Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders – Diffused and Luminous Light

I am completely in love with the whole range of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders. If you have not tried these as yet, then what are you waiting for. Just mosey on down to Sephora and get yourself one. Although these are grouped together as an all-over finishing powders, I don’t think they should all be used the same way. Each powder has a unique purpose and can be used all over the face or in strategic areas. I not too recently acquired Diffused Light and Luminous Light to add to my collection. I already have Dim Light, Incandescent Light (limited edition) and Radiant Light in smaller versions as part of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette.

“The Ambient Lighting Powders (US $45.00 / CAD $52.00) are finishing powders that capture, diffuse and soften the way light is reflected on your skin. They brighten the appearance, conceal imperfections, pores and wrinkles so the skin looks younger, radiant and more even toned”. There are six shades in total: Ethereal Light, Diffused Light, Mood Light, Luminous Light, Dim Light and Radiant Light. These were designed to mimic the effects of different types of flattering lights and I love how they feel so luxurious, elegant, and high quality.

Diffused Light: A soft, warm, pale yellow powder. Reduces redness, eliminates shine and gives skin clarity.
Ethereal Light: An opalescent sheer, cool white powder. Eliminates shine and 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. Creates a soft, incandescent candlelit glow- day or night.

Diffused Light is described as a pale yellow that looks translucent when applied. I use it as an all-over finishing powder like Dim Light. It provides a sheer luminous finish when used over foundation because it has visible flecks of shimmer in sunlight. It is amazing for setting your concealer and brighten under eyes. Diffused Light is one that appears to be the most matte of all but it still has some finely milled shimmer. The powder looks very light in the pan but it works for my medium/olive complexion since it doesn’t add much color. When applied it softens the skin and gives skin clarity while blurring fine lines without looking cakey on the skin. It makes everything look flawless and gorgeous. I think this is suitable for most skin types.

Luminous Light is less of a finishing powder and more of a subtle highlighter in my opinion. It has a neutral, champagne base and an ultra-fine shimmer that is slightly visible in the pan. It has more shimmer than a regular setting powder. I’ve actually really enjoyed Luminous Light on the high points of my face because it is wonderful as a highlighter and the glow is so soft that it can be used down the t-zone sparingly without making the complexion look frosty or oily. It photographs beautifully but if you have oily skin, I’d probably keep it away from the T-zone. It creates a soft, candlelit glow.

If you are interested in trying out these powders, Hourglass just release their Ambient Lighting Edit Palette that also includes Diffused Light and would be a good option for those who don’t own any Hourglass powders or blushes, or for anyone new to the brand that would like to try multiple products.

Have you tried any of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders? Which is your favorite?