A single Ambient Lighting Powder, at Sephora would cost $45 with 0.35 oz of product while the palette of 3 powders retails at $58 although, I believe each shade is only half (more or less) the product of a single pan, but the palette carries a limited edition shade that is not available individually. Being cheap and slightly not sure of the product, I was more keen to try and get hold of the palette rather than go ahead and buy a single powder. Since the palette was sold out fast before I can get my hands on them, I thought probably it was good since I wouldn't spend money on another makeup product.
Months later and still lusting after the Ambient Lighting Palette and Hourglass coming out with the Ambient Lighting Blushes, I never expected to walk into Sephora and seeing the palette displayed. Mind you, I have been on a "no makeup buy" for a good 6 or 7 months and I was trying to control myself and not get anything but when I saw this, I caved. I was thinking that this is meant to be my birthday gift for myself (it was the day after my birthday).
Can we just stop and admire the gorgeous packaging? I don't really know how to describe the packaging but it's so chic and glam. The size of the palette is very comfortable to hold and it's not bulky at all like I thought it would be at first. It has a good-sized mirror too. The powders have that "baked" feel to it since they are slightly raised.So before heading on to individual shades on the palette and my personal take on them, here's some more info on the Ambient Lighting Powders taken from Sephora:
Ambient Lighting Powder is a groundbreaking collection of finishing powders that capture, diffuse, and soften the way light reflects on skin. Unlike traditional powders, which merely cloak imperfections, Ambient Lighting Powder utilizes photoluminescent technology to filter out harsh light and refine the appearance of the complexion. The powders deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skintone, making it appear softer and lit from within. The finishing powders enhance skin in any type of light, including flash photography. With three universal shades available in the Ambient palette, you can create any desired effect.
Dim Light, Incandescent Light, Radiant Light
Dim Light is described as a natural peach beige powder that blurs imperfections and highlights the complexion. I personally am partial to this shade out of all the shades. The Ambient Lighting Powders are so finely milled that they look so natural on and they don't looked caked on when you apply. This particular shade is a touch lighter than my skin, and it is perfect for all over the face especially to set my under eye concealer. Dim Light has a slight sheen to it but when blended out is not noticeable but definitely gives you an airbrushed look. Don't worry, applying this all over your face won't turn you into a disco ball.
Incandescent Light is described as an opalescent pearl powder that brightens the complexion with a celestial glow. This is the shade that is limited only to this palette. The Incandescent Light I particularly like to use as a highlighter. Out of the three this one is definitely meant to be a subtle highlighter. It has a pearly finish but the thing with this powders, once you blend it out you wouldn't really notice a huge difference, but it's very subtle and it's definitely there. I usually apply this on the areas I need to highlight like the tops of my cheeks, bridge of my nose, Cupid's bow chin and forehead. Again, this won't turn you into a disco ball, it just gives an illusion of a very natural glowy skin.
Radiant Light is a sun-kissed golden beige powder that enhances the complexion with believable, subtle warmth. Very true to it's description, Radiant Light is something that I would use whenever I want warmth back into my skin. On less makeup days, I would use this as a bronzer and even slightly contour my face with it. On those days where I put a full face on, I would use this on top of the bronzer just to soften and blend everything out.
I just find this product so amazing and the palette itself is so useful since I have a setting powder, a highlighter and a subtle bronzer in one. This has made a huge difference in my makeup especially on those days I'm opting for a more natural look. I would just put concealer on, apply the powders, do my brows and put a lip tint on and I'm out the door. Also, it has been quite helpful in mattifying my now combination skin.
Above is a photo with only a concealer and everything else was the Ambient Lighting Powders. It gives such a natural, flawless and airbrushed look while giving the face a glow. It also feels lightweight on the skin so you barely feel it.
