If you’ve spent more than five minutes on beauty TikTok, you’ve seen the red can. It’s basically unavoidable. Patrick Starrr’s On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray has reached a level of viral fame that usually ends in disappointment, but this one is actually different. It’s not just another mist. Honestly, it’s more like a lightweight hairspray for your face, which sounds terrifying until you see it survive a literal monsoon or a twelve-hour shift in a humid kitchen.
Most setting sprays are just fancy water. They’ve got some glycerin, maybe some polymers, and they feel "refreshing." That is not what’s happening here. On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray is a mattifying waterproof setting spray designed for people who are tired of their foundation sliding into their neck by 3:00 PM. It’s for the oily-skinned girls and the festival-goers. It’s for anyone who needs their makeup to stay exactly where they put it, regardless of the weather or their own sweat glands.
The Chemistry of Why It Actually Sticks
Let’s talk about why it works. It’s not magic; it’s chemistry. The formula relies heavily on green tea extract and witch hazel. These aren't just trendy ingredients thrown in for marketing. Witch hazel helps blur the appearance of pores and keeps oil at bay, while the green tea provides a bit of an antioxidant kick. But the real MVP is the aerosol delivery.
Aerosol matters.
Unlike a pump spray that can leave big, chunky droplets—which actually break down your makeup—this creates a micro-fine mist. It’s a dry application. You don’t feel wet after you spray it. You just feel... locked. It’s a "set it and forget it" situation that uses a combination of acrylates to create a film over the skin. This film is what makes it waterproof and transfer-proof.
What Most People Get Wrong About Application
You can’t just spray this like a regular mist and hope for the best. If you use it wrong, you’re going to hate it. I’ve seen people complain that it feels "tight" or "crunchy." That’s usually because they’re holding the can three inches from their face. Don't do that.
Hold it at least 10 to 12 inches away. Spray in a circular motion.
Another tip? Don't breathe. Seriously. It’s an aerosol, and while it smells like a tropical vacation (it has a very distinct coconut/woodsy scent), you don’t want to inhale a film-forming polymer. Close your eyes, hold your breath, spray, and then step out of the cloud before you inhale.
- Pro Tip: If you have dry skin, you need to prep like your life depends on it. Use a heavy moisturizer or a hydrating primer first. Because this spray is so mattifying, it can highlight dry patches if you aren't careful.
- The Sandwich Method: Some makeup artists swear by spraying a layer before foundation and another layer after. It creates a literal sandwich of hold. It’s aggressive, but if you’re going to a wedding in Florida in July, it’s the only way.
- Touch-ups: You don't really need them. If you try to spray this over and over throughout the day, you might end up looking a bit textured. One good application is usually plenty.
The Beyoncé Factor and Real-World Stress Tests
We have to mention the 2023 Renaissance Tour. That was the moment On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray went from "popular" to "legendary." Beyoncé’s makeup artist, Rokael Lizama, confirmed that this was the spray keeping her face intact under stadium lights and through high-intensity choreography. If it can handle a three-hour Beyoncé set, it can handle your trip to the grocery store.
I’ve seen people submerge their faces in bowls of water after using this. I've seen them rub white towels against their cheeks. The results are usually the same: nothing moves. It’s arguably the most powerful mattifier on the consumer market right now. For those with oily skin, it’s a godsend. It stops the shine before it starts.
However, we need to be real about the "waterproof" claim. While it's incredibly resistant, no spray is 100% immune to heavy friction. If you’re sobbing and wiping your eyes with a rough tissue, some makeup is going to come off. But compared to the industry standard? It’s miles ahead.
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Is It Safe for Every Day?
This is where the nuance comes in. Should you use On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray every single day for a trip to the office? Maybe not. It’s a heavy-duty product. Because it forms such a strong film, you need to be extremely diligent with your cleansing routine at night. A simple face wipe won't cut it. You need a double cleanse—an oil-based cleanser or balm first to break down the polymers, followed by a regular water-based cleanser.
If you don’t wash it off properly, you will break out. That’s just the reality of long-wear makeup. It’s also worth noting the scent. It’s quite strong. If you’re sensitive to fragrance or have extremely reactive skin, you might want to patch-test this on your jawline before going full-face.
Comparing the Competition
People always ask how it compares to the Urban Decay All Nighter or the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.
Urban Decay is the classic, but it’s more of a natural finish. It helps with longevity but doesn't necessarily stop oil in its tracks. Charlotte Tilbury is great for a blurred, "red carpet" glow, but it’s not truly waterproof. On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray is in a different category of "lockdown." It’s much more matte than either of those. If you want a dewy look, this isn't the one. If you want a "matte for 16 hours" look, this is the undisputed champ.
The Environment and Ethics
One/Size is a cruelty-free brand, which is a major plus. They’ve also made an effort to be inclusive from day one, which is expected from Patrick Starrr. The aerosol can is recyclable in many areas, but you have to check your local guidelines because pressurized cans are tricky.
It’s also surprisingly affordable when you look at the price per ounce compared to some high-end luxury brands that do half as much. You get a decent amount of product in that red can, and since a little goes a long way, it tends to last a few months even with regular use.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Can
Sometimes the nozzle can clog. It happens with aerosols. If your spray starts coming out in a stream instead of a mist, don't panic. Take the nozzle off and run it under warm water. It’s usually just a bit of dried product blocking the exit. Wipe it clean, pop it back on, and you’re good to go.
Also, make sure you're shaking the can. Give it a good five or ten seconds of vigorous shaking before you spray. This ensures the mattifying powders and the setting agents are fully mixed.
Final Insights for the Best Results
If you’re looking to buy On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray, remember that its primary goal is performance, not "skincare vibes." It's a tool. It's the final step that ensures your hard work doesn't vanish.
To ensure your skin stays healthy while using it, follow these steps:
- Hydrate heavily before applying any makeup to prevent the spray from feeling too drying.
- Use a dedicated makeup primer that suits your skin type to create a smooth base.
- Hold the can far away (12 inches) to get that signature micro-mist.
- Double cleanse every single time you wear it. Use a cleansing balm like the One/Size Go Off balm or any high-quality oil cleanser.
- Save it for the big days if you have sensitive skin, or use it sparingly on the T-zone if you're combo-skinned.
The hype is real, but like any pro-grade tool, it requires a bit of technique to master. Once you do, you’ll probably find it hard to go back to regular mists that just don't have the same "glue" factor. It’s the difference between hoping your makeup stays and knowing it will.
For anyone struggling with makeup longevity in high-humidity environments or for those who simply hate touching up their face, this is the current gold standard. Just keep that skin hydrated underneath and wash it all off before bed. Your pores will thank you, and your mirror will keep reflecting back the same face you put on eight hours ago.
Actionable Next Steps
To get started, evaluate your current removal routine. Ensure you have a high-quality oil-based cleanser ready before you even buy the spray, as standard cleansers struggle to break down this specific formula. When you first use it, test it on a "low stakes" day at home to find your ideal spraying distance and see how the matte finish interacts with your favorite foundation. This prevents any surprises before a major event. By mastering the distance and the double-cleanse, you can enjoy the full benefits of this professional-grade sealer without compromising your skin's texture or health.