There’s a new kind of powder out in the beauty world that’s causing a lot of buzz. Six Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders ($52 each at Sephora) claim to diffuse light to mimic different lighting effects on the skin.

• Diffused Light: A soft, warm, pale yellow powder. Reduces redness and give skin clarity – like a soft ray of morning light.
• Ethereal Light: An opalescent sheer, cool white powder. Mimics a moonlit glow – even in broad daylight.
• Radiant Light: A sun-kissed golden beige powder. Extends a summer glow, or enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle, warmth.
• Mood Light: A soft, sheer lavender pink powder. Mimics the softest most forgiving light and reveals your brightest complexion.
• Dim Light: A neutral peach beige powder. Blurs imperfections and highlights a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.
• Luminous Light: A champagne pearl powder. Create a soft, incandescent candlelit glow – day or night.

According to Hourglass, the powders use soft-focus particles to create an appearance of younger, event-toned and radiant skin. Their transparent quality makes them suitable for all skin tones. They are also formulated without parabens, talc, fragrance, nano-particles and gluten.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light

I received the shade Dim Light. The powder is meant to be applied with the new Hourglass Ambient Powder Brush (sold separately, $41 at Sephora). I use shu uemura natural brush 20h ($50) to sheerly apply Dim Light across my forehead, down my nose and chin, and high points of my cheeks.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light — swatch

In my before and after photos, the effect of Dim Light is apparent. It tones down shine while keeping the skin radiant with a soft focus finish. It blurs pores and any unevenness on the skin.  It’s like taking a skin smoothing brush in Aperture or Photoshop, and applying it to the skin. It is Magical Elven makeup. My friend Tracy – who has fair skin – concurs.

I bet Galadriel wears Ethereal Light. Hahahahaha!

Before Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light

After Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light

Before and After Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light

It is meant to be sheer and subtle, but I can definitely see a difference. I also notice a slight tint to my skin, where my strong yellow undertones are reduced. Very flattering, don’t you think?

Those who are very fair with pink undertones should try this before they buy. When applied with a heavy hand (even on my skin tone), the powder builds into a dirty/muddy colour. Again it is meant to be used with a light hand, but this shade will be more obvious on someone with a lighter skin tone than mine.

Let me know what you think of Dim Light! I think makeup fanatics will definitely love this. It costs a lot of Fancy Feasts (sorry Scherbs!) but it sure makes my skin look fantastic.

Read more about Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders in my favourite beauty blogs:

1. Luminous Light and Ambient Powder Brush Reviews @ Beautezine
   
2. Luminous Light review with many swatch comparisons @ The Beauty Look Book