As I write this, I’m trying to remember the last time I wore a proper foundation. With the non-stop heatwave that was this summer, I pretty much ditched base products all together and opted to show off my sun-kissed skin, enhancing it with a little bronzer and cream blush. When it’s hot, the idea of wearing a foundation all day feels almost oppressive, but as summer winds down, I’m looking for a soft reintroduction to bases to subtly enhance my complexion as all the summer glow slowly drains away. Enter Hourglass’s new Ambient Soft Glow Foundation.
There’s no doubt Hourglass is known for its glow. The Ambient Lighting Powder set the standard for setting powders that kept makeup in place but are luminising rather than matte and cakey. Even the brand’s high-coverage offering, the Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, is blurring without being heavy. And while glow is a term that is immediately appealing to me as a consumer, it strikes a bit of fear that it will highlight my oily T-zone, which is why I prefer sticking to more matte or satin formulas. Luckily, the finish of this foundation is a crowd-pleaser, and it comes in 32 shades across three undertones.
This foundation isn’t matte, but it isn’t dewy, either. I would classify it as having a satin finish, with the glow coming from the soft-focus pigments. These pigments create a luminous, blurred effect that evens your skin tone and can be built up without looking caked-on, just gently perfected. Kind of like you’ve swiped the Instagram Paris filter over your face.
The formula is transfer-proof and water-resistant, but my T-zone did need powdering down after four hours, so if you’re oily like I am, be sure to prime and set to avoid unwanted shine. If you have dry skin, you’ll love the texture, as it’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t feel like it’s sitting on top of the skin. The formula is also non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry if you have skin prone to breakouts. For application, I preferred a buffing brush to really blend it in. I found when I tried applying it with a damp beauty sponge, it made it too sheer, and it sucked up a lot of the product.
After applying the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation
One thing I would say is that this formula doesn’t really give max coverage, even when you build up a couple of layers. I have a bit of pigmentation from spots, and it really didn’t cover them, so a concealer is very much still needed for that. But if you’re looking for a soft, all-over glow post-summer, this is a perfect pick.
This pressed powder really changed the game when it came to setting makeup. It gives an almost-invisible finish and a natural-looking luminosity.
This is my latest lip obsession, and it’s constantly in my handbag. These are the most comfortable, subtly plumping glosses ever. The colour is just a tint, and when you apply it, it has a light minty tingle.
You can use these pencils for a one-product smokey-eye look, as they smudge easily before setting and then don’t budge. As a brown-eyed girl, I love the colour Forest. It’s a deep green that gives a twist on the traditional smokey eye and enhances my eye colour.
Like with all Hourglass products, this primer is all about giving that airbrushed, blurred look. It preps skin for foundation and takes away any shine, allowing your makeup to last longer.
The best part about this stick is how versatile it is. I use it to pinpoint-conceal hyperpigmentation, but you can apply it to your whole face for a full-coverage finish that isn’t flat. It comes in 32 shades, and you can play with deeper shades to use for contouring too.
The glitter in these pots isn’t chunky, so it gives a wet-look iridescence look for your eyes. A pretty effortless one-pot look.
A tiny swipe of this blush is enough. The pigment is that good. I use colour Revel on my cheeks and lips for an easy cohesive look.
I’m honestly not a big fan of high-end mascaras, because there are so many on the high street that work well and are cheaper, but this product gives unreal length, especially when teamed with the Hourglass Curlers.
This hybrid blush and highlighter works across skin tones and gives a natural lit-from-within glow. Next up, the 13 nail colours that always look classy.