You know that feeling when your face starts looking like a glazed donut by 2:00 PM? It's not a vibe. Most people reach for the iconic setting spray—the purple bottle that's basically been the industry standard since the early 2010s. But honestly, the Urban Decay All Nighter Powder is the sleeper hit that actually does the heavy lifting for people with skin that eats makeup for breakfast.
It’s officially called the All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder.
Let's be real: "Waterproof" is a bold claim for a powder. Usually, when you think of powder, you think of something that gets cakey or turns into a muddy paste the second a drop of rain or sweat hits it. This stuff is weirdly different. It’s a high-tech pressed formula that basically acts like a raincoat for your foundation. If you’ve ever wondered why your makeup slides off during a humid summer day or a long night out, this is usually the missing link.
What Actually Is Urban Decay All Nighter Powder?
It isn't just a regular translucent powder. You've probably used those dusty, white-tinted powders that make you look like a Victorian ghost in flash photography. This is different. It’s a weightless, translucent pressed powder that’s designed to blur pores and block moisture.
Think of it as a hybrid. It has the smoothing effect of a finishing powder but the "locking" power of a sealant. It’s translucent, meaning it’s supposed to work on all skin tones without changing the color of your foundation. Does it actually stay invisible on deep skin? Mostly. If you’re very heavy-handed, you might see a bit of a matte cast, but for the most part, it’s remarkably sheer.
The tech behind it is pretty cool. It uses specialized pigments that repel water. While most powders absorb oil and then eventually get saturated and break down, this one sits on top and deflects moisture. It’s the difference between a sponge and a shield.
The Sweat Test: Does It Really Hold Up?
I’ve seen people literally dunk their faces in water after applying this, and the water just beads off. It’s wild. If you’re someone who deals with hyperhidrosis or you just live in a swampy climate like Florida or Houston, you know the struggle. Your makeup doesn't just fade; it migrates. It moves to your chin, it settles in your laugh lines, it just... leaves.
Urban Decay claims this lasts for 11 hours. That’s a very specific number. Why not 12? Who knows. But in real-world testing, it holds the line. You can go through a workout or a high-stress presentation without that "melting" feeling.
The texture is also worth mentioning. It’s silky. Very silky. It doesn’t feel gritty or chalky between your fingers. When you buff it into the skin, it has this almost creamy finish that hides the fact that you’re wearing a "waterproof" product. Usually, waterproof stuff feels heavy and suffocating. This feels like nothing.
Why the "Pressed" Format Matters More Than You Think
Loose powder is a mess. Let’s just call it what it is. It gets on your clothes, it gets in your lungs, and it’s impossible to travel with. The Urban Decay All Nighter Powder comes in a sturdy, metallic-looking compact that actually survives being thrown into a gym bag.
Also, it's easier to control.
With loose powder, it’s easy to over-apply and end up with "caking." With a pressed pan, you take what you need. You can use a big fluffy brush for a light dusting or a damp beauty sponge if you really need to "bake" an area like under the eyes or the sides of the nose.
Common Mistakes People Make With This Powder
Stop using the tiny sponge it comes with for your whole face. Seriously. Those little applicators are fine for an emergency touch-up in a bar bathroom, but if you apply your whole face with that, you’re going to look like a statue. It’ll be too thick.
Here is the move:
- Use a medium-sized, tapered brush.
- Tap off the excess. You don't need much.
- Press, don't swipe. Swiping moves the foundation you just put on. Pressing locks it in place.
- Focus on the T-zone. Unless you are extremely oily, you probably don't need this on your cheeks or the outer edges of your face.
Another thing? Don't use this over a powder foundation. That's overkill. This is designed to set liquids and creams. If you put a waterproof setting powder over a powder foundation, you’re essentially creating a mask that won't let your skin breathe. It can look very heavy, very fast.
The All Nighter Spray vs. The Powder
People always ask: "Do I need both?"
The answer is: It depends on how much you’re sweating. The All Nighter Spray is a film-former. It creates a thin, flexible layer over your face. The Urban Decay All Nighter Powder is a physical barrier.
If you have dry skin, the spray is probably enough. If you have oily or combination skin, the powder is a game-changer. Using them together is the "nuclear option." It’s what wedding makeup artists do. You powder the oily spots, then mist the whole face to melt the powder into the skin so it looks natural. It’s basically bulletproofing your face.
Addressing the Flashback Issue
"Flashback" is that terrifying white cast that shows up in photos when the camera flash hits certain ingredients like silica or titanium dioxide. Because this powder is so finely milled and translucent, it’s much less prone to flashback than something like the old-school HD powders.
However, "translucent" isn't always 100% clear. If you have a very deep complexion, you want to use a light hand. The goal is to set the makeup, not to add a layer of white. If you find it's looking a bit ashy, just hit it with a bit of setting spray to take down the "powdery" look.
Is It Worth the Price?
Urban Decay isn't drugstore cheap. You're looking at around $35 for the compact. But here’s the thing: a single pan lasts forever. Because it’s so densely packed and you only need a tiny amount to achieve the waterproof effect, you aren't going to hit the bottom of the pan (the "hit pan" moment) for months, even with daily use.
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When you compare it to high-end rivals like Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Finish or the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder, it holds its own. Actually, for pure longevity, it usually beats them. The Charlotte Tilbury powder is more about "blurring" and looking pretty, but it won't survive a rainstorm. The Urban Decay one will.
Ingredients and Skin Sensitivity
It’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is pretty much the standard for UD now. It doesn't contain parabens. If you have super sensitive skin, you should always patch test, but because it doesn't have a heavy fragrance, it tends to be pretty gentle. It contains dimethicone, which gives it that "slip" and blurring effect. If your skin hates silicones, this might not be your best friend, but for most people, dimethicone is what makes the pores disappear.
The "Real Life" Verdict
Is it perfect? No. If you have very dry patches or active flaking from retinol, this powder will find them. It will cling to them. It will highlight them. That’s just the nature of matte, waterproof products. They want to grab onto the skin.
But if your goal is to make sure your foundation is still there when you get home at 10:00 PM after a 12-hour day? There isn't much that does it better. It’s a workhorse. It isn't flashy, it isn't "new and trendy" on TikTok every week, but it’s in almost every pro’s kit for a reason.
Actionable Steps for the Best Finish
If you want to actually get your money's worth out of this product, change how you prep your skin. A waterproof powder can only do so much if your skin underneath is dehydrated.
- Hydrate first. Use a lightweight moisturizer. Let it sink in for 5 minutes. If your skin is thirsty, it will suck the moisture out of your foundation, leaving the powder sitting on top like dust.
- Apply foundation sparingly. Use the minimum amount of liquid foundation you need. The less "stuff" there is to move, the better the powder can lock it down.
- The "Roll" Technique. Instead of buffing in circles, take a powder puff, pick up a tiny bit of Urban Decay All Nighter Powder, and "roll" it onto the skin. This pushes the pigment into the foundation without disturbing the finish.
- Check your lighting. Always check your face in natural light before leaving. If it looks too matte, a quick mist of water or setting spray will bring the "skin" look back without ruining the waterproof seal.
If you struggle with makeup that disappears by lunchtime, switching from a loose setting powder to this waterproof pressed version is usually the easiest fix you can make. It’s about control. You’re controlling the oil, you’re controlling the moisture, and you’re keeping your face exactly where you put it.
The most important thing to remember is that "waterproof" doesn't mean "rub-proof." You can't scrub your face with a towel and expect the makeup to stay. But if you get caught in the rain or have a good cry? Your face will stay put. That's more than most powders can say.