You've seen the videos. Someone sprays a mist over their face, hits it with a literal hair dryer or a desk fan, and suddenly their makeup is basically bulletproof. It’s not just hype. When Patrick Starrr launched On 'Til Dawn, the beauty community shifted. But the glitter version? That's a different beast entirely. It’s the marriage of industrial-strength hold and that "main character" sparkle we usually only get from high-end filters.
Most setting sprays are just water and glycerin. Honestly, they’re refreshing, but they don’t actually set anything for more than four hours. On 'Til Dawn Glitter Setting Spray is a literal aerosol. It smells like summer and feels like a lightweight shield. If you’re looking for a subtle, "no-makeup" look, stay away. This is for the 3 a.m. dance floor, the humid outdoor wedding, or the drag stage where sweating is not an option.
It’s intense.
The Science of Why On 'Til Dawn Actually Works
Patrick Starrr didn't just put glitter in a bottle. He took the existing cult-favorite formula—the one in the bright red can—and infused it with micro-shimmer. The original formula relies on Green Tea Extract and Witch Hazel. These aren't just trendy ingredients; they work to blur pores and soak up excess oil as the day progresses. When you add the glitter element, you’re basically laminating your face in a disco ball finish that refuses to budge.
Wait. Let’s talk about the aerosol delivery.
Traditional pump bottles often leave "droplets" or "polka dots" on your foundation. We've all been there. You finish a flawless blend, spray your setting mist, and suddenly you have tiny wet craters on your cheeks. Aerosol solves this. The mist is so fine it’s almost dry the second it hits your skin.
- Green Tea Extract: Helps tighten the appearance of pores.
- Witch Hazel: Absorbs oil so the glitter doesn't turn into a muddy mess.
- Performance Polmer Blend: This is the glue. It creates a flexible film over the makeup.
You have to be careful, though. Because it’s an aerosol, you shouldn't breathe it in. Keep your mouth shut. Close your eyes tight. It’s a professional-grade tool, not a face mist you spritz casually while walking out the door.
Real World Stress Tests: Humidity and Heat
I’ve seen people use this at Disney World in July. If you’ve ever been to Orlando in the summer, you know the "swamp face" struggle. Your foundation usually melts into your neck by noon. On 'Til Dawn Glitter Setting Spray acts like a sealant. There’s a famous clip of Patrick Starrr himself jumping into a pool and coming out with his eyebrows perfectly intact. While most of us aren't diving into lap pools in full glam, it’s comforting to know we could.
The glitter isn't chunky. It’s sophisticated. Think of it as a "glow from within" that accidentally got turned up to eleven.
One thing people get wrong is the distance. If you hold the can too close, you’re going to get a concentrated patch of sparkle that looks like a mistake. You need to hold it at least 10 to 12 inches away. Move the can in a circular motion. Don't just spray the "T-zone" and hope for the best. Coat the whole canvas.
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Misconceptions About the Glitter Version
Is it itchy? No.
Does it ruin your clothes? Maybe, if you aren't careful.
A common complaint with glitter products is the "texture" issue. Usually, glitter highlights texture—pores, fine lines, acne scars. But because the base of this spray is a mattifying formula, it weirdly balances out. The matte finish keeps the skin looking smooth while the glitter provides the dimension. It’s a paradox that actually works in practice.
However, if you have extremely dry skin, you might find this formula a bit tight. It’s designed to lock things down, and "locking" usually means moisture isn't getting in or out. Prepping with a heavy moisturizer or a hydrating primer is non-negotiable if you don't want your face to feel like it’s wrapped in saran wrap by 6 p.m.
Comparisons: One/Size vs. The Competition
We have to mention the Urban Decay All Nighter. It’s the gold standard. Everyone owns it. But All Nighter is a film-former that feels like water. On 'Til Dawn feels like a finishing touch. It has a scent—some people love the sweet, almost coconut-vanilla vibe, while others find it a bit much.
Then there’s the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. That one is incredible for a "red carpet" glow, but it doesn't have the sheer tenacity of One/Size. If Charlotte Tilbury is a gentle handshake, One/Size is a bear hug.
The glitter aspect is what truly separates it. There aren't many professional-grade aerosol sprays that incorporate shimmer without clogging the nozzle. That’s a massive technical hurdle. Usually, glitter particles settle at the bottom and ruin the mechanism. One/Size seems to have solved this with a specific ball-bearing system inside the can—you’ve got to shake it like a spray-paint can before you use it.
Shake it. Then shake it again.
How to Remove It Without Destroying Your Skin
You cannot just use a makeup wipe. Forget it.
If you try to wash this off with a standard foaming cleanser, you’ll be disappointed. You’ll also still have glitter on your pillowcase for three weeks.
The "On 'Til Dawn" name isn't a joke; it stays on until you fight it off. You need an oil-based cleanser or a cleansing balm. Something like the One/Size Go Off Makeup Dissolving Mist or a classic balm from brands like Clinique or Juno & Co. The oil breaks down the polymers that the spray uses to grip your skin.
- Apply cleansing balm to dry skin.
- Massage for at least 60 seconds (really get into the hairline).
- Wipe away with a warm microfiber cloth.
- Follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove the remaining glitter particles.
The Verdict on the Sparkle
Look, the On 'Til Dawn Glitter Setting Spray isn't for everyone. It’s loud. It’s bold. It’s very "Patrick Starrr." If you’re going to a corporate office job, you might feel a little out of place with a face full of micro-shimmer. But for festivals, birthdays, or just those days where you feel like being "extra," it is the undisputed king.
It solves the two biggest problems in makeup: longevity and dullness.
Usually, you have to pick one. You can be matte and long-wearing (but flat), or you can be dewy and glowing (but your makeup slides off). This spray somehow lets you have both. It’s a matte-finish sealant that happens to be carrying a cargo load of light-reflecting particles.
Actionable Next Steps for the Best Results
- Test your distance: Practice a spray in the air before hitting your face to gauge the pressure of the aerosol.
- Shake vigorously: The shimmer particles are heavy; if you don't shake the can for at least 10-15 seconds, you’ll get an uneven distribution.
- Layering technique: Apply your powder products first, then spray. If you want an even more intense glow, spray a layer, let it dry, apply more highlighter, and spray a second light mist.
- Safety first: Use it in a well-ventilated room. This is a heavy-duty aerosol, and your lungs will thank you for the extra oxygen.
- Storage: Keep the nozzle clean. After use, wipe the tip of the spray head with a damp cloth to prevent the glitter from drying and clogging the opening for your next use.