Every year, Hourglass launches a new limited Ambient Edit Palette and they sell out quickly! If you want to get your hands on one then you really have to be quick. This year’s launch is Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette. It is their first release with the new logo which represents their commitment to being a cruelty-free brand. New logo creates a silhouette of a bunny which has a powerful meaning. 5% of profits from this palette will support the Nonhuman Rights Project. Also, Hourglass is committed to being 100% vegan by 2020(they are already 80% vegan) and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette is 100% vegan.
My first Hourglass product is the last year’s limited edition, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Volume 3, and I LOVE it! I’ve tried many powder products, however, I haven’t had anything with a similar formula. The formula of those powders makes Hourglass products more desirable and different than others. When Hourglass released the new limited edition Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette with all new and exclusive shades, I had to buy it and I’m happy that I did. It is such a beautiful palette that you would want to have in your makeup collection.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette
Shades
The unlocked palette contains six new and exclusive shades which are really flattering. There are 2 Ambient Lighting Powders, 2 Ambient Lighting Blushes, 1 Ambient Lighting Bronzer and 1 Metallic Strobe Lighting Powder.
Soft Light Ambient Lighting Powder – Soft, a subtle peachy beige shade which would suit most fair skin tones.
Filtered Light Ambient Lighting Powder – Cool medium tone shade with golden undertones which would suit medium skin tones.
Golden Bronze Ambient Lighting Bronzer – Neutral true golden bronze shade which would suit most of the fair to medium skin tones. It has a golden tone and very minimal shimmer. You can see the ultra-fine particles in the powder but on the skin, it isn’t apparent.
Nude Glow Ambient Lighting Blush – Peachy-pink blush with a fine gold shimmer which would be best on fair skins. It might be too light for darker skins.
Mood Flush Ambient Lighting Blush – Somewhere in between deep rose to soft plum which translates into a soft, natural blush on the cheeks. This shade would suit most of the skin tones.
Champagne Strobe Light Metallic Strobe Lighting Powder – True champagne highlighter and it is simply stunning! This would suit most skin tones as it is more like a neutral champagne shade rather than being too cool or warm. It has metallic finish without being frosty. This strobe powder gives an impressive glow and can be built up for even stronger glow.
Overall, most of these shades would suit light to medium skin better. They might be too dark for lighter skin and too light for the darker complexions.
Formula & Finish
Textures of the powders are super soft and smooth. Some of the powders can create a powdery/cakey look, luckily these powders are not in this category. These powders blend in so smoothly which makes you forget that you are wearing makeup. They are easily buildable and you could build it up for a stronger finish. The finish is really soft and glowing. When I say glow, it is more like a natural glow! Also, I love how these powders can hide the imperfections and make everything look so smooth and perfect. They weren’t joking when they talk about “an instant photo filter finish”. Want your skin to appear softer, younger and lit from within? Well, no problem! All six powders are formulated with pure Photoluminescent Technology to capture, diffuse and soften surrounding light for skin that appears softer, younger and lit from within.
Ambient Lighting Powder creates a beautifully smooth, diffused, soft focus on the skin. I have combination/oily skin so powder is one of my must-have products, I can’t praise enough about that powder and the beautiful finishing touch it gives. Powders create such a healthy and fresh complexion without making my skin look flat. I’m sure, it would create the same finish even on drier skin. Also, I’m not too fan of shimmery products and if you are like me, I’m happy to say that these powders are not really shimmery. They provide glow without being overly shimmery which is one of the things I like about them.
Thoughts?
After reading what Hourglass global makeup artist, Chanel Temple, said about “mix and match any of the powders together to create a custom blend”, I had to give it a try. I’m happy to say, I wasn’t disappointed at all. The buttery formula makes it easier to mix the products and you come up with your unique shades. The only problem with that is, there’s a possibility, you won’t ever get the same shade the next time. Do you like glowy blushes? Then, no problem! Just mix the Metallic Strobe Lighting Power with one of the blushes and you have your glowy blush. I also tried it them as an eyeshadow and they also work. If you have oily eyelids, just make sure to prime your lids beforehand otherwise it won’t be long-lasting.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette is £69. It is available at SpaceNK, Cult Beauty and a few other retailers. You could use those powders from complexion to eyes. I love the versatility of the palette. Would I recommend it? Definitely! It is on the expensive side, but I believe it deserves the price tag. Not only the products deliver, but also the shiny luxurious packaging is icing on the top. If you are a makeup hoarder and can’t resist the limited editions, then don’t miss it! Now the real question is, will I need the new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit 4 palette? They’ve been releasing one for holiday season for the last 3 years and the Edit 4 will be released the first week of October. That would mean, 2 big releases in a short time frame. Should I buy it? I am not sure… Let’s wait and see!
