Last year, when Hourglass released their Ambient Lighting Powders, there was quite a lot of excitement. I never quite managed to pull the trigger on the powders, but as soon as the Ambient Lighting Blushes were available for VIBs on Sephora's website, I placed my order.
Top: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Radiant Magenta, Bottom: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat
I chose two shades, Radiant Magenta, described as a "golden fucshia" and Diffused Heat, a "vibrant poppy." I love how gorgeous both look in the pan, but in terms of the overall product, I am torn.
Given the hype around these blushes, I was hoping for something amazing and revolutionary, but as I've read on other reviews, this blush isn't a miracle. However, it IS very pretty. Generally, I find it to be a very glowy blush with a natural finish, but I don't think that those of you with a huge blush collection need to drop everything and run out to get these.
I've been applying these with the Real Techniques Multitask Brush or the Trish Mcevoy 2B Sheer Blush Brush (an old favorite!) and both of them work beautifully with these blushes. I'm particularly impressed that the blush applies without needing much blending with the Trish brush, as that one can create some very definite edges with pigmented powder products.
Diffused Heat
Radiant Magenta
Of the two shades, I prefer Diffused Heat, which has noticeable shimmer in the pan but looks natural on. Radiant Magenta on the other hand is not super magenta in shade but more of a bright medium pink. I find that Diffused Heat looks better on me, while Radiant Magenta can sometimes just look like whatever redness I may be experiencing on my cheeks. Actually, the two shades do look great mixed together! :-P
I also have to note that there were some days where this blush seemed to disappear from my skin within a few hours. Gummy mentioned that it could be due to whatever foundation I was using, and she seems to be right as I haven't run into that issue since. (Though I wish I remembered what foundation that was!)
All in all, I think this is a great blush but perhaps not worth the crazy hype. (ALL of them are currently sold out online at Sephora, and I don't believe they have made it to stores yet.) I decided to keep only one, and I chose Diffused Heat because it brings some nice warmth to my face. Plus, Mr. Bunny has complimented my face EVERY single time I've worn it. :)
What do you think about Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes? Do you think they're worth the hype? I'd love to know! :)