It’s a miracle! Luxury line Hourglass Cosmetics claims to have photographic evidence of a “miracle makeup for oily skin,” and it’s called Immaculate Powder Foundation.
What is it?
The new liquid-to-powder face product ($55 for a 1-ounce bottle) for guys and gals with oily, combination and acne-prone skin promises to polish skin tone with a lightweight formula and a natural-looking, long-lasting matte finish designed to last all day, and it’s not supposed to need a setting powder applied on top.
Since my skin is oily on my forehead, dry on my cheeks and prone to pimples around my chin, I say “Sign me up!” Let’s put this potential prizefighter to the test. 🙂
First things first, Immaculate’s bonafides look great on paper. The oil-free, water-resistant formula contains interesting botanicals like Phytostem Edelweiss, a Himalayan plant said to help heal cell damage, and Lavandox, an extract of Spanish lavender, which Hourglass claims helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting muscle contractions. And it doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, GMOs, synthetic fragrances or nanoparticles.
According to Hourglass, Immaculate doesn’t stop at evening out skin tone. It’s also designed to soften the look of fine lines, pores and imperfections, all while showing some love to skin.
LOL! I was mostly interested in this because I liked the idea of being able to skip powder. Anything to save a little time, ya know?
Limited selection of shades
Of the eight available shades (and more on that in a few)…
- Porcelain
- Shell
- Ivory
- Nude
- Light Beige
- Sand
- Beige
- Warm Beige
…Beige comes closest to my skin tone (I’m an NC 42 in MAC), but it’s not an exact match, as it does have a lot of, um, beige in it.
It can look a little ashy on me if I wear too much, but as long as I only apply a couple of thin layers, it’s close enough. A lemony beige with an extra dose of yellow in it would probably have been a closer match.
Finding a perfect match among Immaculate’s eight shades could be a challenge, especially if you have a deep tan or a darker skin tone. It seems like many of these shades cater to ladies with lighter and medium skin, and if you’re darker than I am, Warm Beige is the only shade here that might be a match.
And it’s a shame, too, because the formula, which applies as a liquid but dries to a powder, took Hourglass a year to perfect. It’s just so neat! As you work the liquid into your skin, it dries to a very fine powder.
The coverage
For coverage like the kind I’d wear with casual jeans and a t-shirt — just to even out my skin tone and disguise any little pimples on my chin — I use half a pump applied with my fingers or something like the Hourglass No. 2 Foundation Brush ($58).
But for dressier events, say, for skin to go with a cocktail dress and heels, I’ll use a second half a pump on my cheeks and chin for nearly opaque coverage.
Either way, I think Immaculate looks great. My initial reaction the first time I saw myself in the mirror with it on was “Wow!”
Matte foundations don’t always look like this. Some look heavy, like a mask, but Immaculate still looks very natural natural to me. Dare I say it? 🙂 Almost like I’m not wearing anything at all, LOL!
I think the difference is the finish. It just has a lot of life in it, a slight sheen that keeps it from looking dull and flat.
And with it on, I can really see an improvement in the texture of my skin. The pores on my cheeks look smaller, and the entire canvas just looks smoother to me.
The formula
As for my dry spots, Immaculate treats ’em pretty well. It evens out the skin tone everywhere without emphasizing any dry flakes. And it feels lightweight and wonderful to wear.
Beige unblended (left) and blended (right)
The only time I’m ever really aware of it on my skin comes about halfway through the day, which is when I start to feel a little tightness around my nose and at the corners of my mouth — my driest spots.
Other than that, it’s one of the most comfortable foundations I’ve ever worn.
In terms of absorbing oil, once again, Immaculate brings the noise, but whether it’s fair to call it a miracle remains open to debate. I start to notice a slight shine peeking through on my oily forehead about 4 hours in that progresses all the way to Shiny Town by hours 7 or 8.
Before (left) and after (right)
I’ve yet to try it with a really great primer like Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15. I’m hoping it’ll give Immaculate’s matte finish some extra staying power (you’ll be the first to know!).
Being able to skip having to wear powder with a formula as lightweight as this gives Immaculate major points, but it’s too bad there are only eight shades. I also wish I didn’t have to use an additional product to keep the shine at bay beyond 8 hours, but that’s asking for a lot. I’d settle for Hourglass knocking $20 off the price. 🙂
PRICE: $55
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Larie says
January 28th, 2012 at 3:04 pmThis looks awesome! I’ve been considering this as a wedding foundation. I’ll have to go get matched and see how it works out.
Larie recently posted … Cold Gold: A Gold Smoky Eye, Redux
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:41 pmThis would be really comfy for a wedding! It photographs well, too.
When are you getting married, Larie?
Emi at Project Swatch says
January 28th, 2012 at 3:06 pmooh, this looks really nice! I need another foundation like a need a third arm, but hourglass’s packaging is just so pretty that i’m always extra super tempted.
Emi at Project Swatch recently posted … Nail Polish Interlude: Pretty Woman Magnetix Swatch & Review
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:40 pmThey do have great packaging. Have you tried anything else from the line?
KAREN says
January 28th, 2012 at 3:18 pmKaren!!! Your skin looks great with the foundation! Nice coverage!!!
I love the primer and this brand is next on my shopping list!!!
Happy weekend!
Karen =)
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:40 pmHi Karen!
Yay, another Hourglass Veil Primer fan. 🙂 Have you tried any other items from the line? The lipglosses are fabulous.
Mariana says
January 28th, 2012 at 3:20 pmThanks for the review! This looks like a great foundation, I’m always looking for something new in the medium to full coverage range since I have yet to find anything I like.
http://www.beautynthingsblog.com
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:39 pmYou’re welcome!
Tracy says
January 28th, 2012 at 3:22 pmI’m pale and I find Hourglass way too yellow for me. I couldn’t find a good match. They really should think about adding a few more shades to their foundations.
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:39 pmHi Tracy,
This is good to know for the pale girls. What shade did you try, and do you happen to know your MAC equivalent?
Happy Saturday!
Jade says
November 7th, 2012 at 2:40 amHi Karen I normally wear mac studio fix powder foundation N5 which hourglass colour should I go for that would match N5? Thanks
Marina says
January 28th, 2012 at 3:24 pmI really like this foundation for oily skin & I almost wish I could try it myself but I have very dry skin, so I am using their TM.
I think the brush you’ve mentioned, is cheaper than $65…
Marina recently posted … Beauty Inspiration: Makeup at Dior SS 2012 Couture Show
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:38 pmThanks, Marina! Just fixed it. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says
January 28th, 2012 at 3:37 pmHmm this is not for me because I prefer a somehow dewy finish and I’m fine with light coverage. I do have a sista who is looking for a mattifying foundation though. Will give her the heads-up about this post!
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:38 pmHow many siblings do you have Sunny? I have a younger brother.
Happy Saturday!
Paige says
January 28th, 2012 at 3:41 pmthis looks really lovely on you!
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:37 pmThanks, Paige!
How’s your weekend going? Good, I hope!
Paige says
January 28th, 2012 at 8:33 pmI’m having a fabulous weekend filled with drugstore beauty products and my one year old nephew! Thanks for asking, I hope you’re having a great weekend too!
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:25 amHow fun! What drugstore products are you playing with? I hope you have some Revlon Lip Butters in the mix!
Jessica says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:39 pmThis foundation looks very good! Too bad for the price though 🙁
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:25 amI know, it’s pricey. Hourglass does have great textures, colors and ingredients though. Plus you don’t have to use too much of it.
Adrienne says
January 28th, 2012 at 5:05 pmKaren, you’ve out a great fear in me…
The fear that one pay day, I’ll lose my mind, hijack a bus full of penguins (ever seem the 80s movie Better Off Dead?), and spend $55 bucks on a foundation, half of which would sadly end up in my kabuki brush…
The nice thing is that we can all use this excuse: “well, yes, babe, I did spend $55 on that, but I’ll save money not having to buy a setting powder!! *sheepish grin*”
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:24 amOMG, Better Off Dead! For some reason every guy in college was obsessed with that movie!
Oh, and I like your train of thought! This product is like getting two for one, right?
Adrienne says
January 29th, 2012 at 12:27 pmHahaha, that’s awesome! Only once in a great while do I find someone who knows that movie! My high school French teacher showed it to all her French classes on a day when everyone was stressing about other stuff or we needs s a break, so all us Frenchies had inside jokes about it lol. It’s my go to rainy day/guilty pleasure/ need cheering up movie 🙂
jennifer s says
January 28th, 2012 at 5:11 pmThis looks soooo good. I think i might go get matched 🙂
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:23 amHi Jennifer S!
Have you tried Hourglass before? They have some really nice color products.
Melli says
January 28th, 2012 at 6:21 pmGreat review! That is an expensive foundation, I might have to skip on this one :/ But the before and after pictures are wonderful! It looks very natural.
casual-beauty.blogspot.com
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:22 amThank you!
Nina says
January 28th, 2012 at 7:20 pmthe finish is gorgeous … this is definitely worth a shot. 🙂
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:22 amYes it is! You need to play with it next time you hit up Sephora. 🙂
Nina says
January 29th, 2012 at 4:14 pmwhich just might be tomorrow. i am hoping to take half the day off and go to the mall. 😀
Diana J says
January 28th, 2012 at 8:53 pmIt looks awesome on you! I need a new foundation and I’m prepared to splurge.. I kind of have a Chanel foundation in mind because I have yet to come across a Chanel product I didn’t absolutely love but I might actually consider this new Hourglass one.. Love your reviews!!
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:21 amThanks, Diana J!
What Chanel foundation do you have in mind? I use their Mat Lumiere sometimes.
Neeraj says
January 28th, 2012 at 11:21 pmThe coverage is flawless and amazing. I like the smooth blend and way it glides. Hope this comes to India too….
Neeraj recently posted … A Night in Zen Garden
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:20 amHi Neeraj,
Here’s to hoping they make it out your way!
peach_ says
January 29th, 2012 at 1:38 amI’d love to try this foundation! It sounds promising. I wish Hourglass were readily available internationally!
peach_ recently posted … Julep Nail Vernis Hayden (2012 Resort Collection)
Ree Van D says
January 29th, 2012 at 2:01 amHi Peach, I live in Russia and I share your sentiments. We don’t have as wide a selection as the US and other parts of Europe. In what part of the world are you?
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:20 amI hope they make the jump soon. I think you’d like their products! The lipgloss is especially awesome.
Ree Van D says
January 29th, 2012 at 1:55 amI became super excited when I read the title. I have oily/Combination skin and I am always looking for a good foundation to help control shine. But it does not come in my shade 🙁 I hope they add new shades to the line.
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:19 amMe too, Ree Van D!
Erin says
January 29th, 2012 at 2:04 amHi Karen, I was just reading the article and you said you’re skin is oily on the forehead, dry on the cheeks and prone to spots on the chin…that is my skin exactly too! I’ve been having difficulty trying to find a good skin care routine as I’ve only just realised the exact makeup of my skin and my products have not been appropriate. Do you use a foaming or non-foaming cleanser? I’m using a foaming one at the moment and I think that could be part of the problem, can you recommend a non-foaming cleanser? Sorry for the long comment, hope you have a great day!
Erin x
Karen says
January 29th, 2012 at 8:19 amHi Erin,
I love how foaming cleansers feel, but unfortunately they tend to strip my skin. I use a cream cleanser for sensitive, dry skin by La Roche Posay. Here’s a review:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/my-dry-sensitive-skin-says-oui-to-la-roche-posay-toleriane-dermo-cleanser/
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Erin says
January 30th, 2012 at 11:28 amThanks Karen! x
Natalia says
January 29th, 2012 at 9:24 amThis has been in my sephora cart along wih their original foundation and tinted moisturizer. I love the well thought out philosophy of this brand and I think it translates into their quality. I use their primer and concealer stick daily. I just have yet to figure out if I have a match in this yet!
corallista says
January 29th, 2012 at 11:23 amIt does even out your skin tone and the finish looks neat! This would be great for oily skinned women. Maybe its my recent fixation with dewy finish but I liked the Benefit Hello Oxygen more on you, it gave such a healthy boost to the skin!
corallista recently posted … Weekly Roundup : Lush, Illamasqua, Oriflame, Inglot, MAC reviews, Tutorials and more!
Quinctia says
January 29th, 2012 at 9:19 pmTotally agree–with the Hourglass, my impression is that your foundation looks nice, but with the Benefit, it seems more like your SKIN looks that nice.
And I say that as someone who tends to lean towards matte finishes in foundation!
Jana says
January 30th, 2012 at 4:40 amYou look beautiful!! Wish I had enough money to try this! I have oily/acne skin and have been sitting at home depressed because my face just looks and feels horrible. :/
Alisha says
February 1st, 2012 at 5:46 pmI’m so curious about this! I’m currently using Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet, which I like, but it can look a little cakey on me at times. I’d also like a tad bit more coverage, but I stick with it because it really cuts down on the end of the day oil slick. Any idea how this compares to the MUFE?
Sibili Bibili says
February 8th, 2012 at 7:47 pmI have used the Hourglass Immaculate with the Veil Mineral Primer and without.
With the Primer it lasts EVEN longer. Waterproof and Anti Aging built in.
Well worth the price. It does more than any other mattifying foundation without the yucky stuff, with the bonus of antiaging. Photographs beautifully.
~T says
February 11th, 2012 at 8:12 amHi! Great review! What would you think is the best match for NW20/25? Very interested in checking this out!!
Dana says
February 17th, 2012 at 5:57 amHi,
So I’ve been using the tinted moisturizer in Beige (light beige was too pink for me and sand was a bit too light) I have med/olive skin. What color would you recommend to be a good match for me?? This product sounds amazing bc i have such oily skin. Let me know what you think. Thanks! 🙂
brandon says
March 5th, 2012 at 7:56 pmSo I’m a guy and I have extremely oily skin. I also do makeup for a living so I’m always in search of a great foundation…for me 🙂 I’m an hourglass addict and when I found out about this product I couldn’t wait to try it.. I love it!! I still feel the need to blot away a bit of my oild during my 10 hour days but the foundation does stay on. I have tried it with other primers and hourglasses veil primer is the best option. I buff in the foundation with Sephoras airbrush foundation brush ( can’t remember the number at the moment) its very comparable to hourglasses and cheaper too. A+ for this foundation…as mentioned before I do feel a bit of tightness when wearing this foundation but it goes away through out the day
Kristin says
April 19th, 2012 at 9:50 pmI am looking for a foundation on my wedding day, is this too shimmery for that or does it stay on the matte side during a full day’s wear? I have oily skin and I need something that will stay on but won’t feel cakey or like it’s melting off. I am an NC20-NC25, what shade would you say that would match well? Or could you recommend a better foundation for oily skin?
Thanks!!
nettie209 says
May 1st, 2012 at 3:42 pmOh boY can’t wait to try this one! 🙂 Thanks for the info!
Elizabeth says
September 17th, 2012 at 12:48 pmSo this product sounds amazing, though a little pricey, but how does your skin do after? I mean did it make you break out? Are you even prone to breaking out?
Trang says
February 17th, 2013 at 11:35 amHi Karen !
What a wonderful review I’ve done.
I’m going to buy this foundation but I dont know what shade to look for, plz help me with this.
I’m asian but I have white combination skin, warmtone and use NC20- 25 in MAC – I think . I never buy make-up stuff so I have no idea which product to use and shade to look for. For this foundation, I’m thinking of Nude and Ivory 😀
Plz help me, this is really expensive (i’m in Vietnam) so I dont want to buy something that does not match my skin.
Thank you & apologize for my bad English 😀
Albella says
March 5th, 2013 at 11:30 pmHai im so interested in this foundation but i live in indonesia and they dont have sephora here but in singapore they dont have hourglass either ao i have to order online. Im around nc 35-nc40 in mac and i use make up forever hd foundation in 140. Im a medium skin with yellow undertones. Which color should suits me best? Thanks so much.
rezel says
March 12th, 2013 at 3:08 pmI’ve tried this and I’m an NC42 and I bought the Nude at first which made me look ashy so I ended up with lt beige which I think is a perfect match for my face and neck. I do like it for the same reasons you gave. I bought it because it says water resistant so I can’t wait to wear it in the summer which will be the real test.
grace says
May 26th, 2013 at 2:10 amHey, I was looking on Youtube about foundation reviews.. in my country we dont sell this brand. could you please tell me what color would suit me if im NC20-NC25 in MAC.. I saw some comments above with similar questions..
I would really like to buy this online..
thanks
🙂
Iman says
June 3rd, 2013 at 7:50 pmWhat shade would you use I you we Mac NW25
Karl says
August 26th, 2014 at 2:48 amIve been reading your blog since 2006 way back in college and im 27 now! Im a big fan and i lov that we have the same color shade (nc42) i might try this out. Hey you influenced me too much . Haha keep it going. Hugs xoxo youre so nice ! I can tell
HeavnsGirl says
October 9th, 2014 at 5:42 pmJust found your blog by searching for reviews of this product. They’ve added darker shades, so I’ve been able to find mine: chestnut!!