Drier or cooler climates, meanwhile, can leave the skin feeling dry or dehydrated. A hydrating setting spray—like the hyaluronic acid-infused option mentioned above—can help ensure your skin feels comfortable even in dry conditions. If you’re still unsure which is best for you, we suggest starting with the brand’s original All Nighter Setting Spray, which is ideal for all skin types.
Next Up: Should You Use Setting Spray or Setting Powder? We Asked the Pros
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