Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Dimmed Expectations

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders have been one of the most hyped beauty products to come out in recent memory. I was more or less uninterested when I first heard about them, dismissing them as gimmicky, completely unnecessary and collectors' bait (gotta have 'em all, right?). I'd never been all that into finishing powders — frequently skipping that step in my daily routine, but months and months of watching and reading reviews on these powders significantly weakened my resolve. Finally, I just couldn't take it. I was going to buy one of these stupid powders and be done with it. I emptied my wallet of a whopping $62 for one at Mecca Cosmetica and crossed my fingers it would be worth the splurge.









l-r: Chanel N°20Hourglass Dim Light, Bourjois 52

The major decision I had to make was which shade to pick. It came down to Diffused Light or Dim Light. I was afraid that Diffused Light might be too sheer, light and yellow for me, so I opted for Dim Light. It seemed to be the shade I'd read the most reviews on and sufficiently dissimilar to my other recent powder purchase, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour in N°20. The Chanel is more translucent, paler, less peachy/tan and more cream in colour. Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder in 52 Vanille is more opaque, thicker and more powdery in texture, significantly lighter, more of an off-white/pale yellow. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Power in Dim Light is clearly the darkest, peach/pink-leaning with a slight satin finish.


I've had Dim Light for a month and I've been trying to figure it out. In all honesty, I'm not really loving it. It darkens the colour of the skin which I guess would be desirable if your foundation was a bit too light, but otherwise isn't ideal. The effect is a slightly tan, peachy overlay with a very subtle whitish sheen. Although touted as "a neutral soft beige powder that blurs imperfections and highlights a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones", it's simply not as transformative or skin-perfecting as I'd hoped. At least on me, I don't get any noticeable glowiness or all that much of a smoothing, soft-focus result. My skin looks drier and less natural instead of dewier and healthier after brushing it all over. Because of the darker tint and the lack of obvious light-reflecting properties, I wouldn't describe it as illuminating. Rather, it provides a thin layer of extra coverage, at the same time making the skin warmer, more pink-toned and brown. In that way, I guess it does mimic the effect of being in dim (read: not brightening) light, so perhaps I just didn't pick the right shade for what I was after. At the same time, something like Luminous Light just seems like a pink shimmerbomb not suitable for the whole face.



To its credit, the texture of the powder is very fine, smooth and soft (almost to a fault, as it can get crumbly inside the compact), and it seems to blend into the skin rather than sit on top. I do find that it assists with oil control though it's not specifically designed for that purpose, as my T-zone is less shiny a couple of hours after I've applied my foundation compared with no powder or if I use other powders. After inspecting the back of the box, there's a whole bunch of fancy-sounding, scientific ingredients I've never heard of before. The Ambient Lighting Powders also claim to be paraben, talc, fragrance, nanoparticle (?) and gluten (??) free.

I've been experimenting with the amount and what brush to use with it, wondering if the heaviness and method of application make all the difference. I've used both the Too Faced Powder Pouf and my newly purchased Ecotools Retractable Kabuki Brush, but I'm thinking they might be placing too much product on my face. This video suggests using something similar to the accompanying Hourglass Ambient Powder Brush, i.e. a powder brush with a flatter shape as opposed to round. The powders are not designed to be used in a buffing motion, but rather lightly dusted all over. I've tried it over a bare face and basically couldn't see any difference. It seems to only work as a setting powder over liquid foundation.

I've been preferring my Chanel Les Beiges over the Hourglass, which I'm put off using most days because it makes my skin look undesirably more tan and pink/orange in tint. I'm more drawn to the sheerness of the Chanel, how much paler it is and softly illuminating, especially when used with a rounder powder brush. The only merits of the Hourglass are above average oil control, improved foundation wear time, and additional light coverage to your existing base, in effect helping to further blur imperfections and even out the skin tone. But other than that, I don't see what the fuss is about. Maybe I should've picked Diffused Light instead.

46 comments:

  1. Hmm, this makes me feel a bit better about wanting one but not being able to buy it, haha. There HAS been so much hype around these, but it's interesting to hear your thoughts. It seems like kind of a superfluous product, nice to have but not necessary at all really.

    x Tashi
    http://shiwashiful.blogspot.com.au/

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  2. Really interesting read! I've only heard rave reviews! Perhaps I need to research further before forking out x x

    zoetrope2468.com

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  3. I was considering getting this shade, but I went for Luminous Light and I love it.

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  4. I had debated whether I should try this product as well since it seems very loved throughout the youtube and beauty blogger lands. I don't think I can ever fish out $62 for one powder but the trio palette seems more ideal and bang for your buck. Were u not able to get that one in your hands? I don't know if I should get it or not (if it's still available). It's too bad that this didn't quite work out for you. :S

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    1. The palette is $95 or something here - I couldn't stomach that. It came out after I bought this as well! :p If you can get the palette for a reasonable price (mainly in the US) I think it might be worth it just to see for yourself what the hype it about.

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  5. A coeliac powder- not something I'd pay $62 for! I'm waiting on Tiffany's post to see how the Bourjois Java Powder compares- because I'm not keen on a shimmery face. Lily Pebbles didn't like Dim Light but loves Diffused Light, perhaps for the same reason as you. How does the LM Mineral Powder compare? I figure if I ever want a similar effect, I could just use the LM mineral powder on a fluffy brush to set liquid foundation and it might produce a similar result- a bit more coverage, a luminous satin finish. At the very least, it's good that the powder formulation is of a high quality- too often powders don't meld into the liquid base and sit noticeably on the surface.

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    1. The LM is super shimmery, radiant, heavy coverage and leaves a white cast (or at least reflects white) because of the SPF. They're not really comparable in my opinion - a mineral foundation and a setting powder. But to be honest I haven't really tried the LM lightly as a finishing powder, I sometimes use it over a light coverage BB cream but mainly for a more perfected finish and extra luminosity. But it isn't very 'natural' looking. I probably should have gone for Diffused Light but I ain't forking out another $62 to see if I'm right or wrong :p

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  6. hourglass have always been well loved by the online community from the amazing rave of their primer to this...ive tempted to actually at least one product from hourglass bcuz they have received much hype but the price is what really hinders me >_>~

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  7. It looks really good, leaves this nice glow :)
    Following u now with GFC,hope u follow back xxx

    www.magdalennes.blogspot.com

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  8. Its a shame it doesn't work for you, I love its finish. I've found the Ecotools Powder brush is perfect for it. :)
    I do share your complaint on the colour, as im getting paler the colour is a little too dark now!
    x

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  9. I saw your instagram pic and have secretly been waiting for this post, hehe. I went into Mecca Cosmetica and tried on Diffused Light - it didn't do anything for me, so I didn't purchase it and don't intend to in the near future! Blah, the reviews got me all excited!

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    1. Awww ... well maybe you can try another colour next time? Sorry to hear Diffused Light didn't do anything for you - maybe the same would be the case for me, in which I better stay away, lol!

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  10. I was thinking of getting the palette but I think this is one of the shades in it and I don't think it would work for me at all. I'll have to see if I can find them in store sometime and have a look at the shades, but I think this might be one of those products I don't need to add to my collection.

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

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    1. Yes, I think seeing them in store is a good idea so you have a better idea of the differences between them. I checked out all of the shades where Hourglass is sold here and Dim Light seemed to be the best bet for me. It might not be ideal for those with really pale complexions though ... maybe Diffused Light would be a better pick :)

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  11. Thats unfortunate that you're not loving it. Hopefully its one of those things you warm up to and find a good way to use !

    Madeline | Its a Mads Mads World

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  12. I'm a little bit over the fence about these too - I scored Luminous Light for a very small price but found it a touch too glowy to use on my combination skin every day, although it makes a beautiful, subtle highlight on top of the cheekbones or to perk up dry skin. I've just bought Diffused, haven't tried it yet but I can already tell it's less shimmery than Luminous, and will hopefully help to blur imperfections and counteract some of the redness in my skin.

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    1. I hope you get along with Diffused! That one seems to be well-loved by a few beauty bloggers I know :) Even if Luminous Light might be a bit too much for all over the face, at least it makes for a lovely highlighter!

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  13. Yeah I personally didn't see why people were going nuts over these… sure they look pretty in the compact but unless you have the EXACT same skin color as the powder then you're effed because, like you said, it changes your skin color. Meh. Not for me. I personally LOVE my NARS Light Reflecting Powder because it does everything that these hourglass powders promise except it's translucent perfection :)

    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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    1. I want to try the NARS powder! Maybe after I've finished both my Chanel and Hourglass (i.e. never) :p

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  14. I was also very on the fence about this product, and like you, found myself swayed by the numerous reviews and raves I continued to see. I caved and purchased the shades Diffused and Ethereal in the recent Sephora 20% off sale. I'm about NC15 so I knew I wanted the lighter shades to add luminosity and brightness to my complexion. I haven't fully tested them out yet so I'm crossing my fingers...

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    1. I hope they don't disappoint! 20% off is a pretty good discount, especially if those are US prices :)

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  15. I was highly considering about this one after all those raving reviews but it's nice to see the other side too, saves me and my wallet of some trouble, thanks for the amazing review dear !<3

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  16. I'm so happy you did this review! I am concerned it wouldn't give any good noticeable effect, esp on my combination skin and I have big pores around cheek area.. something with 'glowing' effect usually just accentuate my pores. I am no friend to highlighter..
    I was very close to get their holiday palette, but it retails for €69 before shipping fee ( the US price is $58 or approx.43€ ) which is very overpriced. It is also only available in Ludwigbeck Munich and I live in Berlin, so I have to order it via phone call without having the chance to see it live.. for the pricetag,the risk is too big T.T
    After reading your review here, I am more happy now that I didn't order the palette. better save my money for other xmas collection coming! :-D

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    1. Hourglass does seem to be HIDEOUSLY overpriced in Europe. Like, one of these powders is ‎£38.00 which is literally more expensive than the Australian price if you converted it from pounds to AUD. Ridiculous! They seem difficult to get a hold of as well, which probably only increases their appeal :p I think if you have an existing powder that you're happy with, you don't need these. If only you could try them out for yourself at an Hourglass counter so you could see the powders in person. Blind buying would be very risky given how astronomical the prices are.

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  17. Dim's a confusing one for a lot of people - glad you reviewed it so I can incorporate some of your thoughts into a follow-up post!

    I've been using it as a finishing powder, not a setting powder. Strangely, it has no oil-controlling effect on me but it could be that our skin types are quite different. After foundation, I use a very flat looking Almay powder to set, and adding Dim on top of it sort of brings back a more skin-like glow. It's so close to my skin tone that I don't see it turning peach on me unless I pack on a lot with a buffing or kabuki brush, but some light swipes across the face post-powder makes me look luminous! I don't think that Dim is for everyone but it does take some trial and error to figure it out.

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    1. I recently switched to an Ecotools blush brush to apply this, making sure I use a very light layer over the face. I think the results have been a bit better than if I used a kabuki/round powder brush, though to be fair the foundation I've recently been using is too light for me, so I need something darker over the top (I've even been buffing a layer of Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel over it). I'm glad Dim works so well for you to give you an added glow :) Would love to read your upcoming follow-up post!

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  18. I have never really understood these powders so haven't caved yet. I was looking at getting the trio that they have out for Christmas but I think your review has made me realise that there are a lot of other products I would prefer to try for that much money.

    Laura
    www.whitewintersblog.com

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  19. Nice to read a review that goes against the grain. Since I can't get these in France I was thinking of asking for the palette for Christmas from my mom in the States, but I just can't really justify asking someone to spend that kind of money on a product I haven't seen in person. Plus, I think there are other things I'll get more use out of!

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  20. I wanted Dim Light but got Diffused Light instead because Dim was sold out. I just used it today for the first time and I don't see the big deal :/ It needs further testing but so far I like my Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder better. x

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    1. Awww, sorry to hear Diffused Light didn't wow you on first impressions. Hopefully you find a way to make it work for you :)

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  21. I recently got Diffused light and I actually really like it, I have some redness in my skin and I find the yellow really helps. Maybe you would like another shade better?

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  22. I was super curious about these at first but decided in the end to go the NARS Light Reflecting Powder route. These seemed to shimmery to place all over my already oily face. Perhaps if I had dry or dull skin this would have more appeal but I was perfectly fine passing on these. I'm sad it didn't work out for you though after you shelled out the dough. I laughed out loud at those question marks for the nanoparticles and gluten because...really wth? So weird that has to be included? Didn't know those were concerns for makeup ha

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    1. Lol ... yeah I didn't get it either. Nanoparticle - no idea what that is, physics was never my thing. Gluten - I thought that was only a concern in terms of diet, but maybe those with a super intolerance can't even have it in their makeup :p I've heard good things about that NARS powder ... would love to try them but I guess I have enough powders for now to use up first.

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  23. Such a shame when beauty bloggers/vloggers rave and rave about products just because others are. Over-hyped products are such a disappointing, sinking feeling. However, I will say, your skin in the photo does look quite luminous! Perhaps it's the lighting and in real life it looks different, just my opinion though!

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  24. D: this review made me sad because I got Diffused Light last week and it kind of blew my socks off. I had Dim light applied on me in the store and diffused on the other side of my face and dim make me look like my foundation was the wrong colour for my face :( I hope you'll try out diffused and give it a second chance!

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    1. I probably should have tried testing them out in the store, but the idea of someone doing my makeup for me doesn't appeal to me at all :p Haha. I normally just grab whatever product I want to try and slap some on for myself in front of the mirrors they have. It's a bit hard when it's a powder designed to be used all over the face though. I remember I swatched both Dim and Diffused on my hand and I think I just dismissed Diffused as being too light for my skin tone. I did try Dim around the edges of my nose but it was just too difficult to gauge any effect properly. I may take a closer look at Diffused next time I have some time to spare at Mecca :)

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  25. (I tried to comment this post yesterday but google doesn't love me :< )
    I'm yet to find out what are in fact these powders. Personally, I use powder everyday to lock my foundation and to keep my face matte and without any oil or shine...
    Some shades of these powders remind me of the MAC's mineralize skin finishes...
    Sadly I can't swatch any of the hourglass products...not available in my country :< (ok I can't complain that much...Laura mercier arrived earlier this month here so, at least I can finally test out their foundations!)

    Thank you very much for this review :3 Please take care!
    Have a nice day!*

    beauty-with-love.blogspot.com

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  26. So sorry to hear that you're disappointed in this.
    I wasn't particularly sold on this before, but now I will definitely stay away.

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  27. Honestly, I don't see the hype around this either. Although, it sucks that you bought it and don't like it.

    Kah-Feh Yen

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  28. Sad to hear it didn't live up to your expectations! I hate when that happens :(

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  29. I really wanted to give into the hype and buy one of these. But I wanted to use it all over my face as a finishing powder, not just as a highlight..because I have enough highlighters to get through right now. lol and the whole darkening the skin thing just sounds awful!

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  30. These look beautiful in terms of presentation and the physical appearance of the product but crikey it is expensive. I do think that this will be one product I won't buy despite the hype. It certainly looks lovely though, I can see why people want to get their hands on it.

    Amy x | A Little Boat Sailing

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  31. And I was right! My husband pointed out how pink my whole face was, asking if I wore blush all over my face :O This does darken me as well - and pinkifies, too. ACK! I tried applying less amount, it still darkens a bit, although not as pinky. ACK. Diffused Light is my next option, too. Although I love Radiant and Incandescent (on the palette).

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  32. I just bought Dim Light yesterday and was browsing through your blog when I saw your review! I am sorry it didn't work for you; it sucks especially with the price tag. I'm on the other end of the spectrum though, this worked amazing for me. I have only used it twice (yesterday & today) and I am so thoroughly impressed that I am already thinking it's going on my HG list. The make up artist actually recommended Dim Light rather than Diffused Light for me and she also said the suitability depends on your skin type and if you have blemishes or generally clear skin. I think this product is a bit of a tough one - people either love it or hate it. You sound like me though - kind of an impulsive buyer, just decide, grab and buy! Even though I did try it in store, I was in a rush and didn't really examine the effect properly. I worried if I got the right one but luckily in my case, it worked great. If you ever try Diffused Light, I would love love love to read what you think!

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  33. I wasn't impressed with this either! I went to Mecca and spoke to the assistant about the colours and which would suit me and she recommended the Dim Light. It looked fine on me in store (due to very 'dim' lighting - yes dim) but when I tried it again at home, it left my skin looking like I'd used make up too dark for my complexion or even make up that had oxidized on my skin. I really don't like it. And wish I hadn't of bought it, especially for the price. So now I'm going to see if I can at least use it some other way or give it to a family member. Truly don't see what the hype was about though.

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    1. That really sucks! Completely understand what you mean by it left the skin looking darker/oxidised. I guess the trick is to apply a very light layer all over the skin with a more flat brush rather than a round, domed one (if you are using that kind of brush). But yeah, the main thing I dislike about Dim Light is that it changes (darkens) the colour of my skin. And also, I didn't find it blurred imperfections, gave me a soft-focus appearance or anything like that, which I was kind of hoping for with all the hype and promises.

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