Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Hourglass Mineral Primer is one of Hourglass's hero products. Every time I went into a Space.NK and asked what I should buy from Hourglass (when I was investigating the brand), all the SA's declared ' Mineral Primer'
This wonderful primer has a minimal SPF of 15 and works well under Hourglass's Veil Fluid Makeup ( reviewed here) as well as under all my other foundations. What is quite remarkable about this primer is that it renders foundation water resistant , so makes the longevity of the foundation increase and is perfect for warmer climates.

The product is white when you pump it out (one pump is all I need) but is absolutely clear once smoothed onto your face. It does have a silky silicone feel to it, but this also disappears a few minutes after application.
It is described as suitable for all skin types. It works well on my oily skin (it's oil free), and I cannot believe it will be harsh on dryer skin types . The products slides on and minimizes the appearance of my pores and had a slightly 'blurring' effect, as my skin had the look of porcelein. I do not have major redness, but it is meant to dampen that too. This is free from all nasties like parabens, phlalates, sulphate a, fragrance and is vegan friendly, which I'm guessing means no animal derivates??
Tip: I was advised in order to lighten my Hourglass Veil Fluid makeup for winter months when my skin tends to go lighter, I should add my Veil Mineral Primer 2:1 (1 being the primer) as their lighter shade I think leans too pink. I have tried this and it works a charm!
Hourglass does not have a large inventory of products, but I can say that when they do it they do it well!
It is my go to primer at the moment, but I am slowly changing over to their No. 28 Primer Serum, as we are going into Autumn and my skin is prickly with dehydration. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - Gotta have it!

Do you love a good face primer or forgo it all together?

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders In Dim and Diffused - Perfecting powders that create a flawless finish

Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders were released with much fanfare. Hyped as the next best setting powders with "magic" powers I just had to get my hands on this new phenomenon. The reviews were initially amazing, seemingly churned out by the same PR machine, then came the onslaught of not so favourable one's. I nearly backtracked and was going to tell my Hourglass enabler (husband enroute to Sephora) to abort the mission ( yes I bought these babies!). I held steadfast and became the proud new owner of Dim and Diffused.
I can wholeheartedly jump onto the I LOVE THEM bandwagon!
I chose these two sight unseen, but they seemed the most universal and suited to my light- med skin tone. Here is how they are described.

• Dim - neutral peach beige powder
• Diffused - soft, warm pale yellow powder

Ambient Light Powder in Diffused

Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim

I have oily skin with fine texture, few large pores in some area's. I use the two shades depending on the foundation I have used and the effect I want to achieve. Dim, which has a balance of cool and warm tones is meant to blur imperfections. If I feel I need a bit more radiance and a hint of warmth this is my go to shade. This is also determined if I am wearing one of my 'lighter foundation' as Dim will add the slight depth of colour (ever so slightly). I swipe my Bobbi Brown powder brush into the pan. It picks up quite a bit. Shake of excess and use swiping motions on the face, starting from the centre outwards. The idea is to give a light dusting in a soft stroke. Buffing not needed and is too heavy handed.

My pores are 'erased' and my skin looks airbrushed. Careful!, too much and you could look too flat.

Diffused which targets redness and imparts a fresh illuminated look, is used mainly on the centre of my face, to give a wide awake luminous finish. I almost look like an eraser has removed all imperfections.

Both these powders do give a glow to the skin. I cannot pick up any apparent sparkle on the skin once applied. They have minimal oil control properties, but they are not advertised as such. They do set my makeup and it looks fresh hours later. so definitely extended the wear of my foundation.

If I had easy access to these wonder powders I would add Mood light, and maybe Ethereal light, mmmm and maybe Radiant light. I would recommend trying these in store to see which shade would work best for you, especially if you have very pale or a strong undertone of red or yellow.

Diffused 

Dim

I was concerned, these would not live up to dream in my head of silky perfect skin. I think Hourglass really worked had to perfect this formula. Be mindful with application. Find the best brush for you and your skin type that will allow this powder to veil not cover your face. If you have more than one foundation, play around as I do find it work better over some than others. I am loving the effects that these lighting powders give and everyday is a new day to create a new look. Hourglass cosmetics is loved by many A-Listers and lil' ol' me!


What are your feelings on the new Ambient Lighting powders?

Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup - Sheer Magic!

What a lovely brand Hourglass is! Flying under the radar, while hitting us square on with fabulous products that I just can't seem to get enough of. I have really become a foundation fiend. Foundation to me me is like a wardrobe. Each day another texture or look is required to achieve the desired effect I am striving for. While I am still warming to Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick (loving it more every day), I am head over heels for Hourglass's Mineral Veil Foundation.

It is housed in a glossy brown dispenser with the retro Hourglass font. The liquid foundation is gel - like in texture and is slightly darker than my natural complexion. I went with Veil 3 . I also bought the Hourglass retractable foundation brush, which has synthetic hairs that buffs the product beautifully into the skin for a natural finish. My real techniques buffing brush and fingers work well too. This foundation imparts a natural finish with a healthy sheen to the skin. I have oily skin, but it looks glowing not oily. It almost glazes your skin, hence the name 'Veil'.

Veil in 3 

This foundation works well to even out skin tone and hide imperfections. Any dark pigmentation or pimples will need extra coverage as this is light to medium coverage. This foundation is not only there to perfect your complexion, but over time it has some skincare benefits as well. Hourglass has packed this foundation with Matryxil ®, Synthe'6™ which claims to support collagen production. Skin Tightner ST ™ PH work on the texture of your skin. I would not forgo my other anti-aging creams, but what a bonus! This makeup is also paraben, oil, fragrance, nano particles, phthalates, sulphate FREE. Also vegan friendly! Lastly ,Veil  Fluid Makeup has a broad spectrum 15 SPF .

I do use this over the cult favourite Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. This primer, also with a 15 SPF, renders any foundation used over it waterproof (Please don't test in a downpour, that might just prove too much!). This makes it good for hot climates and all round longevity of the foundation. This foundation is buildable. when applied with a brush. If you enjoy sheer, glowing makeup Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup could be for you.  This has become my go to foundation for days that I want to look fresh and natural. I know that Zuneta keeps Hourglass.

What niche brands can you introduce me to?


Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Makeup Remastered Ab Fab in London - Tom Ford, Hourglass, Eve Lom, Urban Decay

Hello Makeup Lovers!

So I am back from my really quick trip to chilly, charming London. I think all who have been can agree that this is one of the most special times in London. All twinkling lights, spruced up windows, warm wafting aroma's and drumroll please............holiday collections galore!

A (hotel) room with a view

St Christopher's Place

The londoner's are extremely friendly and I had a wonderful time. I had a 'few' (wink wink) makeover's and went with a wish list of brands unavailable where I live. Seriously, the freedom if having any brand you love at your fingertips is a (frivolous) joy.


My first stop was Selfridges, which I adore. I had a few Tom Ford products on my list so I went to look at their concession first. The Tom Ford experience, as I like to call it, is as elegant, exclusive as the brand. All products the MAU was going to use was placed on a tray, and each step explained in detail. I was colour matched slightly dark, and a TF MUA at Harrods showed me a lighter shade which was much better. Tom Ford is an expensive bad habit. But I think the quads have such sublime, interesting shades that look so beautiful on the lids and suitable for all eye colours. I was so excited to be able to buy the following.
Eyeshadow quad in golden mink
Eyeshadow quad in cognac sable
Eyebrow pencil in taupe
Eye pencil in Espresso
Shade and illuminate palette in intensity one with brush

I love Liberty which is housed in a quaint tudor building -the makeup area is more intimate. I walked passed Hourglass with little interest as my last foray was a bit dissapointing (opaque rouge liquid lipstick)-but I thought mybe I should have a good and proper look. Firstly, let me say the MUA's for Hourglass were enthusiastic and helpful. I am glad I took another look at this brand, as they have some amazing products. Here is what I walked away with.
Mineral Primer - cult status
Veil Fluid Makeup
Aura cheek stain
Retractable foundation brush
I had to leave their Lash lacquer and duo, as my wallet was running low and a girl still gotta eat!

Finally, on my radar was a few hero products.
Eve Lom Cleansing Balm - cult status
Urban Decay Ocho Locho set - value set
Caudalie spray
Konjac sponges
I also got samples from the lovely Space NK - I am currently trying out Re'Vive and Algenist skincare brands.
I was surprised to be so badly colour matched again with  Chantecaille future skin. when I left the store I was so pale, I frightened myself when looking in the storefront! A bit too early for the Twilight premier!
Selfridges has the new Beauty Workshop running. This extension of the beauty hall, holds little treasures, some which were sadly out of stock -like OCC lip tar, Beauty Blender, Aesop, Paul and Joe, Konjac sponges, Ciate, Nails Inc, Bite -really fun!!
I had the unexpected, lucky experience of a complimentary Perricone micro - current facial  - they were offering it as a promotional tool at Selfridges. Let me tell you, that I look refreshed and my skin is looking contoured and younger. A real treat!

Harrods

I am going to review the products mentioned above. Let me know if you have any requests or if you would like any done first.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge in Edition

Hourglass is a quirky brand out of Venice, C.A. This brand is aimed at the high-end customer and is proud to boast its products are:- paraben free, cruelty free and has minimal fragrance in them.
I has seen their cute concession at Liberty in London, but as mentioned before I had other beauty items on my must-have list. They have a few hero products such as their Veil Mineral Primer and No'28 Primer Serm. These are on my list for another time. Today I will be reviewing their new Opaque Rouge. As we know matte, long wearing products are right on trend with all major brands throwing their hat into the ring. Most brands have made their matte lip in a lipstick form. Hourglass has done their matte lip as a liquid in a traditional gloss packaging. Both YSL (Pur Couture  Vernis A' Le'vres Glossy stain)  and Guerlain (Rouge G'L Extrait) have also gone this route.

The packing is different from your run of the mill offering. It is shorter than your typical gloss, but perfect to pop into you handbag. It has a victorian feel to it, with an antiqued rose gold trim. The doe foot applicator feel a tad flimsy to me, so a delicate hand is needed when applying it. These matte products tend to be trickier to use, and more high maintenance their a glossy sheer lipstick.

Freshly applied

The formula is pleasant to apply with no scent. It never really dries down and a tackiness remains. It wore better on slightly moisturized lips, but still made my lips look dry and lines accentuated. I tried to layer this product, but this only caused flaking overtime. The colour I love- Edition is a bright coral pink with micro gold reflects and goes well on my skin tone and would suit many. The reflects are only apparent once the product dries down. This wore longer on my arm as a swatch than on my lips.  After a meal it wore off quite a bit.

I am keen try try more Hourglass poducts. I think I will try other brands before purchasing another Opaque Rouge. I bought Opaque Rouge in Edition from Zuneta and the whole range is available.

I would love to hear about your favourite Hourglass products?