[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] Since the inception of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palettes I’ve come and gone with them – I felt a bit carried away initially by the hype and it’s taken a while for me to come back around and really understand what they offer. There’s no doubt they’re positioning as cruelty free luxury, but I can see them as more or less everlasting because you need to use so little. The brand has switched to tin palettes for recyclability which I am really pleased to see – but don’t think flimsy, this is some quality tin! It’s weighty and premium with a marbled effect.
We are really all about a minimalist base now (slightly side-tracked by Lisa Eldridge’s new foundation!) – personally, I like it as light as possible and although I’m wearing medium coverage now and again, it never feels quite as fresh as light and I step out of the house wondering if it’s ‘too much’. Usually, I am on the train when I decide it probably is so there is no going back! But, so little of the Ambient Light powders are needed that it’s just a whisper on the skin so doesn’t add any weight but does add some skin loving luminosity.
I’ve also done a full circle on highlighters – the very merest touch over cheekbones brings a natural looking gleam and I find myself doing it more and more. This palette, Universe Unlocked, has two best sellers (the bigger highlight powder and the bronzer) and three new shades in the shape of two blushes (Rose Heat and Coral Flush) and a highlight (Solar Strobe) and is aimed at warmer, deeper tones.
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Another thing I like to see is instructions! We’re not all watching YouTube tutorials night and day. It’s really best if you sit in a natural light (with hopefully a little sunshine) and practice first … this is a nuanced palette focusing on bringing light to the complexion, so you need to get a feel for it. It doesn’t take long to understand the intensity and depth of the shades – the fluffier the brush you use the better because these powders are made for diffusing.
In the swatch from top to bottom, it’s Finishing Powder in Radiant Light, Rose Heat, Coral Flush, Bronzer in Radiant Bronze Light and Strobe Powder in Solar Strobe (use most sparingly of all). As someone who isn’t a fan of powders, even I can get along with these because they really are weightless. It’s an investment at £79 HERE, but I do think it will see you through all of the seasons so perhaps it’s not so expensive if it takes you across a couple of years or more. Anyway, Universe Unlocked feels full of potential and warmth. I’ve linked to SpaceNK who have stock.
Non-affiliate HERE.
Transparency Disclosure
All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
5 comments
Wow, beauty… I totally LOVE the blushes but being rather fair-skinned not so sure about powder and bronzers (ok, golden shimmering one can be used as eye shadow)… Just afraid that if/when they’ll come with a lighter version there will be also lighter more pastel blush which I don’t want… Choices, choices… Even knowing that separately you can get better match to your skin I’m sooooo pulled towards nice palettes…
This is really for medium-deep tones so probably not right for you 🙁
They have a lighter version which is stunning on fair skin
I’ve started using the ambient powder again and love it. Diffuses and calms down the shine just enough.
What I really love though is the compact is made of TIN! Hurrah. Hope more brands follow this.
I’m tempted.
yes exactly – a real commitment to be less impactful.