Hourglass is a brand I’ve been lusting over for years. I’ve been wanting to try their Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick and Ambient Lighting Powder for what seems like an eternity and even came dangerously close to purchasing the Confession Refillable Lipstick Set on several occasions. I’m not even sure where my closest Hourglass counter is and paying over £40 for a foundation or powder I’ve never seen or, most importantly, swatched before is living life a little too dangerously for my liking. I was looking for a replacement for my beloved Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder when I came across the newly launched Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. With over 331 five star reviews on Sephora and an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, I finally purchased my first ever Hourglass product from Cult Beauty, but can a setting powder ever be worth £36?
The Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder (10.5g) is a finely milled powder that contains light-reflecting particles designed to blur imperfections and minimise the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles. As you’d probably expect from Hourglass, the packaging is simple and chic. Inside is a gold sifter that dispenses the perfect amount of product which I’ll be honest took me a while to get used to. I started to think my brush wasn’t picking up enough product, however, I learnt to have faith in Hourglass; they clearly know what they’re doing. The powder applies flawlessly with my Real Techniques Powder Bleu Powder Brush, it really is a match made in heaven. It isn’t completely mess-proof, additonal powder will disperse if it’s left to roll around you handbag but nowhere near the level of any others in my collection.
Over the years I’ve come to realise that setting my makeup is a necessity if I want to get the most out of my makeup. I have combination skin and if I skip this step my makeup (no matter what foundation) will break down around my chin and nose and my skin will get shinier and shiner throughout the day. I’m used to applying slightly-chalky, matte setting powders that give a flat doll-like finish to the skin. The Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder is something different entirely.
The weightless powder glides onto skin like silk. It gives a natural finish but subtly blurs out everything you want it to without creasing. It doesn’t give a completely matte finish, it lets the skin breathe and glow underneath, it barely looks like you’re wearing anything at all. It adds a soft filter to your skin. It compliments both matte and dewy foundations. It rids the skin of unsightly shine but still allows it to glow. It’s not a finish I’m used to but I’ve come to love it. I’m a full-coverage matte girl at heart and even I have been teaming this powder up with a BB Cream (I know right, who even am I?) and my skin has never appeared to be more flawless and healthy looking.
I can’t tell you how relieved that my first Hourglass experience was a success. This could be the beginning of a beautiful, if not rather expensive, obsession…
The Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder retails for £36/10.5g and is available at Selfridges, SpaceNK and Cult Beauty here.
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