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New Hourglass Haul Picks

September 2, 2020

Hourglass New Launches Sublime Flush, At Night, Unlocked Extensions Mascara

Hourglass launched a few new things recently and I have a new Hourglass haul roundup featuring products for eyes, lips and cheeks. Everything is available at Sephora and Hourglass Cosmetics. In today’s roundup:

Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder Review

The latest addition to the Ambient Lighting Powder line is the new Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder. This has a mix of two Ambient Lighting Powders and a Strobe Highlighter in one swirled compact. I wasn’t exactly sure what this was intended for – is it a highlighter? Setting powder? Blurring powder? On my medium tan skin I found it to be a good finishing powder to use after my foundation and regular powder. It acts like a soft glow powder to add some radiance all over.

Color is sheer – it looks like a beige yellow with some pink swirls in the compact. On the skin I think your mileage will vary depending on skin tone but for me it’s sheer and subtle enough to use all over the face. The effect is subtle but still noticeable on my skin. I don’t think it’s different enough from the Diffused or Dim Light to justify owning but I do like how it looks on the skin.

I’ve read a few people said this made their skin look dry. This was not the case at all for me. However I do think some shimmer powders can emphasize dry patches or lines if the color is either too light or too matchy. Sometimes pale pink or pale champagne highlighters look terrible on my medium skin because the shimmer emphasizes lines.

Product is sheer so this will look different on you depending on your skin tone and undertone. Swatch comparisons below for reference:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder swatches

Ambient Lighting Blushes

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes in Sublime Flush and At Night

There are two new Ambient Lighting Blushes in Sublime Flush which is a soft pink shimmer (this was in Ghost 2019 palette) and At Night which is a brick red mixed with pink champagne. Both are really lovely! Pigment is medium but easy to build or sheer out. On me lasting power is very good – they stay put all day. Swatch comparisons to a few other blushes, they look really similar on my arm but they definitely look different on the face:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush swatches

Sublime Flush is not quite as deep or flushed on my medium tan skin but definitely shows up. Since I’m a bit darker than normal it is almost light a highlighter.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Sublime Flush

Below wearing the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Sublime Flush with the No. 28 Lip Oil in Adorn. Beauty breakdown:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Sublime Flush and Lip Oil Adorn

At Night is a really pretty soft almost diffused brick red on the skin. It’s very wearable and for me one of the more unique colors. I think this is the perfect transition to fall. It’s not too dark or dramatic.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in At Night

Below wearing the At Night Blush with At Night Lip Oil

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush and Lip Oil in At Night

No 28 Lip Treatment Oil

Hourglass No 28 Lip Oil in At Night

I’ve been a huge fan of the No 28 Lip Treatment Oils even though I think they are crazy expensive. At Night is a medium-sheer brick red with blue tones on my skin. I believe it was a limited-edition release a while ago but it slipped my radar until now. The color itself will fade within a few hours but since it’s an oil it fades evenly and nicely so you don’t have that dark ring around the edges. This is a nice red option that isn’t too bright or deep – it’s the perfect red for those who feel like they can’t pull off reds. It’s what I had hoped the Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint would be (which turned purple on my lips).

Swatched next the other Lip Oils I have and a few shades I thought might be similar including the new Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Walk of Shame and Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Flesh 6 (swatched here).

Hourglass Lip Oil Swatches

Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Hourglass Unlocked Extensions Mascara Review

Mascara is a category I just don’t get excited about. I feel like most of them are hype but in all fairness I have wimpy lashes which will rarely holds the curl and since they are very straight it often looks like I don’t have any. The Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is a tubing mascara which I found ok for a tubing formula. It takes 2-3 uses to get it going for me. I found it did lengthen and added nice volume but it had zero holding power for the curl and it made my lashes straighten out. I prefer the Caution Extreme formula from Hourglass, but out of all the new formulas that have launched this year I feel like the best ones are the new Pat McGrath Dark Star and Kosas Big Clean. A lot of you have mentioned you love the Ilia Limitless Lash which I did try and like the look of, but think I’m allergic to (my eyes got terribly itchy with this one).

Bottom line I think it’s ok. Didn’t work for me but most formulas don’t. If your lashes can hold the curl and you don’t mind tubing mascaras then I do think it’s worth a try.

Voyeur Waterproof Liquid Liner

Hourglass Liquid Eyeliner

The Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Liquid Liner isn’t a new launch but it’s been on my radar for some time. I had high hopes as I love their 1.5 MM Mechanical Gel Liner. My feelings are mixed – it does give a super deep glossy black finish and is indeed waterproof on me. Cons for me are the dry time isn’t quick so it smudges if I blink without letting it dry. Once it sets it does stay put. The other downside for me is the brush. It’s like a felt tip which is very delicate and after one use already looks like it will wear down. Since the applicator is kinda essential I don’t think I will be repurchasing. The Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Liner Pen and Cle de Peau Intensifying Liquid Eyeliner are far superior and 100% worth the splurge.

Hourglass Haul Picks

I think there are some winners with the new launches! I really love the look of the At Night blush and lip oil. Sublime Flush is a pretty pink but still a little light for me unless I pack it on. The Infinity Powder ended up working for my complexion but I don’t think it’s unique enough to get super excited about.

You can find the Hourglass launches now at Sephora and Hourglass Cosmetics. Have you checked anything out yet? What did you think?

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Hourglass Cosmetics

Hourglass Ghost Holiday 2019 Collection Review

October 10, 2019

Hourglass Holiday 2019 Ghost Review

I hauled the four of the five items from the Hourglass Ghost Holiday 2019 Collection and have swatches of everything today. There are two new Ambient Lighting Palettes and they’re absolutely gorgeous but I have some mixed thoughts about them. Right now there are two Confession Lip Duos and I opted for the one with a neutral nude pink + plum. For the eyes Hourglass has a Scattered Light Trio with minis of their scattered light shadows (two repromotes and one new shade). Overall I find the launches easy to wear for my medium-tan skin, if you’re swatching in store note that the powders can look more glittery than they are in normal everyday lighting. The store lights emphasize the tiny sparkles and make them look like they could be a glitter bomb. Rest assured that while they are indeed glowy – both palettes are wearable for everyday even for those who are super conservative on the shimmer. In today’s post:

Hourglass Ghost Ambient Lighting Edit Palette

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Ghost 2019

The Ambient Lighting Edit Ghost Palette has three repromotes and three new shades. I ended up loving it more than I thought I would, but I think at this point most of us can agree that we would like to see all new shades and more options for tan to deeper skin tones. I’m more on the tan side and find the colors show up well. The palette as a whole gives the skin a soft diffused glow. I really love the concept of Dim and Diffused Light as soft light reflecting setting powders but have always wanted those powders in darker color options. I was surprised to find that both still work for my tan skin to set and they did not make my face look chalky even though they are pale. Shades include:

  • Finishing Powder in Dim Light – pale peach pink with a satin shimmer
  • Finishing Powder in Diffused Light – ultra pale yellow finishing powder
  • Strobe Powder in Iridescent Strobe Light – pale shimmery pink
  • Bronzer in Eternal Bronze Light – the softest bronze I’ve seen from Hourglass, a satiny soft non-orangey bronze
  • Strobe Blush in Iridescent Rose – the prettiest iridescent healthy looking pink glow, I would LOVE this in a full size individual option
  • Blush in Sublime Flush – soft light-medium rose pink shimmer

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Ghost 2019

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Ghost swatches

Below wearing: Tom Ford Flawless Glow Foundation in 6.5 / Ambient Lighting Palette Ghost with Dim Light to set, Sublime Flush + Iridescent Rose on cheeks / Confession Lipstick in I Cherish

Hourglass Sublime Flush and Iridescent Rose with Confession I Cherish

Application is smooth, soft, easy to blend and stays put all day. For the three new shades the Eternal Bronze Light bronzer is the most neutral soft bronze I’ve seen from Hourglass, it can double as a neutral contour. The Iridescent Rose is a beautiful shimmering rose it’s on the sparkly side with tiny gold flecks. Sublime Flush has a similar but paler/cooler compared to Surreal Effect (in the Ambient Quad and also in Surreal Light 2016). Overall I think it’s a beautiful palette complete for a full face look. I would give it 10 out of 10 stars if it did not have Dim/Diffused Light. They’ve repeated these shades in so many palettes and have them available individually, I would have really liked to see new colors.

Ghost Ambient Lighting Blush Quad

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Quad Ghost

The Ghost Ambient Lighting Blush Quad is a new format which I really like! It’s small and more compact – I really like the concept. It’s still fairly expensive but I think the colors are gorgeous.

  • Blush in Surreal Effect is a repromote from the Surreal Light Palette 2016, it’s a medium soft pink shimmer swirled with a deeper magenta pink
  • Strobe Blush in Brilliant Nude is a repromote, available individually, this is a shimmering champagne swirled with a tan bronze sparkle
  • Strobe Blush in Lucid Glow is a shimmery coral swirled with a soft gold
  • Infinite Flush is a soft pink swirled with a mauve

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Quad Ghost

Below I’ve swatched with a heavy hand to show the color but they apply sheerer on the face and blend out easily for a soft glow.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Quad Ghost swatches

Ambient Lighting Blush Quad Ghost and Truth Unreal Gloss

Wearing: Tom Ford Flawless Glow Foundation in 6.5 Sable / La Mer Pressed Powder in Medium / Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Quad with Lucid Glow + Brilliant Nude mixed / Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette / Hourglass Scattered Light in Foil / Hourglass Unreal Lip Gloss in Truth

I like Lucid Glow the best in this palette, I’m a sucker for any coral peach blush because I think it brightens up the complexion beautifully. The other shades are also lovely, I do like Brillant Nude for a nice highlight that isn’t your traditional pale champagne. Application is smooth and easy to layer/mix.

Ghost Confession Refillable Lipstick Duo

Hourglass Confession Lip Duo Ghost

I bought the Confession Lip Duo as an impulse buy and kinda regret it mainly because I have similar colors already. The colors are beautiful and easy to wear though. I Cherish is a pretty nude pink and You Inspire is a beautiful deep plum that doesn’t turn red (a lot of plums look too red, blue or pull too vamp on my skin). I really have nothing to complain about as the colors are wearable, require no tweaking and glide on the lips beautifully. I feel like I could have definitely shopped my stash.

Hourglass Confession Lip Duo Ghost I Cherish and You Inspire

Hourglass Holiday 2019 Lip Duo Ghost I Cherish and You Inspire

Wearing on the left: Tom Ford Flawless Glow Foundation in 6.5 / Ambient Lighting Palette Ghost with Dim Light to set, Sublime Flush + Iridescent Rose on cheeks / Hourglass Confession Lipstick in I Cherish

Wearing on the right: same base, on the cheeks Ambient Lighting Palette Ghost with just Eternal Bronze Light / Hourglass Confession Lipstick in You Inspire

Scattered Light Glitter Shadow Collection

Hourglass Holiday Scattered Light Trio

The Scattered Light Trio has miniatures of the Scattered Light Eyeshadows. I already own two of them but did not mind having repeats as I plan on regifting the minis to friends. The trio shadows are smaller at 0.07 oz each versus the 0.12 oz of the full size. I don’t normally don’t mind minis but I like to apply these with my finger and found the smaller size a little bit tricky to stick my finger in without getting product under my nail. It’s not impossible and you can definitely get a brush in there. Foil is a beautiful gold shimmer, Ray is a sparkling taupe and Molten is a beautiful shimmering plum. I really wish they had Molten individually in the full size because that one is beautiful!

Other individual colors swatched here and here.

Hourglass Holiday Scattered Light Trio swatches

Below look wearing Scattered Light in Molten:

Hourglass Ghost Palette and Scattered Light in Molten

Hourglass Ghost Palette and Scattered Light in Molten

Hourglass Holiday 2019 Ghost Review Swatches

Overall I’m pleased with my haul picks. Quality-wise everything performs well. As irked as I am that the 6-pan palette has 1/2 repeats I think it is lovely and I do think it was worth the splurge. If I had to pick one palette between the two I think the 4-pan quad is the more unique option although I’m so smitten with that Iridescent Rose Strobe Blush in the 6-pan palette. The Confession Lipstick is among my favorite lipstick formula for a creamy opaque lipstick. Color-wise the new launches are very wearable but not unique.

I think the Scattered Light Trio is a nice way to try three shades at a more affordable price although I do prefer the individual larger sizes because I can apply them easier with my fingers. I also like picking my own colors. Out of all the colors I own I wear Blaze the most, followed by Ray these days.

You can find the Hourglass Holiday 2019 Ghost Collection out now. I hauled my picks from Nordstrom and Sephora. Also available at Hourglass Cosmetics.

Have you tried anything from the collection yet? I have some more holiday I’m working on including selects from NARS holiday and I just ordered most of Tom Ford Soleil Neige. There will also be some new lip posts coming up!

 

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Hourglass Cosmetics

New Hourglass Scattered Light Shadows + Nordstrom Eye and Lip Duo

July 22, 2019

Hourglass Haul New Scattered Light and Nordstrom Eye/Lip Duo Spark | The beauty look book

There are some new items from Hourglass that just launched! I hauled three of the four new Scattered Light Eye Shadows ($29 each) in Ray, Rapture and Burnish along with the Nordstrom Eye and Lip Duo ($48, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale exclusive).

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New Scattered Light Eye Shadows

Hourglass Scattered Light Rapture, Burnish and Ray

I’ve been such a huge fan of the Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows. I bought all five original colors reviewed here and use them on a weekly basis. They make for the prettiest shadow toppers to add some pop and dimension. Sometimes I’ll mix a couple together or just layer on top of powder shadows. In case you missed the original review, these are glittery pigments that adhere well to the lids. They’re ultra sparkly I was beyond excited to see new shades make their appearance online. I bought three of the four (skipped the green one):

  • Rapture is a cranberry with gold shimmer
  • Burnish is a shimmery gold bronze
  • Ray is a medium smokey bronze champagne with loads of glitter

Out of the three Ray is the most sparkly and glittery. Rapture and Burnish seem to have smaller finer sparkles, even smaller compared to the original five shades. I tested all three and absolutely love them. There are similarities between some of the original shades. Burnish is less yellow than Foil. Rapture is more red/pink than Blaze.

Hourglass Scattered Light Rapture, Burnish and Ray swatches

New Hourglass Scattered Light Ray, Burnish and Rapture

Swatches of all the scattered light eye shadows I own. 100% worth the splurge.

Hourglass Scattered Light Eye Shadow Swatches via The Beauty Look Book

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Eye and Lip Duo

Hourglass Nordstrom Eye Lip Duo 2019

The Nordstrom x Hourglass 2019 Anniversary Sale Set has an exclusive lip gloss called Spark and I was really interested to see what it looked like (my Nordstrom did not have this in store). It’s a pale milky peachy pink cream that’s high maintenance for my pigmented lips. If you’re light or fair skinned or can wear ultra light colors you’ll have no issue with this. Since I have a darker natural lip this ended up being super streaky on me. It will blend out and smooth out with a pencil underneath or mixed. I feel like this one would have been amazing had it been a shimmery color (kinda along the lines of Impact or Cosmic). For me Sublime is easier to pull off without the streaks.

I tried the Caution Extreme Mascara again and this round find that I really like it. I wasn’t 100% thrilled with it when I first tried it a year ago. I feel like it’s working a lot better for me this try.

Hourglass Nordstrom Eye Lip Duo 2019 Swatches Spark and Caution Mascara

For foundation reference I’m wearing Armani Luminous Silk in Shade 7. For the Hourglass Foundations I’m in between shades, closest match in the Vanish Seamless Liquid is Beige (review here). Spark is swatched below on bare lips.

Hourglass Nordstrom Eye Lip Duo 2019 Swatches Spark lip gloss

If I could do this over I would have passed on this set and just bought the mascara. The gloss is too pale for me and too similar to Sublime/Child in the same formula and for me the best neutral nude in this color family is still Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Faux Real or Bobbi Brown Lychee Baby.

Comparisons below:

Nude Lip Gloss Swatches

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Hourglass Haul Picks new Scattered Light and Spark Lip Gloss

Overall love the new Scattered Light Eyeshadows and hope more come out. The Spark Lip Gloss is a pass for me. It’s one of those shades that will streak after I apply if I touch my lips together or drink from a cup. I am willing to try to make it work with lip liner and extra blending, but for me I think there are easier to wear colors that are similar.

The new Scattered Light Eye Shadows should be available at all Hourglass counters soon. Available now at Nordstrom, Sephora and Hourglass Cosmetics. The Eye Lip Duo is exclusive to Nordstrom for the Anniversary Sale.

 

 

Did you check out either of these new launches?

 

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Hourglass Cosmetics Lips

Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss Review

May 17, 2019

Hourglass Unreal Volumizing Lip Gloss Review and Swatches | The Beauty Look Book

Hourglass launched their new Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss ($30 each for 0.20 oz/ 5.6 g) in 18 shades. I hauled 11 of them during last month’s Sephora Beauty Insider Event. I’ve really loved all things Hourglass for so many years I felt like these could possibly be holy grail material. After testing these for a week I think they’re really beautiful and definitely worth looking into.

The Unreal Lip Gloss is a plumping lip gloss with medium to full coverage. Creams tend to be more opaque and for me the shimmers I tried are medium-sheer. The glosses are hydrating and have a nice smooth feel to them. There is a soft minty scent and slight cooling sensation when you apply. The plumping effect is noticeable after it sets for a few minutes and as one who has ultra sensitive lips I’m thrilled to report there is no tingle and no stinging. I can still feel them plumping my lips but it’s in a gentle way. Since these are hydrating and lush they aren’t weightless. At the same time they aren’t super heavy even though they do have a semi-thick lush feel.

Hourglass Unreal Volumizing Lip Gloss Review and Swatches | The Beauty Look Book

Color selection right now for the most part runs on the neutral side with a few bolder options. The finishes range from creams, shimmers and sparkles. Pigment is medium to me for most of the shades but you can layer for a more opaque finish. As mentioned above the shimmer sparkly options tend to be a bit more transparent (except the plum one).

I initially bought 5 and loved them so much I quickly ordered more to take advantage of the discount last month. At $30 each they are pricey but I’m happy with all the colors except two of them. These come with a flattened sponge tip applicator which makes for easy application. I like that they’re sturdy vs flexible. Sometimes the bendy wands make it hard to get gloss on my lips.

Hourglass Unreal Lip Gloss via Sabrina's Blog The Beauty Look Book

A closer look:

Hourglass Unreal Volumizing Lip Gloss Review | The Beauty Look Book

The colors I bought with descriptions below:

  • Ignite is a sheer shimmer with gold, this is the only one I didn’t like, it’s too sheer to have any color payoff on my lips so it’s basically clear, if you want a similar color to what you see in the tube I think Charlotte Tilbury Ibiza Nights is a much better option
  • Child is pale peach cream, this one applied streaky on my pigmented lips, I can blend to smooth out, but for me it’s a tad too pale
  • Provoke is the most beautiful neutral cool mauve nude, most colors like this look like death on me, this one works perfectly!
  • Sublime is what I envisioned Child to look like, it’s a much better neutral peach pink nude
  • Truth is a medium beige nude
  • Canvas is a nude beige rose, this is really similar to Truth, on me they’re so close I can barely tell the difference
  • Prose is a baby rose pink cream
  • Cosmic is a sparkling sheer pink fuchsia glitter, this is smooth without any gritty texture, I think this is one of the more fun shades
  • Fortune is a pink gold shimmer
  • Horizon is a perfect coral cream
  • Impact is a shimmering berry plum sparkle

Swatches:

Hourglass Unreal Volumizing Lip Gloss swatches | The Beauty Look Book

Lip Swatches, as usual all done on bare lips:

Hourglass Unreal Lip Gloss Lip Swatches

Hourglass Unreal Lip Gloss Lip Swatches

A few full face looks wearing:

With Horizon Lip Gloss:

Hourglass Unreal Horizon Lip Gloss

Below With Prose Lip Gloss

Hourglass Unreal Horizon Lip Gloss

Last one with Child Lip Gloss:

Hourglass Unreal Child Lip Gloss

A number of you wanted to know how these compared to my favorite Pat McGrath LUST Gloss (review and lip swatches here and here) and Fenty Beauty Gloss Bombs (all three worn in this post). Both of these formulas have a softer more cushiony feel. They also run sheerer. The Hourglass Unreal by comparison doesn’t quite have that same soft feel but are still glossy and smooth. The pigment is richer and more opaque with the Hourglass shades as well. All formulas are really nice. I’ve swatched some of the Pat McGrath LUST glosses next to similar colors of the Hourglass options.

Hourglass Unreal vs Pat McGrath Lust Gloss swatches

I cannot decide which of the three is best. All are excellent for different reasons. I love the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bombs for their lush sheer shimmery glow. The Pat McGrath LUST Glosses have been among my favorite for color selection and formula. Hourglass is more opaque but some of the colors settle into my natural lip lines (this is also the case with some Pat McGrath colors).

If I had to live with just one gloss formula the rest of my life though, right now I’d have to go with the Pat McGrath LUST Gloss. That being said a number of you felt they were too sheer for your liking so if that’s the case then you’ll most likely be happier with the finish of the Hourglass Unreal.

Overall thumbs up. I think they’re beautiful glosses although I don’t know that I would call them truly innovative like their description suggests. To me truly innovative life changing products are more along things like the Hourglass Scattered Light Shadows, Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipsticks and Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter. Still the Hourglass Unreal Lip Glosses are really nice and well made. I’m thrilled to find a nice plumping gloss that doesn’t have a tingle or sting. My top three favorite colors are Horizon, Fortune and Canvas. If I could do the haul over again I’d skip Ignite and Child and would also pick either Canvas (slightly more pink) or Truth (more beige) but not both.

 

You can find the Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Glosses out now. Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Hourglass Cosmetics and all other Hourglass retailers.

Have you tried these yet? What did you think?

 

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Base Makeup

New Base Testing from Hourglass, Armani and Kosas

April 10, 2019

Foundation Testing Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Liquid, Armani Power Fabric Balm, Kosas Tinted Face Oil Review

Finding a good makeup base is something I always get questions about and I have three newer formulas to review today. It’s taken me a while to try some of them because I’ve had several allergic reactions to product this year. Testing a number of things on my face on any given week can be tricky so I had to wait for skin to recover and retest just the foundations to check it all out. The good news is that none of these foundations caused my allergic reaction. If you have sensitive skin check the ingredients and do a patch test first. For those curious I was allergic to some of the Dr. Bronner liquid soaps that I used to wash my sponges in and a couple sunscreens I put on my face (more on the sunscreens later because I have a dedicated roundup for those). The three I’m reviewing today include:

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Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Liquid in Nude Review

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation ($56) launched earlier this year. So many of you have loved the Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick and were excited about the liquid version. It has very mixed reviews online and I also have mixed feelings. The Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid is an opaque full coverage foundation with a velvety matte finish. I feel any time a foundation is a full matte + full coverage it’s not forgiving because you need an exact match and often times it can emphasize imperfections. This is not an easy foundation to wear but it is workable if you can find a good match. The trick to applying is to use very little and buff with their Vanish Foundation Brush. Most of the time I really prefer sponges but with this one even a damp sponge will pick up too much product. Color matching was tricky for me because a lot of the shades run really yellow/olive. I consider myself yellow/golden but many of the shades are too yellow for me. My best match is Nude which you can see below blends and darkens slightly to give a perfect match right now.

It’s described as a base that doesn’t need primer, but I 100% think it needs one. It works well with the Hourglass Veil Primer and less than 1 full pump is enough to dot my face and apply all over. Once buffed and blended with their brush it covers my skin entirely. Most of my sun spots and freckles aren’t visible. It looks seamless but matte. Setting with a power is essential and the best one to use with this is their lightweight Veil Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Since it’s opaque and matte adding some other matte powders can make it look too matte.

For me it lasted all day without budging – I did need to use a primer and buff with the brush. Without a primer or applied with a sponge it started to look very cakey within a few hours.

Bare skin vs. Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation in Nude (no concealer or powder). A few other makeup products added including the Hourglass Arch Brow Gel in Soft Brunette, L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, Confession Lipstick in I Woke Up, Tee by Reformation.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Liquid in Nude Review

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation Nude

Swatches of a few shades, plus Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion in Buff (to show how yellow the Hourglass colors run):

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation Swatches in Warm Ivory, Nude, Sand and Beige

Ingredients from Sephora:

Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Isoamyl Laurate, Caprylyl Methicone, Mica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, C10-18 Triglycerides, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Hexylene Glycol, Jojoba Esters, Polyglycerin-3, Propylene Carbonate, Quartz, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77891, Ci 77492, Ci 77491), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77499).

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Kosas Tinted Face Oil

Kosas Tinted Face Oil Review Shade 6

The Kosas Tinted Face Oil ($42) has received a lot of attention from you! It’s very fluid as it is an oil so I apply straight to a sponge. Applying on the back of my hand or fingers results in a very runny drippy mess. I didn’t know what to expect from an oil as a foundation, especially living in humid Florida and having combination skin I was pretty skeptical about this. My match is Shade 6. It has surprisingly decent coverage given how sheer and fluid it is. It’s not as sheer as the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, but the Kosas is still sheer-medium. Once on the skin it will look very dewy. I have to set with a powder otherwise it’s too dewy. I like to use this on no-makeup makeup days or for the beach when I need just a little coverage. Most days I feel like I need and want coverage so for me this is not an everyday kind of product. Being an oil it’s not really budge-proof and it will require touch ups if you’re outdoors. On me it will last for hours without issue if I’m indoors for most of the day. I do need to set with a powder and a couple of touch ups are necessary. I can layer concealer on top for more coverage and it does make the skin look very nice and fresh, but I need powder otherwise it’s really too dewy for my preference.

Bare skin on the right. On the left added brows and mascara with Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Jour but the skin has just the tinted oil on it, no concealer or powder.

Ingredients from their website:

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Silica, Kaolin, Mica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Tocopherol, Limnanthen Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera (Tea) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, May Contain [+/-] Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77499, 77491, 77492)

Kosas Tinted Face Oil in Shade 6

Some swatches of shades 5, 6 and 7:

Kosas Tinted Face Oil 5, 6 and 7

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Armani Power Fabric Foundation Balm

Armani Power Fabric Balm Foundation review in 6.5

The Armani Power Fabric Foundation Balm ($64) came highly recommended by several friends. I would like to test it more but I’ve received so many questions I thought I’d give you my first impressions. Initial thoughts are that it is very good, but I think other formulas are better. It’s a solid balm foundation that has a semi-velvety matte finish. Coverage is very good. On me it’s nearly full coverage but still manages to look like skin. I ordered the color 6.5 which is a pretty good match, it pulls a little more on the neutral side versus the Luminous Silk or Power Fabric Liquid 6.5 (both are more golden). I would have preferred it to be a little more golden but it works one blended. Pros are that it makes the skin look really nice, even and smooth with good coverage. I applied with the sponge applicator it comes with and it doesn’t absorb too much product. It looks like skin but a lot better. The downsides for me are that it can emphasize dry patches or texture and after 5-6 hours or so it separates if I don’t set with a good powder. I need to experiment with different primers but with either the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream or Drunk Elephant Polypeptide Moisturizer it looks good on the skin. I really do like the way it looks, covers and blends. All that said I prefer the liquid Power Fabric Foundation a lot more in terms of coverage and lasting power – on me it just looks better. First impressions are that it’s worth checking out. It’s a nice solid formula foundation and photographs well. I just prefer their Luminous Silk and Power Fabric Liquid for lasting power and finish and color.

Two close ups wearing the Balm Foundation on the face, no powder or concealer. On the lips is By Terry Lip Expert Shine in Bare Flirt.

Armani Power Fabric Balm Foundation in 6.5

Swatch comparisons:

Armani Luminous Silk, Power Fabric Foundation swatches 6 and 6.5 and 7

Ingredients from Nordstrom:

Cyclohexasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isohexadecane, Polyethylene, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Arachidyl Propionate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Aluminum Hydroxide, Parfum/Fragrance, Perlite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, [+/- May Contain Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides].

Quick note on the Power Fabric Concealer. I reviewed it in a roundup earlier but I’m still really loving it! I use Shade 6.5 and it has good coverage and an easy to blend texture. It’s described as a full matte finish concealer but to me it’s not really a full matte and I find it more of a natural middle of the road finish (I consider the Cle de Peau Concealer to be a true full matte). Definitely give it a swatch at the counter as the dry down feel will vary depending on your skin type. If you need something creamy I think the best one is still the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.

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I hope you found this foundation roundup helpful! I ended up liking the one from Hourglass the best out of the three formulas but the shade range makes it challenging for me to find a good match since it pulls very yellow and colors oxidize/darken. Nude works for me now and I’m hoping Beige will work as spring/summer progresses and I tan. I try to stay covered as much as I can but there’s no avoiding the sun in Florida! The Kosas Tinted Face Oil is a nice product that gives the face that fresh dewy glow but if you have oily skin it will most likely make you look too dewy. I’m still undecided about the Armani Power Fabric Balm. I really want to 100% love it and think it’s a good one, but it did emphasize some dry patches and I feel like the Power Fabric Liquid is better in terms of how it blends and sits on my skin.

 

Kosas Tinted Face Oil and Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Liquid provided for review.

 

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Sephora

Top Makeup Favorites You Can Find At Sephora

November 2, 2018

Favorite Makeup Staples from Sephora | The Beauty Look Book

I’m have Part 2 of my beauty recommendations for the second weekend of the Sephora Holiday Bonus Beauty Insider Event! This weekend continues with savings for Rouge Tier Members. This roundup focuses on my top makeup favorites for bases, cheeks, eyes and lips. You can find Part 1 Skin, Body and Hair recommendations here. Dates, codes and details:

  • Rouge get 20% Off 11/2-11/5 with code: ROUGEBONUS
  • VIB get 20% off 11/9-11/12 with code: VIBBONUS
  • Insiders/ Non-BI members get 15% off 11/16-11/19 with code: BIBONUS

Terms, conditions and exclusions listed here. I tried to narrow my absolute top picks and favorites limiting myself to under 10 per category. There are so many good products available right now, especially with holiday beauty launches. Most of these are products I consider tried and true staples but there are a few newer items I’ve tried recently I think are really worth the splurge. Products that are press samples have a * next to them.

Favorite Makeup Staples from Sephora | The Beauty Look Book

Foundations + Base:

 

Concealer:

Powders + Setting:

  • Hourglass Veil Translucent Loose Powder * is one of the new launches this year, I love this for it’s truly translucent finish (no white cast) and sheer natural matte finish.
  • Laura Mercier Translucent Loose * is my most-worn loose powder, I like it with either the puff or a regular powder brush.
  • Armani Neo-Nude Fusion Powder is the best all over setting pressed glow powder, doesn’t make me too shiny, just adds the perfect amount of even coverage and glow, if you’re oily you should probably opt for an all matte option though. Review here.
  • La Mer Sheer Pressed Powder is one I have gone through several of Light and Medium, it’s the best sheer natural pressed matte powder I’ve tried, although I will say I think MAC Next to Nothing Pressed is a very close dupe that’s cheaper (but they don’t carry MAC at Sephora).
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Pressed Powder in Medium is my holy grail blurring powder, it covers and smooths imperfections, I wish it came in more shades but am happy Medium has worked for me.
  • Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is my go-to setting spray to set makeup and help make it last longer. It’s available in a number of size options including a mini if you want to try one before splurging on the full size.

 

Eye Makeup:

  • Charlotte Tilbury Stars in Your Eyes Eyeshadow Palette is the prettiest large eyeshadow palette I think I’ve tried of the season, it rivals NARS Singapore (which is sold out everywhere as it was limited-edition), versatile for a wide range of looks – reviewed here. Swatches of the palette in this post here.
  • Urban Decay Naked2, Naked3 or Naked Cherry are great options if you’re new to shadow and don’t know where to start. Naked2 has the neutral taupes and browns, Naked3 runs more pink but still neutral, Naked Cherry * is trendy but still wearable. I reviewed Naked Cherry in this post here. There is also this pretty awesome Naked Cherry Vault in a limited-edition set available now too.
  • Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Honeymoon is probably my favorite warm neutral, it goes with anything and everything and brightens the face with any cheek color. Nude Dip comes in close second for neutrals.
  • Pat McGrath anything wins unless you’re not a glitter fan in which case I still think her MTHRSHP Subliminal Platinum Bronze Palette is amazing (review here). I’ll have a review of her Opulence collection posted tomorrow so stay tuned!
  • Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks are my most worn shadow sticks, I don’t have oily lids so they last all day for me and don’t crease. Rosegold is my holy grail go-to shade I wear the most, followed by Copper.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Shadows are also ones I like to wear a lot, I use them alone on lazy makeup days or layered with powder on top to make them last longer.
  • Natasha Denona makes amazing eyeshadows, the pigment, intensity and complexity of her palettes are really truly beautiful. It’s hard for me to pick one but I think her Camel or 5-Pan in Color Option #2 are great ones.

Brows and Lashes:

  • Anastasia Brow Wiz * in Medium Brown has been a go-to until I discovered Dior and Hourglass, since getting highlights I’ve felt the need to change my brow color to match a bit more, Taupe and Caramel have been working great for me.
  • Diorshow Brow Styler in Univeral Brown is still my holy grail, it still works even with highlights!
  • Hourglass Arch Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel * is among my favorite tinted brow gels (in either Soft Brunette or Warm Brunette), although the Tom Ford Fiber Brow Gel is also very good.
  • Surratt Lash Curler is spendy and you can find good alternatives for less, but I think it’s worth the splurge.
  • Mascara – my current favorites aren’t carried at Sephora but I’ve linked a few I’ve enjoyed in the shop the post carousel below.

 

Cheeks:

 

Lips:

 

That wraps up my top makeup picks and recommendations for things you can find during the Sephora Beauty Insider Event! Hope this helps if you’re looking for ideas. It’s always nice to have these events each year to help save on new things or to stock up on favorites. I’ll have a haul post soon and will also have another giveaway when I post the haul.

Dates, codes and details, online and in store at Sephora:

  • Rouge get 20% Off 11/2-11/5 with code: ROUGEBONUS
  • VIB get 20% off 11/9-11/12 with code: VIBBONUS
  • Insiders/ Non-BI members get 15% off 11/16-11/19 with code: BIBONUS

Let me know if you hauled anything yet! Or any fun beauty items recently if you’re not shopping the Sephora Beauty Insider Event. Always love hearing about what you end up buying!

Press samples indicated with a * next to the product listings.

 

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Hourglass Cosmetics

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Volume 4 + Confession Duo – Holiday 2018

October 25, 2018

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol 4 and Confession Lipstick Duo Review + Swatches

Reviewing some more Hourglass Cosmetic holiday launches today with swatches and thoughts on their limited-edition Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Volume 4 ($80 for 1.3 g x 6) + Confession Lipstick Duo ($34 for 2 lipsticks). Everything is limited-edition and comes in metallic lavender pink packaging.

I already reviewed the Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Unlocked Edition earlier in the month but received so many requests to compare it to the Volume 4 Palette. The two have a similar luminous feel, Unlocked has all new shades while Volume 4 has mostly repeats. The shades are easy to wear and have a range of setting powder, highlight, bronzer and blush.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol 4 Holiday 2018

Ambient Lighting Edit Volume 4 Colors include:

  • Dim Light – nude pale pink with a satin finish
  • Diffused Light – pale yellow with a satin matte finish
  • Euphoric Strobe Light – shimmering champagne
  • Filtered Bronze Light – new, neutral soft light bronze shimmer
  • Luminous Glow Blush – new, shimmery peach with champagne (similar to Incandescent Electra, but this one is deeper)
  • Euphoric Fusion – swirled champagne highlight with mauve plum shimmer

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol 4 Holiday 2018

Because the reflection of the packaging plays tricks on my eyes depending on light, I have two close ups. In indoor lighting below:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol 4 Holiday 2018

In direct sunlight:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol 4 Holiday 2018 in sunlight

The palette performs really well. Part of me wishes it had all new shades. Even the new ones have a similar vibe to existing colors. I do really love this one, I think I prefer it to Unlocked. I find it works better for my skintone and has more of what I’m looking for in an entire look. Unlocked is still very pretty, it just runs darker on my skin. Everything has smooth application. The texture is the same quality as individual products. Skin is left luminous and glowing. Shimmers don’t emphasize pores. Lasting power is excellent.

A look at Unlocked (reviewed here) vs Volume 4:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked vs. Volume 4

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked vs. Volume 4 swatches

There are a few lip set options this holiday, I ordered the Confession Lipstick Duo with My One Desire and At Night. I neglected to check my stash and didn’t realize I already had these from previous launches until I swatched them. These come with one case (the pink tube) and the black case is the refill. You can definitely use the lipstick without the metallic case. My One Desire is a neutral cool mauve pink, At Night is a deep brick red. Both perform true to the Confession Lipstick formula – ultra creamy, opaque, smooth and long lasting. I still think these are among the most overpriced lipsticks on the market, but the quality, color selection and finish are truly excellent. A look at the Hourglass Confession Lipstick Duo My One Desire and At Night vs original Gold Packaging. All the existing Confession Ultra Slim Lipsticks swatched here.

Hourglass Confession Lipstick Duo My One Desire and At Night vs Gold Packaging

Hourglass Confession Lipstick Duo My One Desire and At Night swatches

Hourglass Confession Lipstick Duo My One Desire and At Night swatches

Hourglass Confession Lipstick Duo My One Desire and At Night swatches

Hourglass Holiday 2018 Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol 4 and Confession Lipstick Duo Review + Swatches

Beauty look below with new hair! Also wearing Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 6.5 + 7 mixed. Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Volume 4 Dim Light + Diffused applied all over as a setting powder, a mix of Filtered Bronze Light and Euphoric Fusion on the cheeks, Euphoric Strobe Light on the eyes. My One Desire worn on the lips.

Ambient Lighting Volume 4

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol 4 and Confession Lipstick Duo Review + Swatches

Quality-wise everything is excellent. I’m really happy with the palette even though I have repeats. I always find them convenient for on-the-go or travel. All this said if you already own some Hourglass powders or palettes I’d recommend that you shop your stash. If you’ve never splurged on an Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder the palettes are a great way to dive into the line. Quality is great and even though the price of palettes is steep it’s a nice way to try multiple colors and finishes rather than buying individual colors which add up to more. Yes, value-wise price per ounce or gram the palettes are not the smartest buy. I also feel this way about the lipsticks but have mentioned numerous times the quality is excellent.

I bought my holiday picks from Sephora. The limited-edition pink packaging is also available at Hourglass Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Beautylish and Barneys New York. Don’t forget that tomorrow is the start of the Sephora VIB Sale so if you have this on your wishlist you might want to save it for the event! Recs and roundup to go live soon 🙂

Have you checked out any of the Hourglass holiday launches this year yet? What did you think?

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