October 31, 2014

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette Review & Swatches

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette2

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette ($58) is filled with three shades of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra (new, exclusive shade), Luminous Flush, and Mood Exposure. Probably the nicest thing about the palette is the fact you’re getting a brand new, exclusive shade within the palette so if you’re a fond fan of the Ambient Lighting Blush formula that likely has you excited.

I’m actually a hit or miss kinda girl with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush formula. I both like it and dislike it as told by many of my reviews I did when the product launched a few months ago.

Let’s see how the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette does for me!

As a lover of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder the idea of the Ambient Lighting Blush excited me! I think the blushes have an absolute seamless finish. You really can’t tell where your skin begins and the color ends. It’s a natural, even finish! They look incredibly no matter how lightly or heavily you apply them!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette3

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette Swatches

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette (Luminous Flush, Incandescent Electra, Mood Exposure)

I think where the formula misses sometimes is the glow factor. I don’t really get that candlelit glow that the formula promises. No shimmer, no glitter, sparkle, or luminosity! It seems to buff out to a very soft, even finish but I’m never had the pleasure of seeing the the glow they promise. If you expect glow it could be disappointing to you.

These are actually created with the base of Ambient Lighting Powder and Hourglass just adds a swirl of color into the powder to create the blushing effect. It’s an interesting concept to say the least. I find texture powdery and chalky but the density of the powder and chalkiness blends out to a very airbrushed finish. Although the powdery texture, for me, is a bit wasteful as they do kick up a heck of a lot of powder and this palette and the individual blushes are not cheap and I feel like I’m wasting product at times when swiping my brush through them!

I do think that the better option and cheaper one is Laura Geller Blush n Brighten as the formula is a good deal better and does in fact provide the luminous finish I wanted from these!

On that note, I will say that you do get a good deal of product here as each blush is 0.11 oz in size. Purchasing three shades would set you back $105 and you’re getting three shades at $58. Granted a little smaller than the 0.35 oz full size but still a good deal of variety and product at merely $58.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette  Mood Exposure fotd

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette (Mood Exposure)

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette  Mood Exposure

Hourglass Incandescent Electra Ambient Lighting Blush Palette fotd

Hourglass Incandescent Electra Ambient Lighting Blush

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette (Incandescent Electra)

Hourglass Luminous Flush Ambient Lighting Blush

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette (Luminous Flush)

I love the pretty variety of shades but honestly, on my light medium skin they actually end up looking all the same! The undertones of my skin makes each shade look like a pretty peach….even Mood Exposure which has pink swirls ends up looking peach on me.

Even though I already own two of these shades I’m still happy to have purchased the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette. I think the blush formula is a hit or miss formulation for some folks (like me!) but I can’t deny they do look incredible on! I just wish for a little more luminosity in the finish that would tip over into the realms of perfection.

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette is available now at Sephora.com.

Own it?

Do share your thoughts!

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Kimmwc03

    I agree with you completely on this. LG Blush n Brighten is far better (and more affordable).

  • JJ

    Thanks for the review Muse! Out of all the holiday blush palettes (hourglass, tarte, nars, benefit, etc) which one would you recommend? I think I should only get one palette.

  • Lisa

    I think that, because of the marbling and swirling of the powder with the blush shade, these products must vary a lot depending on the individual one you get. I had never tried them, but finally decided to get the palette since they have been so hyped up. I was really startled at how disappointing they were. But my experience was that I got almost no color payoff from any of the blushes in the palette. I have to build and build and build, and by that time it’s hard to keep the application precise AND I start to look like a light bulb, because I am getting so much of that glowy effect. I really look like I could signal helicopters with the glow from my cheeks by the time I get any color to show up. And I am fair-skinned (NC20)!

  • NIcole

    The Mood color looks great! What is that gorgeous brown eyeshadow you are wearing with it??

  • Cinthya

    This palette looks lovely! The shade Mood Exposure looks great on your skin! I have been wanting to try these blushes, and this palette is a great way to try them. Thanks for the review Muse!:)

  • makeup anarchy

    First tme commenting long time reader. I am glad to read a review which isn’t gushing about it like it is the holy Grail of blush

    For glow or light, definitely prefer albatross by Nars or the pink naked illuminator..even super orgrasm seems better

    Of all the sets released this season, it surprised me this one got that much hype around it..

    • Isabella Muse

      I think when these launched there was a lot of hype and gushing makeup anarchy, so I def understand how you feel about that! I agree! NARS Orgasm is exactly what I expected these to look like on my face so def was pretty disappointed!

  • Sarah Lilly

    This is definitely going to be my next purchase! It’s absolutely stunning and quite good value for money!

  • rach

    Am I right to say even though ure getting 3 colors there actually giving u less at .11 Times 3 is.33 and a full size is .35? So there charging u 58$ .33 of product when u get .35 for 35$? I’m I understanding that or am I just way of base?

    • Lisa

      I think that is a typo. According to the Sephora website, a full-size Ambient Lighting Blush is 0.15 oz.

  • cat

    I’m thinking about getting the ambient lighting powder set for Sephora VIB but I already own one of them and never use it because I can’t see the effect. I’m not super into subtle products. Any thoughts?

    Also, I wish Sephora would carry I.T. so I could pick up some concealers. I can’t find a good match in the lines that they do carry.