If you’ve read my post about my favourite makeup products of all time, you know that I love Hourglass’s Ambient Lighting Powder. Like, best-makeup-I’ve-put-on-my-face-ever kind of love. So when I was out of bronzer and blush at the same time, and I wanted to try and push myself to try — gasp — cream makeup, the Hourglass Illume Sheer Color Trio sprang to mind.
That, and the fact that Ruth Crilly’s ‘Everyday Makeup’ video features this guy. I definitely did not buy this trio in hopes it would turn my face into a model’s or anything (guilty). So important question: did this trio of bronzer, blusher and highlighter do just that? Read on, readers. Read on.
As the title ‘Illume Sheer Color Trio’ suggests, this product contains cream versions of a bronzer, blush and highlighter. Now, you should know first off that I am not a cream makeup person. I’d probably take a powder lipstick if I could. Powders, as a whole, are much easier to apply for non-makeup-aficionados like me. This applies with this palette, too. However, of all the creams I have attempted in my day, this one is one of the easiest to apply — especially the bronzer and the highlighter.
The packing is, like all Hourglass products, swish. It feels like expensive stuff (which it kind of is at £54, soz, but three products! Bargain!).
When you open the package, you’ll probably think the same thing I did: “SHEER? That looks like Colour Personified!” But trust me when I say: it is sheer enough for everyday, and I have the palest face ever (literally, my dad and sister once shouted out “MOON FACE” when trying to find me in an airport. And, sadly, I looked up when I heard it. Thanks family).
The bronzer is a golden tan colour with absolutely no shimmer, so more for an actual tan look rather than a ‘glow.’ It’d also be great for contouring (like I know what that is, LOLZ).
I apply it using the RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Blush Brush under my cheekbones and with a quick sweep on my forehead, bridge of nose and jawline, applying it in a buffing motion. I realise that the ‘blush brush’ may be misleading, but what you want is a smaller, blending brush that grabs creams easily — which is this brush in a nutshell. I also use my fingers to blend around the edges for a smoother look.
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The blush is a pinky-peach that I would imagine suits a variety of skin tones. It definitely works on mine, and it brings that “Oh hey, I’m ALIVE” look to your face. You know the one I mean: I’m not wearing blush, but I’m not a terrible shade of white. That look.
However, of the three products in the palette, I find this one the most difficult to blend, and it’s very sheer, so requires a bit of product to show up. I tend to swap it out for my usual powder blusher because, well, *see Moon Face reference above.* When I do use it, though, I apply it with a mix of my fingers and whatever clean foundation/cream makeup brush I have.
The highlighter, on the other hand, is what I like to call Glory. It’s by far my favourite of the palette. The colour is what I can only describe as ‘Moonshimmer’ (SORRY FOR ALL THE MOON REFERENCES), and is the most iridescent, milky moonbeam of a product. I use my finger to apply it at the top of my (ginormous) cheekbones, under my browbone, on my cupid’s bow, and everywhere else I want to look like it was graced by the fairies. It’s really subtle but makes a huge difference.
The Moment of Truth: Would I buy the Hourglass Illume Sheer Colour trio again?
Honestly: probably not. I just didn’t love it enough for £54. I much prefer the flexibility and ease of application of a powder bronzer, and the cream blush in this palette didn’t ‘wow’ me. Which is a shame, as when I see other people wearing it, I think they look incredible!
I love the highlighter and will probably keep it after the other two products have gone. However, I think Hourglass also sell their highlighters as individuals. Get that instead, and buy an Ambient Lighting Powder. These are products worth the price. Makeup: sorted.
Buy the Hourglass Illume Sheer Color Trio Palette for £54 from Sephora