[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] I absolutely adore these new, limited edition Hourglass palettes for winter 2022. How do you bring something different to a successful line that keeps the aesthetic and the integrity of the brand? It looks like Hourglass has found the answer in these illustrated palettes using artist Katie Scott to depict wildlife vividly and impactfully. Hourglass has for some time been a supporter of the Nonhuman Rights Project and 5% of annual profits will go straight there. And, I know, 5% doesn’t sound like much, but Hourglass is a global brand under the Unilever umbrella so I feel there will be a significant donation from this collection.
When something like this comes in, I can’t wait to get my camera and start taking pictures. In fact, I could take pictures all day really because I’m so drawn to the visuals – this is when my job is an absolute joy. For all the plain mascaras and red lipsticks that pass through, much as I am happy to see them, they don’t exactly light the same fire, and I always feel grateful for things that are so impactful.
It’s taken me a long time to understand these palettes – they’re really for people who love the intricate detail of make-up and the sheer pleasure of using light reflection and colour to create a flawless finish, although with that said, they’re really more user friendly than you might imagine so just as good for quick flick of the brush and go. Each palette contains two finishing powders, light as air whispers of brightening and mattifying powder. They also contain two strobe powders which have translucent light reflection in them so you can enhance and draw light to cheekbones (I’ve never understood the brow bone highlight thing) that’s understated and elegant rather than metallic and obvious. Finally, two blush shades which need just a touch with a brush to bring colour. There are three new shades – Soft Flush and Sunset Glow blush and Golden Champaign strobe.
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The Butterfly palette (above) is probably best for lighter tones that need a touch of warmth – close up, the theme is mellow glow with champagne aspects and golden touches. The blushes both have a touch of raspberry to them – one leans more to peach with raspberry, the other raspberry with peach if you understand my meaning. I’d say it’s the most ‘suit-all’ of the three limited edition palettes (the third is a beautiful tiger).
There is more heat in the Elephant palette – it has a warm, sunset aspect with pops of peach and pink, a bronzer and a golden strobe. The two finishing powders are Dim Light and Soft Light, which brings me back to the origins of the palettes which was all about ‘candlelit’ glow; a soft, diffused finish that gives lightfulness and ‘vaseline on the lens’ type finish (god bless Angela Lansbury, the queen of the blurry camera).
You can see how well this particular palette translates to summer and holiday looks. The new shades for this palette are Beaming Strobe Light (gold), Lustrous Bronze Light (bronzer), Radiant Rose (blush) and Iridescent Coral (blush).
In this collection is a Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm duo featuring Rouse and Slip – I love these barely solid oils that give such a juicy wash of gloss.
Below is Slip and above is Rouse. At £78, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Unlocked Limited Editions are considered purchases. Butterfly is HERE, Elephant is HERE and Tiger is HERE. The Phantom Duo is £45 HERE.
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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.
8 comments
The packaging is stunning and the cause very worthy.
These kind of palettes confuse me as to be honest I just can’t be bothered with all this highlighting, contouring, strobing (arrrgh) as I’m plenty glowy enough these days 🙂
I’ve never quite understood why Hourglass is sooo expensive though or is it just me? For the money I’d rather buy a makeup drawer’s worth of Bourjois blushers and have fun playing with them as eyeshadows. Grabs wallet, runs off to Superdrug.
As a pet owner may I ask a question. … just if there is a possibility that the patter of new paws is on the radar for Maison BBB some time 😉 ?
Thank you Jane, I hope you are feeling 100% now and are ready for the weekend xxxx
You are so intuitive Chrissie! I am looking (lightly) at the moment – trying hard to find a rehome or rescue but it’s very difficult because we are so breed specific (allergies) and it’s not a breed people give up lightly because they paid a lot in the first place. Size makes it an issue as well because I need a very transportable dog that I can take with me to my elderly parents on the train. Re the palette, it’s taken me a while to get on board but actually I now like to have all things in one place – I do a swish of (low) highlight quite often these days and these powders are so fine. I hear you though – you need to love the specifics.
Oh Jane, that all sounds very promising. I am slightly asthmatic and have been told several times that I shouldn’t have cats or dogs. I now have 3 rescue cats and am happy to manage the asthma alongside absolutely spoiling my gang! Just don’t mention chonky boy Jasper’s weight and propensity to eat everyone else’s food.
I have said over the years that the right pet / pets come to you all of a sudden and we have our fingers and paws crossed that your future pooch isn’t too far away in every sense.
I will pass on these palettes, but I want to say thank you for pointing me in the direction of so many lovely new brands and products since discovering your blog! Suqqu makeup has been a big joy this year in particular xxx
Love the sound of your gang! Such a pleasure, and a good opportunity to say thank you to YOU for your thoughtful comments which I always enjoy. x
I’m so glad you said that about the brow bone/highlight – I thought it was just me that simply doesn’t get it. I come over all Margot Ledbetter if I put shimmer anywhere NEAR the brow bone. These palettes are so beautiful – they’re pricey but such lovely quality. And they’re always 20-30% off in the New Year sales which bring s them down to a more realistic price.
Don’t start me on the highlighter on the tip of the nose nonsense!!
Another one here who doesn’t appreciate/understand contouring and strobing. Love the artwork on the palettes just wish they had filled them with blushers. There seems to be a bit of a shortage of blushers with some brands at the moment, Dior and Shiseido being two.
I kind of agree that a six pack of blush might have been better – that’s a blush wardrobe basically and who doesn’t want one of those.