Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Review

A couple of months ago the teasers came out for the new holiday Hourglass Ambient Edit palette. I was one of the first to order it when it came out on Sephora, as part of my “makeup revamp, so let’s spend a fortune”. I don’t normally wear powder. My 36 year old skin doesn’t do well with it. They say once you’re in your 30s that powder is not really a good idea because it shows wrinkles by settling in, and that seemed the case for me with every one I’ve tried.

Hourglass-Ambient-Lighting-Edit-Palette-526On my research quest I found that Hourglass was unique in offering powders based on the most flattering lights. Dim Light (first one-top row) seems to be the most popular. It’s supposed to give a dewy glow to the skin, lighting from within. Well, sign me up for whatever that is! I had never tried Hourglass so I liked the idea of 6 different products in one – 3 powders, 1 bronzer and 2 blushes.

As they arrived the reviews were pretty negative. Not that the product was bad but the value wasn’t there and it was too small for brushes. The palette is $80 and it’s a $48 value based on price per ounce. But I believe when you’re getting multiple products in one that that also offers value so I was still excited for mine.

hourglass_ambientedit011I, however, had no trouble getting a brush in. I use a Viseart blush brush that works perfect, I use a big fluffy eyeshadow blending brush for the lighter powder that is supposed to go well under the eyes as a concealer and setting powder and I use a kabuki for the bronzer and big fluffy brush that I mush a little to fit in the two powders. I don’t have any problems using it with brushes that I already owned. This is great for travel too; having 3 products in one compact.

hourglass_ambientedit003I love everything about this palette and I’m using it daily. I used to only use Nars Orgasm blush and it’s now been replaced by these two blushes. One is more pink and the other more plum. The bronzer is perfect for my light skin, gives it a soft bronze glow. I love all the powders, but some more than others. The center pink shimmery powder is exclusive to the palette, called Iridescent Light. It is more shimmery than the other two. I have plans on buying Dim Light in the full size. I like that powder the best and I feel like I will go through that one fairly quickly, so I want to save whats in this palette for traveling.

Hourglass-Ambient-Lighting-Edit-Palette-532I have very dry skin and I’ve heard some people complain it enhanced that. I do not see that at all. All I can think is maybe they’re not moisturizing their skin before applying makeup. Because my skin is like the desert and requires a lot of moisturizer so if I’m ok with it then everyone should be. And I’m happy to say I can finally wear powder again without it enhancing wrinkles. It really gives you a beautiful glow to your skin. I’ve definitely become a fan of Hourglass after this palette. Retails for $80 and Sephora is having a VIB 20% on November 13-16, 2015 with code VIB20 so you can get it for $64!

Bobbi Brown HOT Collection for Spring 2015

bbThe new Bobbi Brown HOT Collection has just launched! It is currently available at Sephora. I “like” Bobbi Brown but I don’t tend to “love” Bobbi Brown. I’m more of a Nars girl. Bobbi Brown tends to be more neutral based so I think this new Hot Collection really steps up and offers some bright pops of color for lips and shimmery lids and cheeks for spring and summer. Until this collection, I haven’t seen any blushes that have come close to the cult classic Orgasm by Nars. The blush kits offered in this new collection give a similar pink shimmery flush.

I ordered the lip pencil in Hot Berry and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived yesterday. It is bright and fun for spring and summer. It reminds me of YU by Nars. It came with a nice big sharpener too. I’m going for the eye palette next!

Bobbi Brown teamed up with Kate Upton as the poster girl for this new line. Kate is from Florida and Bobbi wanted her to showcase that beachy look with a woman who exudes easy confidence.

Spring 2015:  Bobbi Brown HOT COLLECTION

“This collection channels hot summer days, sexy summer nights and Kate’s easy confidence.” – Bobbi Brown

What the collection includes:

Limited Edition Hot Nudes Eye Palette [$65] Housed in a sleek black compact with neon pink accents, this flirty palette features eight totally wearable shades that flatter all skin tones. Layered or worn alone, the shades in the Hot Nudes Eye Palette create a variety of signature Bobbi looks—from subtle and sultry to super smokey.

  • Ivory Eye Shadow
  • Smoke Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
  • New Peach Sugar Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
  • Cement Sparkle Eye Shadow
  • New Nude Petal Eye Shadow
  • New Bronzed Beige Metallic Eye Shadow
  • Nude Glow Metallic Eye Shadow
  • New Blackest Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow

bb1Art Stick Limited Edition [$26]

  • Hot Berry
  • Hot Pink
  • Hot Orange

bb3Limited Edition Sheer Lip Color Shade Extensions [$26]
Sheer Lip Color is now available in three electric shades that deliver the perfect pop of color with a beautiful, sheer payoff. The creamy and lightweight formula is comfortable on lips, making it easier than ever to wear daring color.

  • Berry
  • Pink
  • Orange

Limited Edition Cheek Palettes Bobbi introduces Cheek Palettes [$45] A no- nonsense, natural-looking approach to highlighting cheeks. Featuring two shades of blush and a pearlescent highlighter, this palette enhances cheeks for a healthy, lifted effect.  To achieve Bobbi’s signature “just pinched” cheek look, dust the softer shade of blush onto cheeks, and then follow with a pop of brighter blush, applied just on the apples of cheeks. Finish with the highlighter shade on top.

  • Calypso
  • Pink
  • Berry

bb2Ink Liner [$28] Perfect for Kate’s jet-setter lifestyle, this travel-ready, pen-style liner is the ideal on-the-go tool, delivering a perfect-every-time line. Available in blackest black, it’s Bobbi’s go-to trick for standout eyes.

  • Blackest Black