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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder | Worth the Hype?



I'm not sure what came over me but evidently I was feeling really rather spend-y on my trip to London. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light (£38) wasn't a spur of the moment purchase in the sense that I'd had my eye on it for a while, but for whatever reason I decided that day was going to be the day I got my hands on it. It's funny as I'd always imagined I'd end up getting the palette with three shades, however after going to see them in-store in Manchester I'd been disappointed that two of the three shades were very glittery and one of them was far too light for me. So I settled on getting my favourite of the three individually (the singles are also pretty impressive in size), which was Dim Light. 

For those of you who don't know: the Ambient Lighting Powders are highlighters-come-setting powders, which makes them very different to anything else in my collection (which is something, considering I'm a highlighter fiend). Some of them seem to have glitter in, whereas others don't, so definitely try to visit a Spake NK (or Liberty's if you're in London) before dropping the money on a shade. Dim Light is glitter-free and has more of a sheeny pearlescent shimmer. The shade is exactly what I like because it's sort of a beige-y champagne; not too gold, not too silver. 



The big question is: is it worth the money? Personally I feel it's not a life-changing product, it's a luxury purchase. What it adds is a flattering glowing, luminous quality which isn't something dramatically noticeable. If you only have £38 to spend on makeup this month then you're better off using it to get yourself a good foundation or concealer (or you could do both for that price, to be honest!) however if you're looking to treat yourself to something a bit more luxurious and beautiful then this nicely fits the bill. I'm not going to rush out and buy any more shades (though I may have to in the blushers...) but I'm happy with Dim Light. However if you think the price is excessive, don't feel as though you're missing out on something vital because you're not (and make sure you check out my Hourglass dupes post coming soon...) 

In a nutshell I'm ambivalent; £38 is steep and it's just not the sort of product that's going to change your beauty life. On the other hand I've spent the same on a dress I've worn once or never...several times and I do really like using this product and the effect it gives. I think people tend to take things negatively because I explore both the pros and cons of a product instead of just endlessly gushing (although to be honest I probably would be if this was priced more towards the £25 mark). Yes, I like the product a lot but if you don't have much money to spend on beauty products, this isn't the ultimate essential you need to invest in it's a 'treat yourself' thing.

Is it worth the hype? Maybe.

Have you tried the Hourglass powders or do you think they're over-priced? Are they worth the hype?

 


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78 comments

  1. It looks so gorgeous, I've been wanting to try one of these for so long but will definitely take your advice and go into store, instead of ordering one of these online. Looking forward to your dupe post, great review x

    emily x ❤ | emilyloula

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    Replies
    1. Yeah I think for something so pricey you'll definitely want to check it out in person :) xx

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  2. I bought the trio of blushes a few months ago and haven't even used it! I think it's a combination of not being scared I'll not like it (they were so expensive!!) and also, I just don't want to touch it because it was so pricey... Thanks for the honest review, and I'm sorry you didn't love yours!
    Ivory Avenue

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  3. i have the highlighting palette and love it, but I'm a sucker for highlighters

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    Replies
    1. Me too - maybe the others made it a bit better value xx

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  4. I am so tempted by Diffused but it's so expensive... I've heard Reserve Your Cabana is as good a dupe as they come but I'm not entirely sure. I own that and I don't see much of a difference when I use it :/ Yes, a flattering glow, but I can get that for much less than 38 pounds. We'll see! Thank you for the honest review x

    P.D. I can comment fine now! Thanks for fixing it x

    Julia | Wing Me a Dream

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    1. Yeah I just feel like it looks nice but £38 just to look a bit more flawless and glow-y? Hmmm...xx

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  5. This looks gorgeous!!! Love how it catches the light and would look perfect for evening makeup too! I remember not being wowed when I first saw the hourglass ambient lighting blush and highlighters but after seeing them take over bloggers posts I'm tempted to give it a go……

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. Go for it if you fancy treating yourself :) xx

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  6. It looks gorgeous but as you say it is on the expensive side for what it is! x
    Emma | Emmys Blog

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  7. This was a very interesting read; I picked up one of their blushes as soon as I saw them, but I'm yet to pick up one of their powders. I've been contemplating purchasing one for a while now, but I've always managed to find a reason not to. Mainly the pricetag. However now that I've seen it swatched in such a way (instead of just on the face) I think I may finally have to pick one up... Dim Light definitely does look beautiful...

    Heather, porcelainbeautyx

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    Replies
    1. I feel as though the blushers look much better value for money tbh! xx

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  8. I've got this one as well. I love it but it is indeed expensive.

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  9. I'm glad I saw this post as I was thinking about buying one of these! They are so expensive for what they actually are x

    Blushhx

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    Replies
    1. That's how I feel - it's really nice but if people want to pay so much for this kind of product depends on their personal circumstances as it isn't an 'investment' as such xx

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  10. Ahhh this product is so gorgeous but I don't know if I could justify spending £38 on a powder!
    The Lipstick, The Girl and Her Wardrobe

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  11. I really love your honest opinion on this! I think I'm gonna check it out as I'm always looking for a decent powder!

    Francesca xo // EffStar Beauty // YouTube Channel

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  12. Great review! It's nice to see someone give a more honest opinion about this product for once. For the price you could probably by two highlighters which do a very similar job. This looks gorgeous in the swatch but for £38 this would have to be considered as a treat me purchase for me! x

    Toni x
    clarkecouture.blogspot.co.uk

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  13. It looks stunning, but I think I'd have trouble handing over my bank card!

    http://shewhoisshort.blogspot.co.uk/

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  14. It's such a shame you didn't like it, I really want to try diffused light. I think the idea of them providing effects of different lighting situations like moonlight and candlelight is really appealing to me!

    http://katsbeautytales.blogspot.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. I definitely didn't say I didn't like it :) I just don't think it's worth £38 personally - but it's all up to what you like to spend your money on! xx

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  15. I have been debating about buying this product for a while now. I love the look of it, and the idea of a natural glow, but not the price tag. I'm sure I'll end up giving in but thankyou for the honest review in the mean time.

    Kristy | http://www.thevioletblonde.com

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    1. Yeah I think I did just give in and whilst I'm glad I have it, I'm not sure I'd have spent so much if I could go back! xx

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  16. I've always thought they were overpriced for what they are! Maybe I'm just so used to drugsore.. Anyway, the packaging is nice, and the swatch looms pretty. PS - you're so close to 900 Bloglovin' followers! x

    Jasmine || blogsallbeautyy.blogspot.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. Exciting times :D and to be honest this is pricey even compare to other high-end highlighters! xx

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  17. I've always wanted to try these powders but have been put off by the price tag especially because I heard the same thing about the palette that it was quite shimmery. How do you compare it to the Makeup Revolution Radiant Lights powders do you mind me asking? x

    Beauty with charm

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    1. They're similar. My first impressions are that the Hourglass is more of a setting powder and more subtle. Whereas the MUR is less subtle. I'll definitely do a comparison post properly though! Xx

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  18. I've got two Hourglass Blushes and think they're beautiful and stunning on the skin, but I think the same about my Sleek blusher as well - its definitely a luxury purchase and very expensive for what it is. Great review, its lovely to read both the pros and cons xo

    http://lifebeautyandem.blogspot.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. I kind of wish I'd picked up a blusher instead as they seem better value! xx

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  19. Have you tried one of the Max Factor blushes yet? They are said to be dupes. I can't vote for that though, as I own neither.

    LindaLibraLoca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    1. Yeah I have a few of them (I did a post a month or so ago) and they were a mixed bag but a few great ones - I still have my eye on the Hourglass blushes though! xx

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  20. Thank you for such a honest review, Jasmine. I have seen countless bloggers/vloggers raving about this product like it's to die for so it's so refreshing to read yours. I honestly appreciate this. xx

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you appreciated my point of view :) xx

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  21. i've been putting off getting one of these for the longest time. i definitely agree with you: not life changing, it's just a luxury thing.

    brooke | brooke elise beauty

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  22. I do really want to try one of these but your right the price is a little steep, although you are also right about the fact that I have spent that much on a clothing item that I have never worn. Looks like a nice powder and something that I might treat myself to :)

    Pams Stuff and Things

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, I agree - it's one of those things that isn't essential or an investment product but if you want to treat yourself then go for it! xx

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  23. I couldn’t agree with you more! When I bought this I was like ‘ooh this is lovely’ but what is it actually doing besides looking luxurious and expensive on my dressing table? I find the Radiance highlighter from Makeup Revolution in the shade ‘Breathe’ to be incredibly similar to my Ambient Powder in ‘Diffused Light’, so you’re basically paying that extra amount for the gorgeous packaging and the prestige of the brand. I still love luxury, high-end makeup but it goes to show it’s all basically the same stuff! Great post as always :)

    Jess, makingitupblog.com

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    1. Yeah I was thinking that the same thing...xx

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  24. Fab post hun, I’ve always wondered if the Ambient Lighting Powder was worth the hype, as I’ve always been put off by the steep cost. I agree this sounds more like a treat product, but not sure it would be right for me as I don’t think I’d fully use it.

    Charlee XO | CharmedCharlee

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  25. Funny, I totally feel the same about it! I have the same shade as you and it's nice but not a must-have.

    Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty

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  26. I love the honest review :) But I still want to go out and buy this!
    RachelShuchatMakeup

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  27. I don't think I could justify spending £38 pounds on a powder, but that doesn't mean that I'm never going to purchase one x

    www.pintsizedbeauty.com

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    Replies
    1. That's a good attitude to have - never say never but it is a luxury item :) xx

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  28. It looks such a gorgeous shade !
    xoxo,

    http://atwednesdaysiwearpink.blogspot.pt/

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  29. Looks beautiful )

    http://sbr-fashion-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  30. I've got similar thoughts on the ambient lighting powders! I use them to set my under eye concealer and occasionally to set my whole face but I don't think they're an everyday staple in my book. They're gorgeous but I think I maybe expected a little more because they were sooo raved about on blogs a while back. The blushes on the other hand I am in LOVE with. Such good colour payoff! xx

    Love and Marmalade

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    1. Yeah I completely agree with this - and I have still ordered one of the blushes - I wish I'd done that to begin with! xx

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  31. I feel the same about this product; it's not a complete game changer, but still really nice. I have the trio and I'm happy I have it. A very smart post!
    http://www.lipstickisalife.com/

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  32. I'm so glad you felt the same Jasmine, I was starting to think that I was the only one that thought that way. They aren't terrible, I just don't think they make a noticeable difference/are particularly £38 worth of amazing. Great review, very helpful for anyone thinking of buying :)

    Elle
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

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    1. This is how I feel - they add something nice but not £38 worth of something! xx

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  33. So glad you said that! Obviously, is not a bad product, but I can replace everyday with a random decent drugstore product and I'd feel happy about it! I don't mind spending almost 40 pounds for something I can't live without, but otherwise....xoxoxox

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  34. I really like this review because it is honest!! I love Hour Glass packaging but I do think the products are overpriced. Although I have not yet tried the powders, I do think they may look ashy on my complexion but it does look good on yours!!!...xx

    Fashstyleliv

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    1. Yeah I'd be much happier with the purchase if it was more like £25 xx

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  35. This is a gorgeous powder! I've been really hesitant to buy one because of the price - I agree that if they were closer to the mid-20s mark i'd probably be more tempted. I'd say it's definitely a luxury product! I adore their blushes but i'm not sure I can bring myself to pay so much for a highlighting powder. It was really nice to read a truly honest review on this!

    Antonia x | Fifi and the Diamonds

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    1. I do still want to try some of their blushes - wish I'd just gone straight for those! xx

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  36. I love a good luxury product in my stash but I think this is not the type of product I'd want to splurge on. I really like the Makeup Revolution "dupe" in Breathe, which is very similar and much cheaper. :) x

    Renata | Speaking Beauty UK

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    Replies
    1. Yeah I think I'll be sticking to the MUR ones, definitely won't be buying any more shades in this! xx

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  37. This is on my wishlist for ages !

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  38. It is absolutely beautiful and one I would personally love to own. However as I already own the MUR dupe, I feel I am set. lol!



    Angie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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  39. I really want to try one of these buuut.. I think they're a bit expensive as you can get amazing blushes and highligths with much less money! I still haven't made my mind yet but I know I wouldn't spend my money on it of I'd only have that money to spend (and that's maybe why I won't get it..) xx

    riitamacedo.blogspot.pt

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    1. To be honest there are better products you can get if you have £38 to spend on beauty xx

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  40. Must admit I did find these powders life changing and they are my most treasured makeup item! I risked ordering the trio palette pre-release, not having seen it in the flesh - and wasn't disappointed. Dim is definitely my favourite shade from the palette and the one I use most for an allover softening effect. I use the middle one as a really subtle highight (it's glowy rather than glittery on me). The warmer shade, Radiant works well to warm up my complexion, but it's the one I use the least. I'll definitely treat myself to another full size powder when this runs out - was swooning over them in Space NK this week!

    Maybe your skin is too good to feel the full benefit from these Jasmine - mine is older and less perfect, so I appreciate their soft focus powers!

    Nic xx

    StrawberryBlondeBeauty

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