Over the past few years there hasn’t been an Hourglass release that I did not like. And the launch of the year that I was most excited for has been the Ambient Surreal Light Face Palette, as Hourglass powder formulas never disappoint.
I ordered the much anticipated Hourglass Ambient Surreal Light Palette the minute it became available online. I did not have doubts or much hesitation, but pressed Buy Now on the Sephora site and eagerly awaited its arrival. To say I’d never been so happy to see the mailman would be an utter understatement.
So now that I’ve tried and tested the palette for over a week, it’s time to start typing and tell you all about this beauty…
The Hourglass Surreal Light is a limited edition palette with all new, never before seen shades of the brand’s innovative Ambient Lighting powder formula. The shades are not available for individual purchase and come housed in the ever so trendy marble effect packaging, making the palette that much more desirable.
The Magic Hour Palette
The palette aims to enhance and illuminate the complexion, creating that coveted, flattering look only achieved during magic hour, the time of day when the light is warm and soft and everyone looks at their best. The shades are designed to flatter any complexion and all skin types.
- Surreal Light – largest pan, a sheer nude finishing powder
- Surreal Glow – top middle pan, a pale peony blush mixed with Surreal Light
- Surreal Effect – top right pan, a cool toned pink rose blush with warm peachy tones running thru it
- Surreal Bronze – bottom middle pan, a neutral tan bronzer mixed with Surreal Light
- Surreal Strobe Light – bottom right, a subtle shimmery champagne highlight
The powders seamlessly layer and work together to create that lit from within, flattering glow that enhances and evens out the complexion, making the skin appear younger and healthy-looking, without masking and covering the face with layers upon layers of makeup. The palette is designed as one of those sweep and go –instant fabulous products that includes everything you need to finish, brighten, contour, and highlight the skin in a single compact, making it perfect for travel as well.
First Impressions
To my surprise, I did not experience love at first sight with this palette. I didn’t expect to have mixed feelings about it, but I did.
Let’s start by addressing the faux marble packaging with the brand’s logo printed on the front. Just like any other blogger out there, I’ve been beyond obsessed with anything and everything white marble. In my humble opinion and in this particular case, the matte marble effect works against this palette making it appear less expensive and more plastic-ky when seen in person. It does however photograph beautifully, as you can also see in my Instagram photos ( @DailyCatL ).
My very first impression when I opened the palette was that the shadow pans were way smaller in size than what I had anticipated from seeing it in photos, especially for a face palette. Given that the size of the shadows is small, it’s been challenging to use bigger and fluffier brushes, such as the original Real Techniques ones. So I’ve been using my MAC109 Brush to set the powder and contour, and my Real Techniques Tapered Blush Brush from the Metallics collection to apply the two blushes included in the palette. The Real Techniques Setting Brush works beautifully with the highlighter shade.
When I initially swatched the shades on my arm, I thought the shades looked very pale (the bronzer in particular) and might not appear on my medium tone complexion. But fear not, I was proven wrong. The shades appear beautiful on the face, creating a soft, subtle ‘no makeup’ makeup type look. I like to use the finishing powder all over the face to set my foundation and concealer. I use the bronzer to add subtle definition and a mix of the two blushes for a natural flush. I always finish off with the Surreal Strobe light, a very refined and natural looking highlighter.
I love that the formula is so finely milled and looks so natural on the skin, but that also means it kicks back a lot of powder which basically translates to say I’ll be going thru this fairly quickly. The powders seem to last on the face for a good 8 hours without the need to touchup or reapply, always a plus.
Final Thoughts
I find that the powders give my tired, lack-lustered skin the appearance of a lit from within glow, as if I somehow managed to get 8 hours of sleep the night before (such a distant memory to me to these days). It does impart a gorgeously luminous look to the skin, without the feeling of wearing heavy makeup. To me, that right there, made me fall in love with this palette. It delivered on its claim to fame. It held its end of the bargain. And so I decided for me it’s a keeper.
What are your thoughts on this palette? Will you be calling it yours?
You look stunning in anything and everything, Ms. Cat!! Ifor this palette, even though small pan size, can make me look like you, I will get 3. ?
Hi Kate, thank you for stopping by and for such kind sweet words. You’ll be delighted to hear that the eye makeup look was achieved using Teri Miyahira’s palette from her August box. You were actually the one who introduced me to Teri’s natural beauty line and I have to say I’ve been beyond obsessed with her products. Will post details of this makeup look on Instagram this week.
Thank you again so much for reading!
~ Cat L.
Thank god that I came across another human being that would NOT stay in line for an Apple product ?? Hallelujah ??
I appreciate and thank you for your honest feedback and review on this product. I initially ordered their previous face palette that came out last year, but ended up returning due to its size – incredibly small compartments to dip a brush in comfortably and effortlessly. With that being said, you’ve made me question my decision regarding this new edition … hmmm, what will it be??? This or separate powers and blushes that I’m eyeing for a while?? ??? ??
Hi Anxhela, we might not stay in line for an Apple product but I’m sure we’d gladly camp out for an exciting makeup product.:)
The palette is indeed beautiful but I do think the size is a little bit of an issue. I missed out on last year’s palette so I can’t compare sizes, but this one is fairly small. Even traveling with it might be an issue since as I mention in my post only certain brushes work with the size of the powder pans. You might be better off purchasing individual powders that suit your needs. I’ll be keeping my eyes on your Instagram page ( @luxbubs) to see what you end up getting! ~ Cat L.
Hi, you look beautiful in the cat-eye photo. This Hourglass palette has all the good stuff, except for the size of the pans, so I’m holding out until I can see it in person in a store – if ever. I like all Hourglass products from a packaging perspective, yet I never dared to order online without getting feel of the product. That is also because I would not return a product that was shipped overseas. Thank you for the wonderful post.
Hi Daphne, Thank you for stopping by. You bring up some great points such as the hassle of returning products that were shipped overseas. I do love Hourglass powders, they’re some of the best in my humble opinion, but I agree with you that you should and try them out in store first. Now off to catch up with your YouTube channel. ~ Cat L.
I’ve been waiting for this to launch in the U.K. for what seems like months, it looks divine, I’m lusting over those shades and that packaging is so pleasing on the eye!
I’m so glad you’ve wrote an honest review as I always trust your opinions! I’m now however a little unsure whether to purchase or not, the plastic packaging feels like a disappointment and it’s such a shame the palettes are small, but as they say – ‘all good things come in small packages’ and you look stunning in your pic. If it makes me look as gorgeous as you then it might be a winner!!
Much love as always Cat!
Lisa xx
Beauxdiaries.com xx
Lisa, thank you so much for stopping by. I love your style and sense of aesthetics so I get excited every time I see a comment from you. I was a little disappointed in the packaging and small size, but I am very impressed with the quality of the powders. Given that they’re not sold separately, I decided to keep the palette. Do keep me posted once it arrives in the UK and let me know if you end up going for it! Now off to catch up with your blog. I saw on Instagram that you have a new post up! Love your writing style, elegant photography and beauty/lifestyle tips! ~ Cat L.
I just got home a few moments ago and had to catch up with this, I love how you describe it, and how passionate you are about the whole makeup thing, I have to say I am an apple product fiend and have to restrain myself ?, that said I am equally crazy about makeup and skincare so can you tell I need 4 jobs to feed these habits. I love love your review, I am not a VIP Sephora memeber because we don’t have Sephora here but as soon as Spacenk get it they will let me know. Eeeek super excited even though it might not work on my skin tone.
Have a great week Mama ?
Oh Esnath, I hear you about those 4 jobs, those are my feelings exactly!Thank you for reading. Glad you enjoyed the post. It is a beautiful palette and it’s advertised as working for all skin type and tones. I would be curious to hear your opinion on it if you do end up getting it. Do keep me posted! ~ Cat L.
This palette looks so gorgeous in the marble case that I’m sure not to resist when it will be launched here ? Thanks for this review Cat ! xoxo
Kédidja
https://beautymoodboard.com
Hi Kédidja, thank you for stopping by. That’s exactly how I felt too, it was impossible to resist. I’ll keep my eyes peeled to see if you end up getting it. Now off to catch up with your blog!
~ Cat L.
Oh this looks gorgeous, Cat! Another great review! 🙂 I really love this palette, even though I am still unsure how to use the gold shades in a way that are not so obvious (y’know that they don’t look like gold bars on my fair skin haha)… the blushers are so pretty and ones I usually gravitate towards! I’m upset with how cheap the packaging is, I really hate that Hourglass decided to forgo quality for the sake of aesthetic. I could care less about it having marble! I love original Hourglass packaging so much, it makes it look so luxurious and makes me feel so happy to use it (yes, the packaging adds to the experience so much yknow!). But at least we can say that we won’t have to worry about pesky finger prints all over it… that’s also very annoying. I’m happy I didn’t buy last year’s palette, I have almost all of the powders and it would have been such a waste. I won’t ever finish one of them and I don’t go on trips enough (I spend all my money on makeup lol) to really get much out of something that is for travel. Love your blog and you!
xoxo
http://www.hellohimawari.com
P.S. As always, you look so radiant and gorgeous!
Thank you so much for all the love! Right back at ya! Your blog is one of my favorites to follow and I’m always excited whenever I see an email notification about a new post! I love your honesty and the way you write, always answering any questions the reader might have. Your photos are always an inspiration to me. As far as the Hourglass palette, I agree with you. The packaging is a big let down and I actually think it’s worse in terms of fingerprints. If I happen to have some foundation or concealer marks that transfer on my fingers from the beauty blender, than more than likely it ends up on the white packaging. You can probably tell I’m speaking from experience as I’ve had that happen to me a few times already. The quality of the powders is really impressive and I don’t own too many Hourglass products (only another blush from them) so I’ll be keeping this palette. Thank you again for your kind words and for always taking the time to read and comment.
~ Cat L.
Final thought? Swoon!
Thank you, Regina. Looking forward to seeing if you end up getting this palette or not! ~ Cat L.
Love this Cat and loving the fact that it could be used for all skin tones. I shall certainly be keeping an eye out for it here in the UK and colours look great for an Autumn glow ?
Hi Lindsey, thank you for checking out my review. Not sure when it’ll launch in the UK but keeping my eyes out to see if you end up getting it! Now off to catch up with your blog!
~ Cat L.
I can’t deny that I’m a little disappointed with this palette, the size and packaging, especially compared to the original Ambient Edit makes me feel a bit deflated! But I love the formula of the powders so am still excited for it to be released in the UK! Thank you for posting such a detailed and honest review. You look so gorgeous in your selfie btw Cat!
http://www.barelytherebeauty.com | British-Korean Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
xx
Hi Jennifer, thank you for stopping by. I have to say I wish I’d got last year’s palette as I too feel a bit disappointed with the size and packaging. I do love the quality of the powders and the way they look on my skin, so I’ll keep it. I just notice you also have a blog, so off to check it out.
~ Cat L.
I haven’t bought this palette yet. Notice I say Yet. LOL – I’m slowly plowing through all the new goodies and buying them. I think this is next up. Hourglass is just so beautiful. Everything they release is flawless.
Hi Janine, thank you for stopping by. I totally know the feeling, but in this case I didn’t even attempt to resist. As you also say, everything Hourglass releases is just flawless. ~ Cat L.
Cat,
I love every single post and the way how you describe everything.
This pallet looks really amazing and after reading your words, i have that feeling that I need it as well.
Thank you so much and one more time…it’s a real pleasure to read you.
Warm regards,
Mar
Hi Mar, you are always too kind to me! Thank you so much for always taking the time out to read my blog and comment. Glad you enjoyed the post! ~ Cat L.
I’m now even more so eagerly waiting for mine to arrive! One of my misfortune of moving to Korea was giving up access to latest releases at Sephora–I still check them out online and add things to my cart but don’t actually check out cuz I don’t wana pay shipping or custom taxes haha–but this one is a definite must for me–love the palette from last yr! And I just have this feeling that I’m gona love this one too and of course your review just confirmed it hehe ????
Oh Lisa, you sound just like me. I always tend to have various shopping carts saved all over the place on various beauty sites waiting for a sale, a coupon code or just a reason to indulge and treat myself. Glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful. Will be keeping my eyes on your IG and blog ( http://www.beautybemused.com ) to see photos of the palette and hear your thoughts. ~ Cat L.
Such a beautiful post and you make me drool as I scroll! You wear this so well and your pics are stunning and super enticing! I have been eyeing this up on your IG of course as I know if you love it, then so shall I! Hoping I can get my hands on one or I shall have to stare at your pics and pretend! LOL Kelly xxx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
Kelly, you are always so lovely to me, thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful. Given I’m already familiar with your love affair with Hourglass powders, it’s safe to say You Need This Palette. Can’t wait for you to get it so we can compare notes! ~ Cat L.
Great post Cat! I love the pics and your details are so on point! which are always intrigueing to me. I’ve always been curious how these lighter shades will work on a darker completion . You’ve sold me into trying it !
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful! Do let me know if you end up trying it out! The powders are all so beautiful! ~ Cat L.
I have this palette and love it too. It is such a gorgeous palette and the colors are stunning. I was a bit disappointed that it was so small but it is so luxurious I definitely can see past that. Such a lovely review! x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Thank you so much, Ann-Marie. So true! The powders are all so gorgeous that I can definitely see past the small size! 🙂 Now off to catch up with your beautiful blog!
~ Cat L.
Gorgeous pics! I was worried that the palette would look a little cheap with the faux marble packaging, but as long as it photographs well, that’s what matters!! 😉 Your skin looks glowing and refreshed, beautiful as always! <3
Thank you so much, Jenn! You are always so kind to me. The palette has some shortcomings, but overall it is a beautiful product that I’ve enjoyed very much! Now off to see what you’ve been up to on your blog!
~ Cat L.
I need time to play with the palette but I know I’m keeping mine.
Once you get passed the small size and packaging, the powders are all so beautiful! ~ Cat L.
Even though some shades look similar, I think Hourglass formula is so spot on – I wouldn’t mind spending money on this palette. I also agree that these powders typically last well throughout a day and rarely need a touch up. Great review!
Thank you Naya! Glad you enjoyed the post!
Agreed, some shades may be similar but nevertheless beautiful and the formula is a dream to work with! Win win for Hourglass!
~ Cat L.