20150420

The Hourglass Dupes | Comparison & Swatches



The Hourglass powders and blushers seem to be some of the most lusted-after products amongst us beauty bloggers, however their products come with a pretty hefty price tag. I recently picked up a couple of bits from Hourglass so I dug through my stash and found some dupes you might want to consider instead of splashing out.

I have the Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush (£28), which is a gorgeous fuchsia-toned coral shade. These blushers consist of one of the powders from Hourglass's line (for this one it's Luminous Light, which is supposed to mimic candle light), merged with a colour to give a gorgeous highlighting effect. I love that this produces so much radiance without a hint of glitter and also the texture is beyond incredible; by far the softest, silkiest blusher I own. It's surprisingly pigmented for this type of product but of course not to the extent you have to apply it really lightly to avoid looking like a clown. The effect is a natural flush of colour that's just so easy to apply nicely. The packaging and the merged effect make this absolutely gorgeous to look at. Worth noting, however, is that the packaging is plastic. A lot of people seem to be surprised by this in high-end products so I thought I'd mention it. There's also a nice big mirror in there, which is always a plus. This also lasts so well throughout the day, which I did not expect from a natural blusher, especially on my shiny face! So, do any of my budget alternatives live up to it...?

First up are the Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes (£8.99 each, review here). At first glance they do look very similar, with the stunning marbled effect. The Creme Puff Blushes are considerably smaller and come in more basic black and clear packaging. There are two big differences for me: firstly these are marbled but they aren't merged with a highlighting setting powder like the Hourglass ones, they're merged with two different similar coloured powders. Secondly the colour selection is completely different, which is a positive in some ways as I think the Max Factor range will suit a lot more skin tones. However I think the finish on the skin is pretty similar, though the texture is not as beautiful and easy to work with. I do find that the quality varied across the range, as did the pigmentation and the level of glitter (the glitter thing is something I noticed in the Hourglass range too though). Seductive Pink and Alluring Rose both applied and lasted well, Lavish Mauve was a little harder to work with (and to be honest the colour was a bit 'meh' on me) and Gorgeous Berries was really intensely pigmented. Overall, they aren't identical, but they're similar enough to be an alternative considering the price difference.

My second blusher dupe is the Milani Baked Blush (£5.72, review here). I only have one shade, but I'll definitely be picking up more... They aren't the easiest thing to get in the UK but you can find them on Amazon, or I ordered this and a whole load of other US drugstore makeup from Beauty Joint and all the postage and tax came to £6. Anyway, the shade I have is Luminoso, a vibrant peach, which looks quite similar to Dim Infusion from the Hourglass line. It doesn't have the marbled effect however I feel as though when this is swatched it has the same highlighting effect. The texture of this is closer to the Hourglass than the Max Factor ones and it applies like a dream. The only thing I'd say about this is that it doesn't last all day, towards the end it does fade a bit. I think the packaging of this is gorgeous at such a low price-point.








   

My first dupe is the Makeup Revolution Radiant Light Highlighter in Breathe (£5, review here). The packaging is pretty basic black plastic but it's the product inside I'm more interested in. There's a range of 3 powders, the other two of which you can see in my post, that are inspired by the three powders in the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. The shade Breathe most closely matches the Hourglass one I have. I would say that Breathe is a tiny bit warmer in colour (it leans very slightly towards golden). For me, this is more of a highlighter, whereas the Hourglass is more of a setting powder. Breathe is more pigmented and not as soft in texture (though still incredible, especially at that price-point), it isn't something I'd want to use all over my face. However they are still very similar and to be honest I wish I'd just stuck to this instead of spending so much on one from Hourglass!

My final option is the Bourjois Java Rice Powder (£9.99), which isn't an obvious choice as it's a loose powder but hear me out! As the Makeup Revolution dupe is more of a highlighter, I thought I'd include something that leans more towards a setting powder. I think you can achieve a similar, flattering glow with your imperfections blurred using this product. I think this is definitely more 'white-pink' in colour and it has a bit of glitter (which I promise isn't really visible on the skin), however it does a similar job for less. I also think the vintage-style packaging is adorable.

There you have it: my Hourglass dupe comparison! 

Have you tried the Hourglass products or will you be checking out the dupes instead?

  


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76 comments

  1. love the breathe colour!x
    http://adelicateobsession.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. I do love the Hourglass blushes and have a few myself, as you said on someones elses post they are something that you would treat yourself too (and I did) I have not long picked up the rice powder and I love it. I was suffering with the feeling that my makeup was looking cakey and too false but after using this powder it just seems to make it all look okay. Makes me think about getting the hourglass setting powder now :)

    Pams Stuff and Things

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    1. To be honest I don't think the Hourglass powder is worth the price - if you're happy with the look of the Bourjois you might as well save the money :) xx

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  3. I have always pondered about the Hour Glass Blushes and they do look gorgeous! I am not sure any of the shades will suit me to a T but I guess I may invest in one. The MaxFactor Creme Puff Blushes on the other hand are nice (although only one shade is suitable for my skin tone). However, I don't think they warrant the price tag of £9 (I am being a cheapskate here). I could not even get the 3 for 2 deal at the time because only one of the said blushes suited my skin....Anyway I really like this post and how you broke down the comparison!! Very helpful!!..xx

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    1. You could always pick it up with other random stuff in the mix n match Superdrug have on now ;) xx

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  4. I wanted the Hourglass powders but since getting the makeup Revolution 'dupe' and reading your review I don't think I will splurge on these, unless I win Lotto :) The blushes look beautiful as well but they're just too expensive! And the Milani blushes are gorgeous and for the fraction of price :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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    1. Yeah the Milani ones are lovely. It's a shame none of the dupe ranges have exactly the same shades as Hourglass! If you do splurge though I'd recommend the blushers over the powders xx

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  5. I have the Hourglass trio blush set and it is such a lovely product! I really cannot fault them - they are my favourite blushes and I do reach for it most often in my collection. I bought the Makeup Revolution Radiant Lights palette which I am also really happy with and looking at your swatch, it does seem to be quite a close colour match. The Luminoso blush is really pretty though - definitely somthing that is missing in my collection xx

    Brenda BusyBee | Makeup Revolution Highlighting Palettes Giveaway

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    1. I wish I'd picked up the blusher palette whilst it was available :( xx

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  6. The Hourglass products all look amazing and so luxurious but they are ridiculously expensive, so this post was very helpful! I love the sound of that Bourjois rice powder x

    Blushhx

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  7. I definitely want to try the max factor blushes and the makeup revolution highlighter palette x

    Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x

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  8. You have no idea how happy it made me when I looked at that photograph of all those beautiful marbled blushers! I'm really loving them at the moment and grab a new one whenever I go out. The Max Factor Creme Puff blushes are perfect, and I really love the Makeup Revolution Golden Sugar palette too xx

    alicered.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. Haha glad you enjoyed it! I must dig out that palette xx

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  9. I love a good dupe post because I am not one who will constantly splurge on high end makeup. I have heard a lot about Milani Luminuso and it's been on my wish list for some time now. Milani is also not easily available in Canada, wish it was though, the brand has quite a few gems.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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    1. It really is stunning - definitely check out Beauty Joint as if they ship so cheaply from the US to UK I'msure they'd do Canada! xx

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  10. Love a good marbled blush! Have tried the maxfactor blushes and they're amazing! Always see the bourjois rice powder, so might have to make a purchase soon - love this post! X

    Eleanorclaudie.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Definitely check it out- it's a subtle but lovely effect :) xx

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  11. so many gorgeous blushers - especially love the marbled ones as they just look so pretty!
    Rachel Coco

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  12. Great post. I love the Makeup revolution radiant light. I still really want to try the Ambient lighting powders though.

    Loevens makeup rambles

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    Replies
    1. Well a lot of people love the powders so maybe it's just me who thinks they're not that amazing! xx

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  13. Great swatches and reviews!! I'd really like the try the rice powder, I use my dim light powder as a setting powder mostly and it's always nice to have options.

    Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty

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    1. They do a similar thing but you might like trying a loose powder :) xx

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  14. I have finally splurged on an Hourglass blush after lusting after for so long but I completely agree there's definitely cheaper alternatives out there. I was going to invest in the Hourglass powders too but after getting my hands on the similar Makeup Revolution powders I don't feel the need to splurge anymore x

    Beauty with charm

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    1. Tbh, I wouldn't bother - I wish I'd stuck to MUR on the powder front! xx

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  15. I actually really like the makeup revolution highlighters :)

    allthatshimmers.co.uk xo

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  16. Girl you have put me into swatch heaven. I really rate revolution as a budget brand! Thanks so much for the post :)
    hannahjanewilliams.co.uk x

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    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed :) and I agree, my favourite budget brand xx

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  17. Great post as always! Love the dupes x
    Emma | Emmys Blog

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  18. Ooh love nothing better than a good dupe! These swatches make the products all look amazingggg! x

    Jasmine || http://blogsallbeautyy.blogspot.co.uk

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  19. That's a great list of dupes! I'm crazy about Milani's Baked Blushes, Luminoso is actually one of my favorites! Too bad they're so hard to get a hold off over in the UK, because they're not only affordable but quite impressive in quality as well :(

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

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    1. It really isn't too difficult/expensive with Beauty Joint so I'll definitely be picking up more through them :) xx

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  20. I love those Milani blushes! My favorite shade is Rose D'oro and I use it pretty much every day. They are fantastic! I want to pick up another shade soon.

    xo, Michelle
    Neon Rattail

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    1. That sounds stunning - I definitely want more! xx

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  21. The dupes are absolutely gorgeous and would more than likely pick them up to save myself some pennies. Gorgeous Berries is absolutely stunning x

    Jordan | Keep Dreaming ♥

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    1. Definitely worth trying as you can save so much :) xx

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  22. I do love the look of the Hourglass blushes and powders even though they are quite pricey! I have to try the Max Factor blushes though the marbled effect looks so pretty!

    Vanessa // VNSX x

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    1. They're definitely a similar concept for less :) xx

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  23. Oh wow, i loved reading this post! Ive wanted to try some Hourglass products for ages now but those dupes all look lovely!
    xprincessjas | ♥

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    1. They're well worth a go if you don't want to splash out :) xx

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  24. I loved reading this post. I currently own one Hourglass blush, but I love the Max Factor Creme Puff blushers x

    www.pintsizedbeauty.com

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  25. Great dupes! I love the look of the Hourglass products but when it comes to cheeks, I think you can save yourself a bit (or a lot!) of money and get something just as good from cheaper brands.

    Kat | www.kathorrocks.com

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    1. I know what you mean - it's not an essential like foundation or concealer xx

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  26. Your comparisons rock! Love how informative and in-depth this post it! Why do I still not have the Max Factor blushers in my life, or the Bourjois Java Rice powder which I've seen crop up a lot recently?! *NEED* :)

    Style Sunrise ☀

    :)
    x

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    1. Glad you found this helpful :) hope you can pick up some of them xx

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  27. These look like gorgeous dupes! I can never justify spending too much money on a single product, so I love these types of post. Great post, thanks for sharing!
    xo Kiki
    https://colormekiki.wordpress.com/

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    1. I know what you mean and I hope this helped! xx

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  28. I absolutely LOVE the java rice powder - I use it every day <3

    Georgina
    foxonthehunt.com

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  29. I like the Elf baked blushes are a great hourglass alternative and I think I'll have to try some of the Max Factor blushes soon as well:-)!
    Sarah x
    http://www.saraheliza.co.uk/

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    1. It's such a shame Elf is discontinued in the UK now as there's so much I still wanted to try! xx

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  30. Glad you did the comparison post! I picked up Max Factor Seductive Pink and I am so in love with it. Backed blushes are so beautiful from the packaging to the finish on the skin. xx

    Alexandra | Glam O’Clock - MAKEUP REVOLUTION GIVEAWAY

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    1. I agree and Seductive Pink is my favourite :) xx

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  31. Fab post hun,I really want an Ambient Lighting blush but they are just soooo much :( I’m in love with the look of the Milani Baked Blush I definitely want to try some of these as your review sold me hehe.

    Charlee XO | CharmedCharlee

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    1. I know what you mean :( and definitely try Luminoso! xx

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  32. Love these swatches, they look amazing!!

    www.angerawrs.co.uk

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  33. This is such a brilliant post Jasmine, although I do now really want Luminous flush... so so pretty! :)

    Elle
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

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  34. You do such in depth reviews! I absolutely LOVE the Max Factor blushers. I can't use any other blusher at the moment because they are just mt favourite! They are so pigmented and last all day. x x

    www.beyondthevelvet.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I'm having to convince myself to use anything other than Seductive Pink right now! xx

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  35. Great post. I love my MUR radiant light powder in breathe as it is my favourite at the moment.
    You can get Milani products from Beauty B, either on their ebay account, or via their website. It is easier and roughly and delivery is rather quick!

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

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    1. Breathe is just gorgeous - need to get wearing it again! And thanks xx

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  36. This is a great post! I am in love with blush at the moment so this is right up my street.
    http://www.lipstickisalife.com/

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  37. I really want to try Luminoso! Looks amazing :)

    www.aishettina.blogspot.it

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    1. Try it - I'm sure you'll be as in love as I am! xx

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  38. I love reading your reviews, i really want to try the breathe colour **

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