Hourglass Ambient Light Powder - Quick Review

A quick look at one of my favourite products ever...

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

I love this powder. It's on the re-buy list so I was a little surprised when I thought I'd use the review as a #throwbackthursday post on Instagram and Twitter and discovered that I have never reviewed it! Since first using the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder 7 years ago it is one of my go-to products, my prized make-up possessions, something that I can't bear to run-out without a back-up to hand.

When I first bought this it was to set the secret camouflage concealer that I had also got at the same time but which I never really loved. I always found it a bit cakey for me though I know many a devotee of it. But this, this I loved from the get-go and every similar product I've tried has just not really matched it. If you are someone who likes to set their under-eye corrector and concealer then this product could be for you.

It brightens without the use of shimmer so is fantastic for those of us who still show a bit of dark under the eyes even with a concealer. And it doesn't fall into, and therefore accentuate any creases which is the main problem I've found with every other under-eye setting powder I've tried.

And it seems to work on all skin types even though it's a white, light reflecting pigment there is no ashiness, if correctly applied... I've seen some internet disasters whilst researching this. What is make-up coming too? When will this female drag look go out of fashion and eyebrows go back to looking like brows not Sharpied on slugs? Rant, rant...

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit

I included this in my Christmas gift guide last year when I had just received it and I've been using it pretty solidly ever since. Time for it to get a proper review. Just when it's selling out everywhere...

Since I started using the Diffused Light Ambient Lighting powder in August I've been completely converted to the idea of an 'ambient lighting powder' and feel dull (in every way) if I don't have it on. My (ongoing) beef with palettes is, why make us want and pay for extra colours which can't possibly suit everyone? Well this is not the case here. I think this palette really could work on everyone. I have to be incredibly careful with the blush tones or I come out looking like Andy Pandy so for those who need a bit more ooompf, you get it here.

November Favourites - Friday Video

This was supposed to be October...



Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
Coconut Oil
Sofianni Jewellery
Louise Young Lip Trio 
Blue Bowl

Hourglass Amient Lighting Powder

I was given Diffused Light from the Hourglass Ambient Lighting collection, on request, for my birthday and the first couple of times I used it I was a bit underwhelmed. That was August. Skip forward to November and I am using it daily and, on leaving my entire make-up bag behind on a recent weekend away, it was the one thing I couldn't recreate from my mothers make-up stash and it is, I think, the one thing that can really make any make-up look good.

I think partly what I didn't like was the slightly up-itself press packs - 'recreate the most exquisitely flattering light'. How? surely it would just look like shimmery powder. And I have to stay I stand by that. I don't feel like the one I use (Diffused Light, more on that in a minute) is recreating light but actually that is the closest way of describing it. The shimmer and glow to this is so delicate and fine that it really isn't like it is a product doing the work - it makes you look like you have got very good skin, in very good lighting. And that's just what I need.

Natural Collection Pressed Powder

Natural Collection Pressed Powder in Warm has become the powder that I use every day. It's not necessarily the powder that I would use if I was doing someones make-up for a photo shoot or for their wedding but then I'm not getting married or having my photo taken every day.

This powder is incredibly easy to apply, light and smooth. It doesn't leave patches or add colour, it takes shine off the face and is really invisible. It's £1.99, fragrance free and dermatologically tested I can't see what is not to like about this incredibly good value for money product.

What You Need to Know - Natural Collection Pressed Powder

• £1.99
• Reduces shine without adding colour
• 3 shades - cool, neutral, warm
• Available in the UK from Boots, 

MAC Iridescent Powder (Make up 3 - Top 10 for 2010)

Right now please correct me if I'm wrong in my review of this but what's the point? I spent £17 on a product that not only doesn't come with anything to apply it with but also seems to be absolutely useless unless you just want an uber sparkly face and sparkly hands and sparkly husband and sparkly friends... I want my £17 back please. Can't remember this much disappointment in one product which is sad because their pressed powder is lovely.



2015 update - I love this now. Yes I only use it at Christmas and when I was to be super-sparkley... but I love it. Sorry MAC - objection retracted.