Key Takeaways

Rating: 8.2/10 — very solid for oily skin and long wear, but confusing product naming and some texture risk keep it from being a universal recommendation.
Best for: Oily or combination skin, hot weather, makeup that tends to slide, and people who like a more matte, locked-in finish.
Not ideal for: Dry skin, flaky patches, mature under-eyes, or anyone who wants a very forgiving soft-focus powder.
Main issue: People often mix up the current pressed Waterproof Setting Powder with the older loose powder, which leads to a lot of confusing reviews.
Finish: Mostly matte, more performance-focused than flattering, and better for oil control than for keeping skin looking cushy.
Buying note: The loose powder is officially discontinued, but some stores still appear to have stock.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder can still be worth buying if you have oily or combination skin and your main goal is keeping makeup in place longer. The tricky part is that people often mean two different products: the current pressed Waterproof Setting Powder and the older loose powder that Urban Decay has discontinued.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder sounds like one straightforward product, but it really is not that simple anymore. There is the current pressed All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder, and then there is the older All Nighter Softening Loose Setting Powder, which is the version many people still search for and some retailers still list. That matters, because the reviews, ingredients, wear claims, and even the talc question depend on which one you mean.

My overall take is this: the All Nighter powder name still points to a product family that makes the most sense for oily skin, long days, humidity, and makeup that needs structure. But it is not my first choice for everyone. If your skin leans dry, textured, or reactive, this is one of those powders that can cross the line from "blurred and set" to "a little too obvious" pretty fast.

Where to buy Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder

Shopping options by region. Links may be affiliate links.

Region Notes Buy
International Best option
Loose powder listing. Good if you specifically want the older style powder and can still find stock. Shop International →
Vietnam
Shopee VN listing. Double-check seller history and product photos before buying. Shop Vietnam →

*Links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What is Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder?

At this point, the name refers to two related but different powders. The current official product is the All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder, which is a pressed powder meant to mattify, control shine, and make makeup more resistant to wear. The older version is the All Nighter Softening Loose Setting Powder, a translucent loose powder that was designed more like a classic long-wear loose setting powder with a soft matte finish.

If you just searched the name and assumed it was one single product history, that is exactly why this page exists. This is one of those beauty products where the naming creates more confusion than it should.

Who is this product for?

This product is best for people who want their makeup to stay put, stay matte longer, and look less shiny as the day goes on. It especially makes sense for oily and combination skin, for humid climates, and for anyone whose makeup tends to slide around the nose, inner cheeks, or forehead. If your priority is control, structure, and longevity, this is the kind of powder that can make sense in a routine.

Who is it not for?

It is not the most forgiving option for dry skin, flaky skin, or textured under-eyes. If you already know powders can make your skin look older, tighter, or more lined, this is not the one I would tell you to blind buy. It also is not ideal if you want a very radiant, barely-there finish, because the whole point of this line is more about locking things down than keeping everything juicy and soft.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

  • Very good for oily skin and makeup that tends to break down fast.
  • Strong mattifying effect that helps reduce midday shine.
  • Good for humidity and long wear, especially in the pressed waterproof version.
  • Can blur pores nicely when used lightly and in the right areas.
  • Useful for touch-ups if your T-zone gets shiny quickly.

Cons

  • Name confusion makes it easy to buy or read about the wrong version.
  • Can look dry or chalky if you overdo it.
  • Not the safest pick for sensitive or texture-prone skin.
  • The loose powder is discontinued, so availability is less reliable.
  • "Translucent" does not always mean invisible on every skin tone.

What is the difference with Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray?

The spray and powder are doing related jobs, but they do not behave the same way on the face. The powder is there to absorb oil, set cream products, and create a more matte, controlled finish. The spray is there to lock the overall look together and improve wear in a lighter, less visibly powdery way.

My short version is that powder is better when your main issue is shine and slippage, while spray is better when you want longer wear without adding another dry layer. If you want the full breakdown, read my Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray review.

Is Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder the same as the Waterproof Setting Powder, or are there two versions?

There are two versions people mean when they search this. The current official one is the pressed Waterproof Setting Powder. The older one is the Softening Loose Setting Powder. They are not the same formula, not the same format, and not really interchangeable if you are being picky about finish and feel.

Is the Urban Decay All Nighter loose powder discontinued?

Yes, officially it is. That does not mean you cannot still find it floating around online, because some retailers and resellers may still have stock, but it is no longer the active official powder Urban Decay is pushing. So if you buy the loose version now, think of it as buying an older discontinued product, not a current core release.

Is Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder good for oily skin?

Yes, this is where it makes the most sense. If you have oily skin, especially in a hot or humid climate, the All Nighter powder concept is much easier to appreciate. It helps reduce the greasy look that can show up around the T-zone and gives makeup a more held-together look for longer.

It is less convincing on skin that is dry but still shiny from dehydration, because then the powder can solve one problem while making another one more visible.

Does it really make makeup waterproof, or just more long-wearing?

I would frame it as more long-wearing and more resistant, not magically waterproof in every situation. The current pressed powder is marketed as waterproof, but in real life that is better understood as helping makeup hold up better against humidity, sweat, and some moisture. It is a sealing step, not a force field.

Is the powder translucent, or can it look dark, orange, or ashy?

It is sold as translucent or universal, but that does not mean every person experiences it as completely invisible. Some users get nervous because the pressed powder can look darker in the pan than they expect, while on deeper or very fair skin tones any "universal" powder can still show up if too much is applied. The risk is usually not literal orange color on the skin so much as a slightly off cast or a duller finish if you go in too hard.

Does it blur pores or emphasize texture and fine lines?

Both can be true, which is why technique matters. On oily areas with visible pores, a light layer can absolutely make the skin look smoother and more controlled. But once you start layering it over dry patches, lines, or tired under-eyes, that same mattifying effect can start making texture more obvious instead of less obvious.

Is it better for touch-ups, baking, or all-over setting?

I think it works best as a targeted all-over setter on oily skin or as a touch-up powder. It is strongest where shine breaks through fastest. For baking, I would be careful. This is not the kind of formula I would automatically recommend for a heavy baked under-eye unless you already know your skin loves a very matte powder.

Is the formula drying or irritating on sensitive skin?

It can be drying, yes. This is a performance powder, not a comfort powder. Sensitive skin may tolerate it fine, but it is not the sort of formula I would call reassuringly gentle. If your skin gets reactive easily, or if you are dealing with barrier issues, you should expect a higher chance that this will feel too matte or sit too heavily.

Does it clog pores or cause breakouts?

There is no simple yes or no answer there. Powders like this can actually feel easier for some acne-prone people because they cut shine and stop makeup from sliding into pores as fast. But Urban Decay does not claim the pressed Waterproof Setting Powder is non-comedogenic, so I would not oversell it as breakout-proof either. If you are acne-prone, the safest reading is that it may work well for you, but it is still something to patch test rather than assume.

What ingredients actually drive the mattifying and blurring effect?

This kind of formula usually works because of a mix of slip agents, oil-absorbing powders, and soft-focus texture ingredients. In the pressed Waterproof Setting Powder, the formula includes ingredients like dimethicone, nylon-12, silica, and zinc stearate, which is a very classic combination for a powder that wants to feel smooth, cut shine, and create that soft-blur effect. In plain language, that means it is built to sit on the skin in a controlled way and visually reduce grease and uneven texture.

How does it compare with setting spray, finishing powder, or other top setting powders?

Compared with setting spray, this is the more mattifying and more visibly controlling option. Compared with a finishing powder, it is more functional and less elegant. Finishing powders are often about softening the look of makeup at the end, while this product family is more about holding things in place and reducing shine.

Compared with top loose setting powders like Laura Mercier, Huda Beauty Easy Bake, or One/Size, Urban Decay is a little more niche in appeal now. It still makes sense for people who want the All Nighter long-wear vibe, but it is not automatically the prettiest powder finish in the category.

Is talc a concern here, and does that depend on which All Nighter powder you mean?

Yes, it depends on which version you mean. The talc question comes up more clearly with the older loose powder, while the current pressed Waterproof Setting Powder is a different formula. So if someone says "I heard Urban Decay All Nighter powder has talc," the first thing to ask is: which one are we actually talking about? That is another reason the product-name confusion matters more than it should.

My final verdict

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder is still relevant, but only if you read the product name carefully and match it to what your skin actually needs. If you are oily, shiny, and tired of makeup sliding off by midday, this family of powders makes sense. If you are dry, sensitive, or mainly looking for a flattering invisible powder rather than a performance-focused one, I think there are softer options out there.

My practical advice is simple. If you want the current official version, look at the pressed Waterproof Setting Powder. If you specifically want the older loose version, know that you are shopping a discontinued product. And if your routine already relies on spray more than powder, the matching spray may actually be the smarter buy.

Maddie is here to help you figure out what actually works in real life, not just what sounds good on the packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder the same as the Waterproof Setting Powder?

Not exactly. The Waterproof Setting Powder is the current pressed version. The older Softening Loose Setting Powder is a different product.

Is the loose version discontinued?

Yes, officially it is. You may still find it online through retailers or resellers, but it is no longer part of Urban Decay's active core line.

Is it good for oily skin?

Yes. Oily and combination skin are the easiest matches for this type of powder because the formula is built around mattifying and extending wear.

Can it make texture worse?

Yes, it can if you apply too much or place it over dry or lined areas. It tends to look best when used lightly and strategically.

Should I buy the powder or the spray?

Buy the powder if your biggest issue is shine and slippage. Buy the spray if you want longer wear with less visible dryness or texture on the skin.

Maddie

Maddie

Makeup and skincare that works in real life. Clear advice, no fake hype.