A few months ago the beauty scene was infatuated with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders and I will admit that they did grab my attention. It wasn't until I was in a Sephora store while on holiday a few weeks ago that I actually had the chance to see them up close and have a play around. Truthfully I wasn't all that impressed...
First of all the packaging is pretty flimsy - chocolate brown metallic plastic which is very, very light and does worry me that it would crack/crumble on the first fall. As someone who spends a vast amount of their time navigating on and off public transport and battling up and down busy city streets it just doesn't seem ideal for general daily wear and tear. If you have tried any Kevin Aucoin powder products then you will understand what I mean. Other than that it is fairly pleasing to look at, a decent enough size and it does contain a well proportioned mirror which always comes in handy.
Credit where credit is due the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder's do come in a great range of shades which in my experience particularly in the UK is rare. It does seem to be the norm for a brand to release one or two highlighting shades (normally a bronze and golden hue) and call it a day so kudos to Hourglass in that aspect. The concept behind the Ambient Lighting Powder's is to create the most flattering light cast on the skin from moonlight (Ethereal) to candlelight (Luminous Light), there should be something for everyone's taste and skin colouring. However I do highly suggest going in store and swatching the powders as in my experience some of the shades were rather glittery (gritty, chunky) and chalky which is fine is that is what you are aiming for but I highly doubt it is. I settled on Luminous Light which is listed as champagne pearl shade which is very apt - it is a light yellow based sand shade that has the slightest hint of pink but is certainly a cool toned shade and is not world's apart from MAC's Soft and Gentle MSF. The main aspect that separates the two is the formula and that Luminous Light has finer shimmer particles. Depending on your skin tone this shade may appear slightly different - on some it leans more beige and on others more pink.
Some of the shades within the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder range can be used as an all over pressed powder but in my opinion Luminous Light is not one of them due to the shimmer element. However if a soft focus, subtle glow is what the heart desires then look no further. To the touch the powders are somewhat firm but once brushed on the formula feels soft and weightless not to mention the powder some what melts on to the skin and doesn't have a typical powder finish. By that I mean the finish is more akin with a liquid highlighter but with the ease of a powder - I sure hope that makes sense haha! The colour payoff of Luminous Light is almost perfect particularly if like myself you prefer a more subtle approach - one quick sweep is all you need is terms of pigment, yet despite such intensity it remains a certain softness and the ability to create a light glow without the need of glitter or crazy amounts of shimmer. Those like myself with less than perfect skin will be please to know that it doesn't sit in enlarged pores nor will it enhance fine lines rather it has the ability to blur such "problems", much like candlelight I guess? In terms of wear when primed this tends to last a full 10 hours so no criticisms there what so ever. You should also note that the formula is free from parabens, talc, fragrance, nano-particles and gluten.
If you find a shade that you happen to love it is worth the splurge...it is a shame about the packaging though!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light £38/10g via Space.NK - link
and $45 via Sephora - link
Random Fact - 75 (on average) people die from playing twister each year!
I was drooling over both this and the Kevyn Aucoin sculpting powder in Space NK the other day - may have to go back and pick it up! Highlighters are my weakness aha! Shame about the packaging though..
ReplyDeleteThanks for the useful review!
Nif x
nifsthings.blogspot.com/
I've been hearing so many raves about this product but yours is the first review that has mentioned anything about the packaging! I'd definitely want to see this in person before I buy it, as I am a person that has to drop each makeup piece at least once...on average. :P xx
ReplyDeleteDaphne | Peanut Butter and Chocolate Life | bloglovin
I love the idea behind these powders. Awesome review! :D Shame that the packaging isn't more sturdy
ReplyDeleteSorry I don't care about amazing it is, over my dead hoarding body am I paying £38 for a highlighter
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous! It's a shame the packaging is flimsy, I would cry if I paid £38 for it and it broke!
ReplyDeletej4miejohnston.blogspot.co.uk
Jamie ♥
This seems to be a staple among a lot of bloggers. Can you really wear this all over the face without looking like a disco ball? I have MAC Soft and Gentle and I have to be careful with that as it can be too glittery/shimmery when over applied.
ReplyDeletehttp://berry-mix.livejournal.com
Not in this colour, I'd think. There's several colours and finishes. I think most bloggers who wear it as an all over powder go for something like - uhhhh - dim light, I think? I can't remember the name, but I know this one's definitely a highlight shade (there's also a pinky shade which works as a highlighter/blush shade for lighter complexions).
DeleteYep like Nicole said not this shade as it is shimmer based but Dim Light and maybe at a push Diffused Light and Mood Light but I warn you that those three are rather chalky.
DeleteVery pretty highlighter :) But if the packaging is flimsy, they certainly should put the price down x
ReplyDeletePretty, but not sure it's worth £38!!
ReplyDeletexxx
The Beauty Belle
swatched these in space nk yesterday and found them a little bit chalky, look very pretty on though but dont know if worth the price tag! xxxx
ReplyDeletehttp://makeup-moon.blogspot.co.uk/
This does look very shimmery so I'd have to be super careful, the price is outrageous though!
ReplyDeletehttp://abigailalicex.blogspot.com
Thanks for the review! I've been smitten with these since they were released (especially Dim lighting, which seems to be a great soft focus highlighter), but haven't splurged on one yet. Hopefully soon :)
ReplyDelete-Jen
www.vibrantbeautyblog.com
Just a quicky, I have 5 out of the 6 and have been using one everyday since March and nowhere near pan (using all over face as a finishing powder) This morning I dropped it on the floor (which is stone tiled) and it survived withou a dent or scratch!
ReplyDeleteStacey Expat Make-Up Addict
That is reassuring :) the packaging really concerned me as I am far from light handed and rather shall we say accident prone so thanks for sharing that! Which is your favourite shade out of curiosity?
Deleteooh this looks really pretty. meh about the packaging, but i love the shade!!
ReplyDeletexx
Natalie | Salt & Sail
These are such beautiful powders! I'm definitly going to swatch as I'm not sure if I can justify £38!
ReplyDeletecatrinteleri.blogspot.co.uk
I have wanted to get my hands on one of these for a while now! I must invest! I only read good things!
ReplyDeleteBritishBeautyAddict
I really think they are worth the price tag, due to the lovely photoshopped glow... They take years off me and makey skin look so healthy and dewy
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