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The texture of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder is cashmere-like. There's some debris in the compact when you pick up the product with your brush, but you can just sweep it and use it- the powder is extremely fine and non streaky. The light reflecting is as subtle as that of the very best powder highlighters (superior to most Chanel ones), with no particles sitting on the skin unless you really pack it on (which you shouldn't do. It's a finishing powder, not a blush). Photographing Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in a way that fully shows it was a big challenge. I played with the light- what little natural light I could get plus various add-ons.
Radiant Light is a golden beige shade. The top stripe in the swatch photos was done with a finger for the sole purpose of showing you the core color. Then I took the Ambient Powder brush and applied normally just I do on my face. The powder can be further sheered if you use a round fluffy brush (a large Yachiyo is perfect for this- either NARS or Hakuhodo).
The last photo shows the difference between Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder and NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder (review coming soon). The NARS Powder is stark white; it doesn't give you a Cullen face when applied right, but you can see how pale it is (click on the photo to enlarge), while the Hourglass powder adds quite a bit of color to the skin.
The Ambient Powder brush was a huge surprise. I liked every Hourglass brush I ever tried-- they're as good as synthetic brushes go, meticulously made and densely packed. Press release photos didn't do this Ambient brush justice-- it's a thick and sturdy tool, incredibly soft and has the ability to multitask. It's great for the Ambient Powder, of course, though I also use other brushes for this task. I know I'll be putting it to good use (still need to try it for foundation).
Bottom Line: Love. LOVE!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder ($45) And Brush ($35) is available from Sephora, Bergdorf, and Barneys. The products in this review were sent for my consideration by the company.
That looks like a proper brush and not something of an afterthought like some other brands. Am looking forward to trying this in person when it's released here.
ReplyDeleteThe brush is a real makeup tool (which is why it's sold separately). I'm very happy to have it.
DeleteThank you so much for this review! I've been waiting anxiously. When you review the nars powder, would you please state your preference between the two? I'm trying to decide which I want. Do you intend to pick up other colors o the ambient powder?
ReplyDeleteI'll probably pick another one, not sure which one yet. This and the NARS are very different, though, and not just in format (I got the loose one from NARS, though I saw the gorgeous pressed powder on Cafe Makeup). I'll need to play with it some more.
DeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts on this! I cannot wait to try both of those, but am having trouble deciding on a color for the hourglass one. Hopefully my Sephora will have them in store.
ReplyDeleteIt's a matter of days, I think, until all Sephoras that stock Hourglass will have them.
Deleteok, you've convinced me to buy the brush and maybe that shade as well. I bought Luminous Light which is quite nice and indeed luminous so Radiant might be a nice addition too.
ReplyDeleteEvelyn, I'm also eyeing Luminous...
DeleteOh I'm SO excited to try this! I ordered two shades and they should be here on Thursday!
ReplyDeleteEmi, I hope you already have them! Have fun playing.
DeleteThank you for the review! I am very intrigued by this product, but I'd have to order it online, and admit I'd be puzzled to choose just one...
ReplyDeleteI'm telling myself that I really don't need all six ;)
DeleteI really want to try this so I called three different Sephora's in NYC today and they don't have it yet. I'm bummed! Hourglass's website says mid-Feb it will be in the stores. I just don't feel confident to choose the color online so I guess I'll have to try to be patient.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you know that you'll be able to see them in person within days or even weeks I do recommend waiting. Except with LE products that one is worried about missing if waiting for the store to get their allotted two or three (hello, Guerlain!), it's always better to see in person first.
DeleteGlad to see this review, Gaia. The brush looks so lush and soft, and the fact that you've been wearing (and not just testing) the powder speaks volumes. Can't wait to check these out. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely need Radiant Light! Thank you for the informative review, I love reading different people's tips and how they use a certain product
ReplyDeleteAh, Hourglass. Everything they do is amazing. EVERYTHING. I've never heard of a dud Hourglass product. What a thing to be known for, really!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! I'm set on getting one of the powders, the only question is what color! Your review on the texture and finish really helped me out. I just had a quick question about the brush... I have the hakuhodo fan brush. How would you compare it with the ambient powder brush? I love me some good brushes, and your review definitely has me wanting more!
ReplyDeleteThis brush (like all Hourglass brushes) is synthetic making it utterly different than Hakuhodu. I'd say this is denser and picks up less product initially, but really, it's impossible to compare and performance of each depends on the particular product you're using. My recommendation is to have both ;)
DeleteThanks! I guess, I would ask for your recommendation for which one would be best suited for the ambient powders. Regardless, though I probably will grab both since I've heard so many amazing things about the brush!
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