I think Hourglass has established itself as a luxury brand that is here to stay at this point. And what I love about it (and attribute its success to) is the natural and luminous finishes and luxurious feel. I have tried most of their products, but what I keep coming back to is face color. Right now, I am hooked on the HOURGLASS Ambient Light Correcting Primer.
This primer can be worn under foundation or alone. Its main purpose is to blur and perfect while adding a glow. The light-correcting pigments neutralize and brighten my skin. Since I run a little red, this is perfect for me. The formula is oil-free and weightless. It soaks into my skin without looking greasy. I love the smaller sized tube for travel. And you’ll only need a pea-sized amount. I apply with my fingers. Lately, I have applied MAC Studio Face & Body Foundation on top of this primer for a very natural look. Hourglass products are 100 percent cruelty-free. Available at Sephora.
I’ll keep this fairly short and sweet seeing as I am a person who prefers more brief blog posts and articles: these are the steps I take when I haul ass get ready in the mornings before work (sometimes I will step out of the box with bolder shades on evenings out with the girls).
1. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream – this new launch has been all over the internet recently, but the hype is warranted. My dry skin eats this up and I get a glow with fairly sheer coverage. I love the brush sold with it but it is no longer in my possession – my former makeup artist friend snagged it this weekend (if that’s a clue as to how good it really is!). I am able to wear both Suede and Vanilla interchangeably.
2. Kate Somerville IllumniKate Concealing Eye Cream – since I am going with a sheer face, I don’t want to cake on a concealer. This eye pen masks dark circles and works to improve the look of skin at the same time. So think long-term improvement towards a bright and wrinkle-free under eye!
3. MAC Brow Set – I alternate using this and a pencil but for now I like the way Brow Set subtly colors brow hairs and sets them at the same time. I currently use Girl-Boy but I think next time I will purchase the slightly darker Show-Off.
4. NARS Contour Blush – To simplify things, I use this duo instead of a powder. I use the darker shade under my cheek bones, temples and jaw line with a bronzer brush. Then using a smaller dome brush, I use the lighter shade under my eyes (to set the concealing eye cream), down my nose and on my chin. Powdered, bronzed and set all with one product. I use the shade Olympia (and Paloma in the summer).
5. Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette – this product is brand new and I had very high hopes for it. Thankfully, I am really happy with it. But it should be noted these powders are very creamy and soft – I just happen to really like that formulation. I wear the matte and lighter shades in the Infinity palette.
6. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof – an old favorite that I have rescued from the depths of the Belle Belle Beauty closet. I find this liner doesn’t drift and works well on both the waterline and just above the lashes. And it at its best in the classic black shade.
7. bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara – also an old favorite, this mascara really does it all and does it well. I get volume, curl and and inky finish that doesn’t fall out – something that is quickly becoming my biggest pet peeve.
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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
It is like Hourglass Cosmetics is in my head, just knowing what I have been craving this summer: a shiny, bold and glossy look with staying power. I’m weighed down by my winter thick and matte lipstick in this weather. Recently released from Hourglass is a lip duo that is my new go-to: Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner and Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss, both in Muse, a vibrant orange red with just a hint of pink.
This summer, Hourglass added four new shades of Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner and three new shades of Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss. Just like the original versions, the duo is super long-wear – much appreciated in the humid, sticky Oklahoma summer.
Starting with the liner, I get a creamy and water-resistant base shade. I love the brush on the other end for precise application. Then as a second layer, the shiny and rich Extreme Sheen adds depth of color. Vitamin E provides hydration on my constantly chapped lips. The finish is truly luxury. And I am swooning over the cake batter scent which is surprisingly sophisticated.
I rocked this duo on this week’s TV segment – what do you think?
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
It is Friday and you know what that means… I’m back on Great Day Green Country and it is time to ring in spring. After a frigid and icy weekend, we have 60s and 70s for the next four or five days (yes, there is a patio in my near future – likely around happy hour today). And what better way to celebrate the warmer weather than some spring shades. Today, I am rounding up the six products to warm things up on your vanity:
How does Hourglass possibly follow up the widely acclaimed release of Ambient Lighting Powder? Or the incredibly popular Ambient Lighting Palette? Needless to say… this was bound to be a difficult task. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush recently hit shelves and while the reception was mixed, I’ve found the powders to be unique and almost as special as the powders.
The primary hurdle for most bloggers I know who have tried the product is that “blush” might not be the best name. I’ve been testing Ethereal Glow (a cool pink blush with a moonlit luminosity) which, on me, plays much more like a highlighter and not that different than my beloved Ethereal Light Ambient Lighting Powder.
Each blush is a hybrid of an Ambient Lighting Powder and a classic blush shade:
Dim Infusion (Subdued coral blush fused with Dim Light to add warmth)
Diffused Heat (Vibrant poppy blush combined with Diffused Light for a subtle halo effect)
Luminous Flush (Champagne rose blush fused with Luminous Light to evoke a candlelit glimmer)
Radiant Magenta (Golden fuchsia blush combined with Radiant Light for a summer glow)
Mood Exposure (Soft plum blush fused with Mood Light to brighten the complexion)
While I haven’t experienced the other shades in person, I understand that the pigment is can be subtle across the board (although it certainly doesn’t look like it online). The shades are buildable, but I find Ethereal Glow to be perfect with a subtle touch for highlighting and an on-the-go touch up powder. My friend, Maree, has a gorgeous swatch of Radiant Magenta here that can demonstrate potential pigmentation.
The distinctive attribute of this blush is the inclusion of Photoluminescent Technology to enhance and provide depth and dimension. The handcrafted blushes are mixed using the Italian miscelare technique meaning no two blushes will look alike. Designed to be used with Ambient Lighting Powder, the Blush can create “multidimensional luminescence”.
My takeaway is that these blushes do add a natural and dynamic finish. The other shades might work well as a blush given that they are buildable. While Ethereal Glow isn’t necessarily a “blush” in my book and might be a duplicate of Ethereal Light, I appreciate the smaller palette for my clutch and the slight cool pink shimmer that works beautifully as a highlighter.
Fragrance, talc and gluten free. Not tested on animals.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
For my final favorite from last night’s Golden Globes, I want to share Amber Heard’s Hourglass Makeup. But first, as I was planning this post, I realized I almost always share a look from Hourglass during awards season. There must be something about these luxe and neutral colors that make for the most flawless and glamorous looks. Amber is no exception. Paired with her midnight blue Atelier Versace dress and romantic up-do, the nude but sultry makeup was perfection. “Amber brought some of her own ideas to the mix,” says makeup artist Matthew VanLeeuwen. “She liked the idea of focusing on sultry chocolate eyes, creamy skin and soft nude lips. I was just bringing out the remarkable geometry and beauty of her face.”
