I’m a little late to the party on this one, but better late than never. And Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder has just been released in a trio palette of shades that will be a permanent part of the product lineup. But I bought mine two days before the trio palette was launched. Isn’t that always the way?
I’ve been hearing about this Holy Grail powder for ages. It’s pricey, and it didn’t seem like a necessity so I waited, and when I got my 15% off coupon for Sephora’s recent Beauty Insiders promotion, I bought it.
So what is Hourglass Ambient Light Powder? Hourglass describes it as “A wardrobe of six universal finishing powders that recreate the most exquisitely flattering light.” It “captures, diffuses and softens the way light reflects on your skin.” It has “photoluminescent technology to filter out harsh light and refine the appearance of the skin”.
Some folks describe Ambient Lighting Powder as a “setting powder” to help your foundation stay on longer and better, while others say it’s not a setting powder, but a powder to apply on top of a setting powder to provide a soft focus, flawless finish. That sounds like a lot of layers to me, but whatever. I’ve tried it both ways: as a finishing powder on top of a setting powder or alone, and it doesn’t seem to matter for me. I have dry skin, but thankfully, it doesn’t settle into my lines.
The Ambient Lighting Powder is very finely milled, and it’s as light as spun sugar. It really does provide a lovely, silky, more flawless looking finish than not using it. I don’t know that I can tell the difference between using this or using a regular setting powder, but I know others believe there is a difference.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder line comes in a variety shades, and I found it difficult to determine which to buy:
- Luminous Light: champagne pearl powder that creates a soft, incandescent candlelit glow—day or night.
- Radiant Light: A sun-kissed golden beige that enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle warmth
- Mood Light: soft, sheer lavender pink powder that mimics the softest, most forgiving light and brightens the complexion.
- Ethereal Light: opalescent sheer, cool white powder: A sheer, cool tone that eliminates shine and mimics a moonlit glow—even in broad daylight.
- Diffused Light: soft, warm pale yellow powder: A soft, warm, pale yellow that reduces redness, eliminates shine, and gives skin clarity.
- Dim Light: neutral peach beige powder that provides a perfect balance of warm and cool tones to blur imperfections.
Based on the descriptions from Hourglass, I thought I would probably buy Diffused Light since I have naturally pinkish cool skin, and I thought Diffused Light would tone down the pink and warm up my skin. I also liked the sound of Ethereal and Mood Lights. But I wasn’t sure, so I asked one of the SAs at Sephora for help. He is a makeup artist, and he was adamant that I buy Luminous Light.
Luminous Light was not the one I intended to buy based on my own research, but I figured he knows more about makeup application than I do. He was a big believer in the pearliness of Luminous Light (which I think is the most pearlescent in the line) that he thought makes everyone look better. On my skin, the pearl is subtle.
Ambient LIghting Powder singles come in a pretty metallic plastic compact that unfortunately shows fingerprints. The size is 0.35 oz/10 grams. It’s made in Italy. Ambient is free of talc, gluten, fragrance, parabens, and nano particles. The price is $45. It does not come with a brush, but they will gladly sell you the Ambient Powder brush made to go with it for $35. I passed and use a blush brush that I already own.
As I mentioned, shortly after I bought my Luminous Light powder, Hourglass revived a popular limited edition Ambient Light Lighting Palette trio that originally came out during the holiday season. The new trio palette includes Incandescent Light, a shade exclusive to this palette, and two existing shades, Dim Light and Radiant Light.
If I had warm-toned skin, I would definitely go with this palette so I could try out the three shades. The price is $58.
Have you tried Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders? What shade or shades did you try? What do you think?
I’ve yet to try Hourglass but have to be honest, I don’t use powders as my skin is dry and don’t like the finish (I also don’t use on clients, only for minor retouches when working on a set).
NORAH recently posted…Viseart Paris Eyeshadows Palette Neutrals Review
That’s interesting to know that as a makeup artist, you don’t use powders. Surprisingly, the little bit that I use from this palette doesn’t settle into my lines and doesn’t dry out my already dry skin. But I don’t use it every day.
Love these powders. So light and pretty on the skin. Great post!
Jamie @ Makeuplifelove recently posted…Summertime Ready Skin with Illamasqua…
Thanks, Jamie! Glad you love ’em too
I have wanted to try this Hourglass product but since I own three different shades of those Guerlain balls I couldn’t justify the expense. I apply them after my primer underneath a powder foundation and I notice a visible difference that I like. The trio is going to be hard to resist though. 😉
I think it’s hard to resist, too. I wish they had a mix & match palette though because I actually want different shades than are on offer.
I bought the palette and love it!
Cosmetics Aficionado recently posted…Nail Art For Nubs: Bumble Bee Nail Art
jealous 😉
I need to get this one! I love these powders!
I’d love to get some more if I could only afford it, lol
I have Ethereal Light and I really like it.
Phyrra recently posted…Makeup Wars Beauty Diary
I would love to have Ethereal Light, too, Phyrra!
I have one powder, and am not wowed by it. I do however love my blush!
Amber recently posted…How I #WinTheDay With Clearasil!
Oh well, Amber, I’m glad you love your blush!
I haven’t tried this brand before. But this sounds amazing! I may have to try it.
Kelly R recently posted…Floral one-stroke nail art over gradient base
It’s worth a look, Kelly!
I love these powders – they photograph beautifully.
Sheila (Painted Ladies) recently posted…331/365 Days of Makeup IV
Good to know, Sheila!
Next shopping trip, this is going in my basket!
Kendra recently posted…Japonesque Velvet Touch Eye Shadow and Makeup Brush Review
And your Japonesque is going in mine, Kendra, LOL
I need it in my life 🙂
Leelo R recently posted…Avon Gel Finish nail polish – Sheer Love
Hahaha, me too Leelo 😀
I bought some of these, too. I don’t notice a HUGE difference – they are subtle powders on me. But I do like them, and they are definitely a lux addition to my makeup!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Girly Purple Sparkly and Studs #NailArtForNubs
I agree, Nidia, it’s a subtle effect. Heck, it’s only powder! But it does give my skin a lovely finish.
Love this! I finally got my hands on the palette!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Makeup Wars – My Beauty Diary
Oh, you lucky! Looking forward to your review, Brooke
I haven’t tried this brand. A lot of people rave about this product though. I can’t justify buying it for myself
Kim recently posted…Bronzers for Brown Skinned Women
I waited till I had a coupon, Kim. It’s expensive. Period. The end.
Oh this is beyond pretty
Betzy Carmona recently posted…Refreshing Snack After Working Out
I think it is a lovely compact, and I do really like the LL Ambient powder!
I am in love with Hourglass right now. Amazing products
I also have the Mineral Veil primer that I like too. I’d love to try more but they are so dang expensive 😉
I REALLY need to own this!
Ange recently posted…What Is Kleenex Style? Come & See!
I’m happy I finally got mine.
These are gorgeous, I swoon over them in Sephora!
Miranda recently posted…Mom’s Must Have Beauty Products
That’s was me too until a few weeks ago, Miranda 😉
I still don’t own one of these powders!
Melody recently posted…Quick Tips for Choosing the Perfect Nude Polish for Spring feat. Zoya Naturels.
I was a little late to the party, too, Melody, but put them on your list!
I’ve been using my Ambient powder every single day since I bought it, I believe they are absolutely worth it.
Anastasia recently posted…Perlier Honey Miel Royal Elixir Facial Serum Review, Pictures #PerlierOnHSN
Wow, I should use mine more often. I seem to be saving it for when I get dressed up. That’s silly! I should just use it all the time, too.
They do sound amazing but such an investment.
Kimmi @ The Plastic Diaries recently posted…Shopping In The USA – Beauty Haul
I agree, Kimmi. Without the coupon, I wouldn’t have bought it.
I’m going to pass on the ambient powders. When I swatch them at Sephora and I just don’t think it’s for me. I did purchase the Ambient blush in Diffused Heat which is a pretty peachy/pink. I’m still playing with it 🙂
Monica
MonicaP recently posted…Not loving the stripe dress from Target
Monica, that’s the right way to decide by swatching them, and they are not a necessity, nor are they for everyone. For me, they do not settle into my lines and they give me that blurred, softened look that I was after. Glad you’re enjoying the blush, so far. I have heard raves about them. But I have so many blushes, and they are pretty pricey. I’ll look forward to reading your blush review!!
so pretty! Love these powders
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…My Beauty Diary
I’m glad you like ’em, too, Laura!
The palette is back in stock at Sephora again!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…You’re Invited To A Twitter Party!
Yay! Thanks for the news, Cindy 🙂
I am IN LOVE with Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders. Dim Light is my fave because it is soft and not too shimmery. I have it in a single AND in the palette!
Julie recently posted…Essence Circus Confetti Nail Art Special Effects Topper polish review
I think Dim was the one I had intended to buy, but Luminous has worked out fine.
I have Diffused Light and Dim Light. A Sephora staff told me that these lighting powders work well w/ any complexion, regardless of the shade you choose.
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Guerlain Terracota Joli Teint (Moyen/Medium): Review, Swatch, FOTD
It was either Dim or Diffused that I planned to buy, but Luminous has worked out well for me. I’m glad that the Sephora SA told you that they work well with any complexion. Can’t make a mistake that way.
ooo i want that palette! i hear so many good things about this product!
Chrissy recently posted…Mirabella Colour Vinyl Lipstick
Go for it, Chrissy! As I mentioned, I bought my LL single the day before the new palette was announced 😉
Girlie, I just bought the Radiant Magenta Blush and I am in love with it.I have been debating on whether or not to buy these powders.Maybe I can blame you for me buying the trio heheh
Heather recently posted…Clarity Vitamin C Serum for Face
Oooh, I’d love one of the Hourglass blushes but the budget isn’t there right now, lol. Hahah, I can’t be held responsible for you buying the trio, Heather, lol! If you do buy it, let me know what you think!
I have one of their blushes in diffused heat and it is beautiful. Definitely my go to blush, particularly when I’m in a rush since I can just slap it on my face and know it will look good.
Mel recently posted…The Zombie Lifestyle of Working Full Time in an Office
I missed out on the blushes, Mel, but like you, everyone I’ve heard from adores them. Maybe some day, I’ll pick on up to add to my blush collection 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and commenting!