I am an Hourglass TM Devote. LOVE this stuff and have tried just about everything else on the market. There is a video by hourglass on YourTube that shows you to use your fingers and start in the areas of your face that are the reddest. That being said, I like to use the Hourglass #2 brush, I feel it thins it out more and give me less coverage which I like (too much doesn't look good on my skin). Either a brush or your fingers, primer or no primer it always is a gorgeous finish, and light. I do find during the day the need to add a take of LM Secret Finish (the Dewy) or the Pure Aloe Vera (a tad) on my face as it can make me feel a tad dry. The less I use the less dry I feel.

I mix a couple drops of skinceuticals serum with one to two pumps of the tinted moisturizer, and then I rub it between my clean fingers to warm up. I apply it to my face with my fingers until it disappears. Hope you love this product as much as I do!

I use a brush for a lighter coverage, the one from the same line. I like it because I don't end up with brush hairs all over my face. I use my finger tips for a heavier coverage. Both I think works.

I think the best and quickest way to apply it is to add it with your daily moisturizer and apply it like you would apply your daily moisturizer. It doesn't leave any streaks, so it dosn't matter if you just throw it on.

I started out using a stippling brush but the easiest and best brush is sephora's classic mineral powder brush ($26). I put one pump of hourglass on the top of my loose powder lid and dab the brush on a small portion of the hourglass and then dab it on my forehead and buff it for an airbrushed, natural look. Then I do my nose, chin, cheeks, etc.. The brush works really well because it doesn't absorb the makeup.

One pump, my fingers. Have tried brushes before. Fingers spread this out and evenly on your face

I bought the corresponding brush and it applies really well. The travel on is less expensive and just at durable. I was told that maintenance was easy. The sales woman said that all it takes is a wipe with some rubbing alcohol.

I just use my fingers.

When I went in person to the Sephora store, they applied this with the Hourglass brush. I never used a brush for tinted moisturizer or foundation before. It really works. Makes it look like no make up at all! Just use a really soft, powder-type brush.

Best way to apply is with a brush, which you can purchase at Sephora. The store saleswoman suggested the mineral powder brush which is actually awesome. Flawless application, best way to blend and get everywhere evenly. Highly recommend.

I use my fingers to apply, like i would a moisturizer then I use a clean kabuki brush after applying powder to blend and smooth out. You will love this stuff!

It is an oil free moisturizer, I believe. In fact, if my skin isn't hydrated normally -say in colder weather, it feels like my skin is even drier when I use it. I actually use a light moisturizer before using this product.

yes

definitely dont wear other foundation with it it will look too cakey. use a whole pump for maximum coverage

It is advertised as oil-free.

Yes!

It doesn't have any oil to my knowledge. You don't need to use alot for good coverage and it lasts all day.

Yes it is oil free

It is oil free, it's right on the label. It's called a tinted moisturizer and it has SPF 15. Hope this is helpful.

Yes it is, as the label and info states, Oil free.

The description says it's oil free. I used it only a few times and didn't break out from it, so I think it really must be oil free, but I returned it because it has sparkles/glitter in it that is very obvious.

I never wait an hour! Coverage is definatley buildable.

I have been using about a year and just love this. You may want to look up Hourglass on youtube and view the man doing the models make up using his fingers (not the woman with the brush). I find that one pump is all that is needed, and sometimes I go for more thinking I need more coverage and then find I have too much on my face (I put all over, my eyelids, undereye area, etc). I find it slightly darkens within an hour or so, so I do my make up but really go lighter on any bronzer. I sometimes need to add more luminizer or blusher on my cheeks, esp towards the end of the day to give it a fresh look - I do use a moisturizer with SPF under this (I wait about 5 minutes before applying this although this is just my routine), and I use no face powder over this - I have skin that runs on the dry side and never get shiney (I actually add face shine to my face to give it some dimension).

I see no reason to wait to apply the rest of your makeup. I put everything on in 10 minutes and it stays all day but I do use a makeup primer first.

I have found that this product alone is more than enough coverage to use alone with a little loose powder dusted over it. I use it in lieu of thick, heavy foundation and love the way my skin feels and looks!

It's definitely buildable. I have freckles and some acne scars and it covers them pretty well. I use a concealer brush to dap a little bit on my spots, and if i need a little extra i dab a tiny amount of concealer on it. It also helps to swirl a small powder brush (like a blush brush) in a little bit of powder, and just lightly touch the brush on the skin for a little more coverage.

It says it is:
What else you need to know:
This oil-free formula provides intense hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Ideal for normal and dry/dehydrated skin.

You don't need to wear foundation or any other kind of makeup over this product. If you need more coverage - just apply a little more where applicable.

No, you dont have to wait an hour to apply the rest. Who has that kind of time anyway right? It is very buildable. I add foundation and/or concealer in spots that I need a little more coverage. Doesnt look cakey at all. I use a setting powder on top and it lasts and lasts.

You can build onto this product. I use a light powder foundation to seal the deal, but it is not always needed. You could also use a finishing powder too, but I would not use a liquid foundation over this product.

I do not find I need any additional foundation over it. I do use a light dusting of mineral powder over it because it makes the coverage last. If you're using foundation, why use a tinted moisturizer? A moisturizer with sunscreen or a foundation with sunscreen would do the trick. But even if you did use another liquid product over it, there would be no reason to wait to apply. I do find it's somewhat buildable, but prefer to use one layer and dust with mineral powder.

I think this might have a little more color in it than the porcelain. However, i think you should give it a try anyway. it has yellow in it, which I needed, because i have such red, fair skin. the ivory wasn't good for me either.. way too orange/pink

Yes - I switched from the lightest LM to the Shell. I first tried the Ivory but this darkens a bit within an hour from application .... and the Ivory is too dark on my skin as is the LM beige

I also wear porcelain in LM tinted moisturizer and have to say that this TM in shell was too yellow-y for my skintone. It was light enough, just the color was... off.

Im pretty sure shell would work for you. I have very light skin but I personally use ivory because i have some freckles and my face is a little darker than my neck. shell has neutral undertones and matched my almost white neck if that helps!

I have Shell and it seems to match It does shimmer a bit though and does darken during the day. I use it in the summer, and as a concealer, not really a good look in the winter months.

The product is very comparable to LM porcelain shade wise but with more coverage and an a slightly illuminated finish.

Yes, very close but a tad darker.

This is a much better product. I have tried the LM and found hourglass to be a much better product.

I emailed Hourglass about this product. They say that it should be applied after moisturizing and priming. I actually emailed them to find out if Illusion is noncomedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin. The answer: yes! I'm totally buying this one when I run out of Laura Mercier's TM (which I also like).

Wow, after reading all the diverse responses to this question, my only answer is "It depends." I live in a dry desert climate and I cannot imagine using this in addition to my moisturizer - my face would result in one giant oil slick. So, it appears it depends on your skin type and the quality of your normal moisturizer. Also, my personal experience is that a little of this product goes a long way . . . even w/out my normal moisturizer, if I apply too much of this alone I will still end up with an oil slick (but, less major.) For me, this means the product will last a loonngg time and is, therefore, a good buy. However, I do not use this everyday.

I have found that it moisturizes enough on some days, but during winter months, I use another light moisturizer underneath.

Depends on your skin type. Personally, I have dry skin and definitely need a moisturizer before, otherwise it doesn't go on as nicely, and the dryness is visible under the product (same goes for other tinted moisturizers and foundations I've tried.)

depends on your skin type. I have normal/combination skin and I use DDF spf 15 moisturizer before I use this.
Hope that helps.

Yes. Use Rexaline skin densifying anti-wrinkle cream- AWESOME!!

In the winter I do put on a light moisturizer first, but the rest of the year, I'm fine without it.

The LM is thicker, needs to be "set" with powder, doesn't have as good of color range and feels more like a thick moisturizer (this feels more like a light foudation). I gave up on LM after years of trying.

The Tarte is best for those with very oily skin. It drys (clay) with a very matt finish.

BB, JM and others are thin, like like a liquid with a slight tint. May as well use your own drop of foundation with your own moisturizer at that point.

For every other TM - color range has been an issue - they seem to think a light, medium and dark are good for all and they fail to consider undertones.

This is the best (I have just come back to TM - suprise !! after having used and then given up after needing more coverage)

This is the best I've tried. Great long- lasting coverage, flawless luminous look and lightweight feel.
Not the best color selection for those with very pale complexions and/ or cool undertones.

A giant leap above Laura Mercier, Chanel, BareMinerals and Smashbox in coverage and wear. Still lightweight.

I had a sample for the Laura Maucier tinted moisturizer and I found that it's thicker and made my skin slighter oilier than the hourglass. I like the hourglass much better, better oil control.

I have tried several other tinted moisturizes such as Laura Mercier. I have really sensitive skin and have found this moisturizer to by far be the best. It is light but gives great coverage and does not irritate my skin at all.

Compared to other tinted moisturizers:

Laura Mercier- awesome tinted moisturizer, not as much coverage, not formulated without the parabens, sulfates, etc that are harsh of your skin. Doesn't have the hyaluronic acit and instalift for anti-aging. More colors to choose from.

Tarte- very natural as well, no parabens, synthetic fragrances, or phthalates. More colors to choose from as well. Not the same dewy finish, or antiaging qualities. SPF 20 vs 15.

Overall, I personally like the hourglass tinted moisturizer the best- great coverage, long lasting, looks flawless.

This TM is very good for my dry skin. It goes on very smoothly with a brush and all you need is maybe a little blush for added color on your cheeks.

Yes Ivory is darker than shell - Shell is the lightest color - a tad lighter than NUDE in Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer but a tad darker with more yellow than the LM in Porcelain

I think so. I use ivory and, like you, am fair with some freckles and t matches my skin tone perfectly.

Ivory is great for light skin with some dark freckles, or in my case, red splotches. It evens out the tone without looking too make-up-y.

Stop by Sephora and try Ivory

Yes, Ivory is darker than Shell.

I am fair skinned and have freckles too, but I have more pink tones to my skin color, so I went with the sand. I really liked the color match, it was a little darker than my normal shade, but I just blended really well at the neckline and went a little lighter when applying it (since it's more like a foundation than a tinted moisturizer). I liked this a lot minus the sparkles/glitter, so unfortunately I did return it.

I have light skin also and a fair amount of freckles. I found the ivory to match perfect and in the summer when I tend to get a little darker it is still going to be perfect since it isn't really light. I would try the ivory it really is a terrific color. Maybe try a sample or a color match at the store if you are unsure.

I think sand is lighter. I wear ivory in winter when I'm palest. For my tone, which is yellow-neutral but no pink (nc20ish), I find sand the right color when I'm a bit more tanned. It i were to get really tanned (like week on the beach) I'd prob be light beige .

I was in a similar situation. I bought the Sand color and ended up returning it for light beige with looked darker on my hand, but seemed lighter on my face. In my opinion, Sand is more pink and orange than Light Beige is more neutral. I think you really need to try it on in person and play with the application (it really makes a HUGE difference).

Yes, sand has a differnt undertone and therefore appears lighter. The colors jump around a bit.

I use Sand and it's a light beige with some peach undertone but it's definitely not orange. LOVE IT

Did you get to try the products on at Sephora? The sand looks really pretty especially for spring. If you do have the opportunity, take advantage of it and go to Sephora. I have medium colored skin and was given a sample of Ivory. I loved it. However, it was the middle of winter and I was not in SF. All snow and no sun :)

Just bought Sand for that very reason. As it's listed in the store its makes it out that Light Beige is lighter, but Sand it definitely lighter. I found Light beige to be rather dark, except maybe in the height of summer. I mix Sand and Shell for this time of year and wean down as I get paler lol

Yes, it is actually waterproof. This tinted moisterizer can withstand the heat. I'm sure if you dunk your head into water, it might sheer out but it won't smudge.

I live in Ft. L and am using this product down here.

i have not tried this but have worn in AZ sun it did ok (some sweat off though) a better product might be Josie Maran SPF 30 nice stuff - if you have oily skin it might bother you- you need to mix it on your finger tips then put on works well outside and holds up in over 100 in AZ. I use a moisturizer under (a light weight - not a brand name) and then put on Josie Maran. I did not like it that well at first the product does separate but when you mix it on fingers and then apply it isnot bad takes a little getting used to at first.

YES. I have gone to bikram yoga in it and it doesn't separate on my face. I have also cried in it a few times and it didn't budge. Love this stuff!

Yes it is. I can tell because I apply it with my fingertips and must wash my hands with soap and water to get it off. It does not just wash away and the water does bead on my hands.

**Thank you so much MakeupMaven! You're the best!**

I got a sample in Ivory and it matched me perfectly. It's hard to find a product that isn't to orange-y and this is perfect. I also have fair (Celtic) skin with pink undertones and the Ivory is absolutely beautiful.

I had a sample in Light Beige.

Ivory sample worked perfectly for me, which is more of a light pale sand.

Ivory

The sample color I got from Sephora was actually Ivory so it must depend on when/where you got it! I am fair with some light freckles and both pink and yellow undertones and the Ivory matches perfectly for me!

i am also using the same shade of bare minerals and hte light beige ( recieved in a sample size) blends in perfectly. Hope this helps!