Before I get into today's post I just want to say a huge thank you to all those who commented on my last one (read it here.) Talking about things that haven't gone as I would have wished is something I have always found difficult, especially when it comes to something so important to me, but I'm so glad I did. Sharing problems and lessons learned with friends - actual or virtual - can be so therapeutic, and I can't tell you how much every encouraging word meant to me. Thank you all so much - you guys are the best!
As I mentioned in that post, I've got lots of plans for this blog for the new year, but it's going to take some time before I can get to work on any of them. After spending a lot of 2014 travelling from our home in Kent to Yorkshire for business, my husband and I have decided to move north, at least for a little while. So for the moment, most of my free time is being taken up with all the necessary preparations for the move. It's exciting, as I'm really looking forward to living in a different part of the country for a while, but frustrating too, because I want my blogging time back! Still, in the meanwhile, I'll try to post whenever I can.
And now, let's get back to what's really important - makeup!
I was thrilled to receive an Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush from my sister for Christmas. If you follow me on Twitter you might recall that I've been lusting after one for a while! Seeing pictures of them in magazines and on other people's blogs, I thought they looked incredibly beautiful, and when I read somewhere that they are supposed to add depth and dimension to your cheeks, they shot straight to the top of my wish list. I have a small, narrow face. Forget contouring - what I really want is a product that will make my cheeks look fuller!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is available in six shades, and my sister was advised to choose Diffused Heat for me after describing my colouring to the sales assistant.
Isn't it stunning? I almost couldn't bear to put a brush to it. You know when you wake up early in the morning and find that it's been snowing all night? You desperately want to run out and make footprints in it, but you also don't want to mark that perfect blanket of white? I get that feeling sometimes about beautifully presented makeup, and I definitely had it about this. (Is that weird? Let me know in the comments if you feel the same!)
As I mentioned in that post, I've got lots of plans for this blog for the new year, but it's going to take some time before I can get to work on any of them. After spending a lot of 2014 travelling from our home in Kent to Yorkshire for business, my husband and I have decided to move north, at least for a little while. So for the moment, most of my free time is being taken up with all the necessary preparations for the move. It's exciting, as I'm really looking forward to living in a different part of the country for a while, but frustrating too, because I want my blogging time back! Still, in the meanwhile, I'll try to post whenever I can.
And now, let's get back to what's really important - makeup!
I was thrilled to receive an Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush from my sister for Christmas. If you follow me on Twitter you might recall that I've been lusting after one for a while! Seeing pictures of them in magazines and on other people's blogs, I thought they looked incredibly beautiful, and when I read somewhere that they are supposed to add depth and dimension to your cheeks, they shot straight to the top of my wish list. I have a small, narrow face. Forget contouring - what I really want is a product that will make my cheeks look fuller!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is available in six shades, and my sister was advised to choose Diffused Heat for me after describing my colouring to the sales assistant.
Isn't it stunning? I almost couldn't bear to put a brush to it. You know when you wake up early in the morning and find that it's been snowing all night? You desperately want to run out and make footprints in it, but you also don't want to mark that perfect blanket of white? I get that feeling sometimes about beautifully presented makeup, and I definitely had it about this. (Is that weird? Let me know in the comments if you feel the same!)
Anyway, once I got over that, I got down to the swatching! The consistency of this is so fine it feels like silk on your fingertips. As you sweep it across your skin and the colours mix together, you can see that there's a subtle sheen to it, like a blush and highlighter in one. The pinky shade of Diffused Heat is very natural looking, and it's not the colour of these blushes that make them so special, but the way they glow. Looking at the swatch on my arm, it was like I was gazing at it through candlelight, and once applied to my cheeks, it looked like I had just been for a long walk on a crisp, cold day. Basically, this stuff makes you look not so much like you are wearing a pretty blush, but that you are quite literally glowing (in a lovely, subtle way) with health.
I hope these next shots give you at least a vague idea of what the product looks like on. The colour really is as described on the website - soft-focus - and it was almost impossible to capture, especially for someone with a lot to learn about photography! Still, I did my best.
I've really been enjoying wearing this. I can't get enough of that "healthy glow" look, and the luminosity that is this product's big selling point really does give a plumping effect to the cheeks, which is a huge bonus in my book. It also lasts for a whole day's wear, which surprised me given how fine it is. All in all, it's a big thumbs up from me!
I've really been enjoying wearing this. I can't get enough of that "healthy glow" look, and the luminosity that is this product's big selling point really does give a plumping effect to the cheeks, which is a huge bonus in my book. It also lasts for a whole day's wear, which surprised me given how fine it is. All in all, it's a big thumbs up from me!
Have you tried these? I'd love to know your thoughts.
Kate x
Kate x
Such a gorgeous present from your sister, I've had my eye on these for a while! I hope everything goes smoothly with the move :)
ReplyDeleteStyle Sunrise ☀
:)
x
Thanks Karen! It really is lovely. They're expensive, but make a good thing to ask for as a gift! X
DeleteWhat a lovely blush. I wish I could try too but this product does not available in Indonesia.
ReplyDeletexx
http://liveitcolorfully.blogspot.com
Try the Hourglass website! They might ship to Indonesia. x
DeleteI've never used anything from Hourglass but their products look super luxe! The shade looks lovely on you Kate :)
ReplyDeleteHanh x | hanhabelle
Thanks Hanh! It certainly is a lovely looking product. x
DeleteI'm very torn with Hourglass….I saw their products up close at a press event and when I swatched them wasn't too impressed but after seeing them everywhere keep thinking of how beautiful it looks…….I'm so tempted to buy one and it does look gorgeous on you!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm like this when it comes to new makeup….I look at it for about 10 minutes (as if it will change anything) before gently using my makeup brushes haha! :)
Layla xx
www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
www.youtube.com/user/sprinklesofstyle - New Video so feel free to comment and leave links there too :) xx
Glad I'm not the only one!
DeleteSometimes I think products receive so much hype that you're almost bound to be disappointed when you first get to see them for yourself. There really is something about the way this glows though that I've not seen replicated in another blush product. x
Wow this is so pretty! I'm loving products with sheens to them recently, but my current blush is a matte pink, with no shimmer whatsoever, and I'm thinking of buying a blush like this so I have options. So envious! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://magentatulip.blogspot.co.uk
I think it's this time of year when a glow to the skin is what we all want most! x
DeleteThis looks stunning!! I really wanna add one the hourglass blushes to my stash. x
ReplyDeleteRenata | Speaking Beauty UK
This is so beautiful, your cheekbones look incredible! I always find talking about something makes me feel 10 x better, it's good you got it out.
ReplyDeleteIndia / Touchscreens & Beautyqueens
I'm absolutely in love with this! It reminds me of a raspberry ripple, the swirling contrast of colours is so very beautiful. And the effect is stunning on you Kate, you look like a such a babe!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting about your move to Yorkshire, I really hope it works out wonderfully for you <3
Sophie | soinspo xo
Hi! I've nominated you for the Infinity Dreams Award- check out my blog post for more information!
ReplyDeletehttp://magentatulip.blogspot.co.uk
Ahh you are so beautiful Kate! Girl crushing on your cheekbones yet again. I have Radiant Flush I think, and its ever so pretty. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about new makeup. I hate that first use so much as it isn't new anymore! My mum got me a TF lipstick for Christmas and I still haven't tried it yet!
Anoushka xx www.Anoushkaloves.com
I adore Hourglass products and this one is beautiful on you, such a thoughtful gift from your sister!!! :)
ReplyDeleteSerene xoxo
http://www.imserenel.wordpress.com
That colour is so so so nice!!!! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteSian xoxo
http://realisings.blogspot.co.uk/
I want to try this so much, I've been looking at this and also the palette they do.
ReplyDeleteThis looks lovely on you :)
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Hi Kate- I've actually nominated you for another award! Of course it's optional, here's the link to my post on it!
ReplyDeletehttp://magentatulip.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/liebster-award.html
That is such a nice blush, and it suits you so well!!
ReplyDeleteYou're really pretty.
Meme xx
http://thedayinthelifeofmexoxo.blogspot.co.uk/
Great review ! I've never tried this product but it's definitely on my wish list ! :)
ReplyDeletewww.letmecrossover.blogspot.com
Ohhhhh this blush looks amazing! Will be my next purchase!!
ReplyDeletehttp://wonderlling.blogspot.co.uk/
Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and review! The blush looks amazing! I see you do a little eye makeup, I guess?! I don't normally put on mascara, but I do want that healthy look on my cheek. Do u think the blush would be too shimmery?
glamandgor.wordpress.com
It's not shimmery at all, just gives a gorgeous natural glow. Well worth the investment in my opinion! X
DeleteThis looks wonderful! A blend of such beautiful colors!!
ReplyDeleteKeep in touch
xx
www.JuneWantsItAll.com
I love this colour, it looks beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteSensitive Epidermis | Rainbow
xxx
It looks stunning! The packaging is gorgeous and the shade is so pretty! Definitely something I would get if I had the money x
ReplyDeletehan // emandhan xo