All Nighter vs NYX The Face Glue: Longevity & Finish

Deal Score0
Deal Score0

Can a $10 tube outlast a cult setting spray—discover which actually keeps your makeup flawless until sunrise.

Two sprays, one throne: who wins? Urban Decay All Nighter (16HR natural finish) vs NYX The Face Glue (24HR claim): concise head-to-head on real-world longevity, wear, comfort, value, transfer resistance, finish, feel, application, and which skin types each suits best.

Natural Finish

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray
Amazon.com
8.1

This setting spray reliably extends makeup wear with a natural finish and good control of shine. It’s a strong everyday option for long days or humid conditions, though the nozzle quality can be frustrating for some users.

Extreme Hold

NYX The Face Glue Transfer-Resistant Setting Spray
NYX The Face Glue Transfer-Resistant Setting Spray
Amazon.com
8.3

This formula delivers industry-leading hold for prolonged or high-activity days, often outperforming expectations for the price. It’s a great budget-friendly option for events, but users sensitive to tightness or visible finish should test before committing.

Urban Decay AllNighter

Longevity
9
Transfer Resistance
9
Finish & Feel
8.5
Spray/Applicator Quality
6

NYX Face Glue

Longevity
9.5
Transfer Resistance
9.5
Finish & Feel
7.8
Spray/Applicator Quality
6.5

Urban Decay AllNighter

Pros
  • Dependable long wear that resists smudging and humidity
  • Natural, balanced finish that controls shine without looking flat
  • Lightweight feel that doesn’t make makeup look cakey
  • Widely available and a longtime category leader

NYX Face Glue

Pros
  • Exceptionally strong hold — marketed and experienced as a ‘glue’ for makeup
  • Lightweight, non-sticky finish for many users
  • Very affordable compared with prestige alternatives
  • Helps boost color vibrancy and resists transfer

Urban Decay AllNighter

Cons
  • Spray nozzle can be inconsistent and sometimes splotchy
  • Higher price point compared with drugstore alternatives

NYX Face Glue

Cons
  • Can feel slightly tight on the skin and may accentuate texture or mature skin
  • Bottle separates and sprayer can be splotchy — requires vigorous shaking

Elf vs NYX Setting Sprays: The Ultimate Battle

1

Key Specs & Ingredients — What’s Inside the Bottle?

Urban Decay All Nighter — Official Specs & Key Ingredients

Urban Decay markets All Nighter as a lightweight, fast-drying setting spray with up to 16HR wear and a natural finish. Claims: smudge-proof, transfer-resistant, controls shine, “for all skin types.” Texture: fine mist / atomizer meant to deliver an even, cooling spray. Formula notes: alcohol-based solvent for quick drying plus film-forming polymers to lock makeup in place. UD positions this as a balanced, non-tacky finish that resists humidity without feeling heavy.

NYX The Face Glue — Official Specs & Key Ingredients

NYX touts The Face Glue as an extreme-hold, transfer-resistant setting spray with up to 24HR wear and waterproof performance. Claims: “glue” your look down, boosts color vibrancy, contains powerful film formers and maple syrup for grip. Texture: stronger atomizer that lays down a more adhesive layer; bottle requires vigorous shaking. Formula notes: explicit film-formers (glue-like polymers) plus humectant/natural ingredient (maple syrup) — designed to create a tacky, long-lasting seal.

Formulation Philosophy — Lightweight Mist vs Heavy-Hold Polymer Glue

Wear-time claim: All Nighter up to 16HR; NYX up to 24HR.
Finish: All Nighter = natural, balanced; NYX = “glued”/strong-hold, color-boosting.
Transfer/waterproof: Both claim transfer resistance; NYX emphasizes waterproof, heavier film.
Spray: All Nighter = fine, cooling mist; NYX = stronger, concentrated spray (shake before use).
Key actives: Both rely on fast-drying alcohol + film-forming polymers; NYX explicitly lists stronger polymers and maple syrup.
Skin notes: UD marketed for all skin types; NYX is cruelty-free but can feel tight or accentuate texture — less ideal for very dry/sensitive skin.
Fragrance: NYX’s maple syrup can impart scent; neither brand advertises a fragrance-free formula.

Feature Comparison Chart

Urban Decay AllNighter vs. NYX Face Glue
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray
VS
NYX The Face Glue Transfer-Resistant Setting Spray
Brand
Urban Decay
VS
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
Claimed Wear Time
Up to 16HR
VS
Up to 24HR
Finish
Natural / soft-matte
VS
Natural to slightly dewy (can appear tight on some skin types)
Waterproof
Yes (water-resistant, smudge-proof)
VS
Yes (waterproof, transfer-resistant)
Size/Volume
Available in travel and full sizes
VS
Standard single size (retail bottle)
Approximate Price
$$$
VS
$
Key Film Formers / Ingredients
Polymeric film formers (lightweight setting polymers)
VS
Film formers plus Maple Syrup (grip-enhancing ingredient)
Spray Type
Fine mist (reports of uneven output on some nozzles)
VS
Milky/separating formula that must be shaken well; can spray unevenly
Applicator Quality
Generally fine mist but occasional inconsistent nozzle performance
VS
Requires shaking; some reports of splotchy output
Scent
Minimal to faint
VS
Mostly unscented / faint
Cruelty Free
Varies / not prominently PETA-certified
VS
PETA-certified cruelty free
Best For
All skin types, users who prefer a natural finish
VS
Long events, oily skin, users seeking maximum hold
Recommended Use / Tips
Spritz a few times from arm’s length after completing makeup; fan to speed drying
VS
Shake very well before use, allow to dry fully; pairs especially well with Face Glue primer
2

Longevity in Real Life — Wear Time & Transfer Resistance

Lab claims vs real wear

Urban Decay claims up to 16 hours; NYX advertises up to 24. In practice most users get shorter spans: expect 8–16 hours depending on conditions. NYX’s stronger film-formers can outlast All Nighter on paper, but real comfort and evenness vary.

Factors that change wear time

Skin type: oily skin breaks down oils faster; dry skin can flake or cling to heavy films.
Climate: heat speeds up breakdown; humidity can cause products to pill or separate.
Amount applied: over-spraying increases rigidity and transfer resistance but risks stiffness.
Layering: primer + powder under spray extends wear far more than spray alone.

Typical scenarios

Everyday wear (8–10 hr): All Nighter usually keeps makeup intact with minimal transfer and natural movement.
Long events (12+ hr): NYX often holds color and resists transfer longer, but can feel tighter and show texture.
Hot, humid days: All Nighter controls shine and stays flexible; NYX resists sweat better but can bead or crack if overapplied.

Transfer resistance testing & breakdown patterns

Common at-home tests: “kiss test” (lip-to-cheek) and fabric rubs.

All Nighter: passes light-to-moderate rubs with faint residue; forms a flexible film so fading is gradual and mostly even.
NYX The Face Glue: often passes kiss tests and heavy rubs with minimal transfer because of a rigid film; downside is occasional cracking, patchy wear, or intensified texture on close inspection.
Both can show separation at the hairline or around the nose if skin oils are heavy. Shine control: All Nighter maintains a natural, controlled sheen; NYX suppresses shine more but can look mattifying or tight on some skin types.
3

Finish, Feel & Makeup Appearance — Natural vs ‘Glued’

Urban Decay All Nighter — natural, skin-like finish

All Nighter lays down a very fine, flexible film that preserves the makeup’s original texture. It tames shine without flattening luminosity, so dewy foundations stay radiant and pressed powders keep their soft definition. You’ll often feel a faint coolness on trigger and a lightweight “settled” sensation as the mist dries into skin; it rarely feels heavy or stiff even after several sprays.

NYX The Face Glue — stronger film, “glued” down effect

The Face Glue uses pronounced film-formers that lock product into place. The result is less movement and noticeably more hold: colors stay vivid and transfer resistance is high. That stronger film can feel slightly taut and can mute delicate surface dimension — finely powdered highlights can appear flattened rather than airy. On textured or mature skin, the spray may accentuate microtexture and look firmer at higher application amounts.

Photography, highlights & microtexture

Flashback: Neither usually causes flashback when you use normal amounts; avoid heavy powder + heavy spray together to reduce risk.
Finely powdered highlights: All Nighter preserves sparkle and sheen; Face Glue can flatten or “press” powder into the skin.
Microtexture/pores: All Nighter keeps pores natural-looking; Face Glue may momentarily emphasize pores or fine lines if overapplied.

Comfort during wear

Tackiness/stiffness: All Nighter = minimal tack, flexible; Face Glue = firmer, can feel tight with multiple layers.
Weight by skin type: Oily skin tolerates Face Glue’s hold better but may show cracking if skin gets very oily; dry skin finds All Nighter more comfortable.
Layering tip: Use light, even mists — heavier layers increase stiffness and texture emphasis.
4

Application, Skin-Type Suitability & Practical Tips

Spray pattern & best technique

Urban Decay All Nighter: very fine, even mist — hold 8–10 inches from face, spray 2–3 times in a T and X motion.
NYX The Face Glue: slightly stronger film and can spray less evenly — shake vigorously, hold 8–10 inches, start with 2 light mists and build only if needed.

Single vs multiple layers

Start with 2 light, even mists; let each layer fully dry (~10–20 sec) before adding another.

Routines by skin type

Oily: Prime + powder T-zone first, blot, then use Face Glue for extra transfer resistance.
Dry: Hydrate with a moisturizing primer/serum, avoid over-spraying; prefer All Nighter for a more flexible finish.
Combination: Powder the oily areas and use a targeted light spritz of Face Glue on the T-zone; use All Nighter overall.
Sensitive: Patch test behind the ear; if reactive, dilute by holding spray further away or use a gentler hydrating mist instead.

Removal & performance in conditions

Removal: use an oil-based cleanser or balm first, then follow with a gentle second cleanse. Avoid rubbing; let remover sit 30–60 seconds to break the film.
Travel, heat, exercise: Face Glue resists sweat and transfer better for high-activity days. All Nighter is more comfortable for long flights and air-conditioned environments.

Troubleshooting & quick fixes

Reduce tackiness: blot excess with tissue, dust a light translucent powder, or fan to dry fully.
Prevent separation: avoid over-layering heavy creams beneath the spray; set foundation first.
Revive without breaking the set: micro-spritz a hydrating facial mist held at least 12 inches away, then lightly press with a sponge — don’t soak.

Quick pros / cons, sizes & reapplication

Pros: All Nighter = natural feel; Face Glue = extreme hold and value.
Cons: All Nighter pricier; Face Glue can feel tight and needs shaking.
Packaging & value: All Nighter commonly sold in larger 118 mL bottles and travel sizes; Face Glue is very budget-friendly in smaller formats.
Reapply: Light distant mists only — avoid heavy layering to prevent stiffness.

Final Verdict — Which Setting Spray Should You Choose?

NYX The Face Glue is the clear winner for extreme longevity and transfer resistance; choose it if absolute maximum hold and a firmer finish are your priority. Urban Decay All Nighter is the better everyday option for long lasting, natural looking wear with a comfortable, breathable skin feel.

Best for events/long travel: NYX The Face Glue.Best for daily natural finish: Urban Decay All Nighter.Best for sensitive or dry skin: Urban Decay All Nighter.Which will you pick for your next long day or special event? Tell us below.

1
Natural Finish
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray
Amazon.com
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray
2
Extreme Hold
NYX The Face Glue Transfer-Resistant Setting Spray
Amazon.com
NYX The Face Glue Transfer-Resistant Setting Spray

  1. Price/performance: NYX wins for me. I can buy 2-3 bottles of Face Glue for the price of one All Nighter, and honestly the hold is often better. If you’re on a budget and need serious staying power, NYX is the move.

    • Totally. I keep a cheap NYX in my gym bag and UD in my purse. Best of both worlds.

    • For me, a splurge on UD is worth the nicer mist and comfort, but if I had to choose one for long trips it’d be NYX too.

    • Budget is a huge factor — NYX offers impressive hold for the price. Our comparison section highlights cost-per-use as a key advantage for Face Glue.

  2. I’ve been using All Nighter for years and honestly it’s my go-to for events. Stays through sweat and humidity better than most sprays I’ve tried. The finish is pretty natural too — not plasticky.

    Tried Face Glue once because of the 24hr claim and… whoa, that thing is sticky for like 10 minutes. It did lock everything down but felt more heavy. Price/perf though? NYX is a bargain if you’re ok with the tacky stage.

    • Agree re: the tackiness. I spray Face Glue, wait 30 sec, then blot lightly and it’s fine. Works wonders under intense lights.

    • LOL at the ‘tacky stage’ 😂 I thought it was just me. Glad someone else noticed it too.

    • Thanks for sharing, Maya! Good point about the tackiness — in our tests Face Glue did have a noticeable initial tack before setting. We also noticed All Nighter often felt cooler on the skin.

  3. Okay real talk: the 24hr claim is kinda wild. I had my makeup mostly intact after 18 hours with Face Glue (impressive), but my skin hated being under that all day — looked a bit cakey by the end. All Nighter gave me a nicer midday look.

    Anyone else feel like Face Glue is better for special occasions rather than everyday use?

    • Yes! I only save Face Glue for weddings or travel when I need extra hold. Otherwise my skin breathes better with UD.

    • Totally — Face Glue is more of a heavy-duty option. In our wear tests it excelled at long keeps, but for comfort and a natural midday look, All Nighter scored higher.

    • I used Face Glue on vacation once and it lasted on 30°C days. But my makeup did look a bit flat at the end. Worth it for photos though.

  4. I tried both on oily skin and here’s what worked: All Nighter controlled shine for like 8-10 hours but I had to powder once. Face Glue kept me matte for basically the whole day (no touch-ups), but it felt more rigid — like my face couldn’t move 😂

    Not a fan of the rigidity but hate midday oiliness, so tough call.

    • Same boat. I carry blotting papers and a tiny spritz of UD for mid-day. Keeps things flexible and refreshed.

    • Thanks for the oily-skin perspective, Samantha. Our oily-skin testers echoed that: Face Glue gave stronger matte control at the cost of flexibility.

  5. Lol I used Face Glue for a photoshoot and it survived props, lights, and my producer crying over bad lighting. 24-hour flex? maybe not literal, but extremely stubborn.

    However, I did notice that my makeup looked slightly darker in photos by the end — not sure if the spray deepened colors?

    • Interesting observation about color shift. We saw minimal darkening overall, but heavy-duty sprays can sometimes intensify sheen or create a subtle change under flash.

    • Yeah, I noticed a tiny bit of deepening on my bronzer with Face Glue. Worth it for the hold, but something to be aware of for photos.

    • I’ve seen that too—especially with heavier layers of foundation. Might be the way the spray interacts with certain pigments.

  6. Just a quick note for sensitive skin ppl: Face Glue has a stronger chemical scent and I broke out once after using it all day. All Nighter felt gentler. YMMV but patch test first!

    • I get mild irritation from most heavy-duty setting sprays too. Patch test saved me from a bad breakout last wedding season.

    • Important reminder — we recommend patch testing and checking ingredients if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Thanks for flagging this, Marcus.