I tell El Hub all the time that if we ever win the lottery, I’m hiring Heidi Klum’s Project Runway lighting crew to follow me around wherever I go (ever notice how they light her compared to how they light the other judges and contestants?).
He thinks I’m kidding, but I’m COMPLETELY SERIOUS.
I don’t know, though. Maybe it doesn’t matter anymore, now that I’ve found these Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders. 🙂
You know how skin looks so warm and buttery and beautiful at sunset? Or the way it looks by candlelight? You’re having dinner at a nice restaurant, they’ve got the lights turned down low, and you reach into your purse for your compact, check your gloss and think, “Wow! Where did my smile lines go?”
The right lighting makes a big difference. This, Hourglass knows, which is why they designed their six $45 Ambient Lighting Powders to make skin appear as if it’s bathed in flattering light.
No need for a film crew or an expensive studio setup. Just pick your powder by its illuminating effect — Diffused Light, Ethereal Light, Radiant Light, Mood Light, Dim Light or Luminous Light.
The secret, Hourglass says, isn’t lumens or wattage. It’s the transparent, color-correcting particles in the powders that filter and manipulate light.
Never mind that I’m thinking that same answer would probably also apply to other products from other brands. I’m more concerned about one thing: how well does it work?
Here in my own little photo studio, also known as the hallway outside of my office, I’ve been testing three of the six — Dim Light, Luminous Light and Radiant Light — I have to say, I’m impressed. What Hourglass does by varying the finishes, shimmer, sheen and pigment does seem to emulate different kinds of light.
No, I doubt Heidi Klum is going to give up her zillion-dollar studio setup for one or two of these, but still — pretty neat!
I love all three. Both for their fancy finishes, and for the way the almost imperceptible grains of powder disappear on my skin.
Dim light
I’d swear that Dim Light, hands down my favorite of the three, takes 10 years off my face. A neutral, peachy beige, it has a soft sheen and a lovely satin finish. With it on, I feel like my pores and fine lines look a little less obvious, and my skin has this certain quiet radiance to it that I remember being there when I was in my 20s and teens (lately, not so much, LOL!). “Siri, remind me to stockpile this before the zombie apocalypse.”
Luminous Light
With Luminous Light, the champagne pearl, Hourglass turned up the shimmer to re-create a soft, candlelit glow. Think angel halos…or a MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder with a softer, finer pearl sheen. This is the one I’d wear when I want to draw attention to my skin. I’d apply it just over the center of my face to highlight and lift my look.
Radiant Light
Radiant Light, a super sheer, semi-matte golden beige/bronze with flecks of golden glitter, is probably the flashiest of these three. Where this one lives, it’s always summer in Las Vegas. Picture the desert sun falling on the faces of Las Vegas Ladies Who Lunch.
I also like how well these powders control oil, which means less frequent touchups, and — HALLELUJAH! — so far, no breakouts.
Oh, yeah… I am digging these. 🙂 The $45 price, not so much, but I’m loving the quality here.
PRICE: $45
AVAILABILITY: Available now inside Barneys New York stores, Bergdorf Goodman, Space NK, Sephora stores, and online at sephora.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Tracy@Beauty Reflections says
January 31st, 2013 at 10:50 pmOh yeah I love my Dim Light too! On me it gives me a healthy, light tanned glow and I love it! It looks really gorgeous on you too! I want the pinky one next!
Tracy@Beauty Reflections recently posted … AVON Totally Kissable Lipsticks Will Make Your Lips Kissable!
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:06 amOoh, which one?
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
January 31st, 2013 at 11:52 pmLOVE Radiant Light. I can’t really wear it as a finishing powder (my skin is CRAZY oily) but as a highlighter/subtle bronzer, it’s insanely gorgeous!! Dim Light looks great on you, though. Your skin looks so luminous!
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Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:06 amRadiant’s lovely!
Rae // theNotice says
January 31st, 2013 at 11:54 pmThese sound amazing, Karen! I feel like they’re one of those products that you don’t really “get” until you see them in person… But all that means is that I really need to see them in person 😛
Rae // theNotice recently posted … Karl Lagerfeld x Shu Uemura | Mon Shu Rouge Unlimited Lipstick reviews, photos, swatches
BooBooNinja says
February 1st, 2013 at 12:41 am*Grabs Rae’s hand and skip with her to the nearest Sephora to swatch Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders*
These are beautiful on you, Karen.
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:04 amHow cute are you! Can I come?!
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:06 amDefinitely try Dim Light, Rae! It’s amazing stuff.
Agata says
February 1st, 2013 at 1:42 amYou look beautiful. I know it’s pricey but I think I will have to splurge on one or two, not sure which one I’d pick though.
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:03 amHi Agata,
I vote for Dim Light and Luminous Light. Could you use Dim as an all-over face powder, then do Luminous in the central panels of the face for some lift! I do this trick and it looks great in both pics and real life.
Happy, happy FRIDAY!
Agata says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:42 amIt sounds good 🙂 Btw, is it Too Faced Bodouir Eyes palette on your eyes?
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:47 amIt’s Benefit Holy Smokes! I would look FAB paired with that Too Faced palette, now that I think about it. 🙂
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/holy-smokes-is-that-strut-benefits-new-creaseless-cream-shadow-in-holy-smokes-plays-dale-to-struts-brennan/
Sunny says
February 1st, 2013 at 2:07 amDim Light looks SOOOOOO frickking awesome on you!! Can’t wait to try one myself!
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Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:02 amYou’ll love it. 🙂
Alison M says
February 1st, 2013 at 3:37 am‘M so undecided about these! I am most interested in Ethereal and Mood Light (white and purple… Gosh I think those are the names) but I am always crazy skeptical if shimmer. I totally love the new NARS powder, but I think i need to see Hourglass in person.
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:01 amHi Alison,
I’m betting the shimmer’s going to be very elegant, judging from the three I’ve tried. I get the sense they didn’t want to do over the top skin…
Kim says
February 1st, 2013 at 4:35 amYou had me at “takes 10 years off my face”. I’ll gladly shell out $45 for that! It does look absolutely amazing on you. I’m totally checking this out in person!
Oh, and Happy Friday! We made it! 🙂
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:00 amOMG, Happy FRIDAY!! I woke up this morning and felt waves of relief washing over me, LOL! It’s been a long week. What’s the plan for the weekend?
Kim says
February 1st, 2013 at 5:01 pmI hear you! We brought the boys to dinner and bought them some new bikes for their birthday (next week). As usual, it’ll be hockey and more hockey this weekend. We’re headed to a friend’s house on Sunday for a Superbowl party. How about you guys? Any SB parties? I’m sure it’s going to be rocking in the SF area. Go Niners! 🙂
Teri says
February 1st, 2013 at 5:09 amYou really make me want Dim Light now Karen :p. Everyone can use an instant younger-looking powder! Honestly they all sound awesome tho, it’s gonna be hard to just pick one!
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:58 amYeah! I’m kind of eyeing the other three powders now, LOL!
Ruchita says
February 1st, 2013 at 6:24 amNow that I am firmly in my mid-30s I don’t paying top dollar for a product that will make me look younger. 🙂 In fact, I was planning on heading to Sephora this weekend so I will definitely check these out!
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:57 amI know what you mean. I’m at that point where if something shaves off a couple years and actually works I whip that credit card out without any hesitation, LOL!
Erin says
February 1st, 2013 at 6:35 amI’ve waiting for your review to order one of these! I definitely want one, I am still not sure which one. Would you mind taking a picture of you wearing Radiant and Luminous like you did with Dim? That would be awesome 🙂
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Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:56 amHi Erin,
Here’s Radiant Light on top of Dior’s BB Cream.
Erin says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:13 amThank you thank you! That helps so much! I thought I wanted Radiant, but it may be too shimmery for daily use. I may add Dim to the list now!
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:35 amYou’re welcome. Luminous is also shimmery in case you were wondering (just haven’t had time to take pics with it yet). You’ll LOVE Dim Light. 🙂
Arianne says
February 1st, 2013 at 6:46 amMROW! Loving the look of Dim Light on you, Karen! These powders are getting so much hype and rave reviews that I need to try them NAO. 🙂
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Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:53 amYEAH!!! You’ll love em. 🙂
Emi at Project Swatch says
February 1st, 2013 at 7:19 amThank you so much for the review! I purchased Mood Light & Diffused Light – so I’m glad you reviewed three of the ones I didn’t try 🙂 It sounds like Dim Light will be my next purchase (if I go for another one – which I very well might!)
Now I just need to find a review of Ethereal Light.
Emi at Project Swatch recently posted … Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Review, Swatches, Photos
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:52 amCool! I’m curious about that one too.
Christina says
February 6th, 2013 at 8:59 amEmi, what are your thoughts on the Mood Light? Is there shimmer in it? What is the overall effect of that one? They all sounds so wonderful, it is hard to choose!
Chelsea says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:11 amThese look gawgeous! I can’t wait to see them in person! I was leaning toward Ethereal Light (because I’m pale, yo) but dim light is gorgeous too!
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:49 amHi Chelsea,
I haven’t had the chance to play with Ethereal Light, but I’m STALKING Sephora, so hopefully it’ll be soon! You could prolly pull off Dim Light…I know it looks kinda dark in the swatch, but that’s because I built it up to show the color.
Chelsea says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:14 amYeah, I’ll try out a couple of them when Sephora gets ’em in!
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:36 amI hope you get them soon! The Sephora girls are sick of me going in there every five minutes (“Are they in yet? Maybe check the back?”). LOL
Chelsea says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:40 amDude, seriously. The girl had no idea what I was talking about. I have a physical next week, and the doctor’s office is right across from the mall (how convenient!) so I’ll probably check again then.
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:47 amYeah, I think it takes a while for the products to arrive at most stores. The one in my town still has holiday stuff out!
Tina @ My Highest Self says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:12 amI absolutely love the concept of these! I definitely want to pick up Dim Light when I get the chance. I’d say it would be worth the $45 according to your results!
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Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:48 amHi Tina,
Dim Light’s my FAVE. What’s also great about it is it works fab on bare skin, BB cream, tinted moisturizer and foundation! So flexible.
Have you tried anything else from Hourglass?
Elle says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:33 amWow – looks so great! What do you use to apply this Karen?
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 8:45 amHi Elle,
I used the new $35 Hourglass Ambient Powder Brush. It’s cool — the brush is wide and covers a large area so I can powder fairly quickly, but you could probably get away with using a regular ol’ powder brush or kabuki brush.
thepaigest says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:10 amKaren I love it! Thanks! LOVE Hourglass products. I tried to stay up to wait for this post but feel asleep! Hey do you watch Vampire Diaries? I know You watch True Blood. If you don’t YOU gotta watch it!! Don’t judge it by the first couple episodes. It’s on NETFLIX. SOOO AWESOME! (Sorry side convo!)
Chelsea says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:15 amnot Karen, but Vampire Diaries really is great!
thepaigest says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:26 amI know!! I was looking to fill a void between True Blood now I’m a super nerd. I’m going t see them in Dallas this year!!
Chelsea says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:35 amHave you read the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris? I like them a lot, although they’re drastically different than the show.
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:37 amI’ve read a couple of them and like them for mind-numbing reading, LOL!
P.S. Paige, when you see Vampire Eric please ask him to take his shirt off! Kidding! Kinda…
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:34 amHi Paige and Chelsea,
I don’t watch the Vampire Diaries. My new vamp show of choice is Being Human on SyFy. There’s also werewolves and ghosts in it, WOO HOO!
Chelsea says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:36 amI like Being Human too!
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:38 amYeah, things have taken an interesting turn this season! The first ep was SO GOOD. Feels like they hired new writers!
thepaigest says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:49 amNo! I’m going to the Vampire Diaries convention! LOL But I would also like them to take their shirts off as well. Vampire Diaries is another show with Vampires with never ending abs 🙂 I’ll have to check out Being Human for sure!! Chelsea I actually haven’t read the books. I’ll have to check them out! I was looking for something to read. Just finished The Host and the Mortal Instruments series. I was thinking about starting Beautiful Creatures.
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:50 amOMG!! The Host. By the end of that book I was sobbing. Did you know that they’re making a movie based on the book? I hope it’s better than the Twilight flicks.
Ada says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:41 amGoing straight for Radiant light – I think it’s going to flatter darker skinned ladies such as myself really well. I’m excited about it!
thepaigest says
February 1st, 2013 at 9:55 amMe too totally crying! I did. My little nephew has a little extras part in it! A little alien. It was his first thing he has ever done. They had to put contacts in his eyes. Hope he doesn’t get cut!! 🙂 Great book! I think this is going to be better not as “Young Adult” 🙂
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 11:05 amHow cool! If he makes it in you’ll have to let me know so I can watch out for him.
Savannah says
February 1st, 2013 at 10:28 amI was going to spend a gazillion dollars on the Archie’s girl collection, but this seems like a better thing to spend my hard earned cash on. Like most girls, I’m obsessed with my skin (in a bad way) and anything to make it look better? I’m all for. I’m not sure which one to pick, dim, diffused or mood light. I just want something to reduce pore size, fine lines, give my skin clarity and hold up to oil. If any girl knows which of the 3 will suit me best let me know! Hopefully to the naked eye and normal photography it will look like I have good skin, high def is my arch enemy. Reveals things I didn’t even know I had 🙁
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 11:05 amI’d go for Dim Light. I found that was the one that did the best job w/pores, fine lines and holding up to oil.
Kimmwc03 says
February 1st, 2013 at 11:21 amI’ve been waiting for a review on this before I decided to buy one. I think I will have to order one now. You look lovely in the pics.
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 11:29 amThank you! Which one are you thinking about?
kimmwc03 says
February 1st, 2013 at 12:17 pmEthereal or Dim Light. I’m contemplating that brush too.
Karen says
February 1st, 2013 at 12:21 pmThe brush is cool. It’s wide and covers a large surface area so application’s quick. But you could probably get away with using a regular powder brush.
virginie says
February 1st, 2013 at 1:56 pmI had spotted these one when there was the Golden globes, when I don’t know which make up artist used on a celebrity…..I am gonna get all of them!! Ahahahah
question though: DO you really need their brush, like is it really essential to get it, or any brush will do????I am drooling…
Angela @ The Unprofessional Beauty Blog says
February 1st, 2013 at 4:31 pmDim Light looks really amazing on you. I wasn’t going to get anything but after seeing some before and after pictures on a few blogs, I’m going to place an order with Sephora. Thanks for the review.
Angela @ The Unprofessional Beauty Blog recently posted … Chinese New Year Makeup Tutorial Part 1: An Avant Garde Spin On Traditional Look
steph b says
February 1st, 2013 at 4:53 pmHow do these compare to Guerlain’s pressed powder Meteorites? Have been lusting after that for a while, but the sticker shock is a bit much.
Vanessa | Spicy Beautiful says
February 1st, 2013 at 5:28 pmDim Light, it is!
virginie says
February 3rd, 2013 at 7:50 amOMG!!!! When I saw your post, I just realized that I had dreamt about it this night!! OMG, this is when you understand you have a serious addiction/problem, should I go now to the Hospital????
JoanneP says
February 3rd, 2013 at 8:18 pmI’m browsing all reviews on this powder like crazy now. All of my local sephoras haven’t gotten the products yet. I must agree that I still don’t really “get” how this powder works until I see it in person. Not sure if I need Dim light or Diffused light, aaaahhhh
Sophia1105 says
February 4th, 2013 at 8:40 amYou had me (as well) at ’10 years off’..so dim light it is!
Veronica says
February 4th, 2013 at 8:51 amSoooo pretty! I’m debating between Dim Light and Mood Light to perk up my winter zapped skin. Do you know if the compact comes with the brush? Sephora lists the brush separately for $35!
Steph says
February 4th, 2013 at 9:12 pmI want Dim Light, even though it would be $52 here. I think it’s a worthy investment!
Steph recently posted … Life in Pictures vol. 01
Steph says
February 4th, 2013 at 9:13 pmOh, and you look AMAZING wearing it!
Karen says
February 5th, 2013 at 7:43 amThanks!
Karen says
February 5th, 2013 at 7:43 amIt’s great! I’ve been reaching for it every day.
Jenny says
February 9th, 2013 at 6:55 pmGreat! Now I know which one to get. Dim light!
sirilovise says
February 17th, 2013 at 5:16 amI wants! But there’s no Sephora hereabouts. My bf’s going to London for a week, though and I figured I’d send him off on a raid of cosmetics counters (have got my eye on those OZ palettes by UD as well). As it happens I’m considering all of the powders you’ve swatched here, and while I think luminous might be too, well, luminous, I’m still undecided. Which do you think would be better for everyday use on Scandinavian, sallowtoned, dry skin?
I tan fairly easily, so radiant shouldn’t be out of the question, but have a fear of being tangoed by powders turning orange on me.
camille says
February 21st, 2013 at 10:23 pmHello! I just received the Dim shade, today! I’m super excited for tomorrow, so I can do my make up and try this powder out! I was satisfied with the sleek packaging and, what seems like a lot of product. It is a bit pricey, but I’m sure it’ll be a nice little self-esteem investment. 🙂
Lisa says
March 7th, 2013 at 8:55 pmI ended up buying the Dim powder on your recommendation and am really excited about it. Sometimes I wear a powder foundation on top of my BB cream- have you tried their powder foundation?
Amy says
July 22nd, 2013 at 10:45 pmOfficially on my wish list! I just switched to a less intense moisturizer, which has made my skin much more balanced. I’m thinking I could pull this off now! Very exciting!
Gillian Jeremie Sy Pua says
April 5th, 2016 at 12:20 amHi! I’m looking for a subtle highlight and am considering either Hourglass Strobe or Laura Mercier Matte Radiance. What would you say are the differences between the two? I tried Laura and idk but that may be a little too subtle for me, but then I don’t like glitter so I like the Laura one because of that. I am also considering maybe getting these ones as highlighters instead?