Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder ($38.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a very light, rosy beige with neutral-to-warm undertones and a pearly shimmer-sheen finish. Sephora Light Beam (02) (P, $14.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (95% similar). Cle de Peau Delicate Pink (14) (P, $55.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Cle de Peau Almond (16) (P, $55.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Milani Afterglow (P, $10.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Cover FX Celestial (PiP, $34.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Guerlain Perles des Neiges (LE, $80.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (90% similar). YSL Rosy Contouring Highlight (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Blinded by the Light (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (90% similar). Cle de Peau Bal Masque (LE, $120.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Makeup Revolution Radiant Lights (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). YSL Lumiere Divine (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC Climax (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). YSL Golden Contouring Highlight (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Lightscapade (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Milani Moon Glow (P, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). MAC Hot Sensation (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery (85% similar). MAC Snowglobe (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Glow (Tarteist) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

FORMULA OVERVIEW | According to Hourglass, the Strobe Lighting Powders have a “sheer base” paired with “ultra-fine pearl particles” that give a “naturally luminescent highlight … without a heavy metallic finish.” They are wet/dry powders with dry application for less of a highlight and damp application for a stronger highlight. If you find most highlighters “too much” for your tastes but find the Ambient Lighting Powders not enough, then you may enjoy the Strobe Lighting Powders. Hourglass also launched a slanted, sponge applicator designed to be used with this product, which is what I used to apply the highlight in the photos below, but I prefer regular brushes for more even application and easier blending. The powder definitely intensifies with damp application–you can see how it gets brighter, lighter, and more shimmery.

Applied dry, it was semi-sheer with a subtle sheen, while damp application gives a much smoother, shiny finish that’s not metallic but more noticeable, and against my skin tone, it does appear lighter and rosier when applied damp (this is likely due to the increase in opacity as well!). The texture was soft and silky, blendable, and flattering on the skin without emphasizing pores–and consistent across the range. This shade wore well for eight hours before fading slightly.

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder (Dry)

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder (Wet)

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder (Dry)

Hourglass Incandescent Strobe Light Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder (Wet)