I’ve been lusting over an Hourglass palette for several seasons now. First they came out with the powder palette, then it was blushes and eye shadows, and finally they released exactly what I was looking for. Ambient Lighting Edit includes a mix of different face products in different finishes, from setting powder to bronzer, which makes a great introduction to the brand’s exquisite makeup formulations.
The palette includes six square pans:
- Dim Light – neutral peach beige
- Iridescent Light – sheer illuminating highlighter *EXCLUSIVE TO THIS PALETTE*
- Diffused Light – soft, warm pale yellow [I have this in full size and love it]
- Mood Exposure – soft plum
- Luminous Flush – champagne rose
- Luminous Bronze Light – medium tan
First of all, the colors are gorgeous! There is a neutralizing setting powder, two luminizers, two very different blushes, and a stunning bronzer. They can all be used on their own or mixed together with one another, or all at once, to create a multitude of different shades.
As always, the packaging is beautiful, but I wish it came with a protective sleeve to shield it from fingerprints and scratches. I made a mistake of carrying around one of my Hourglass compacts in the bag unprotected, and now its once shiny surface looks a bit worn.
Let’s talk about the size. Usually I’m not too concerned with the price per oz I get out of my makeup since I almost never hit pan on anything, but in this case the pans were too small even for me. I have only two blush brushes small enough to swirl inside these pans without dragging onto their neighbors. If your brush collection isn’t very big, this is definitely something to consider.
Now, I didn’t do the math myself, but Christine at Temptalia calculated the total product value of this palette around $45, so you’re essentially paying extra $35 for pretty packaging and marketing. Are you ok with that? I think I am, but the issue with the pan size and finding the right brushes still remains.
As far as pigmentation, wear time, and other attributes go, here’s where you don’t have to be concerned at all. Hourglass is known for their amazing face products, and their primers, powders, brushes, bronzers, and foundations are all top notch. I loved all six pans equally, and I’m thinking of picking up Luminous Flush blush separately, maybe as part of my Christmas Sephora haul or something.
Swatch reference: My skin tone is between MAC NC15 and NW15 with yellowish hue and neutral undertones. Sometimes I can wear NW20 in the Summer. I thought this would be useful to know, since all screens show colors differently, and I also don’t have a studio setup with consistent lighting. Hope that helps!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit palette is Limited Edition, released for the 2015 Holiday season. I’m guessing due to its size it will be a while before the stock sells out, but you never know. I’d snag it ASAP if you really want one.
WHERE TO BUY: $80 USD. Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Barneys.
Have you tried Hourglass products before? Do you buy palettes even if they don’t offer good value for the money? Let me know in the comments below!
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a lovely palette for sure!
It’s beautiful! I’m thinking it’s more of a collector’s piece, because the pan size is totally impractical.
I was thinking about getting this, but based on your description of the sizes, I’m going to pass. I use huge brushes!
Even medium-sized brushes are too big for these pans, unfortunately. My favorite Real techniques blush brush made a huge mess, and that’s not a big brush by any means.
You really helped me decide about this. I have a palette from Hourglass with 3 shades so I think I’ll just start using that more for a change.
I’m glad I could help! Hourglass products are amazing, but I don’t think this palette is particularly well-designed.
While I think the Hourglass products are beautiful, I was sad when I realized that they’re too subtle for my taste. My wallet, however, was gleeful.
I love my subtle makeup, so for me Hourglass products are perfect 🙂 They have some bolder colors available as well, but I don’t think I’ll dab into those.
I am still on fence on this palette. I’m so grateful you mentioned the size though–it will probably tip me to No side. I don’t use highlighters much anyway.
I’m glad this review was helpful!
This palette is gorgeous but the shades don’t suit my skintone 🙁 The only highlighters I’ve had luck with are Watt’s Up and Mary Lou-Manizer.
I agree, this palette is very Fair to Light-centric, which is a bummer, because people of all skin tones should be able to experience this beautiful makeup line.
I’m still lusting over this palette!
It’s a nice one for someone who wants to try different products from Hourglass 🙂
I was incredibly torn on this product but ended up purchasing it. I love their products and am not disappointed in my purchase, but wish there was more than just 1 exclusive to the palette for the price increase.
I agree, would have been nice if there was more than just one exclusive shade.
I didn’t realize the pans were so small! I have the ambient light palette, and like it. Mood Exposure is one of my faves.
They really are small, Nidia, way smaller than you’d expect them to be.
What a gorgeous palette! I have to add it to my wish list.
I had it on my wishlist forever and finally splurged. I really like it, save for the small pans 😉
This palette is life!
It’s really beautiful, but finding the right brush to use with it might be challenging.