I always know when the holidays are near when Hourglass releases their Limited Edition Holiday Palette. Since 2016, I’ve been collecting these Ambient Lighting Face Palettes. Also I have reviewed these Ambient Lighting Edits. First, was the 2016 palette, Ambient Lighting Edit Surreal Light Holiday Palette. Then, there was the Ambient Edit Volume 3 in 2017. After Volume 3, 2018 brought the Ambient Lighting Palette Volume 4. 2018 brought the Ambient Lighting Edit Ghost Palette. Last year, 2020 came the Ambient Lighting Palette Sculpture. Now, Introducing the New Limited Edition Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Face Palette for Holiday 2021…..Universe!
What Makes This Year’s Ambient Lighting Palette Universe Different From All Other Years?
This year Hourglass changed up the inside of the Universe Palette. Several things make the new Universe Palette different from all of its predecessors. First, the other palettes had 6 shades that were all the same size and weight. Also Hourglass, usually introduced three new shades. Then, the other three shades were oldies, but goodies. Last, the six shade palettes had 2 blushes, 1 highlighter, 1 bronzer, and 2 finishing powders.
The 2021 Ambient Lighting Edit Face Palette Universe has 5 shades. Also, only four of the five shades are the same size and weight (4 X (0.04 oz. / 1.4g). Then, the fifth shade is 1 X( .14 oz. / 4.0g). Also, there are four new shades. Even more, the Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder fuses three signature Ambient Powders, Dim, Light, and Hypnotic Strobe Light, in one!
Packaging
The Universe Ambient Lighting Edit comes in a matte gold outer box. The compact tin has a magnetic closure. Also the outside of the tin is marbleized. The inspiration behind the marble is the compact matches the marbled shades inside. Above all, the marble looks like a celestial web. Hence, the name of the palette, Universe. The tin itself feels and sounds somewhat like a tin can. Although, I’m thrilled with this compact because my fingerprints don’t show! Inside, underneath the lid is a nice large mirror. On the other side of the palette are the 5 shades.
The layout has the Infinity Finishing Powder shade taking up two spaces, one on the top, the other on the bottom of the palette. I love that the Finishing Powder Pan is double the size of the other four shades. You use this finishing powder to set your makeup. As a result, the product goes all over your face, whether over your foundation, or over all of your makeup. Therefore, you would use a large fluffy brush to apply the powder all over your face. Nothin worse than trying to get a large fluffy brush into a small pan! The double pan size of this product makes way more sense! Don’t you think?
Then, the four shades starting on the top row next to the double-sized Finishing Powder on the top is the Strobe Blush in Vibrant Heat. Next to the Strobe Blush on the Top Row Right is the Bronzer, Glistening Bronze Light. On the bottom row, underneath the Strobe Blush is the other Blush in Luminous Rose. On the Bottom, underneath the Bronzer is Strobe Powder Supernatural Strobe Light Highlighter.
Formula
Let’s start with the technology that makes the Hourglass powders so special. First, it is called Photoluminescent technology. Additionally, the technology diffuses surrounding light to give your skin that lit from within look. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders are known for their ability to create the illusion of being lit from within. Furthermore, the bronzer, and blush shades are mixed, in small batches, by hand. No two powders will look alike. In other words, you and I could have the same blush. Mine will look different than yours. So, you can think of it as your own, unique blush or bronzer!
Finally, the brand is cruelty free, and vegan. Also, the formula doesn’t include talc, alcohol, oil, parabens, sulfates and phthalates.
The Ambient Lighting Shades and How To Use Them
Infinity Finishing Powder 1
First, Infinity Finishing Powder, a combination of Dim Light, Diffused Light, and Hypnotic Strobe Light. Also the finishing powder has tiny silver reflects dispersed throughout the powder, ever so slightly. It is enough to create a celestial glow. Very pretty, by the way! Especially wonderful to use during the holiday season. Use a fluffy brush and dust it all over your face. You can wear it after your foundation, before your makeup, or over your makeup. It will create the most flattering light for your complexion.
Strobe Blush Vibrant Heat 2
Second, Vibrant Heat, a vibrant pink shade, has a luminous finish. Use a blush brush, and work in circles on the apples of your cheeks. I like to take it up to the temples. Also, I like to put it on the outer part of my brow bones.
Bronzer Glistening Bronze Light 3
Third, Glistening Bronze Light, a golden bronze shade, has a glistening, luminous finish. Brush the Glistening Bronze where the sun would hit your skin. I usually brush it along my upper forehead where my hairline is. Then, use it on your temples. Also, I like to brush the bronzer across my nose. Also, use it to sculpt the hollows of your cheeks. Also, wear it along your jaw line.
Blush Luminous Rose 4
Fourth, Luminous Rose Blush, a soft plum shade, has a luminous finish. This one is really light. If you want a barely there hint of plum, wear this on the apples of your cheeks. however, if your complexion is medium or deeper, you could wear this as a highlighter. Also, wear it on your eyes as an eyeshadow.
Supernatural Strobe Light Strobe Powder 5
Fifth, Supernatural Strobe Light is your highlighter. Wear it on the high points of your cheek bones, brow bones, down the center of your nose, and your Cupid’s bow. Also, if you want a more strobing highlight, you can wet your brush, and apply the highlighter for a real wow highlight.
My Final Thoughts On the Ambient Lighting Edit Universe….
The Ambient Lighting Edits are more about lighting than makeup. Don’t expect strong color payoff with these palettes. The powders are supposed to diffuse, sculpt, highlight , blur etc. Think of this as your own personal lighting! It isn’t a face color palette. Instead it is a face palette that will give you your best lighting ! The Hourglass’ forte is their expertise creating beautiful powders that can manipulate your lighting. It’s like having your own lighting expert with you!
xo
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
