I Just Tried the New Hourglass Foundation, and I Have Many Thoughts

As I write this, I’m trying to remember the last time I wore a proper foundation. With the non-stop heatwave that was this summer, I pretty much ditched base products all together and opted to show off my sun-kissed skin, enhancing it with a little bronzer and cream blush. When it’s hot, the idea of wearing a foundation all day feels almost oppressive, but as summer winds down, I’m looking for a soft reintroduction to bases to subtly enhance my complexion as all the summer glow slowly drains away. Enter Hourglass’s new Ambient Soft Glow Foundation. 

There’s no doubt Hourglass is known for its glow. The Ambient Lighting Powder set the standard for setting powders that kept makeup in place but are luminising rather than matte and cakey. Even the brand’s high-coverage offering, the Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, is blurring without being heavy. And while glow is a term that is immediately appealing to me as a consumer, it strikes a bit of fear that it will highlight my oily T-zone, which is why I prefer sticking to more matte or satin formulas. Luckily, the finish of this foundation is a crowd-pleaser, and it comes in 32 shades across three undertones.

This foundation isn’t matte, but it isn’t dewy, either. I would classify it as having a satin finish, with the glow coming from the soft-focus pigments. These pigments create a luminous, blurred effect that evens your skin tone and can be built up without looking caked-on, just gently perfected. Kind of like you’ve swiped the Instagram Paris filter over your face.

The formula is transfer-proof and water-resistant, but my T-zone did need powdering down after four hours, so if you’re oily like I am, be sure to prime and set to avoid unwanted shine. If you have dry skin, you’ll love the texture, as it’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t feel like it’s sitting on top of the skin. The formula is also non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry if you have skin prone to breakouts. For application, I preferred a buffing brush to really blend it in. I found when I tried applying it with a damp beauty sponge, it made it too sheer, and it sucked up a lot of the product.

houglass-ambient-soft-glow-foundation-301943-1661204762313-main

(Image credit: @keeksreid)

After applying the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation

One thing I would say is that this formula doesn’t really give max coverage, even when you build up a couple of layers. I have a bit of pigmentation from spots, and it really didn’t cover them, so a concealer is very much still needed for that. But if you’re looking for a soft, all-over glow post-summer, this is a perfect pick.

More Hourglass Favourites

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Explore More: