Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette | Swatches

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When I first saw some teaser pictures of the new limited edition Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette, for holiday 2018, I nearly bought it sight unseen. I was concerned that it might be a bit too warm for my decidedly cool-toned fair skin, therefore I waited to see it in person. My instincts were sadly correct, and it is a bit too warm for me, but it is perfect for fair to medium skin with warm undertones, or anyone who can comfortably wear warmer tones on their face.  It is absolutely gorgeous, and the quality is extraordinary– just as we expect from Hourglass. Each of the six shades is ultra-finely filled, they offer buildable coverage, and they glide across the skin effortlessly and deposit color evenly. Not only is Hourglass 100% cruelty-free, but they are donating 5% of profits from the sale of this palette to support the Nonhuman Rights Project, and therefore one can feel good about supporting this brand and this cause.

According to Hourglass,

Introducing the next generation of the coveted Ambient® Lighting Edit. The Unlocked edition features 6 new exclusive shades of powder, bronzer, blush and metallic strobe powder.

This 100% vegan palette features the Hourglass symbol representing our commitment to being a cruelty free brand. A portion of profits from this palette will go to support the Nonhuman Rights Project – the only civil rights organization in the United States working to secure legally recognized fundamental rights for nonhuman animals.

THE PALETTE CONTAINS 6 NEW EXCLUSIVE SHADES:
• Ambient® Lighting Powder - Soft Light
• Ambient® Lighting Powder - Filtered Light
• Ambient® Lighting Bronzer - Golden Bronze Light
• Ambient® Lighting Blush - Nude Glow
• Ambient® Lighting Blush - Mood Flush
• Ambient® Metallic Strobe Lighting Powder - Champagne Strobe Light

Features:
• Achieve an instant photo filter finish with two new shades of Ambient® Lighting Powders in versatile complexion shades to finish the skin
• All six powders are formulated with pure Photoluminscent Technology to capture, diffuse and soften surrounding light for skin that appears softer, younger and lit from within
• Travel friendly palette is designed to be used with the double-ended Ambient® Lighting Edit Brush
• 5% of profits from the sale of this palette will support the Nonhuman Rights Project

Light all over the face:
• BRONZE: Contour along the temples, hollows of the cheeks, and jawline with Golden Light
• BLUSH: Apply Nude Glow or Mood Flush to the apples of the cheeks
• HIGHLIGHT: Apply Champagne Strobe Light to the high points of the face – tops of cheeks, bridge of nose, brow bone and cupid's bow

• Nude Glow is a stunning complex and luminous peach.
• Soft Light is a beautiful creamy peachy vanilla.
• Mood Flush is a warm and complex mid-tone luminous rose.
• Filtered Light is a warm muted ochre-kissed mustard yellow.
• Champagne Strobe Light is a breathtaking luminous metallic gold.
• Golden Bronze Light is a lovely caramel bronze.

Free of: Parabens, Fragrance, Talc, Nanoparticles and Gluten. Vegan-friendly and not tested on animals,

Champagne Strobe Light Ingredients: Mica, Octyldodecanol, Triisostearin, Sorbitan, Sesquioleate, Boron Nitride, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylamide, Tin Oxide, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491)

Mood Flush Ingredients: Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Sorbic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Laureth-7, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Diamond Powder, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)

Nude Glow Ingredients: Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Sorbic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Benzoic Acid, Tin Oxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Laureth-7, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Diamond Powder, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Alumina, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)

Golden Light Ingredients: Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Sorbic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Tin Oxide, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Laureth-7, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Diamond Powder, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)

Filtered Light Ingredients: Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Sorbic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Benzoic Acid, Silica, Tin Oxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Laureth-7, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Diamond Powder, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)

Soft Light Ingredients: Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Sorbic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Tin Oxide, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Silica, Laureth-7, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Diamond Powder, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)

Overall Assessment: This is an absolutely gorgeous palette, and definitely worth having if these are colors that you would wear.

$80.00 for 0.049 oz / 1.4 g (x6) from Hourglass Cosmetics, Sephora, Cult Beauty and Harvey Nichols  (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2018 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

NEW HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Diffused Bronze Light and Nude Bronze Light | Swatches and Review #Hourglass

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I am so impressed by the NEW HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush formula (Reviewed HERE), and the new shades of the HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Bronzers– that I dare say they are my very favorite recent cosmetic launches!

HOURGLASS Ambient® Lighting Bronzers are now available in two NEW colors that are just spectacular! These lightweight bronzers are fused with the gorgeous illuminating effects that define the HOURGLASS cult-classic Ambient Lighting Powders, and the end result is spectacularly luminous bronzers that are, in my opinion, peerless. They offer buildable coverage coupled with a natural glow that offers a radiant finish that is nothing short of perfection. Unlike traditional bronzers, which are often flat and have a tendency to oxidize, these beautiful powder bronzers utilize, "Photoluminescent Technology for seamless blending and color transitions."

These gorgeous in the pan, and on the skin, bronzers are handmade using an, "advanced miscelare technique" which mixes the powders to create the perfect balance of pigment and powder, and that is precisely why each one is unique.

Diffused Bronze Light (NEW) is described as a, "cool bronze shade fused with Diffused Light, a soft, pale yellow powder, to mimic a ray of warm sunlight" that is ideal for light to medium complexions. It boasts the perfect amount of luminosity without being glittery. It is ultra-finely milled, and it glides across the skin effortlessly and deposits pigment evenly. It neither settles into fine lines, nor does it emphasizes pores. It is utterly gorgeous, and is, without question, my current favorite bronzer. It should be noted that it remains true to color, it never oxidizes, and it wears all day without fading.

Nude Bronze Light (NEW) is described as a, "neutral bronze shade fused with Nude Light, a soft, translucent powder, to mimic a subtle warmth" that is ideal for light to medium complexions. It is finely milled, albeit a bit more stiff and slightly less luminous than Diffused Bronze Light, and it glides across the skin effortlessly and deposits pigment evenly. Like Diffused Bronze Light, it neither settles into fine lines, nor does it emphasize pores. It, too, remains true to color, it doesn't oxidize, and it lasts all day long without fading.

According to HOURGLASS,

Ambient® Lighting Bronzer fuses the illuminating effects of Ambient® Lighting Powder with bronze pigments to add depth and dimension for a natural, sun-kissed glow. The sheer, airy formula sweeps on softly for a healthy-looking, radiant finish.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• The airy, lightweight bronzers fuse the illuminating effects of Ambient® Lighting Powder with bronze pigments to deliver buildable color and a radiant finish.
• While traditional bronzer tends to be flat, Ambient® Lighting Bronzer uses Photoluminescent Technology for seamless blending and color transitions.
• The hand-made powders are formulated using an advanced miscelare technique - which means "to mix" in Italian - creating the perfect balance of pigment and powder, and no two look alike.
• Ambient® Lighting Bronzer can be used alone for subtle warmth and contouring or paired with Ambient® Lighting Powder to create depth and dimension.

AVAILABLE IN 4 SHADES (2 NEW SHADES):
• LUMINOUS BRONZE LIGHT - a medium tan shade fused with Luminous Light, a champagne pearl powder, for a softer, candlelit warmth. Ideal for fair/light complexions.
• RADIANT BRONZE LIGHT - a warm bronze shade fused with Radiant Light, a golden beige powder, to mimic a summer glow. Ideal for medium/deep complexions.
• DIFFUSED BRONZE LIGHT [NEW. Shown] - a cool bronze shade fused with Diffused Light, a soft, pale yellow powder, to mimic a ray of warm sunlight. Ideal for light/medium complexions.
• NUDE BRONZE LIGHT [NEW. Shown] - a neutral bronze shade fused with Nude Light, a soft, translucent powder, to mimic a subtle warmth. Ideal for light/medium complexions.

DIRECTIONS:
• Warming - Using the Nº 1 Powder Brush, gently swirl the entire compact to pick up the perfect balance of pigment and powder. Lightly apply all over face to achieve a sun-kissed look.
• Defining – Use the Ambient® Lighting Brush to apply Ambient® Lighting Bronzer as a subtle contour along the temples, hollows of the cheeks and jawline.
• Ambient® Lighting Bronzer works best when applied after Ambient® Lighting Powder and before Ambient® Lighting Blush.
• Explore the Ambient® Lighting Collection to create your perfect light.

DIFFUSED BRONZE LIGHT

NUDE BRONZE LIGHT

DIFFUSED BRONZE LIGHT: is a cool bronze shade fused with Diffused Light, a soft, pale yellow powder, to mimic a ray of warm sunlight. Ideal for light/medium complexions.
NUDE BRONZE LIGHT: is a neutral bronze shade fused with Nude Light, a soft, translucent powder, to mimic a subtle warmth. Ideal for light/medium complexions.

Note the lovely luminosity!

Compacts: 

HOURGLASS compacts are elegant studies in Minimalism

FREE OF: Parabens, Fragrance, Talc, Nanoparticles, Gluten, and Not tested on animals.

Ingredients:

Top to Bottom: 

Diffused Bronze Light

Nude Bronze Light

Overall Assessment: In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess that I seldom wear bronzers because I most often don't like the formulas that I have tried, and because I have cool-toned skin and have an aversion to bronzers that oxidize. Furthermore,  I find that most aren't terribly flattering, and tend to look woefully overdone even when applied with a light hand. However, HOURGLASS makes the most perfect bronzers that I have tried, and they work beautifully on my skin. If you are in the market for a bronzer, take a look at the HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Bronzers before you purchase anything else. I suspect that you will love them as much as I do.

HOURGLASS Ambient® Lighting Bronzer $50.00 each for .39 oz. from HOURGLASS Cosmetics, Space NK, Barneys New York, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter, Liberty London and Blue Mercury (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Clockwise Left to Right: Diffused Bronze Light, Nude Bronze Light, Iridescent Flash and Euphoric Fusion.

NEW HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush in Euphoric Fusion and Iridescent Flash | Review and Swatches

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

That I get extraordinarily excited by all HOURGLASS Cosmetics new product launches should be rather obvious at this point given my consistent effusive gushing over all of their amazing, innovative products. Given my serious penchant for blush, I am especially elated by the new HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush launch. There are four colors, and I am very pleased to share two of them with you!

HOURGLASS Ambient® Strobe Lighting Blush is a gorgeous new hybrid blush formula that combines the illuminating prowess of the Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders with stunning blush pigments. The lightweight, ultra-finely milled powder blushes brighten cheeks and create the highly coveted natural, lit-from within finish that is stunning and luminous.

HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush in Euphoric Fusion and Iridescent Flash both boast silky-smooth textures that glide across the skin effortlessly, deposit color evenly, and they neither settle into pores, nor do they emphasize fine lines. Furthermore, these beautiful blushes offer buildable coverage for maximum impact, but can be used foe a subtle wash of color and natural finish.

The beautiful handmade powders utilize the advanced miscelare technique– which mixes the blush pigment with the Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder– to create the perfect balance between each of the powders, and therefore each beautifully swirled compact is unique. Furthermore, one can easily modify not just the intensity of the color, but also the hue.

ACCORDING TO HOURGLASS Cosmetics,

This captivating hybrid blush combines the illuminating effects of Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder with breathtakingly modern hues to instantly brighten cheeks for seamless, glowing, lit from within color.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• The airy, lightweight blushes fuse the illuminating effects of Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder with an array of vivid cheek colors to amplify blush to a new level.
• While traditional blush tends to be flat, Ambient® Strobe Lighting Blush uses Photoluminescent Technology to create depth and dimension with an otherworldly glow.
• The hand-made powders are formulated using an advanced miscelare technique - which means "to mix" in Italian - creating the perfect balance of pigment and powder, and no two look alike.
• Delivers a natural radiant finish with buildable color and complements all Ambient® Lighting products

 Available in 4 Shades:
• BRILLIANT NUDE- a deep amber blush blended with Brilliant Strobe Light for a lustrous glow.
• EUPHORIC FUSION (Shown: Above on the left) - a soft lilac blush blended with Euphoric Strobe Light for a resplendent glow.
• IRIDESCENT FLASH (Shown: Above on the right)- a vivid magenta blush blended with Iridescent Strobe Light for an illuminating glow.
• INCANDESCENT ELECTRA- a cool peach blush blended with Incandescent Strobe Light for a celestial glow.

DIRECTIONS:
• Use the Nº 2 Foundation/Blush Brush and swirl the entire blush tile with your brush to pick up the perfect balance of pigment and strobe lighting powder - apply to cheeks and blend upward.
• Ambient® Strobe Lighting Blush can be worn alone or layered with Ambient® Lighting Blush to create multidimensional, custom blush shades.
• Ambient® Strobe Lighting Blush is fragile. Please handle with care.

IRIDESCENT FLASH

IRIDESCENT FLASH: is a vivid magenta blush blended with Iridescent Strobe Light for an illuminating glow.

EUPHORIC FUSION

EUPHORIC FUSION: is a soft lilac blush blended with Euphoric Strobe Light for a resplendent glow.

 Note the beautiful luminosity

 Top to Bottom: Iridescent Flash and Euphoric Fusion

 Elegant, minimalist compacts with a mirror finish

 Elegant, minimalist compacts with a mirror finish

Ingredients:

FREE OF: Parabens, Fragrance, Talc, Nanoparticles, Gluten, and Not tested on animals.

Above: Shown with the new shades of HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Bronzers in Diffused Bronze Light and Nude Bronze Light (Reviews forthcoming).

Overall Assessment: These are truly amazing blushes, and I am going to get the other two because the quality is utterly superb! I highly recommend getting at least one of these gems. Unmitigated A+

$38.00 for .15 oz. from HOURGLASS Cosmetics, Space NK, Barneys New York, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter, Liberty London and Blue Mercury (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

NEW HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush and HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Bronzer | Sneak Peek

Press Sample & Press Release (Affiliate Links)

There are few makeup brands that get me as excited as HOURGLASS Cosmetics, and when they launch new products it's always a cause for celebration, in my view. They have just launched their NEW HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush formula, in 4 stunning shades, and two new shades of their already iconic HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Bronzer, and they are absolutely breathtaking. I am currently testing and swatching them, and will post my full review very soon, but I can already tell you that it's true love! I have two of their four new blushes and both of their new bronzers, and I am very impressed by their finish, finely milled textures and gorgeous luminous shades. Here is a sneak peek for your enjoyment!

HOURGLASS Ambient® Strobe Lighting Blush ($38.00 for .15 oz. from HOURGLASS Cosmetics, Space NK, Barneys New York, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter, Liberty London and Blue Mercury): This captivating hybrid blush combines the illuminating effects of Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder with breathtakingly modern hues to instantly brighten cheeks for seamless, glowing, lit from within color.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• The airy, lightweight blushes fuse the illuminating effects of Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder with an array of vivid cheek colors to amplify blush to a new level.
• While traditional blush tends to be flat, Ambient® Strobe Lighting Blush uses Photoluminescent Technology to create depth and dimension with an otherworldly glow.
• The hand-made powders are formulated using an advanced miscelare technique - which means "to mix" in Italian - creating the perfect balance of pigment and powder, and no two look alike.
• Delivers a natural radiant finish with buildable color and complements all Ambient® Lighting products

AVAILABLE IN 4 SHADES:
• BRILLIANT NUDE - a deep amber blush blended with Brilliant Strobe Light for a lustrous glow.
• EUPHORIC FUSION (Shown) - a soft lilac blush blended with Euphoric Strobe Light for a resplendent glow.
• IRIDESCENT FLASH (Shown) - a vivid magenta blush blended with Iridescent Strobe Light for an illuminating glow.
• INCANDESCENT ELECTRA - a cool peach blush blended with Icandescent Strobe Light for a celestial glow.

DIRECTIONS:
• Use the Nº 2 Foundation/Blush Brush and swirl the entire blush tile with your brush to pick up the perfect balance of pigment and strobe lighting powder - apply to cheeks and blend upward.
• Ambient® Strobe Lighting Blush can be worn alone or layered with Ambient® Lighting Blush to create multidimensional, custom blush shades.
• Ambient® Strobe Lighting Blush is fragile. Please handle with care.

FREE OF: Parabens, Fragrance, Talc, Nanoparticles, Gluten, and Not tested on animals.

HOURGLASS Ambient® Lighting Bronzer ($50.00 for .39 oz. from HOURGLASS Cosmetics, Space NK, Barneys New York, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter, Liberty London and Blue Mercury): Ambient® Lighting Bronzer fuses the illuminating effects of Ambient® Lighting Powder with bronze pigments to add depth and dimension for a natural, sun-kissed glow. The sheer, airy formula sweeps on softly for a healthy-looking, radiant finish.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• The airy, lightweight bronzers fuse the illuminating effects of Ambient® Lighting Powder with bronze pigments to deliver buildable color and a radiant finish.
• While traditional bronzer tends to be flat, Ambient® Lighting Bronzer uses Photoluminescent Technology for seamless blending and color transitions.
• The hand-made powders are formulated using an advanced miscelare technique - which means "to mix" in Italian - creating the perfect balance of pigment and powder, and no two look alike.
• Ambient® Lighting Bronzer can be used alone for subtle warmth and contouring or paired with Ambient® Lighting Powder to create depth and dimension.

AVAILABLE IN 4 SHADES (2 NEW SHADES):
• LUMINOUS BRONZE LIGHT - a medium tan shade fused with Luminous Light, a champagne pearl powder, for a softer, candlelit warmth. Ideal for fair/light complexions.
• RADIANT BRONZE LIGHT - a warm bronze shade fused with Radiant Light, a golden beige powder, to mimic a summer glow. Ideal for medium/deep complexions.
• DIFFUSED BRONZE LIGHT [NEW. Shown] - a cool bronze shade fused with Diffused Light, a soft, pale yellow powder, to mimic a ray of warm sunlight. Ideal for light/medium complexions.
• NUDE BRONZE LIGHT [NEW. Shown] - a neutral bronze shade fused with Nude Light, a soft, translucent powder, to mimic a subtle warmth. Ideal for light/medium complexions.

DIRECTIONS:
• Warming - Using the Nº 1 Powder Brush, gently swirl the entire compact to pick up the perfect balance of pigment and powder. Lightly apply all over face to achieve a sun-kissed look.
• Defining – Use the Ambient® Lighting Brush to apply Ambient® Lighting Bronzer as a subtle contour along the temples, hollows of the cheeks and jawline.
• Ambient® Lighting Bronzer works best when applied after Ambient® Lighting Powder and before Ambient® Lighting Blush.
• Explore the Ambient® Lighting Collection to create your perfect light.

FREE OF: Parabens, Fragrance, Talc, Nanoparticles, Gluten, and Not tested on animals.

Clockwise Left to Right: Diffused Bronze Light, Nude Bronze Light, Iridescent Flash and Euphoric Fusion.

(Affiliate Links)

HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit Surreal Light and Ambient Lighting Edit Brush | Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Given my considerable penchant of HOURGLASS Cosmetics, I was utterly gleeful when I received the spectacular HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit Surreal Light and Ambient Lighting Edit Brush. I have many products from their iconic Ambient Lighting range, and this does not disappoint!

HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit - Surreal Light (Limited Edition Holiday 2016. $80.00 for 0.30 oz. from Space NK) is an utterly stunning limited edition face palette that features a highlighting powder, two blushes, a bronzer and a finishing powder. Each of the powders is ultra-finely milled, and they glide across the skin effortlessly, deposit color evenly, and they neither settle into fine lines, nor do they emphasize pores. Furthermore, this palette features all new shades made expressly for this limited edition holiday palette, and therefore you don't need to be concerned about the potential of unwanted repromotes.

The palette is elegant and subtle, and imparts the perfect luminous glow. This is definitely one of my favorite palettes from HOURGLASS, and it is a dream for fair to medium complexions. I am also smitten with the faux Carrara Marble compact in which it is housed!

According to Space NK,

Discover the most covetable Ambient light yet. Introducing Surreal Light – a sheer nude powder evoking the magic hour of perfect lighting where the sun brings the softest, most flattering glow to the complexion. These never-before-released shades of powder, bronzer, blushes and highlighter are available exclusively this holiday season.

Closeup:

Ambient Lighting Edit Surreal Light contains 5 exclusive shades:

• Surreal Light: "a sheer nude powder evoking the magic hour of perfect lighting." I would describe it as a light, and nearly translucent golden beige with ultra-fine gold shimmer. It is intended as a setting, or finishing powder, and it effectively blurs imperfections.

• Surreal Bronze Light: "a neutral tan shade fused with Surreal Light, for a subtle, natural warmth." This is a beautiful ethereal bronzer that is a neutral-leaning rosy brown with a refined and subtle golden shimmer. Unlike many bronzers that oxidize into an unflattering orange shade, this one remains both try and stunning. It offers buildable coverage, but I tend to prefer wearing it lightly.

• Surreal Glow: "a pale peony pink blush mixed with Surreal Light for a delicate flush." This is a spectacularly beautiful warm peach that has a luminescent satin finish. It is semi-buildable blush that gives skin a natural glow from wishing effect.

• Surreal Effect: "a cool, pink rose fused with a soft, warm peach for a pop of flattering color." Surreal Effect is a beautiful, cool pink blush with an undercurrent of coral. Depending on the veining in your palette, you may find that yours could lean more pink, or more coral, but I found that I had enough of each that I could easily use them independently or blend them. The satin finish offers enough luminosity to create a lovely glowing effect.

• Surreal Strobe Light: "a glimmering peach powder imparting an alluring highlight." This is a lovely warm-leaning golden peach highlighter with subtle golden shimmer. I found that this shade runs sheer, and isn't very buildable, but that doesn't bother me in the least because the more subtle the effect, the more natural and healthy the glow.

Click to enlarge ingredients list.

Left to Right:  Surreal Light (Finishing Powder), Surreal Glow (Blush), Surreal Effect (Blush), Surreal Bronze Light (Bronzer) and Surreal Strobe Light (Strobe Powder).

Note the luminosity in each of the powders as the light shifts

Directions:

• Finish: Apply Surreal Light finishing powder all over the face.
• Bronze: Contour along the temples, hollows of the cheeks, and jawline with Surreal Bronze Light.
• Blush: Apply Surreal Glow to the apples of the cheeks for a delicate flush of colour.
• Blush: Layer Surreal Effect to the apples of the cheeks for a brighter pop of colour.
• Highlight: Apply Surreal Strobe Light to the high points of the face – tops of cheeks, bridge of nose, brow bone and cupid’s bow. Can be used wet for a more intense highlight.

HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit Brush ($46.00 from Space NK) is a two phenomenal brushes in one that was created to use in conjunction with the Ambient Lighting Edit. The synthetic, Cruelty-Free brushes are the perfect size to fit in this palette, and boast the perfect shapes for flawless application. Both brush heads are soft enough to feel heavenly against the skin, but are firm enough to pick up and lay down pigment effortlessly and flawlessly.

According to HOURGLASS,

A multi-tasking brush featuring two versatile brush heads that can be used for an array of products including powder, blush, bronzer and highlighter. This double-ended brush can be used with powder, cream and liquid formulas for the most flawless finish. Perfectly-sized to be used with the Ambient® Lighting Edit.

Key Benefits:
• The rounded end is ideally shaped for applying finishing powder and adding bronzer to the temples and hollows of cheeks, while the tapered side is shaped to flawlessly apply blush and highlighter.
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristles.
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application.
• Perfectly sized to work with all Ambient® Lighting Palettes and travel-sized compacts.

 To Clean: Gently clean brush with mild soap and water. Lay flat to dry

Overall Assessment: This is my favorite face palette of the season, and perhaps of the entire year. It is perfect for fair to medium complexions, and delivers on the high quality that one expects from HOURGLASS Cosmetics. I also find the brush to be the perfect accompaniment to this palette in part because of the high quality, but also because the heads are perfectly sized for this palette. For me this is a homer, and definitely a palette worth having before its limited edition status makes it disappear. The video below demonstrates how best to use this lovely palette, and I urge you to watch it if you are thinking about purchasing this palette, or just want to learn some great tips!

Available from Space NK (Affiliate Links),
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.