Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light has been on my wishlist for a long, long time, and I finally decided to splurge on it as soon as my financial situation became a little more stable. Let me tell you one thing: this powder is everything I had hoped it would be, and then some; and I don’t regret this purchase one bit.
Hourglass claims these powders will “capture, diffuse and soften the way light is reflected on skin, brighten the appearance, and conceal skin imperfections, pores and wrinkles”.
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| Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in “Diffused Light” |
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| Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in “Diffused Light” |
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| Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in “Diffused Light” |
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| Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in “Diffused Light” |
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| Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in “Diffused Light”: left – swiped; right – closeup of the swipe. It’s invisible when blended into the skin. |
Ambient Lighting Powders are not tailored to match complexions like most similar products; instead they’re meant to add a specific “light” effect to your skin, making it look smoother and more even-toned. The shade I bought, Diffused Light, is described as a “soft, warm, pale yellow … that conceals redness and gives skin clarity – like a soft ray of morning light”.
The packaging is absolutely gorgeous: like most [all?] Hourglass products, this powder comes in an elegant antique bronze-colored container. Rounded edges make it very comfortable to hold, and even the clasp looks beautiful.
You will need to use your own applicator, because these powders don’t come with brushes. Hourglass recommends using their Ambient Powder Brush [of course they would], but any large powder brush will do, or maybe even a fluffier Kabuki brush that isn’t too dense. I normally use Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki Brush – it’s a nice size for these powders and grabs just enough product with minimal waste.
Speaking of waste, Ambient Lighting Powders are fairly powdery, which makes it very easy to scoop too much. I don’t think overapplying is going to be an issue, since these are virtually invisible on the skin, they just won’t last as long.
Just as advertised, Diffused Light works well to minimize the redness and mimic the glow of the morning light, and I just love that effect! The formula is so finely milled, it’s virtually invisible on my face. How do I know it’s there? Because it just adds that subtle “blur” effect, making my skin look slightly photoshopped. I think it’s a great shade for everyday wear, just because the powder is not in-your-face obvious, so even if you work at a place where wearing makeup is frowned upon, Diffused Light will make your skin look great and won’t give you away.
The longevity is impressive as well – I applied the powder in the morning, and it was still there at the end of the day when I was removing my makeup.
THE VERDICT
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light is the kind of product that will make people compliment your beautiful skin and not your makeup. It’s a very flattering shade that helps minimize redness and discolorations, while slightly blurring out imperfections, fine lines and enlarged pores.
PRODUCT RATING
99%, A+
Formula 9.5/10 | Application 10/10 | Pigmentation 10/10 | Longevity 10/10 | Product 10/10
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
$45 USD for 0.35 oz. Available at Sephora.
Ingredients:
Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Olymethylsilsesquioxane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Olyacrylamide, Benzoic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Laureth-7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate. May Contain : Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride),Ci 77491 (Iron Oxide),Ci 77492 (Iron Oxide), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxide),Ci 75470 (Carmine).
I have seen so many amazing reviews of this. It might be time for me to go pick it up!
Hi Arielle! These powders deserve all the praise they’re getting, this is without doubt the best product from Hourglass, IMO. Two most universal shades are Dim Light for the daytime and Luminous Light for the evening; they work with all skin tones. I’m almost certain that you won’t regret purchasing one 🙂
This is a nice powder. I’ve heard so many great things but I keep missing out.
Maybe one day you’ll have a chance to try it out at the store to see if you like it. After all, at $45 a pop this is definitely an investment.
I kinda want one of these, but I don’t know which one! I wish the palette was still around, I would love to have different ones to try!
You’re in luck! The palette will be in stock again starting April 15th 🙂 It will probably sell out super fast, though.
Oooh this sounds like a summer must have for my skin.
I’m glad you like the sound of it! I really didn’t even know I needed it until I bought it 🙂
Love love love these powders. Such gorgeousness on the skin. most def a Instagram filter in powder form. Great post!!!
Thanks Jamie, glad you liked this post 🙂 I think the Instagram filter effect is an awesome comparison, and it’s really true!
LOVE the Ambient powders!
You and me both 🙂 I’m such a huge fan!
I have Ethereal light, aka moon light. I love it.
That really sounds like the perfect color for you.
Ugh. This is so pretty!
I know right? The packaging and the powders themselves are just stunning.
These are my favorite powders!
Mine too, now 🙂 It took me almost a year to purchase my first, and I wish I had done it sooner.
I want DIM soo badd!! It’s out of stock on Sephora 🙁
Bummer! Well, you will have another chance on April 15th when the palette comes out.
These are all so fantastic!
Totally agree with you, Brooke, I plan to collect them all over time.
I own Dim light and I think I need them all!
I was thinking the same thing when I realized how universal they all are 🙂
I read nothing about goo things on this product. It will def be on my list to check it out when I get to the store.
I think you’re going to love them, Kimberly 🙂
I FINALLY put in an Hourglass order for a few of these! So excited!
How exciting! Congratulations on your amazing purchase, you’re going to love your new toys 🙂
This looks great!
Glad to hear that you like it too, Kelly.
I have a few blushes but whenever I want one of these powders, they are always sold out.
I know right? Very often I would take my time and research the best shade only to find out that it’s sold out everywhere. I hope they restock the one you wanted to try.
I went to Sephora today with my 15% off coupon thinking I would buy this particular shade, but the MUA talked me into Luminous. I hope I’ll be as happy with it as you are with Diffuse.
Luminous is fantastic, too, it’s the next on my list.
Gorgeous, I have a couple of these and love them!
So glad that you love those, too 🙂
This is the one I don’t have! Happy to hear you love it, too 🙂
Funny, because this was actually my first choice, since my skin has olive tones to it 😉 Next one on the list is Luminous!
Glad to know you like this as well. I am in lurveee. I have the same shade and another one in dim light.
I’ve been happily enabled by you and other amazing ladies who pretty much convinced me that I need these powders. Now I know that I really do 🙂
I’ve heard so much and everyone is saying I need them and I don’t know what to do!!!
I seriously don’t know how I lived without it before, it’s so amazing. One of the best beauty purchases for me. Ever.
Not a fan of powders but appreciate the review 🙂
How do you set your makeup then, Norah? Or do you like your complexion nice and dewy?
These are the best – now I want the blushes!
I’m not so sure about the blushes because I actually already have my favorites. Maybe after reading your review I will reconsider that position hehe 🙂
I love every review that I see of these. I need to just take the plunge and buy one!
Seriously, you should if you have the opportunity 🙂 They are fantastic!
NEED all of these! They make such lovely products! <3
You have such great skin to begin with! I have one Ambient Powder and it doesn’t do anything for me. But the blush, I LOVE!