As soon as I heard Hourglass was set to release correlating blushes to their ever-so-popular
Ambient Lighting Powders, I could not WAIT to get my hands on them! They released 6 different shades of blush each of which has a corresponding lighting powder swirled in with color and baked. They look very similar to MSFs from MAC. The packaging is a smaller version of the powders and set in gold rather than bronze. To compare, each blush retails for $35 and contains .15oz., whereas the powders contain .35oz and retail for $45. I decided to go with
Mood Exposure and
Diffused Heat. I thought these were the most "bang for your buck" as far as color payoff.
I use the Diffused Ambient Lighting powder on a daily basis (major HG status), so it was only natural for me to go with the partnered blush. It is described as a "vibrant poppy" and let me tell you-it.is.freaking.gorgeous. It is definitely one of the more pigmented of the 6 and gives off a very bright coral color on the cheeks. I love that if it goes on a little too dark I can go right over it with the powder to "diffuse" the color and soften it a bit. I have been waring it a ton, however I think it will look even better on sun-kissed tan skin. Spoiler Alert - his will most likely be in every month's favorite's video throughout the summer!
Mood Exposure is a gorgeous deep neutral flush. It is described as "soft plum". However, it doesn't really read plum on my skin. I would describe it as more of a dusty rose. I would put it in the same family as Tarte Exposed or NARS Douceur. I think it is a must have Fall / Winter color, but its definitely one I would feel completely comfortable wearing in the Spring and Summer. I find myself reaching for this when I just want something more natural or on days where I want to skip the bronzer but still want some defined cheek bones.
It fascinates me that these blushes give off such a glow to the skin, without any kind of shimmer/glitter/satin finish. I have been switching between these 2 for the last 3 weeks and have had no desire to reach for any other blush (and if you've seen my blush collection, you will know how serious my love affair is)! I'm thinking I may need to go back for Radiant Magenta eventually, but I'm not really into the other 3. I swatched the others in store and they didn't have a great color pay off nor do I think they would show up too well on my skin-especially with a little bit of a tan. If I'm paying $35 for a blush, you better believe I want the blush to actually show up!
Have you picked up any of these blushes recently? If so, which are your favorites?
