What it is: A universal finishing powder that features state-of-the-art technology to recreate the most exquisitely flattering types of light. What it does: Create your perfect light. Ambient Lighting Powder is a groundbreaking collection of finishing powders that capture, diffuse, and soften the way light reflects on your skin. Unlike traditional powders, which merely cloak imperfections, Ambient Lighting Powder utilizes photoluminescent technology to filter out harsh light and refine the appearance of the complexion. The powders deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skintone, making it appear softer, younger, and lit-from-within. The finishing powders enhance skin in any type of light, including flash photography. With six universal shades available, you can create your desired effect—not unlike having a personal lighting technician. Ambient is free of talc, gluten, fragrance, and nanoparticles. It is available in six universally flattering shades from least pearl to most pearl. Ethereal Light: A sheer, cool tone that eliminates shine and mimics a moonlit glow—even in broad daylight. Diffused Light: A soft, warm, pale yellow that reduces redness, eliminates shine, and gives skin clarity. Dim Light: A neutral soft beige that provides a perfect balance of warm and cool tones to blur imperfections. Mood Light: A soft, sheer lavender pink that mimics the softest, most forgiving light and brightens the complexion. Luminous Light: A champagne pearl that creates a soft, incandescent candlelit glow—day or night. Radiant Light: A sun-kissed golden beige that enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle warmth. What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens What else you need to know: “I learned early on how different types of light can truly flatter the complexion. Growing up, my mother had pink light bulbs in all of the lamps throughout the house. She loved pink light because it was the softest and most flattering, and she always wanted to look good. I used this concept of lighting in Ambient Lighting Powder.” Carisa Janes, Hourglass Founder

Questions & Answers:

24 Questions

66 Answers

Ask a New Question

Overall Rating:

4.2

out of

Read All 261 Reviews261

Questions & Answers for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Question

Does this come with a puff or brush, or no applicator?

asked 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Chewels

(Charlotte, NC)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

5 answers

Answers

answer 1

There is a brush by Hourglass that is for use specifically with this product, but you have to purchase it separately.
I have been using a fluffy blush brush for overall application when I use this as a finishing powder.

answered 1 month, 1 week ago

AleksDaye

(Lowell, MA)

answer 2

no, this product doesn't come with any applicator. Hourglass promotes $35 Ambient Powder Brush to use with it, but you have to purchase separately. I just use my own kabuki or powder brushes, but I've heard that the Hourglass Ambient Powder Brush is really nice to apply this product and other highlighting products too.

answered 1 month, 1 week ago

Momobee

(New York, NY)

answer 3

Does not come with any type of brush or puff. Should use a brush and I just use the one I already had. It's a natural bristle and works fine for me. Just remember use a little and shake off the brush.

answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Dee09

(Virginia)

answer 4

No applicator provided. But Hourglass does have a companion brush if you want that. I use a powder brush if using it to set my makeup. When I'm using the product for a highlight, I actually use my #56 Sephora brush.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

WittyW

answer 5

Sorry, the blush does not come with a brush or applicator. We suggest using the Sephora Pro Angled Blush Brush #49> http://bit.ly/10chMgg to apply it.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

1877SEPHORA

(San Francisco, CA)

Question

What would you recommend for mild rosacea? I am fair with pink undertones but my cheeks are noticeably redder so I need to even my skin tone.

asked 1 month, 3 weeks ago

goldgate1

(Phoenix, AZ)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

4 answers

Answers

answer 1

You might want to use concealer on your cheeks to even out your skin tone before applying.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

bobbireviews

(South Carolina)

answer 2

My friend has very pink cheeks and she uses the yellow-based shade (I believe it's Dim) and it does cut the redness.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

MsGoldgirl

(San Antonio, TX)

answer 3

I would use the "yellow" shade to cut the red.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

palmtree27

answer 4

You might want to try the Diffused Light, to help reduce redness from your rosacea. It will also eliminate shine, helping perfect the appearance of your skin.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

miabt

(San Francisco)

Question

Shine/oil control

How does this product perform for oil control in the Tzone? I currently use Nars powder foundation and Nars Light Reflecting Setting Powder. I am not satisfied with the setting powder because I still get the afternoon oil slick on my nose. Does this product give you all day shine control? How does it perform for retouches?

asked 1 month, 1 week ago

ahbuddha7

(missoula, mt)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

4 answers

Answers

answer 1

No shine through at all!

answered 3 weeks, 6 days ago

Lasell

(Old saybrook, CT)

answer 2

These powders don't really give you a matte, velvet finish. They're all more of a satin finish. The very subtle amount of pearescent shimmer in some of them can make you look a little more dewy, while the others soften or glow. They're meant to play on light it looks like, so for strictly oil control, I'd say another product would probably do better.

answered 4 weeks ago

RawrtheLyan

(FPO, AP)

answer 3

For me, this didn't provide that much oil control; but, it didn't make me overly greasy-looking either. The NARS powder looked nice but made me so oily! With the ambient powder, I just blot with a blotter sheet and re-dust this on my face and all is well.

answered 1 month, 1 week ago

krissy00417

(Austin, TX)

answer 4

I agree, I love the NARS light reflecting powder pretty much for under eyes only. I think that these powders control oil better than the NARS powder does, but I don't think they are really meant to give great oil control. You may want to try a matte primer beneath or look for a powder that is meant specifically for shine/oil control.

answered 1 month, 1 week ago

Momobee

(New York, NY)

Question

does this powder sink into fine lines?

I have fine lines under my eyes, around my mouth (smile lines), and my forehead. I am not sure why but this powder really makes them stand out. Is this happening to anyone else who has tried this powder? Or is it just me? I really love that the powder reduces redness, but I hate how it makes my fine lines stand out.. ;/

asked 3 weeks, 5 days ago

sarakabu

(Chicago, IL)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

4 answers

Answers

answer 1

I, too, have fine lines at the corners of my eyes and I don't use this powder in that area. I use it (in color Mood Light) to even out my blotchy complexion, and it does a fabulous job of that. I use it mostly on my t-zone and sides of my face, blending very well and I get the effect of smoothing out irregular tone and blotches. I use a very fine milled finishing powder BEFORE I apply this product so I don't see any need to add additional powder to areas that definitely don't need it. I would use it on my cheeks, but find I don't need it as I use a Nars Luminizer there. Hope that helps.

answered 4 days ago

thedizzymermaid

(Los Angeles, CA)

answer 2

Me too. It took down some redness but my fine lines and pores looked worse than ever. I returned it. I really wanted to love it but just couldn't make it work.

answered 2 weeks, 5 days ago

Anonymous

(Chattanooga TN)

answer 3

I think that maybe you are putting too much on. You really only need a light dusting to get the effect.

answered 3 weeks, 4 days ago

mmmg

(naples, fl)

answer 4

I cannot attest to the Hourglass powders setting in fine lines, BUT I do have dry skin and a lot of powders often make my pores look enormous. I find the ones with more shimmer (specifically Luminous Light) tend to emphasize pores and other skin imperfections whereas the more matte powders (speficially Diffused Light) don't settle so much. For reference I tend to use the Diffused Light as a setting powder in my t-zone and Luminous Light more as a highlighter. I hope this helps and that this product works out. They are so beautiful!

answered 3 weeks, 5 days ago

WittyW

Question

how to determine which color to use?

how does one go about deciding which color best suits them?

asked 2 months, 4 weeks ago

emiliea

(Milwaukee, WI)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

4 answers

Answers

answer 1

Check out Youtube for some reviews..the best one I've found is by JoshCollierMUA...Good luck!

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

MaryEB33

(Chicopee, MA)

answer 2

If they do not carry this product in-store then you can't try it but that is the best way to find the perfect match.
I am fair skinned and use the lightest color. I would recommend the color that best relates to your skin tone. If you are medium go with the darker color. You can return products if they don't work for you.
I liked this product as it doesn't contain a lot of talc which can appear to sit in a wrinkle or make your face look dry.

answered 2 months ago

coniljw

(Narberth, PA)

answer 3

Check out Youtube there is a great review by Josh Collier (I think that is his name), he works for Hourglass and went over each product.

answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago

blackberrygirl

(Las Vegas, NV)

answer 4

It really depends on what type of effect you want on your skin and your skin tone. Radiant and Luminous have tiny specks of sparkle in them. Dim hides inperfections and smoothes your overall look (my pic). I think Luminous, Dim, and Radiant are shades than be used on most skintones. Moon, Ethreal, and Differed would be best on fairer skin tones.

answered 2 months, 4 weeks ago

CaramelLady

Question

How can I decide on the best shade?

The Ambient Lighting Powder looks awesome. I don't know how to choose the right tone.. I would like to start with one and perhaps add one later. I think you have various tones I've ordered on file. My skin can tend toward sallow (yellow doesn't look at all good on me,) I generally wear a muted lipstick and highight my eyes for a natural look. I often wear tanning cream to give slightly olive colored skin more definitionl.

asked 1 month, 2 weeks ago

thaisa

(Berkeley, California)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

4 answers

Answers

answer 1

You really have to play with it. What you see in the store light is NOT what it will look like outside or in regular lighting. The powders are very subtle. There is a great youtube video by JoshCollierMUA that goes through all the colors of the powders and how to apply them. You can even email him questions, and he's quick to respond.

answered 3 weeks, 4 days ago

mmmg

(naples, fl)

answer 2

Radiant is great to sustain a tan or for medium skin. I researched these and found the best, most thorough review is from JoshCollierMua on youtube. He works for the company so he shows swatches for all the colors and tells you which is meant for different skin tones/types.

answered 4 weeks ago

RawrtheLyan

answer 3

"Dim Light" (neutral peach-beige) or "Mood Light" (sheer lavender-pink) may enhance your olive skin and leave you looking less sallow. I have used "Mood Light" and love it. A little goes a long way, as this is highly pigmented. I very gently sweep it over my entire face for a lovely look or concentrate on the apples of my cheeks as blush.

answered 1 month ago

gigisd

(Pittsburgh, PA)

answer 4

The sales associates said Dim Light was the most universally flattering.

answered 1 month ago

JenniWon

(Toledo, OH)

Question

Mood light good for pale pink undertones?

Description says lavender pink color. Would it be good on the cheeks of a pale pink undertoned person?

asked 3 months ago

laceyloubatz

(Monroe, WA)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

3 answers

Answers

answer 1

I have light, cool (pink) skin and I like my makeup to enhance that quality in my complexion. Mood looks very good on me. I don't think you would be diappointed with it.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

garnett

(Long Island, NY)

answer 2

These powders are very sheer and are not meant to be a blush or a bronzer. You don't need to use cool tones with cool toned skin or warm with only warm toned skin. I have yellow undertones in my skin, but I use Diffused and Ethereal. The biggest differences in the lighter shades versus the darker are that the darker shades have more sparkle to them. Other than that, choose your preference for a highlighter color or for all over finishing powder. Even the palest skin tones will not be able to use these as a blush.

answered 2 months, 1 week ago

crazy4cosmetics2

(Providence, RI)

answer 3

If you want to enhance your pink skin color, use Mood. Actually anyone wanting to add a soft pinkness to the tone of skin could use Mood.

answered 2 months, 3 weeks ago

luvz2shp

(USA)

Question

does this come with a brush or applicator?

asked 1 month, 3 weeks ago

lisanicole1976

(Washington, DC)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

3 answers

Answers

answer 1

This does not come with a brush or applicator. Hourglass sells a brush separately, but any fluffy brush will do.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

MsGoldgirl

(San Antonio, TX)

answer 2

No. Hourglass does make a brush that goes with it, but it is sold separately.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Uma679

(NYC)

answer 3

No this powder doesn't come with anything at all.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

katharina

(East Coast)

Question

How do I know which shade to use?

I read the product description; still don't know which shade and at the price hate to choose the wrong one.

I'm 65, have combination skin, green eyes. Hair would be light brown or dark blonde (whichever) and with warm tones.

asked 1 month, 3 weeks ago

nikilet

(Kadoka, SD)

on Ambient Lighting Powder

3 answers

Answers

answer 1

My coloring is similar and I use Mood all over and highlight with Luminous straight down from mid forehead and above cheeks. Sure you'll like it. You don't need much to give your skin a nice glow.

answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Dee09

(Virginia)

answer 2

To Anonymous from Boston: Your answer doesn't help at all because you didn't say what shade you purchased.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

nikilet

(Kadoka, SD)

answer 3

I would check out this video review of all the shades: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtsfnGUGba4

I watched that video and had it narrowed down to two shades. Then, I went to the store and tried on each shade to make my decision. I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Hope that helps

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Anonymous

(Boston, MA)

Question

I have olive skin tone and green eyes. I tan dark in the summer. What color powder would be best on my skin for summer months?

In my 40's some fine lines and sun damage(dark spots). I don't wear a foundation. Sometimes a BB cream. Most days only moisturizer.

asked 1 month, 3 weeks ago

abrown6712

on Ambient Lighting Powder

3 answers

Answers

answer 1

I have light olive skin, also 40, have minimal sun damage and one obvious dark spot high on my cheek bone. I have the Radiant Light. It works well as a bronzer or a highlighter. I also use as blush. I use it over moisturizer and liquid foundation. I use a custom blended foundation so it looks as if I have no makeup on, just smoother, all one color, and minimal pores. Sometimes I use it after my finishing powder(laura mercier universal setting powder) sometimes I use it as my finishing powder. I say give it a try.....it is a beautiful multi use product.

answered 1 month ago

stella78

(Atlanta, Ga)

answer 2

I love these powders! I think you could use the Luminous or the Radiant. Since we are heading into the warmer weather and you will start to tan soon, I would say go with the Radiant. I don't think that you will be disappointed.

answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago

garnett

(Long Island, NY)

answer 3

I have green eyes and fair skin. I tried the Dim in the store and it was gorgeous, but a little too dark for me. So, maybe Dim would be good for your olive complexion.

answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Anonymous

(Boston, MA)

1 | 2 | 3 | ...next