Matte vs. Dewy: Should You Wear Urban Decay “All Nighter” to a Dinner Date?

When we get ready for a night out, we face a classic makeup dilemma.

On one hand, we want Longevity. We want our foundation to survive cocktails, dancing, and crowded rooms without melting off. The gold standard for this is a heavy-duty matte setting spray like Urban Decay All Nighter.

On the other hand, we want Radiance. Nighttime makeup is usually about “glow”—shimmering highlighters and dewy skin that looks sexy in low light.

So, the question is: If you spray a matte sealer over your glowy makeup, are you ruining the vibe? Does a matte spray make you look “flat” and lifeless in candlelight?

Finding the balance between “long-lasting” and “radiant” is the ultimate test of a day-to-night transformation. If you are looking for inspiration on how to pivot your look from office-appropriate matte to evening glamour without starting over, check out the entries in our community challenge: The “9-to-9” Challenge: Show Us Your Ultimate Day-to-Night Switch!

Here is the science of how setting sprays interact with evening light, and why “Matte” might actually be your secret weapon for photos.

The Science: How Film Formers Work

To understand the finish, you have to look at the ingredients.

Setting sprays like Urban Decay rely on Film Formers (usually polymers like PVP or Acrylates) dissolved in alcohol.

When you mist your face, the alcohol evaporates instantly. The polymers that are left behind shrink-wrap your makeup, locking it to your skin.

• Matte Sprays: Often contain absorbing powders (like silica) to scatter light.
• Dewy Sprays: Contain oils or humectants that reflect light.

According to makeup chemistry experts cited by Byrdie, the alcohol in sprays like Urban Decay is necessary to dissolve the polymers, but it creates a “shrink-wrap” effect that can flatten the dimension of your face if you aren’t careful.

Comparison: The Lighting Test

The “Matte vs. Dewy” choice depends entirely on the Lighting of your event.

However, if you know you will be in a strictly candlelit environment with zero flash photography, you might want to skip the matte sealer entirely. In low light, maximizing reflection is key to looking hydrated. For those specific scenarios, we recommend swapping your All Nighter for a formula designed to catch the light, like the ones we ranked in our guide: We Reviewed the Best Hydrating Setting Sprays (From MAC Fix+ to Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist).

The Urban Decay Analysis

We specifically analyzed the Urban Decay All Nighter because it is the market leader.

• The Claim: It uses “Temperature Control Technology” to lower the temperature of your makeup so it doesn’t melt.
• The Finish: Despite being a “long-wear” spray, it is technically a Natural Matte, not a “Dead Matte.” It doesn’t look chalky.

The Strategy: For a night out, Matte is safer.

Why? Because you can always add glow with a powder highlighter on top of the spray. But if you start with a dewy spray and get sweaty on the dance floor, you cannot take that shine away without ruining your base.

The Solution: “Zone Setting”

You don’t have to choose one or the other. Use the Zone Setting technique:

1. Spray: Apply the matte spray (Urban Decay) generously over your T-Zone (forehead, nose, chin) where you produce oil.
2. Press: Before it dries, use a damp Makeup Sponge to press the spray into the skin. This melts the powder look and makes it look like skin.
3. Leave: Leave the high points of your cheeks (where you applied highlighter) alone, or use a lighter mist there.

The Verdict

Yes, you should use a matte setting spray for nighttime, especially if there will be cameras. The “Glow” should come from your highlighter, not your sweat.

Do you prefer the “Matte” look or the “Glazed Donut” look for a night out?

Have you ever looked like a greaseball in a flash photo because of a dewy spray? Tell us your horror story in the comments below!