Hourglass Vol. 4 Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Review & Swatches
Vol. 4
Hourglass Vol. 4 Ambient Lighting Edit Palette ($80.00 for 0.29 oz.) is a new, limited edition holiday offering that contains four existing shades and two new, exclusive shades (Filtered Bronze Light and Luminous Glow). The powders performed consistently with other Hourglass powders, so those who enjoy these palettes will likely enjoy this one, too, if the included shades work for your skin tone.
The palette contains $10.51 worth of Ambient Lighting Powder, $5.13 worth of Ambient Lighting Bronzer, $20.27 worth of Ambient Lighting Blush, and $9.50 worth of Metallic Strobe Lighting Powder for a total value of $45.41. If you expect to use most of the powders but don’t usually finish products or often travel, it might be “worth” it to you, though typically palettes like these offer more for your money (since you are buying in “bulk” in a way) or else aren’t nearly so drastic in the difference between value and price.
Ingredients
Vol. 4
LELimited Edition. $80.00.
Dim Light
Dim Light is a soft peach with warm, brownish undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had translucent coverage, as anticipated, that was easy to apply all-over to the face. The finish of this shade had a bit more luminosity compared to Diffused Light, so it softened my skin texture while adding a slight, brightening effect and finish. That being said, it was a subtle effect and more noticeable in person, and as I often feel about finishing powders, it’s an extra je ne sais quoi at the end that brings everything in at the end but isn’t a night and day kind of difference! While it is a finishing powder, I’ve used this to set my makeup in the past and have found that it adds an extra hour to two hours of wear to my base and certainly doesn’t interfere with the longevity of any other cheek/base products. The texture was smooth and finely-milled, easy to work with, and fairly consistent with the standalone version I have, though I’d say this wasn’t quite as soft.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Formula Overview
$48.00/0.35 oz. - $137.14 Per Ounce
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!
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).
Browse all of our Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Benzoic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Diamond Powder, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-7, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Dim Light
PPermanent. $48.00.
Diffused Light
Diffused Light is a soft, translucent beige with subtle, warm yellow undertones and a natural finish. It’s fairly pale and translucent (packed on heavily in the swatch just so give everyone an idea of color), so it can easily be dusted all-over the face. The effect it gave was soft and diffusing where it blurred my skin texture and lines just a bit; not enough that it was erasing my age, but it had a soft focus effect. It was consistent with the individual powder I have. The consistency was soft, velvety and, smooth with a smidgen of powderiness in the pan but it sat well on my skin. As a finishing powder, it doesn’t fully mattify or take down the natural finish of one’s foundation but can double as a decent setting powder (but those with oilier skin types may find a true setting powder is better). I often use the Ambient Lighting Powders to set areas of my face that I want to be less matte or aren’t as prone to breaking down (and then use a setting powder where I need it rather than everywhere).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Formula Overview
$48.00/0.35 oz. - $137.14 Per Ounce
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!
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).
Browse all of our Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Benzoic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Diamond Powder, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-7, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Looks Using this Product
Diffused Light
PPermanent. $48.00.
Euphoric Strobe Light
Euphoric Strobe Light is a soft peach with warm, yellow undertones and a soft, luminous finish. It had an incredibly finely-milled and velvety texture that felt smooth to the touch and blended out effortlessly on my skin. The pigmentation was semi-sheer to medium that could be built up but more so in intensity and shine, though it can be used with a dampened brush for a more noticeable sheen. It wore well for eight hours on me. The color, finish, and performance was consistent with the permanent, standalone version I have.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Double Dip (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Iconic London Rose Glow (Right) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Gnomie (P, $7.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Last Call (LE, $30.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Guerlain Perles de Legende (LE, $65.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Breathless (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Warm Glow (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Morphe Spark (P, $14.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Spoon (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace PSL Extra Whip (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$40.00 -
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.
Browse all of our Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Water/Aqua, Benzoic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Diamond Powder, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-7, Polyacrylamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tin Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate. May Contain (+/-): Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Euphoric Strobe Light
LELimited Edition. $40.00.
Filtered Bronze Light
Filtered Bronze Light is a soft brown with warm, rosy undertones and a natural sheen. It had opaque pigmentation with a soft, smooth, and blendable texture that was thin without being stiff or difficult to apply and blend out. I wouldn’t describe it as buildable, but the softer texture did make it so I could use a lighter hand for more gradual application. It stayed on well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Becca Sunrise Waves (P, $38.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Makeup Revolution Golden Days (P, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Clinique Sunkissed Pop (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Lynx (P, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Sweet Peach Bronzer (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Hourglass Luminous Bronze Light (P, $52.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Palm Beach Ready (P, $4.99) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Casino (P, $38.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Bronze (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Essence Bespoke (P, $2.99) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$52.00/0.39 oz. - $133.33 Per Ounce
The Ambient Lighting Bronzer formula is supposed have a “sheer, airy” feel (sheer as in texture) that give a “natural, sun-kissed glow” with the “illuminating effects of Ambient Lighting Powder” with “bronze pigments” that give it “buildable color.” The formula tends to be more pigmented (usually semi-opaque), but the textures are always soft enough that a less dense brush or lighter hand is an option for picking up less product and getting less coverage. I find that the bronzer formula tends to be less powdery compared to the original Ambient Lighting Powders, which is nice. The wear is typically around eight hours on me.
Browse all of our Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Benzoic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Diamond Powder, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-7, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tin Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate. May Contain (+/-): Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Filtered Bronze Light
LELimited Edition. $52.00.
Luminous Glow
Luminous Glow is a soft coral with warm undertones and a luminous sheen. It had medium, buildable color coverage paired with a soft, silky consistency that was a smidgen powdery in the pan but blended out easily on my skin. This shade sat nicely on my skin without emphasizing my skin’s natural texture but still had a glow. It lasted for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Make You Mine (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Fair-Medium #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Hourglass Infinite Flush (LE, $40.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Bowery (LE, $30.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Beat (-, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop All Laced Up (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Miss Cupcake (LE, ) is less shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- NARS Spark Got Hot (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Beauty (Cheek Swish) (LE, $40.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Low Key (DC, $26.00) is cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$40.00/0.15 oz. - $266.67 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have “depth and dimension” unlike traditional blush, be “lightweight and airy,” and have the “perfect balance of pigment and powder.” Hourglass says it uses “an advanced ‘miscelare’ technique,” which means to mix in Italian (per Sephora) and is how the marbled effect is achieved. The blush is also supposed to have “buildable color.” It does bring to mind the concept of a lot of baked formulas on the market, but I think the texture is softer and more finely-milled than most.
The texture is very soft and delicate; it feels exactly like the Ambient Lighting Powders. In an all-over powder, I don’t mind what can sometimes veer on powderiness, but in a blush, it can be easy to overload color onto the blush and then onto the skin. I wish it was slightly firmer or less powdery, which would minimize waste and make it more foolproof to apply.
Browse all of our Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol; Benzoic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Diamond Powder, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-7, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tin Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, May Contain: (+/-): Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 40 Lake (CI 16035), Carmine (CI 75470), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Luminous Glow
LELimited Edition. $40.00.
Euphoric Fusion
Euphoric Fusion is a soft, rosy plum with warm undertones and a luminous sheen. I found that it bordered on pink-coral applied to my skin and seemed a touch lighter compared to my standalone version. It had medium, buildable pigmentation, which was as described, that applied evenly and smoothly to bare skin. The texture was soft, slightly dusty in the pan, but it blended out beautifully and gave me a glowing finish that didn’t emphasize my skin’s natural texture. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Lethal Cosmetics Ornamental (P, $15.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Cool (Winter 2016) Highlighter (LE, $60.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Golden Gate (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Prim (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Revolution Make Love Instead (P, $5.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Edward Bess South of France (P, $45.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- CoverGirl Medium Rose (DC, $9.99) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Milani Dolce Pink (P, $7.99) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Hourglass Mood Exposure (P, $40.00) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- NARS Blissful (P, $30.00) is darker (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.15 oz. - $253.33 Per Ounce
The Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder is designed to have the “illuminating effects” of their Strobe Lighting Powder with “vivid cheek colors.” The formula features “buildable color” with a “natural-looking, radiant finish.” The texture of the powder is very, very silky and finely-milled, which can result in noticeable powder that gets kicked up in the pan, though they apply beautifully to the skin and never look dry or dusty actually applied (which is where it counts!). One of the things I have noticed over the years is that the depth of color can vary dramatically depending on the marbling of the powders; some have more of the “Strobe” shade and others have more of the “blush” shade. They last between seven and eight hours on me typically.
Browse all of our Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush swatches.
Ingredients
Ingredients: Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Alumina, Water/Aqua, Benzoic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Diamond Powder, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-7, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tin Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate. May Contain (+/-): Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Carmine (Ci 75470), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
This is so pretty. I wish I could justify the price.
What I really wish is that Hourglass would let you create your own Ambient Lighting palette!
You used to be able to create a 3-pan using the Ambient Lighting Powders (but not with blush or bronzer and the like), but I can’t locate it on their site any more!
I want to swatch this in person, but I think this is the rare face palette that actually suits my needs well! I used to own
The only shade I don’t think I’d use is the bronzer, and even that I could probably use as a crease shade or something.
As I’ve said so often in past about these Hourglass palettes, I think it’s unconscionable that they rip off their customers in this way. Hourglass is hardly a “low price ticket” line to start with but to gouge people in this way when other companies are doing it the other way ’round – $40 worth of product for $20 – has made me refuse to buy their products in the loyal way I used to. And it’s not like I can’t find the same sorts of products in other lines that don’t resort to this shoddy practice! And the more people buy this stuff, the more Hourglass will continue to do it.
They need to make the Metallic Strobe Lighting Powder formula permanent! It’s the one shade in this palette that wowed me in person for the effect on the skin.
I finally caved this year and got this! And I’m quite loving it!! The powders are so finely milled that they melt into your skin and give it a very natural, ethereal-looking glow. I can see what the hype is all about. And while it’s pricey, and not a great value, I don’t want to buy individual pans of all the colors. I also rarely hit pan on anything, and the powders will last a while. This will be great during the winter months, when my skin is drier.
Hourglass, when will you ever do right by your consumers when it comes to these yearly holiday face palettes? Too little value per $, no slightly more universal bronzer, ugh. ?
I bought the last one and I’ve used most of it up. So handy. Well worth the price to me. Glad to see Dim light in this one as well as that’s my favourite.
I am impressed by your usage, Ginny!
I think you would have to use all of these shades to make it worthwhile, as it is quite expensive.
It is lovely and I really like the finishes.
The palette looks perfect! I don’t need another blush but the temptation is all too real! Love every shade included. My daughter gave me for Christmas the highliter trio and is gorgeous!
As usual, Hourglass brings the quality but not the value, LOL. I find that I like the idea of these palettes and have purchased them yearly for my daughter but not for myself. Frequently the shades are too dark for my skin tone finishing powder/strobe powder shades are too dark for my super pale skin, making the palette even less of a value for me. Although my daughter is more medium skin toned she has always been able to make the shades work for her and she likes the Hourglass formula. I will probably pick this up for her this year also.
For me this product falls into the category “hate the price, love the product”. Hourglass formula works and shows like a dream on me. I already have Diffused Light and it literally melts into the skin. Same with the blush in Mood exposure. As much as I dislike the price, this is a palette I see myself using almost every day. I will wait for the upcoming Sephora sale in November.
Fingers crossed you can get it then, Nicole!
I don’t really need another Hourglass palette (I have lost year Vol. 3) but the unique to this palette shades are calling to me, I guess it will depend on how I’m going for money when it is released. I always use my current one when travelling but prefer the blushes in this palette.
This looks beautiful too. Do you think it would work,on an NC 30 skintone?It’s either this one or the Edit Unlocked palette. I don’t have any of the colors. I love the formula, I have Diffused Heat blush. Great for dry skin, even though it’s a powder. It’s pricey, yes. But, I travel a lot & always pack wayyyy too much makeup. ?
Unlocked runs a bit darker/deeper overall, so if you like decent pigment/visibility, you may find that better. I do think that Vol. 4 would be okay on NC30. I am NC20 for reference!
Hi Christine,
My color IQ is 2Y06. For TF Born This Way I wear Porcelain and for Makeup Forever I wear Y345. Whoch one do you think will go better with my skin tone edit 4 or unlocked palette?
I would look at which one has shades you’d use more!