It’s been a while since I put together a foundation review, so when I got sent Hourglass Vanish Foundation and Foundation Brush in the mail it seemed like a no-brainer.
Hourglass has long been a favourite brand of mine. I’m in a loving, long-term relationship with their Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil as I’ve mentioned many times before. I’ve tried their Ambient Lighting Powder which was nice even though I rarely use powders, I own a couple of their Lip Stylos but guys, this combination takes the cake. Hands down one of the best new full coverage foundation I’ve tried.
I was sent three shades Golden, Linen and Natural. As you’ve probably guessed Golden is the darkest of the three, followed by Natural and then Linen. They’re all on the warmer side (my personal favourite – who ever actually wants to look pinker?) and they offer 32 shades in the range. A shade for almost everyone, yay! The packaging is super sleek too and at $92 a bottle from Mecca it does feel every bit the luxury you’re investing in.
To give you a bit of backstory: I have dry/combination skin that goes pretty red when I get even the slightest bit too hot. So, by the time I’m done blow drying my hair or put on a full face of makeup, I look like a beetroot soapsud except no one wants to eat it. I don’t usually go for full coverage foundations as they often feel heavy and move around throughout the day. The only time I would reach for a full coverage foundation is in winter when I feel like my skin is looking lack-luster. That said, I was excited to try this one because my current routine is non existent.
How To Use The Hourglass Vanish Foundation
To prep my skin I used my normal gel moisturiser. Then I dived in with the lightest shade ‘Linen’, dotting it all over my face since my summer tan has long been forgotten. I used the Seamless Foundation Brush to blend; it’s a dense but really soft brush and has quickly become a daily staple. I find it takes longer than my usual brush to blend but makes any foundation look super flawless. I’ve found it’s best to set this foundation with a rosewater spray (or anything similar) with a beauty blender.
Besides the ultra luxe packaging, the thing that really stands out about this product is its texture and how it applies onto your skin. It’s so creamy! You really only need a small pump to cover your entire face. My preferred method of application is with a damp beauty blender. You can also use the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush which gives the most flawless finish, almost airbrushed. It’s unreal!
The coverage is really great on this foundation. It’s definitely full coverage and does a brilliant job of providing just that, but also keeping my skin looking fresh without caking. It covers everything I need it too but could definitely be built up if you are needing a little extra help with redness or coverage. I feel like if you wanted lighter coverage you could also mix it with moisturiser, use this brush and you’d still get an amazing glowy finish. After wearing it for the day I can say it’s such an easy, no fuss foundation to use. They say you don’t need a primer and I totally agree – cutting out a whole step in your routine. That’s a big yes from me.
Natural Light vs. Flash Photography
As a side note, I should mention this foundation looks amazing with flash photography. As you can see here, you aren’t left with a horrible white cast and it looks really natural and healthy.
My Conclusion?
Overall, I’m extremely impressed. It’s full coverage but doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. I always struggle to find full coverage foundations that don’t dry out my skin further but this one doesn’t at all. It actually looks better the longer your wear it, I swear. I will say though – do not buy this if you are after a dewy finish. It’s definitely more on the matte side, but it still has that luminosity and glow coming through which is obviously what makes it stand out in all my photos. As far as full coverage foundations go, I think this one takes the cake for me because of how much it actually feels like skin. Definitely one to try out if you’re on the hunt for a new full coverage foundation!
BIG BONUS: I tested the flash back with my camera and nothing – absolutely flawless. You know exactly what I’ll be wearing on my face when I go out this weekend.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush and Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation is sold at Mecca Cosmetica.
