Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ($58.00 for 0.35 oz.) contains three shades of the brand’s Ambient Lighting Powders. The three shades include Dim Light and Radiant Light, both which are part of the permanent range, and a new (and limited edition) shade called Incandescent Light. Each shade is 0.116 oz. in size, compared to the full-sized compact which contains 0.35 oz. At a $45 price point for individual shades, the palette is a nice way to try the new powders and have multiple shades to choose from. You do also get a 0.16 oz. vial of Veil Mineral Primer (worth about $8), which I’ve reviewed here. It’s not a value-packed palette in terms of price-per-ounce (total value of the palette is $53, including the primer), but getting a variety of shades of a product that is quite pricey individually may be worth it–it will take awhile to get through these pans even at this size.
Dim Light is described as a “neutral peach beige powder.” It’s a pale, light beige with neutral to warm undertones and a very subtle satin shimmer/sheen. The color is barely visible against my skin tone when layered heavily (to show color), and it blends out seamlessly without making me look any darker or lighter. I applied this all over my face like a setting/finishing powder with Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Brush. I couldn’t think of anything I have that’s quite like this and in this shade. The closest product that I’m familiar with is Guerlain’s Meteorites Voyage Powders, which are more translucent and sheerer. According to Hourglass, the main purpose of Dim Light is to blur imperfections–which it does admirably.
Incandescent Light is described as a “pearlescent powder.” It’s a pale, light beige with neutral undertones and a soft ivory shimmer. It’s a bit different from the other Ambient Light powders, because it is a lot more shimmery, and Hourglass is positioning it to “highlight cheekbones and [brighten] the complexion with a celestial glow.” It works well for illuminating the skin where it is applied, and the shimmer doesn’t emphasize pores or make the skin appear oily. Urban Decay Naked (P, $29.00) is more sparkly. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is similar but a smidgen warmer. NARS Debbie Harry Highlighter (LE, $29.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches.
Radiant Light is described as a “golden beige powder.” I reviewed it here when it was originally released. The purpose of Radiant Light is to had subtle warmth; very pale complexions will see this work more obviously on their skin tone than medium or deeper complexions. You can see some comparison swatches</> against Chanel Lucky Stripes, which is much more golden and darker (more of a bronzer on the skin) and NARS Miss Liberty, which is a bit more sparkly.
The Ambient Lighting Powders breathe life back into the skin after you’ve applied foundations and setting powders–especially if you have more mattifying base products on. They’re not full-on highlighters, but they’re not exactly setting powders (by Hourglass’ definition, they are finishing powders). If you have very oily skin, you may still need your usual setting powder, but for my normal-to-dry skin, the Ambient Lighting Powders work as a setting and finishing powder in one for me. I get extended wear out of my base products, but the powders also smooths the skin’s appearance, minimizes pores and imperfections, and gives the skin a natural luminosity (not shiny, not shimmery). It is that something extra that someone won’t see and go, “Oh, nice lipstick!” but “Did you do something different with your skin?” When people start asking you about your skincare routine, that’s when you know a product is really delivering on its promises! I’m not alone–there are 47 reader reviews with an overall rating of 4.5. The only negative I have to say about the products is that the texture is very, very soft, so depending on the brush you use, excess powder can be kicked up (and wasted).
If you were one of several readers wondering about my skin in my last NARS’ post, this palette is responsible as I wore Dim Light all over my face with Incandescent Light done the bridge of my nose and along the tops of my cheekbones as a highlighter.
Ambient Lighting (Holiday 2013)
LELimited Edition. $58.00.
Dim Light
PPermanent. $48.00.
Incandescent Light
LELimited Edition. $48.00.
Radiant Light
PPermanent. $48.00.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Hourglass Dim Light Ambient Lighting Powder
Hourglass Dim Light Ambient Lighting Powder
Hourglass Incandenscent Light Ambient Lighting Powder
Hourglass Incandenscent Light Ambient Lighting Powder
Hourglass Radiant Light Ambient Lighting Powder
Hourglass Radiant Light Ambient Lighting Powder
Hourglass Dim Light all over; Incandescent Ambient Lighting Powder to highlight
(Giorgio Armani #523 Flash Lacquer on lips)
Gorgeous product! I did want to buy them individually but if you can get three altogether then why not! 🙂
I wish it was a wee bit more of a value palette BUT $58 for three vs. $135 for three… still a better option if you aren’t sure if you’ll use them everyday/actually use up the full-sized pans!
Iv’e been contemplating whether or not to buy this palette, not necessarily because of the price but because I didn’t understand the craze over these powders. Officially proved their beauty and convinced me Christina. I seriously LOVE your reviews. Thanks again!
My pleasure, Dayna! They’re really quite lovely.
This set is gorgeous. In can descent light is perfect for a subtle highlight. For those in Canada it is $67. I called Sephora and they weren’t sure when they would be in store so I ordered mine on line.
Ouch, really wish there wasn’t such a huge discrepancy in price from U.S. to Canadian $! I’m sure it still works out to be worth it compared to the Canadian price on them individually, but still!
Yeah the markups on products by Sephora is crazy at times. I was looking at these because they are absolutely lovely, but the price in Canada threw me off. I’ve been thinking recently about making a wish list and buying products when I go to the US – even with exchange it’s substantially cheaper!
The regular ones are $52 Canadian (hello? our money has been at par for years???), so the variance between the palette and the regular shades is at least kind of consistent, but yeah, Sephora are definite currency gougers.
The manufacturer sets their prices, not Sephora.
Actually, base prices are set by the manufacturers, but the “hike” is based on added tariffs set by the government.
Was wondering how much it’d be in CAD. Not too bad as they are $52 each alone. I’m pretty set on buying this.
And £56 in the UK. /grumbles
There is no VAT in the US, which is one reason why a lot of things are cheaper there. There is sales tax, I believe, but it is nowhere near average VAT rates in Europe. £56 is definitely steep; this product seems great but I’m not sure it is worth that much…
Yess works out to be $92.52 US dollars… Will xpensive.
Awesome review, this palette looks gorgeous! 😀
It is a great holiday palette!
I really wish these powders did not make me break out 🙁 They are so pretty! I’m struggling to find a good all over powder. Do you think the Kevyn Aucoin powder could be used all over?
What a bummer!! 🙁
With a light hand and a feathery brush, yes – like maybe a fan brush – but it is a stronger highlighter than finishing powder IMO!
My secret wish is answered: a palette! ★ Christine, is a regular powder brush not the best for these powders, say Guerlain’s Meteorites brush or even just Mac’s 150? Would you recommend a fan brush over Mac’s 187? (these brushes can be overwhelming!) lol!
The Meteorites brush should work with it (I don’t have one, but my guess is it would since the products are somewhat similar). I’d say the 150 is a little big and maybe too “scratchy” in a way with this powder. I like the idea of the 187 with it!
Thank you! Just ordered it, through you – of course! ★
I don’t have a fan brush yet, which would you recommend? This might be a good reason to know one! thanks, Christine!
Even though I’ve now tried a few others from Hakuhodo and Sephora, I really like MAC’s 184 a lot. Hakuhodo’s is really nice, too, but obviously MAC is more accessible! 🙂
They make me break out, too! You’re the first person I head of who broke out from them other than me, though.
I bought mine a couple weeks ago, and I’ve been meaning to return it. It makes me so sad, because it’s the best powder I’ve ever used. It gave me the perfect finish. It just also gave me really, really painful cystic acne.
I think I’m going to try the NARS light reflecting powder that came out at around the same time. Hopefully it’ll give me a similar finish.
pls make a tutorial based upon this palette ..I have very oily skin and when I apply mattifying products, it does look sucking life out of my skin.I think this problem is universal and those who are newly interested in make up and do know a little makeup tricks would be highly benefited from this tutorial…
Sometimes mattifying products do such a good job that it rids the skin of its natural luminosity, so applying something with a very subtle satiny/luminous finish adds some of it back! You’d apply it much like you would a setting powder 🙂
I wish I could get it where I live, I want it so badly!!!! :'(
🙁
Me too 🙁
How would you recommend fair-skinned girls wear Radiant Light? Blush, maybe? It looks orangey–it’s the only thing that keeps me from trying this palette. I’m not a fan of orange tones on my nw20 skin…
Some have tried it as a contour, though I think with a light hand, it could be used as a very subtle warm bronzer – not too orange at all – more warming.
Im as fair as you are and this palette is lovely on me. Not to orange at all. Dim is the most subtle contour for pale skin, really pretty and Radiant is nice for adding warmth, again very subtle, sheer and beautiful. Youd have to pile this on to look like your even wearing anything.
Very nice!
Christine, if I want a go-to highlighter for very fair skin with a warm undertone, would you say this would be a good purchase?
Or maybe “The Love Affair” by BareMinerals?
Or something else altogether?
Help me out! 🙂
Yes, I think so! If you want a really obvious highlighter, you’ll want something more than Incandescent, though.
Thank you 🙂
I’d say that sometimes a ‘very obvious’ highlighter could actually look very nice (if there’s little else going on in terms of make-up). Either way, I love highlighters like this one because they bring out high cheekbones without looking too much like I’ve got product on my face – it’s just a nice touch if you’re all about the natural/nude look 🙂
I love highlighters 😉 Obvious, subtle… I love.
Haha so do I, even though I’ve not been that much into make-up up till now (haha if it weren’t for your blog, I think I wouldn’t even care that much, but the stuff you show here is awesome!) 🙂
I’ve got 2 highlighters that I find work for me pretty well, but they’re both of the “obvious” kind (one is Dior Amber Diamond and the other is AMC no. 89 from Inglot). So I was looking for something a bit more seamless, something I could pull off on a regular day without it looking like I’m overthinking it, if you know what I mean 🙂 I’ll definitely check these beauties out!
Yup, I’m going to need this. I kind of wish that I had held off on purchasing Radiant Light before, because it and Dim Light are the two I really wanted, and this includes it both. But I guess it’s a product I really can see myself using up, so having an extra is alright
I’m really liking it – I think it’s a good way to try the product and get a few shades at the same time!
Which type of brush or is there a specific one you would recommend to use with these powder? Thanks
Hey Melanie!
I used Hourglass’ brush they have for the photos here, though I’ve used other blush and face brushes. I’d recommend something that’s a little feathery and not super dense so that you apply a light dusting of product.
I will def pick this up if Sephora plans on doing a 20% family & friends sale this year.
Fingers crossed they will!
So Pretty. Can you recommend the best shade for my NC30 skintone. I wanted to get the individual compact but i dont know which one best suits me. Thanks
Are you looking for blurring, smoothing, luminosity, warmth? They’re all very suitable, I think, for NC30 from what I’ve tried.
Im looking for blurring, smoothing and luminosity. Something that will make me glow and look flawless. Dont know if this is possible with this powder. What do you think 🙂
Hey Barbara!
Here’s how Hourglass describes each of their powders:
Ethereal Light: A sheer, cool tone that eliminates shine and mimics a moonlit glow?even in broad daylight.
Diffused Light: A soft, warm, pale yellow that reduces redness, eliminates shine, and gives skin clarity.
Dim Light: A neutral soft beige that provides a perfect balance of warm and cool tones to blur imperfections.
Mood Light: A soft, sheer lavender pink that mimics the softest, most forgiving light and brightens the complexion.
Luminous Light: A champagne pearl that creates a soft, incandescent candlelit glow?day or night.
Radiant Light: A sun-kissed golden beige that enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle warmth.
—
The only one I haven’t tried is Ethereal Light, so I can’t quite commit on that one… but for blurring, smoothing, and luminosity, then I would recommend Dim Light or Luminous Light!
I purchased the Luminous light today. At first I didn’t see much difference in the store. But when it warmed up on my skin it was gorgeous. Thanks
Yay!! 🙂 I am so happy for you Barbara!
Wow – Christine, your skin looks great here!
Thank you, Danielle!
Your skin looks lovely! Could you tell us which highlighters you used from the palette and where on your face?
Thanks, Tonnie! I used Dim all over, like a setting/finishing power, and then Incandescent on cheekbones and down the nose!
Thank you!
Very cool ive got all 3 all ready so Im good to go, but
this is a great value. The full sized ones are lasting me
forever ive had them for months and there is no
discerible dent in the powder! So I have to say they
are a good value too and they will last you.
Very true! They should last quite awhile!
I own two full ones and I am definitely getting this one. Is a good value and they look beautiful applied.
Which do you have, Isela?
Incandescent: more shimmery than Luminous Light? LL is the only one I have (love it completely) but I am hungering for this palette as I already intended to get Dim Light at some point anyway.
Yep, more shimmerying than Luminous Light! Luminous Light is finer and has more of a base color (http://www.temptalia.com/hourglass-luminous-light-ambient-lighting-powder-review-photos-swatches).
What about skintone. I am nc40-42, nars Barcelona. Will Dim and middle one look ashy on me. Would you recommend this palette to a skintone like mine. Thank you for your time. I really would like to buy this if it works for my skintone.
Hi Ms!
I don’t think they will, but I am not 100% sure. They don’t see to have a chalky base.
I’m only butting in because I am the exact same shade (even a bit darker because I have to use a mix of Barcelona and Syracuse which is the next darkest shade) and Dim doesn’t look chalky at all on me. Just my two cents 🙂
Thank you, Elle!! xo
Christine I am a Mac NC50/ yellow undertone will these work for my skintone?
Corliss
For sure with your undertones, this palette would work. I think they should, because the base color/finish didn’t seem chalky to me, but I am not 100% confident. Reader Alexander mentioned Hourglass Dim being a favorite for her medium deep complexion (http://www.temptalia.com/survey-says-august-28th-2013).
Hi Corliss –
I’m NC50/NC55 with a yellow undertone. I have the Radiant Light powder. It provides a “lit from within” glow to golden girls. If you can, I recommend going to Sephora, having a MUA swatch it on your skin and test driving it outside. It’s very subtle and pretty.
Thank you SO much for sharing, Erica!! I love it when readers can share their expertise 🙂
Uuu I want this!! Is it already available in store at Sephora?
I also did not know there were products for face AFTER setting powder! I always just that was kind of the last step!
Hourglass said 10/17 for in-stores but it is online now at Sephora, so you might be able to check if it’s in stock locally via the online listing!
Yep! It is funny, but finishing powders are really the end. A lot of people use finishing powders as finishing AND setting powders, though, and you don’t always need both or one or the other.
thats really interesting, i never thought of it that way. I consider all of my powders “setting” powders. but i guess when i finish with the setting spray, and i wait 10mins, i use the mufe hd powder just in my oil areas and that can be considered a finishing powder too 🙂
Oh wow this is definitely going on my xmas list this year!
Yay!!
The only criticism I have of this palette (and ended up being the reason why I didn’t purchase it despite having my eye on it) is that I already have Luminous Light, so having Dim and Incandescent in one palette was just a bit too similar for me. I wish they had replaced one of them with a bit of a lighter shade, maybe closer to Diffused or Ethereal Light. Something like that, a shade like Dim/Incandescent, and Radiant would have made a PERFECT palette for me. I adore the formula, though, and picked up Diffused Light instead! Luminous is absolutely an everyday product for me. It just adds that special something.
You know what I was thinking while reviewing this was it would have been cool if they had a cooler version of this… maybe Mood Light and Ethereal Light + something new/LE.
I wish they had a “make your own palette” system, like the UD eyeshadows. I’d probably get Dim light and Diffused light + the new shade.
Totally love dim light. Sometimes I think I’m making up how much better my skin looks with it. Will probably snag this during the 20% off sale at Sephora.
I definitely like the look, and if you really like to focus on skin or base products, well worth checking out!
I love this idea – 3 shades in one palette – so I’m not left in a quandary of “which shade should I get? which would be best on me?” and then regrets when I think I should have got a different one. I’ve put off buying the Ambient Light powders because I really don’t know which would be best on me (and it’s hard to tell, even in store) and at those prices, I don’t want to make a mistake. But this trio makes it all a lot more appealing.
I think they all tend to look quite nice on most people, so sometimes even trying it you wouldn’t know!
I just checked this out on Sephora’s website and thought how beautiful it looked. I guess I thought it would be more pearlescent. This site saves me constantly 🙂 Thanks for your hard work!
No problem, Kellie!
I’ve been on the fence for months now about purchasing one of the Ambient Lighting Powders, and this review made them so tempting! Dim Light looks absolutely amazing on you, I kept wondering what you had used in your Nars Bourdin photos. I’m afraid that it will show up on my very fair skin, though (I’m about NC05, if they made it, and I need to mix white foundation + light foundation to get a match), so I was thinking about purchasing Diffused Light instead. How would you think it compares to Dim Light? It also looked great in your review photographs, but somewhat different than Dim Light (like, less “photoshopped skin” effect!).
I think it’s still quite translucent that you could wear it. Here’s Diffused Light – http://www.temptalia.com/hourglass-diffused-light-ambient-lighting-powder-review-photos-swatches
It is a bit lighter and more yellow-toned! I agree that it’s not as blurring as Dim Light, though!
Hi Irene,
Totally off topic, but I too am as pale as you. White foundation is a saviour. I however have had amazing success with illamasqua skin base foundation, #2. It’s nice & neutral, so doesn’t throw either yellow or pink on. It’s the first ever off the shelf foundation that has ever worked for me, & I quite like the actual product. 🙂
I already ordered this and cannot wait for it to come! 🙂
Yay!!
I know it’s not as value-packed as it could be, but $58 for 3 shades is so much more appealing than $45 for each individual shade. The ultimate would be a palette of the remaining shades – what a great way to try them all out, especially with a product like this, where’s you’re uncertain about which shade to get, and when they can tend to look very similar on!
There’s “value” in terms of physical amount of product, but if you NEVER use up products, then even if you’re paying more per ounce for less… you are paying less, and IMO, that’s better! I agree it’s great if you aren’t sure about the shade, too! You can try three, mix them, get to know them, and if you like one a lot over the others – then you know!
Read your review, and now it’s mine! Thank you so much Christine!
You’re welcome, Mindy! xo
I was thinking of trying one of the powders next time Sephora offered a discount. How do you think this palette would fair for deeper skin tones?
Hey Ronnie!
There is actually a few comments above from a reader who asked about it for NC50, and two other readers have said yes, these powders do 🙂
Thanks Christine! I think a trip to Sephora is in order! 🙂
How would you compare this to mac mineralize skin finish natural?
It’s more blurring and natural looking!
Do you prefer the effect of dim light or the guerlain meteorites (pressed or pearl) or are they just different beasts? I only have the MUFE HD finishing powder and haven’t invested in a setting powder yet.
It’s SO hard to compare sometimes! I think this product is a better combo setting/finishing powder for me overall, and I think say Dim Light blurs more than pressed Meteorites. I think Meteorites give a better luminosity, generally speaking.
Even though I already have Dim Light, I’m very tempted by this. I’m in love with the Ambient Lighting Powders, because they just seem to offer such a magical finish- truly like having the lights around you adjusted by a professional.
How does Incandescent compare to Chanel Delice, by the way? Although I’m very interested, I don’t want to get too repetitive in my collection.
Delice is a lot more shimmery – almost frosted in comparison – and definitely a lil’ cooler toned in a way.
Even if they charged double I would buy it if it would be available where I live!!
lol!
christine, with which brush do you apply these powders? i have such a hard time with setting and finishing powders – if they’re not warm and bronzy enough for my skintone, i end up looking gray and washed out (i’m nc42-44). i’ve swatched radiant light in sephora, and i quite like it, but i use a mac 134 right now for powder, and i think that thing would pick up far too much product than what’s useful. i’m contemplating purchasing radiant light and a fan brush for application – what do you think?
Hey Amy!
I usually just use the one Hourglass has for it, since I do have it, but I’ve used blush and powder brushes. If it’s a more shimmery one OR you already used a setting powder, I like a fan brush with it. Otherwise, a medium-sized face brush that’s not too dense.
Thank you, Christine! I know what I’m buying next time I hit up Sephora! 🙂
Oh snap – found what I’ll buy with my previously allocated NARS Guy Bourdin money! I bought Dim Light on its own a few weeks ago and I fell in love. When I first used it I wasn’t overly impressed, until I saw the photos I took (bought it for a wedding I attended). Now I notice more of a difference when I use it. Gotta snag this one – thanks for the review as always Christine!
Ahh, yes – it is hugely visible in photos 😉 A very natural, subtle thing yet definitely present. You’ll know, nobody else will!
The powder gave such a luminous finish to ur face.. I have a dry skin and it will work for me really well as per ur recommendation… They are bit expensive but seems like totally worth it!!
Yayy! I am so glad it worked well for you even with drier skin 🙂
I use Ethereal Light as my finishing powder, and I’ve never had so many complements on my skin! It gives off this lovely opal glow. I picked up this palette, and I love it so much. I just wish I’d found it sooner, even if it is pricey.
It’s crazy how people really do notice it yet have NO idea it’s makeup doing it!
This was a smart idea on Hourglass’s part. The ability to try three shades for not much more than the price of a single. And you’d get an idea of the difference between the shades.
I still don’t think it’s a product for me, but that’s more personal taste–I tend to lead towards finishing with a mattifying powder and then highlighting separately if that’s what I’m feeling that day, AND if I ever spring for a higher end luminous powder, it’s gonna be Meteorites.
Yes, very smart! It’s funny but my favorite holiday sets and kits are always ones with cult classics, favorites, permanent items, etc. in smaller sizes. I’m less the mega palette girl and more than “Oh, 12 of my favorite Lip Tar formula but in minis? YES PLEASE!”
I feel the same way, i love a matte finish. but i did try this over a liquid and loved it. though i think next time i will try it as a finishing powder. or even just on my cheeks. i think its going to be great for my friends wedding next year.
It’s such a shame that this palette contains the three I’m not interested in! I wish they had brought out a palette with the other three, as I feel they would suit my cooler toned skin more.
I agree! One thought I had when I was swatching was that this was, overall, warm, and it would have been cool to release two – one warmer, one cooler.
Oh my goodness Dim Light is beautiful! I have never really looked into highlighters before because of my skin type (oily), but this one really caught my eye.
I think you will like it, and your oily skin will like the consistency of Hourglass’ powders.
Christine, you look great. I have already ordered these powders – it’s crazy, whenever I see you give a product any more than an A (let’s be real, A-) I’m on it!
Quick question for when this baby arrives: what kind of brush do you recommend? Should I get the brush that accompanies it?
Thank you, Azreen! I am very humbled that you trust me so much 🙂 Will not take that trust for granted!
I like the Ambient Powder Brush, but I don’t LOVE it. I think fan brushes and any moderately-sized face brush that’s not too dense will work just fine.
Gah yes, I didn’t think it was makeup that made your skin look different, Christine! It looks naturally smoother and brighter! Definitely an A+ product!
It’s always makeup, LOL!
wow! I would not have considered this product – not a fan of powdering except for setting of under eye concealer – but this looks STUNNING on your full face photo!!! Will be getting it!
They’re really great for give the skin that extra oomph, and it is especially visible in photos!
OMG I may have just bought this because I AM A SUCKER. But that packaging is amazing, and you get three colours! I have the lightest one in Diffused Light and I wanted to try other ones, and this is perfect.
Christine, what do you apply these with, and do you apply it lightly?
Hey Kris!
I used Hourglass’ Ambient Powder Brush for this photo, but I’ve used fan brushes and other blush/powder brushes just fine. You want something that’s not too scratchy so it doesn’t pick up a ton of product at once.
Thank you so much Christine!
Hi Christine, I really want to try this product because it can be used as finishing and setting powders! But I am worried when I go outside in the sunlight or light is the shimmer noticeable, like looking like a disco ball?? I am not a fan of shimmer all over my facce..:-) Is it more of a nature glow to your face without looking shimmery all over?? 🙂 I love the middle one, would make a nice highlight! Thank you so much for all ur great reviews and swatches.. I always wait to c ur review and swatches before I make a decision to buy it.. Haha:-)
Hey Tammy!
I don’t think any of them have disco-ball like shimmer, but if you want to make sure, ones like Dim have almost no perceptible shimmer 🙂 In general, these are suitable for all over the face!
Thank you Christine!
Yay…I ordered it!!:-) Can’t wait to try them out.
I agree, the Dim has barely any. While swatching in store on a different day i actually thought Diffused had a bit of shimmer that i didn’t detect the first time around. the most sparkle though is definitely radiant, and while the color was gorgeous it had way too much shimmer/glitter in it
Is this available in the UK? If it isn’t at the moment, is it going to be in the near future? And if so, when? Thanks!
I’m not sure, unfortunately! 🙁
Hi Rachel, it is currently available from Liberty: I bought mine online from them. I am not sure if Space NK is going to stock them, but i assume they should.
Ugh Hourglass can you stop. Just stop making things I want (and marking them up tonnes outside of the US).
I do love the idea of this palette though! I so rarely get through products that minis are my bff.
Aww!
What a hot topic!! I too was pulled in by the amazing reviews all over the net for this product. My skintone is about NW15-NW20, although I have never found a MAC foundation that worked for me. At the end of the summer, a Sephora SA tested Ethereal light on me over a foundation. I was afraid it was too light, and instead purchased Dim Light and Diffused Light, hoping to be able to return one if I found a favorite. The Dim Light swatched closest to my skin color in the store. I originally loved the way the Dim Light looked all over my face, although I was unsure of how to use it because if I used it to set makeup and reduce shine, and then used it again at the end of everything as a finishing powder, my face did look too dark. The Diffused Light seemed to turn my foundation more yellow, a problem I seem to have even with translucent powders!! Now that it is deep into fall, I think they both darken my make up too much. The first SA was probably right about the Ethereal Light being the right one for me, or at least the one that won’t turn my foundation darker. I may keep Dim Light for summer or vacation, but I am going to exchange Diffused Light for Ethereal and see if gives the same glowy finish without the darker color. I agree that if I were a company putting out a palette of powders, I’d use three quite different shades so as to appeal to the most people and have versatility in uses (bronzer, highlighter, soft glow, etc.) The colors in this palette will be too dark for me. I tried using Dim Light as a bronzer/contour, but it just didn’t have enough color depth for that kind of use. I know these powders are quite popular, but I’m not sure if I’m on the bandwagon yet. If Ethereal Light does not work for me, the whole kit and kaboodle may go back and I’ll invest that large amount of money on a good finishing/setting powder that wont turn my foundation yellow. Now if I could just find one!
Get ethereal light. I’m a .5 in Ud’s Naked line, I’m not familiar with Mac so I can’t match that, either way I’m very pale and cool/neutral. Ethereal gives me this radiant glowy look without being a shimmer overload. I think you’ll be really happy with it!
Be still my heart on this Trio! I’m now giddy and glad I’m sitting down. I don’t get to post much but this is SO worth making the time to do so. When I originally heard these where coming out [2012] I eagled eyed the internet for anything I could get on them. Really all I had to of done at the time was wait for Christine to review her first one. 😉 I was out the door in seconds headed to get one, haha! It’s the most expensive product I’ve ever bought {as a single item vs kits or palettes} and became a Holy Grail for me after the first time I wore it! I’d gotten Diffused, used it every day for 6 months never making a dent. Then wanted something warmer for summer and got Dim. I had just started toying with the idea of getting another one and then saw that Christine had this review. Thank you SO much Christine!
They are worth every single darn cent so I don’t have a problem that I already own Dim. I’m in my 50’s with any number of ‘wisdom lines’ and this really HAS made a difference in my final look. I’m not flawless by any means however I do think a year or two comes off. The confidence boost this also gives me is worth every darn cent as well! I’m in the beauty business so when I’m up close doing someone’s makeup talking of flawless finishes, this product has also helped me feel like I at least look close to what I’m talking about. I really do think these are amazing products. I’m headed to Sephora after this post, woot. Haha.
If anyone hasn’t tried them this is an awesome way TO try them. I’ve not picked up any other setting/finishing powder I own since I’ve gotten them. Now what to do with those that now go unloved…sigh.
So glad you are loving yours, Kiki!! 🙂
And it’s great to hear that it’s working well on your skin. I haven’t heard the term wisdom lines, but I’m going to use that from now on 😉
I was excited even considering the value, but i thought if i got 1 full size and the palette than the equivalent wasn’t bad for how many shades. Since i would have bought 2 anyway. but then i got it and the pans indivdually were so small and my powder brush so big.lol So I didn’t even try it and just exchanged it for Dim. i really want luminous but i still can’t justify $45 for a “highlighter”. On my combo skin it gave such a beautiful glow, but about 6hrs in when i usually get shiny it started to break down a bit. I only had a light fdn under- mufe hd, nothing horrible. So i think i may try it next time with my matte powder to set and add this just as a “topper” in some areas. unless the fdn is really matte & enough cvg, like mufe mat velvet then il use it to set and stay away from my nose and chin- and just use a matte powder in those areas. im overall impressed with my first use of a HG ambient light since its like having a translucent powder which i don’t own. even UD naked powder has more cvg/color for me
What powder brush are you using, Anne?
Hmmm Friday was so long ago lol. I think f30/40 from sigma. Whichever is the shorter handle powder brush. Sometimes I use the one from real techniques
I think it is so cool that something as simple as a finishing powder can make such a difference in the way your skin looks. Hourglass really hit a home run with this product! 🙂
Hi, Thanks for this wonderful post. I am an Indian with MAC NC45 complexion. Do you thisk this will wotk for me or would it be too light. I don’t understand much of warmer or cooler skin tone concept & hence don’t know mine. Thanks
Nope, I don’t think it will be too light! It’s very translucent, so it shuold work across skin tones 🙂
How does the Radiant Light Powder compare to Nars Luster blush?
Totally different products – one is translucent, one is a blush.
I took over $300 worth of unused products I received as gifts back to Sephora the other night & was given a gift card to go Shopping with….and I did! This is one of the palettes I picked up, even though I wasn’t impressed with these The first time around. They’re actually quite nice. And the center shade is a limited edition One that supposedly isn’t otherwise available, which is an extra bonus. I might go back & scoop up a few more, even though the price here is absolutely stupid
I’m glad you are liking these more the second time around, Sandra!
I tested these all out today over Laura Mercier’s matte foundation & found they worked really well on my oily skin. Surprisingly no pore magnification, even when I started getting shiny after several hours, no shimmery pores.
I must say I liked them a whole lot more than the LM oil free matte foundation, which is going back tomorrow. Far too much talc in the formula causes caking & cracking later in the day, not to mention horrible settling into the pores which makes oily skin look absolutely foul, even when I haven’t blotted with powder at all. But even with the shoddy foundation as a base, the Hourglass powders still did their job very nicely.
Ugh, sounds like the foundation is really bad!
is this good for oily skin/.
I think it would be!
Hi Christine! you are like the BEST of the BEST! thank you so much for being so passionated and dedicated 🙂 ! thanks to you I just bought this palette! im so excited !! I have a question tho, when you apply finishing powders such as Dim light or even the Meteorites, when do you apply it? right when you all done, after your setting spray ( I use UD all nighted? or after you apply your setting powder ( I have MUFE HD) right before the countering, blush etc…
Thank you sooooo much!
After setting powder, before setting spray 🙂
Guess what??! this morning I did what you told me and my boyfriend was like, you look different and beautiful, then when I got to my office one of my coworkers said wow you look very beautiful today! your skin, I can’t tell what it is!! 😀 thanks to you Christine! I used the Crazy meteorites compact!! <3 you are the beeeest!!
YAYYYYY! I am so glad it worked for you! <3
hi christine! how does this compare to guerlain meteorites? which is better?
For very pale skin, which shade would you recommend for using all over?
Ethereal or Dim!
Christine, I need your advice. I can’t decide whether to get the Guerlain Crazy Meteorites or this Ambient Lighting Palette. I have very fair skin (along with fair hair and blue eyes). My skin is combination/normal (a little dry on the cheeks, a little oily in the T zone). Which would you recommend? Would Dim Light be too dark as a finishing powder on someone very pale?
Hey Amber!
It might be a little warm on you on its own – I think if you apply it lightly it will not add color, but I’m not 100% confident since you say you’re very pale (if you were simply pale, I’d feel more comfortable!).
Thanks, Christine. I was already leaning towards getting Crazy Meteorites so this helps 🙂
Well, I didn’t want to miss out on a potentially fabulous palette, so I ordered it. If I don’t like it, I’ll just return it. 😀 You should see what my end list came out to. God in Heaven!
I was really surprised by all the problems people had with ordering, (double, triple, quadruple, quintuple, sextuple, septuple charges with no order confirmation). Mine went off without a hitch. I would crap a brick if that happened, especially given my final list! @_@ :O
I wonder if people were hitting the “back” button or multiple punches of the “place order” button. The problems were so arbitrary and the multiple charges were so varied that I can’t imagine some of the problems weren’t freaked out VIB’s trying to get their orders to go through. It’s a shame because many of the hot items are already sold out.
Glad your order went through without problems! 🙂
Hi Christine, I know this isn’t a new post but I am considering purchasing this. I am not usually one for powder (or foundation for that matter) I have dry skin. I like the sound of this though and wonder if it would work for me worn alone over blush for example? Thanks for your constant hard work and informative and helpful blog! Have a great weekend. x
Yes, it can be worn over blush! 🙂 Or over bare skin, or over more targeted areas (so more like a highlighter!).
That’s great thanks, almost hitting the button to purchase but at £56 I want to be sure. Please can you confirm it is suitable for NW20 skintone? Thanks for your help!
Oh, yes, I think so! I saw a lot of NW20s getting this palette 🙂
There are also some Temptalia readers’ reviews here – http://www.temptalia.com/product/hourglass-ambient-lighting-powder
NW20 = Light skin tone in these parts!
Thanks for your wonderful review on this. I had to instantly get this after reading this and I hit to 3 Sephora today and finally found this that still have it in their store. I can’t wait to try it out and looking forward to this.
Thrilled you were able to find one, Cynthia!
I got Dim Light recently but…I can’t see a difference! At all! I’ve applied it over some BB cream and over my bare face, and it doesn’t look like anything. I haven’t tried over full foundation yet, but I’m wondering if I got the wrong one, like maybe I should have done Diffused or Ethereal. I’m NC20, and my internet research says that Dim should be perfect on me. Is there some application “trick” or secret for Hourglass that I don’t know?
Hmm, what brush did you use, Elaine? I wouldn’t say there is a trick to it, but the effect is subtle – I mean, it’s not a full-on highlighter, so it will not be as “visible” in a sense. It should mattify slightly while adding some luminosity!
Christine! which powder of all the hourglass ones would you recommend for an NC25 with dark brown hair?
Dim Light is nice! If you want something with more sheen, Luminous Light.
Eeks, just came to look at this since it’s back and permanent. I think I will get this THIS time! 🙂